Ideal for Summer Season
When you sail around the Greek isles, you follow in the wake of millennia of travelers. Starting with such legendary figures as Odysseus, cruising around these rugged islands amongst deep blue waters is a romantic, idealized adventure. As you island-hop from ancient cities to ruined temples; from cypress to olive groves; from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs; from lively waterfront towns to lonely mountains, you are tracing the steps of those before you, rediscovering the same lands that have been unknown for much of human history. There’s a reason this part of the world has remained so beloved and magical for so long.
- Day 1
SantoriniDistance: 20 nm*
Begin your Greek yacht charter in Santorini. Anchor on the south side during the day, then explore the town in the evening for a walk into town.
The celebrated Santorini stands strong and majestic, guarding well the secrets of Atlantis, the lost city. Santorini is different from the rest of the Cyclades group by virtue of its geological structure, which is the result of the eruption of a now inactive volcano for which the island itself owes its very own existence. Guests looking to learn more about this island's history would benefit from a trip to Akrotiri.
The landscape is extremely imposing on the western side of the island, where crisp white villas with cerulean roofs perch on top of gigantic, steep rocks that plunge abruptly into the sea, with areas like White Beach being a big tourist attraction showcasing these natural wonders. In contrast to the sheer cliffs on the west, the coast on the eastern side of the island has endless stretches of beach with sand and colourful rocks.
Find out more:
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White Beach
Beach
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Akrotiri
Museums
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White Beach
- Day 2
IosDistance: 30 nm*
Anchor in the south of Ios where you will spend the day either swimming or enjoying watersports before a stay in the port overnight.
Ios is famous for its lively nightlife, which can be experienced in the beach resort of Mylopotas and the harbour Ormos. In addition to fun, Ios boasts many beautiful sights for its visitors. The coastline of this predominantly mountainous island is festooned with a multitude of picturesque little coves and a myriad of quiet and peaceful places.
Combined with the innumerable churches and chapels, olive-clad hills and vineyards, crystal-clear air and sea, magnificent sandy beaches, and excellent tourist facilities, Ios attracts a great number of visitors to the island.
- Day 3
NaxosDistance: 35 nm*
Cruise through the “Mini Cyclades” just south of Naxos Island. At night, make a stopover in either Parakias, the main port of Paros, or in “Naoussa” in the north of the island.
The island of Naxos was a cultural centre of classical Greece and Byzantium. Venetian and Frankish influences have also left their mark. Mt Zeus (1004m; also known as Mt Zas or Zefs) is the Cyclades’ highest peak and is the central focus of the island’s mountainous interior, in which you find enchanting villages such as Halki and Apiranthos.
There are numerous fine beaches and the island is a wonderful place to explore on foot, as many old paths between villages, churches and other sights still survive.
For a truly memorable experience, you will get the opportunity to step foot on to the ancient Temple of Demeter, dating back to 530 BCE and thought to be one of the oldest honouring the goddess Demeter, ruler of grains. You will also get the chance to venture towards the islet that houses the Portara, which offers a magnificent frame looking out towards Mediterranean sunsets.
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The Portara of Naxos
Attraction
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Temple of Demeter
Landmark
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The Portara of Naxos
- Day 4
MykonosDistance: 5 nm*
The next morning you will head to Mykonos for the day and night. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to anchor, each boasting some of the best party scenes in all of Greece.
Perhaps the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek isles, Mykonos has an international reputation of impeccable beaches, friendly locals, fresh cuisine, and of course, a buzzing nightlife that attracts glamorous crowds of celebrities, intellects and well-known artists that enjoy partying until dawn.
After a day of exploring the main town walking amongst the gorgeous white Grecian villas, take to the night scene so your holiday can really begin. Dine at delicious luxury restaurants like Bakalo, Avra and Bill & Coo Gastronomy Project and after, unwind and relax from your archaeological adventure by visiting Nammos beach club where you can relax with a cocktail in hand under the mesmerizing Grecian moonlight.
Find out more:
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Bill & Coo Gastronomy Project
Restaurants
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Nammos Mykonos
Beach Clubs
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Bill & Coo Gastronomy Project
- Day 5
Delos and LerosDistance: 60 nm*
For those interested in Archaeological ruins, stop your motor yacht in Delos right off Mykonos. Depart after lunch for Leros and stay overnight at anchor off the main town.
According to Greek Mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, and today this 3km long uninhabited island is one vast archaeological site. Its remarkable monuments attract throngs of visitors who come to pay homage to a place that was once the cultural and religious centre of the Aegean. For the historical bunch, a visit to this island is necessary.
Leros is situated between Patmos, Lipsi, and Kalimnos in the Dodecanese islands. Leros, like most of the Greek islands, consists of small fertile valleys sandwiched between rolling green hills, deep coves and pretty beaches. The capital of Leros is Agia Marina: a collection of little white houses, neoclassical buildings, and narrow alleyways. Laki, Alinda, and Partheni are charming seaside villages and the perfect settings to go fishing. There are many picturesque tavernas and chic restaurants on every beach, and in the evening these hotspots come alive with buzzy locals.
Find out more:
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Delos (Dhílos)
Landmark
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Delos (Dhílos)
- Day 6
Leros/Arki/Lipso/PatmosDistance: 40 nm*
On this day of your luxury yacht charter, you will head onwards to Leros, Arki, and Lipsi, where you will cruise towards Patmos and spend the night.
Arki is an island situated in the Dodecanese archipelago on the border of Greece and Turkey, and about 75% of the terrain is still uninhabited. The few locals that are settled on the island live day-to-day by fishing, farming and breeding animals. It’s most famous beach, Tiganakia, has crystal clear water and is surrounded by rocks, making it possible to sunbathe as well as swim even with strong winds.
Lipsi is a small group of islets in the Dodecanese, located between Patmos and Leros. Lipsi has relaxing beaches, the most famous being Lientou and Kambos, a rocky landscape, and outstanding natural beauty. This tiny island has a well-kept natural port lined by many fish tavernas and authentic restaurants.
Patmos is the northernmost Dodecanese island and has an appeal to it like no other; Religious spirituality, history, and beautiful beaches are what bring it’s diverse visitors to this locale. Indeed, Patmos is, without a doubt, one of the best places to experience Orthodox Easter. In 1088 a monastery was built to commemorate St. John in the capital city of Chora. It looks more like a mighty castle than a monastery, however. Visitors can see the Cave of the Apocalypse where Saint John is said to have received his Revelation as well as the Monastery, both of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
- Day 7
KusadasiDistance: 200 nm*
On the seventh day, you will move on from Patmos and proceed to Kusadasi.
Proceed to the bustling port of Kusadasi in mainland Turkey. Spend an afternoon on the quieter beaches just off the main strip, or shop for local handicrafts and Turkish designer clothes in the historic central neighbourhood of Kaleiçi. If you prefer you can enjoy cocktails in the Ottoman-built Kismet Hotel overlooking the Aegean before ditching the city in favour of one of the cute settlements that pepper the coast.
Half an hour outside Kusadasi, the Roman city of Ephesus is the most renowned of the neighbouring sights. One of the best-preserved Roman cities on the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus was Rome’s major outpost in the region, and you could easily spend a day wandering the wide streets of the excavated city, from the colourful hillside mansions to the towering Library of Celsus.
- Day 8
Athens
On the final day of your historical excursion through the Greece and Turkey, you will disembark in the legendary city of Athens.
Culminating your entire trip will be a visit to the Parthenon, the enduring symbol of Greek civilisation keeping watch over the modern cityscape. Supposedly erected between 447 and 432 BC, the ancient temple stands as a national treasure receiving hundreds of thousands of history fanatics a year.
Renovated throughout history, the Parthenon acted as a temple to Greek gods and was also once a religious building for the Virgin Mary. Crumbling statues and monuments remain frozen in place for you to walk beside as though you have travelled through time, and eerily you will piece all of the rubble together and witness the greatness that once was the Greek Empire.
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The Parthenon
Landmark
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The Parthenon
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*All distances are approximate