Variety Cruises are pleased to announce the first of our new Wine Cruises of Greece. This journey takes us to many of the Greek wine hotspots including Nemea, Santorini, and Tinos. Wine and the making of it is central to this voyage, but as we follow its trail we’ll also discover the limestone crags and wild mountains of the Peloponnese, the breathtaking views of Santorini, and the quieter villages of the Cyclades and Eastern Aegean islands. We’ll meet leading winemakers, taste at top wineries, and enjoy dinners paired with a specially chosen selection of wines - each exploring the superb native grape varieties of Greece’s many diverse regions.
This exploration will illustrate how the wines of Greece have emerged as some of the most interesting and exciting in the world over the past 25 years, with changes at least as profound as those that have taken place in Chile and New Zealand. Our on board chef will design classic and regional fare, matching intense local flavours with the unique and varied wines.
This carefully curated itinerary was designed by wine expert and wine tourism guru, Tim Clarke. Tim accompanies the cruise as our on-board wine guide and expert. With his wife Lynette Arblaster, he cofounded Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours, which they ran together for nearly 30 years. He has also been engaged in winemaking himself, on the island of Samos. We’re sure you’ll find his enthusiasm for Greece and its wines infectious. We know we do. On this specialty cruise, expect Tim to cover the wine scene from the classical age through to the modern era, and to give you an exceptional insight into the country.
This beautiful, out of the way island, was one a major wine producer. Two interesting estates are leading a revival here using the island's rare indigenous grape varieties. Serifos promises to be the next big thing in the Cyclades after Santorini and Tinos.
This religious centre and agricultural island is the antithesis of the busy, neighbouring tourist island of Mykonos. Tinos' church Panagia Megalochari is one of the most visited churches in Greece. People from all over Greece and the world visit it every year to venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and make vows.
Marina Zeas, Athens (3-4 PM) to Tinos Island:
Begin as you mean to go on with a welcome glass of sparkling wine while you meet your crew and fellow passengers. Set sail towards Cape Sounion for dinner featuring selected wines from the Ionian Islands. Overnight sailing to Tinos.
Tinos, renowned for its 700+ churches and spiritual significance, is also gaining acclaim for its exceptional wines. We'll visit Volacus Winery, a rising star in Tinos' wine scene, where vines flourish among striking granite boulders. Savor their standout Assyrtiko and Malagousia wines while soaking in breathtaking island views. Afterward, unwind with a refreshing swim stop in a secluded bay (weather permitting).
After dinner and a Greek wine tasting experience onboard, featuring both local gems and international varietals as we set sail for Samos.
Overnight at sea.
This morning, we dock in Pythagorion, the historic port named after the legendary mathematician Pythagoras. From here, we venture inland to Vakakis Winery, where age-old traditions blend with modern techniques to craft elegant Samian wines, celebrated for their rich aromas and balance.
Lunch awaits in the picturesque village of Platanos, where we’ll pair local wines with fresh, island-inspired flavors in a tranquil setting. Afterward, take time to explore Pythagorion’s charming harbor or unwind by the sea.
Tonight’s onboard Greek wine tasting experience showcases the distinctive wines of Chios and Ikaria, islands famed in antiquity for producing some of the Mediterranean’s most coveted wines.
Overnight at sea.
After a refreshing morning swim stop, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as we arrive at Santorini, one of Greece’s most legendary wine regions. Famed for its crisp, mineral-driven Assyrtiko wines, this volcanic island produces some of the most distinctive wines in the world. Our visit takes us to Argyros Winery, home to century-old vines and award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of Santorini’s volcanic soil. Savor a guided wine tasting experience, immersing yourself in the flavors that have made the island’s wines world-famous.
Return to the ship for a dinner on board, perfectly paired with Santorini’s finest wines, as we set sail toward Milos. Overnight at sea.
Start your day with a swim stop in Milos’ crystal-clear waters, where diving straight from the yacht into the Aegean’s turquoise seas is simply irresistible. After drying off, take some time to explore this volcanic island, known for its dramatic coastlines and hidden coves.
In the afternoon, we visit Konstantakis Winery, a charming family-run estate where Milos’ unique volcanic terroir shapes elegant, character-filled wines. Enjoy a guided tasting experience, savoring local varieties that embody the island’s rich geological history.
Tonight’s dinner on board will feature a specially curated selection of Cretan wines, presented by your expert wine host, Tim Clarke.
Overnight at sea.
Monemvasia’s legacy is intertwined with Malvasia wine (also known as Malmsey), once one of Europe’s most sought-after wines. Today, this ancient tradition is being revived at Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi, where we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their exquisite wines, crafted with passion and historical reverence.
After a delightful lunch ashore, we set sail toward Nafplion, with a refreshing swim stop along the way (weather permitting).
Tonight, savor a gourmet dinner on board, paired with a curated selection of wines from the Peloponnese, a region renowned for its diverse and high-quality varietals.
We arrive in Nafplion after dinner, ready for the next chapter of our Greek wine cruise.Overnight in Nafplion.
This morning, step back in time as we explore Mycenae, one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites, steeped in myth and history. Next, we head to Nemea, Greece’s premier red wine appellation, to visit the pioneering Gaia Winery, renowned for its masterful expressions of Agiorgitiko, the region’s signature red grape.
Our wine adventure continues at Semeli Winery, where we’ll savor a tasting of Nemea and Mantineia wines, expertly paired with a winemaker’s lunch, showcasing the rich flavors of the Peloponnese.
In the early afternoon, we set sail for Marina Zeas, where tonight’s farewell dinner on board will feature a curated selection of Peloponnesian wines, the perfect toast to an unforgettable Greek wine cruise.
Overnight at sea.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking in Athens at 8 AM.
For those extending their journey, we offer an optional Athens tour, blending history, culture, and fine wine. This exclusive experience includes a wine tasting at Kokotos Estate, a boutique winery nestled in the Attica countryside, where elegant Savatiano and Cabernet Sauvignon wines showcase the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
Afterward, savor a delicious lunch, before a comfortable transfer to the city center, where you can continue exploring Athens at your own pace.
* The Optional Excursion on the final day arrives at the center of Athens in time for flights after 6pm *
In case of severe weather conditions our expertly designed routes are adjusted ensuring your safety & comfort by applying our rich marine knowledge, garnered since 1949. Stay flexible – Adventure on.