Location
GreeceTravel Period
15 July 2022 - 11 August 2023From (Port)
Marina Zeas, PiraeusDuration
8 days
Price
From 2890 $ per personBooking Form
General Info
Let us show you our home, off-the-beaten path. These 10 stunning island destinations offer a more nourishing side of Greece, a taste of true Greek culture. These are places where people take pride in offering hospitality – in line with the ancient custom of filoxenia, love of strangers – and where things are done with meraki, love and soul. A cruise voyage unraveling the most authentic Cycladic and Dodecanese islands of Greece. Discover unknown gems with rich history, incomparable light, translucent water, and heavenly beaches. Whether Greece has always been on the top of your bucket list or whether you are returning for yet another visit, Greece is a magical land with an endless supply of beauty and knowledge, so be prepared to experience it all with new eyes.
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At a Glance
- Day 1 | Friday: Athens, Marina Zeas (Piraeus) - Cape Sounion
- Day 2 | Saturday: Ikaria
- Day 3 | Sunday: Patmos - Lipsi
- Day 4 | Monday: Kalymnos
- Day 5 | Tuesday: Levitha - Amorgos
- Day 6 | Wednesday: Amorgos - Koufonissia - Iraklia
- Day 7 | Thursday: Serifos
- Day 8 | Friday: Athens - Marina Zeas (Piraeus)
Day by Day
Athens, Marina Zeas (Piraeus) - Cape Sounion
Embark at 2:00-3:00 pm, on this unique trip part of Variety Cruises Limited Collection Voyages and set sail for the most authentic and unexplored Greek islands! Our first stop is the nearby Cape Sounion, where we will enjoy our sunset cocktails and welcome dinner al fresco under the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. Overnight at sea to the island of Ikaria.
Ikaria
In the morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at the Seychelles beach of Ikaria island, accessible best by yacht. Enjoy the translucent blue waters and bright white pebbles covering the sea bottom. BBQ lunch on board and our ship docks in Ikaria's quaint port. Ikaria is an island-phenomenon unlike anywhere else in Greece or the world. People here live much longer than the population on other islands and on the mainland. In fact, people here live on average 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and America. Join our tour discovering authentic villages that march to a different drummer, enjoy a hike in wild landscapes followed by a dip in one of the eight natural thermal springs. Or join a cooking class in a family’s country home, kitchen and garden in an ancient village for a personalized experience cooking and learning about life and the secret to the inhabitants' famed longevity in Ikaria, the Blue Zone Greek island. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, or at one of the village traditional fairs.
Patmos - Lipsi
Early morning sailing and arrival in Patmos, an island revelation with a touch of the divine. Surrender yourself to the mysticism and tranquility of the island of the Apocalypse. Morning discovery of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John and the historic centre of the medieval town of Chora, filled with grandeur and serenity. Patmos has been frequented by intellectuals, artists, royalty and discerning visitors from all over the world. Small and secluded yet spectacular all the same, it is the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”. Afternoon sailing to Lipsi island, a time capsule of authenticity in the Dodecanese. Lunch al fresco and swimstop in one of the glittering necklace of 24 islets await, protected by the Natura 2000 network making an ideal refugee for the shy Mediterranean Monk seal. Evening at leisure to enjoy the setting of the local harbour at sunset, and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. Overnight in Lipsi.
Kalymnos
Early morning sailing to Kalymnos with a swimstop on the way. Kalymnos is a hidden gem island for those who crave simplicity and authenticity. Home of the famous sponge divers, this island in the Dodecanese is ideal for modern-day adventurers with 1,300 market hiking routes to be explored. Join our tour to engage with the locals harvesting sponges and producing about 30,000 sponges annually, witness the numerous species of sponge and the various stages they go through before reaching the market. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a hike or marvel at the Esperidon fjord, perhaps the most beautiful fjord in Greece. Overnight in Kalymnos quaint port.
Levitha - Amorgos
The ship sails towards the white and blue Cyclades. Enjoy a stop at Levitha island, inhabited by a family of four, raising animals. In the summer the family also runs a small but spotless restaurant for the visiting yachts. They grill to perfection fresh fish and meat. Enjoy a hike on one of the island's goat paths. On top of the island there is an abandoned World War II Italian outpost. Midday sailing to Amorgos, the island of Luc Besson's "Big Blue". Mellowed with traditions, firewater and laid-back villages, Amorgos will make you forget the 20th century, never mind the 21st. Enjoy an afternoon with locals learning how to make the island's famous "Psimeni Raki", a local homemade liquor with the flavor of honey and clove made since ancient times on Amorgos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the breathtaking medieval capital, situated 400m above sea level. Overnight in Amorgo's quaint port of Katapola.
Amorgos - Koufonissia - Iraklia
Our early morning discovery will take us to the impressive monastery of Chozoviotissa built in 1088, inside the rocky cliffs of the mountain. We will visit monks’ cells which are open to visitors and contain important heirlooms and artifacts. We are offered a glass of Psimeni Raki and a local sweet while we enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean. Return on board for a short sail to the Small Cyclades: enjoy a swim in Koufonissia, take out the ship's Kayaks and Paddle boards to explore sea caves only accessible by yachts. Afternoon scenic cruise around the nearby island of Schinoussa before we reach Iraklia, a tiny hidden island gem in the midst of the Aegean. Part of the Natura 2000 network of natural habitats, it enchants with the superb views offered by its mountainous footpaths, the variety of its coastline and its own, unique sights.. There is no supermarket on the island, and deliveries come by ferry from the nearby island of Naxos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the true laid-back greek island life. Overnight in port.
Serifos
In the morning we reach Serifos, a quintessentially Cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim in one the island's remote beaches accessible best by small ship. Barbecue lunch on board, followed by an afternoon stroll to explore the island's picture-perfect "Hora" castle-village. Join our tour to a local winery offering unobstructed views to the Aegean, or get creative in the island's ceramic studio where you can master the basics of pottery, and bring as gifts back home. Farewell dinner reminiscing all the hidden gems of Greece. Midnight sailing back to Athens.
Athens - Marina Zeas (Piraeus)
Morning arrival in Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Disembarkation after breakfast at 9:00 am.
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Athens, Marina Zeas (Piraeus) - Cape Sounion
Embark at 2:00-3:00 pm, on this unique trip part of Variety Cruises Limited Collection Voyages and set sail for the most authentic and unexplored Greek islands! Our first stop is the nearby Cape Sounion, where we will enjoy our sunset cocktails and welcome dinner al fresco under the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. Overnight at sea to the island of Ikaria. -
Ikaria
In the morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at the Seychelles beach of Ikaria island, accessible best by yacht. Enjoy the translucent blue waters and bright white pebbles covering the sea bottom. BBQ lunch on board and our ship docks in Ikaria's quaint port. Ikaria is an island-phenomenon unlike anywhere else in Greece or the world. People here live much longer than the population on other islands and on the mainland. In fact, people here live on average 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and America. Join our tour discovering authentic villages that march to a different drummer, enjoy a hike in wild landscapes followed by a dip in one of the eight natural thermal springs. Or join a cooking class in a family’s country home, kitchen and garden in an ancient village for a personalized experience cooking and learning about life and the secret to the inhabitants' famed longevity in Ikaria, the Blue Zone Greek island. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, or at one of the village traditional fairs. -
Patmos - Lipsi
Early morning sailing and arrival in Patmos, an island revelation with a touch of the divine. Surrender yourself to the mysticism and tranquility of the island of the Apocalypse. Morning discovery of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John and the historic centre of the medieval town of Chora, filled with grandeur and serenity. Patmos has been frequented by intellectuals, artists, royalty and discerning visitors from all over the world. Small and secluded yet spectacular all the same, it is the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”. Afternoon sailing to Lipsi island, a time capsule of authenticity in the Dodecanese. Lunch al fresco and swimstop in one of the glittering necklace of 24 islets await, protected by the Natura 2000 network making an ideal refugee for the shy Mediterranean Monk seal. Evening at leisure to enjoy the setting of the local harbour at sunset, and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. Overnight in Lipsi. -
Kalymnos
Early morning sailing to Kalymnos with a swimstop on the way. Kalymnos is a hidden gem island for those who crave simplicity and authenticity. Home of the famous sponge divers, this island in the Dodecanese is ideal for modern-day adventurers with 1,300 market hiking routes to be explored. Join our tour to engage with the locals harvesting sponges and producing about 30,000 sponges annually, witness the numerous species of sponge and the various stages they go through before reaching the market. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a hike or marvel at the Esperidon fjord, perhaps the most beautiful fjord in Greece. Overnight in Kalymnos quaint port. -
Levitha - Amorgos
The ship sails towards the white and blue Cyclades. Enjoy a stop at Levitha island, inhabited by a family of four, raising animals. In the summer the family also runs a small but spotless restaurant for the visiting yachts. They grill to perfection fresh fish and meat. Enjoy a hike on one of the island's goat paths. On top of the island there is an abandoned World War II Italian outpost. Midday sailing to Amorgos, the island of Luc Besson's "Big Blue". Mellowed with traditions, firewater and laid-back villages, Amorgos will make you forget the 20th century, never mind the 21st. Enjoy an afternoon with locals learning how to make the island's famous "Psimeni Raki", a local homemade liquor with the flavor of honey and clove made since ancient times on Amorgos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the breathtaking medieval capital, situated 400m above sea level. Overnight in Amorgo's quaint port of Katapola. -
Amorgos - Koufonissia - Iraklia
Our early morning discovery will take us to the impressive monastery of Chozoviotissa built in 1088, inside the rocky cliffs of the mountain. We will visit monks’ cells which are open to visitors and contain important heirlooms and artifacts. We are offered a glass of Psimeni Raki and a local sweet while we enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean. Return on board for a short sail to the Small Cyclades: enjoy a swim in Koufonissia, take out the ship's Kayaks and Paddle boards to explore sea caves only accessible by yachts. Afternoon scenic cruise around the nearby island of Schinoussa before we reach Iraklia, a tiny hidden island gem in the midst of the Aegean. Part of the Natura 2000 network of natural habitats, it enchants with the superb views offered by its mountainous footpaths, the variety of its coastline and its own, unique sights.. There is no supermarket on the island, and deliveries come by ferry from the nearby island of Naxos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the true laid-back greek island life. Overnight in port.
-
Serifos
In the morning we reach Serifos, a quintessentially Cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim in one the island's remote beaches accessible best by small ship. Barbecue lunch on board, followed by an afternoon stroll to explore the island's picture-perfect "Hora" castle-village. Join our tour to a local winery offering unobstructed views to the Aegean, or get creative in the island's ceramic studio where you can master the basics of pottery, and bring as gifts back home. Farewell dinner reminiscing all the hidden gems of Greece. Midnight sailing back to Athens. -
Athens - Marina Zeas (Piraeus)
Morning arrival in Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Disembarkation after breakfast at 9:00 am.
Dates & Prices
Cruise fares are per person and week and include:
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning
- Select Shore Excursions included: Amorgos half-day walking tour & Patmos half-day tour
- Dining & Beverages:
- 7 Breakfasts – 6 Lunches – 2 Dinners: Buffet breakfast and 1 or 2 meals daily
- Filter coffee, tea and mineral water all day
- Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
- Local delicacies treats on board
- Special Activities on board:
- Welcome Sail-away Reception on Day 1, a Greek Night Theme Evening with traditional music and/or dancers onboard, fun BBQ Lunches (weather permitting), and Captain’s Dinner
- Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (Masks, Fins and Snorkels), and Beach Towels
- Kayaks, Water Toys and Stand-Up Paddle Boards (subject to availability)
- English-Speaking Local (Greek) Cruise Escort
Not included:
- Beverages (except those mentioned above)
Shore excursions on the islands (except those mentioned above) or other land arrangements
Crew tips
Passenger personal expenses
Wi-Fi (available at charge)
Cruise fares mentioned are per person in double occupancy and exclude Port Charges.
*Offer Rate: Terms & Conditions apply for Early Bird Offers & Special Offers. For more information please visit the Special Offers section.
| Date | Category C | Category B | Category A | Category P | Port Charges | Ship |
| 15 July 2022 | $ 2890 | $ 3090 | $ 4190 | $ 4390 | $ 360 | Callisto |
| 16 September 2022 | $ 2890 | $ 3090 | $ 4190 | $ 4390 | $ 360 | Harmony G |
| 23 June 2023 | $ 2990 | $ 3390 | $ 4290 | $ 4690 | $ 370 | Callisto |
| 28 July 2023 | $ 2990 | $ 3390 | $ 4290 | $ 4690 | $ 370 | Callisto |
| 11 August 2023 | $ 2990 | $ 3390 | $ 4290 | $ 4690 | $ 370 | Callisto |
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Highlights
Patmos: A touch of the Divine
The Cave of the Apocalypse, this sacred, candlelit grotto is believed to be the spot where St John the Divine received his visions from Christ and transcribed the Book of Revelation, the last chapter of the Christian Bible. Exiled on Patmos in 95 AD, he preached to, baptised and prayed with the island’s inhabitants. Eventually, Patmos came to be considered sacred and the cave became the focal point of a significant religious pilgrimage.
Kalymnos, the island of the sea-sponge harvesters
The fourth largest island of the Dodecanese Group is widely known as an international sponge-harvesting trade center. After WW II, Kalymnos remained the only Greek island engaged in the sea sponge-harvesting activity, supplying Syros, Nafplio and Constantinople and travelled as far as Odessa, St Petersburg, Moscow, Trieste and the Middle East.
Longevity Secrets of Ikaria
Enjoy a cooking class with fresh local produce and discover the Ikarian diet: Vegetables from the garden, legumes and greens, and plenty of olive oil. On the Greek island of Ikaria, life is sweet… and very, very long.
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