An Island - Hopping Voyage Of Discovery Through The Aegean Islands
If Greece was the cradle of civilization, then for sure the Cyclades was where island-hopping started. For the visitor it’s the ideal place to kick-off any collection of Greek island impressions – an Odyssey of places that have become household names for hedonism, contrasting with some out of the way places that are so small big ships have yet to discover them. It all makes for a fantastic introduction to the Aegean, but also ticks off some classic destinations every serious traveller should visit.
Whenever possible the Captains hoists the sails and there’s something special about being under canvas around the Cyclades. There will be some places you will undoubtedly have heard of but, for the most part, we keep to our ‘small is beautiful’ philosophy which means straying off the beaten track. Within 10-day this itinerary gives you a complete kaleidoscope of Greece ranging from the Golden Age to contemporary island life.
Don’t miss...
Wonders of ancient Athens
Tiny Greek islands you’ve probably never heard of
The famous volcanic island of Santorini
Learning to dance the Greek way
Delos – birthplace of Apollo
The unchanged authenticity of Syros
Mykonos – party central!
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Wednesday – Athens
Fly to Athens. You will be met in Athens airport and transferred to the Emporikon hotel for a 2 night stay.
Location is everything when it comes to exploring a foreign city and we have chosen the Emporikon Hotel as much for its central position as its creature comforts. In brief we’re talking four star comfort in a brilliant location. In detail it’s situated half way between the Acropolis and Omonia Square.
Thursday – Athens
Explore Athens at leisure or an Athens tour can be organized for you. Please ask for details.
As such you’ll find yourself within 500m stroll of all the famous places to go and see in Athens such as the Roman Agora, Syntagma and Hadrian’s Arch – and, of course, the Acropolis itself. It’s the perfect place to grab an early breakfast and you can get the hot-spots before the tourists and be first in the queue. As it is also well located for the little back streets where you can find the hidden bars and eateries the locals use, you can also be first for lunch. In the afternoon shop in the flea market as Monastraki and end the evening with dinner in one of many traditional taverna restaurants in the Plaka district. You’re guaranteed a big day and a short walk home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Saturday – Poliegos – Folegandros
Morning arrival in Poliegos. We will have a morning swim stop followed by a BBQ. Afternoon sailing for Folegandros, one of the most amazing and lesser known islands in the Aegean Sea. Opportunity to walk in the city and dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas.
Meals included : Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Sunday – Folegandros – Santorini
Early morning sail and arrival in Santorini. Optional excursion to Akrotiri excavations and a tour of the villages, including the beautiful small village of Oia. Overnight in Santorini.
Meals included : Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Monday – Santorini – Antiparos – Paros
After an overnight in Santorini we stop for a swim at one of the enchanting bays off Antiparos en route to Paros, where we arrive around early afternoon. Time for fun and dancing during our famous Greek night. Overnight in Paros.
Meals included : Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Tuesday – Paros – Delos – Mykonos
Morning arrival into Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo, which was once the most important religious centre in Greece. Optional morning tour to the archaeological site of Delos. Later on we will make a swim stop before sailing into the port of Mykonos. Overnight in Mykonos.
Meals included : Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Wednesday – Mykonos – Syros
Morning departure for Syros. After a morning swim-stop we arrive at the capital of the Cyclades – although most people have never heard of it. It’s called Syros and it’s the sort of place travel writers refer to as ‘a real Greek island’ using terms such as ‘living history’ about the main town of Hermoupolis. Here you can enjoy one of the beautiful sandy beaches or walk in the town. Overnight in Syros.
Meals included : Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Thursday – Syros -Kythnos – Athens
In the morning we sail for Kythnos, where we take our last swim of the trip at Kolones Bay. Later we sail via the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, one of the most photographed sites in Greece, and then we return to where it all started in Marina Zeas (Athens) for a farewell dinner.
Meals included : Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner
Flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester or Bristol
All local transfers
2 nights at Emporikon hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
On board M/S Galileo
Accommodation on board M/S Galileo for 7 nights in your chosen grade of cabin with private SH/WC & air conditioning, mini fridge and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.
Half-board: Buffet breakfast and one main meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local themed party evening , fun BBQ on the beach or on deck (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.
Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment, sea kayak and stand up paddle boards (subject to availability).
Professional English speaking Cruise Director.
Port charges
Below flight times are indicative and subject to availability. You will be advised exact flight details at the time of booking.
London Heathrow
- Wednesday Depart Heathrow:07:30 Arrive Athens: 13:00
- Friday Depart Athens:13:50 Arrive Heathrow: 15:45
London Gatwick
- Wednesday Depart Gatwick:05:45 Arrive Athens:11:20
- Friday Depart Athens: 12:10 Arrive Gatwick: 14:00
London Luton
- Wednesday Depart Luton: 06:50 Arrive Athens:12:30
- Friday Depart Athens: 13:10 Arrive Gatwick: 15:10
Bristol
- Wednesday Depart Bristol: 17:30 Arrive Athens:23:15
- Friday Depart Athens:11:00 Arrive Bristol: 13:00
Manchester
- Wednesday Depart Manchester: 10:40 Arrive Athens: 16:30
- Friday Depart Athens:22:00 Arrive Manchester: 00:05 (+1)
All local transfers are included in your package.
- Athens airport to Emporikon hotel – approximately 40 min
- Emporikon hotel – Marina Zea (cruise embarkation) – approximately 30 min
- Marina Zea – Athens airport – approximately 45 min
- Beverages, except regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water.
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
- Crew gratuities (optional – recommended amount EUR 10 – 14 per passenger per day.
- Passenger personal expenses
- Wi-Fi (available at charge)
Ports of call: Athens – Poros – Poliegos – Folegandros – Santorini – Antiparos – Paros – Delos – Mykonos – Syros – Kythnos – Cape Sounion - Athens
The Weather
Reliable sunshine is virtually guaranteed during the season between early May and late October, with temperatures ranging from the low 20’s in early and late season up to the mid to high 30’s from late June until August. Winds are predictable with moderate winds (Force 3-4) from the NW.
Your vessel: M/S Galileo
The 48 meter “Galileo” is a classic steel Motor Sailer, with spacious and well appointed interiors renovated in 2016. At the main deck, a lounge area with an American bar leads into a warm and elegant dining room finished with wood and leather.
Guests on the Galileo enjoy the most a shaded outdoor deck area with an outdoor bar and the ship’s sun deck. The M/S Galileo, built with the most stringent safety regulations, was launched in 1992 and rebuilt in 2007
Home at Sea
- Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar
- Indoor Restaurant
- Audiovisual in Lounge
- Mini library
- Beach Towels
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak
- Board Games
- Wi-Fi
Comfort Zone
- Large portholes: upper deck cabins
- Portholes: lower deck cabins
- Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A
- Flat-Screen TV
- Mini Safe
- Mini Fridge
- Individually controlled A/C
- En suite bathroom with shower
- Hairdryers
- Telephone for internal use
- Central music
Category C:
Lower Deck
1 Double or 2 Lower Beds
9.5-11 sq.m. / 102.6-119 sq.ft.
Category B:
Lower Deck
Flexible Bedding Configuration
11-14 sq.m. / 119-151 sq.ft.
The Category B cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with flat-screen TV, mini fridge, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
Category A:
Upper Deck
1 Double or 2 Lower Beds
12-13 sq.m. / 130-140.4 sq.ft.
The Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck and have large Portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with flat-screen TV, mini fridge, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower.
Lounge Area
Sundeck
Upper Deck Outdoor Bar & Lounge area
Dining Area
Your Hotel: Emporikon Athens Hotel
Stay in the heart of Athens
Located in the centre of Athens City, the neoclassical Emporikon Athens Hotel, in Agia Irini Square, is a 19th century building. It features air-conditioned accommodation with Acropolis or Lycabettus Hill views. Monastiraki Metro Station is 350 yards away.
Fitted with a flat-screen TV, all rooms and suites of Emporikon Athens come with a minibar. Each has a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some units open to a balcony or offer an open-plan or separate seating area.
The property facilities include a 24-hour front desk and a ticket service. Bicycle and car rental services are provided.
Several café bars and restaurants can be reached within a short walk. Syntagma Square is 650 yards away and the popular sites of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are at a distance of approximately 0.6 miles. The scenic Plaka district is a 5-minute walk away.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
Basic Room, City View(Included in your Holiday)
The following room types are available with a supplement
- Superior Triple Room, City View
- Exclusive Suite
- Executive Suite (Double, Acropolis View )
- Superior Double Room, Balcony (Acropolis View)
- Junior Suite, Balcony (Acropolis View)
- Family Suite
Location is everything when it comes to exploring a foreign city and we have chosen the Emporikon Hotel as much for its central position as its creature comforts. In brief we’re talking four star comfort in a brilliant location. In detail it’s situated half way between the Acropolis and Omonia Square.
As such you’ll find yourself within 500m stroll of all the famous places to go and see in Athens such as the Roman Agora, Syntagma and Hadrian’s Arch – and, of course, the Acropolis itself. It’s the perfect place to grab an early breakfast and you can get the hot-spots before the tourists and be first in the queue. As it is also well located for the little back streets where you can find the hidden bars and eateries the locals use, you can also be first for lunch. In the afternoon shop in the flea market as Monastraki and end the evening with dinner in one of many traditional taverna restaurants in the Plaka district. You’re guaranteed a big day and a short walk home.
Prices
december, 2022
Jewels of the Cyclades 2023 flight inclusive package
Prices (£) per person from:| Departure Dates | Catrgory C | Category B | Category A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19/04/2023 | £2,730 | £3,199 | £3,708 |
| 26/04/2023 | £2,947 | £3,469 | £4,034 |
| 03/05/2023 | £2,947 | £3,469 | £4,034 |
| 10/05/2023 | £2,947 | £3,469 | £4,034 |
| 17/05/2023 | £3,077 | £3,599 | £4,164 |
| 24/05/2023 | £2,947 | £3,469 | £4,034 |
| 31/05/2023 | £2,990 | £3,512 | £4,077 |
| 21/06/2023 | £2,957 | £3,479 | £4,044 |
| 05/07/2023 | £3,018 | £3,540 | £4,105 |
| 12/07/2023 | £3,034 | £3,556 | £4,121 |
| 19/07/2023 | £3,051 | £3,573 | £4,138 |
| 26/07/2023 | £3,077 | £3,599 | £4,164 |
| 02/08/2023 | £3,077 | £3,599 | £4,164 |
| 09/08/2023 | £3,051 | £3,573 | £4,138 |
| 16/08/2023 | £3,051 | £3,573 | £4,138 |
| 23/08/2023 | £3,034 | £3,556 | £4,121 |
| 30/08/2023 | £2,947 | £3,469 | £4,034 |
| 06/09/2023 | £2,990 | £3,512 | £4,077 |
| 13/09/2023 | £2,990 | £3,512 | £4,077 |
| 20/09/2023 | £2,957 | £3,479 | £4,044 |
| 27/09/2023 | £2,957 | £3,479 | £4,044 |
| 04/10/2023 | £2,957 | £3,479 | £4,044 |
| 11/10/2023 | £2,949 | £3,470 | £4,036 |
| 18/10/2023 | £2,877 | £3,399 | £3,964 |
Jewels of the Cyclades 2023 - Single & Triple occupancy
| Catrgory C | Category B | Category A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single use from | £4,182 | £5,017 | £6,410 |
| 3rd person from | - | - | £2,986 |
Jewels of the Cyclades 2023
Prices (£) per person| Departure Dates | Catrgory C | Category B | Category A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21/04/2023 | £1,957 | £2,426 | £2,935 |
| 28/04/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 05/05/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 12/05/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 19/05/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 26/05/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 02/06/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 23/06/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 07/07/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 14/07/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 21/07/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 28/07/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 04/08/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 11/08/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 18/08/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 25/08/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 01/09/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 08/09/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 15/09/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 22/09/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 29/09/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 06/10/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 13/10/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
| 20/10/2023 | £2,174 | £2,696 | £3,261 |
Jewels of the Cyclades- 2023 - Single & Triple occupancy & port charges
| Catrgory C | Category B | Category A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single use | £3,478 | £4,313 | £5,707 |
| 3rd person | - | - | £2,283 |
| Port charges | £257 | £257 | £257 |
Book your flights with us to ensure full financial protection for your holiday.
 |
Your flight inclusive holiday with us is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed and the full package is ATOL protected. We have been trading since 1995 so with over 25 years under our belts, you can book with total confidence. |
