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  4. Greek Island Cruising (Jewels of the Cyclades)
Days
8
Price from
2540EUR
Map of Greek Island Cruising (Jewels of the Cyclades) including Greece

Climb aboard for a Greece cruising adventure that is equal parts relaxation and exploration

Uncover the mysteries of the Aegean Sea – from tiny islands to iconic Santorini – on this 8-day adventure cruise through the Greek Islands. Aboard the old-world charm of the M/S Galileo, discover hidden coves and historical archaeological sites, picture-perfect towns and the finest Greek cuisine. Beginning in Athens, cruise to the incredible beaches of Poliegos, soak up the view of Folegandros from a traditional Greek tavern, and see the sun set across the dramatic caldera of Santorini. Visit quaint villages on Paros, swim in the beautiful bays of Mykonos, and encounter Greek mythology at the temple of Poseidon near Kythnos. Travelling on the paths of the Mediterranean Sea, relax in the indoor lounge and elegant dining room on the ship’s main deck, and take in sea views and fresh air from the sundeck and shady outdoor bar. This is the ultimate way to explore the Greek islands.

Start
Athens, Greece
Finish
Athens, Greece
Destination
Greece
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Adventure Cruising
Code
PMEJ
Physical rating
Trip rating
3 reviews
Ages
Min 7
Group size
Min 1, Max 49

Why you'll love this trip

  • You’ll see the Greek Islands’ classic highlights – like Mykonos and Santorini – but this trip also visits a few out-of-the-way ports that big cruise ships can’t reach.

  • Unlike mega liners, which have to moor offshore, The Galileo can dock right in the centre of town. In places like Syros, you take one step off the gangplank and you’re surrounded by bars, markets and restaurants. You can hop on and off the boat as you please.

  • Diving into the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea is a real treat. Our captain will drop anchor in a few secluded bays along the journey, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities for a swim.

  • Your ship, the M/S Galileo, has been recently refurbished. The interiors are warm and comfortable, and there are three spacious outdoor decks – perfect for reading or catching some sun.

  • For the budding archaeologists, this cruise includes a day trip to the historic island of Delos, including a guided tour from a resident expert.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is operated by our partners at Variety Cruises and is best suited to independent travellers who want flexibility from their itinerary. On Variety Cruises, all shore excursions are optional, so you don’t have to pay for an activity you’re not interested in. Trips operated by Variety begin at port, do not include tips and require solo travellers to pay a mandatory single supplement.

  • This is small ship Adventure Cruising, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with between 30–50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wi-fi is available for a small charge.

  • Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

  • Unlike other ships that cruise through the night, we’ll spend our evenings docked at port. This will give you more time to dine ashore and enjoy those balmy Grecian evenings. Cruising will mostly take place during the day.

  • Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may have to cross cobbled streets and uneven ground, sometimes in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your group leader before taking part.

  • If you’re concerned about seasickness, there are seasickness tablets on-board. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. Your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

  • There are no lifts (elevators) on-board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs on-board. Handrails are always available.

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Boats

Galileo boat in Croatia Ocean coasts

Galileo

You won’t find another cruise ship quite like the Galileo. The old-world charm of this classic steel Motor Sailer is unmatched in the Mediterranean

Boat type
Motor Sailer
Passengers
49
Learn more

Itinerary
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Embarkation at Marina Zea in Athens, will take place between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail to Poros for a short 3 hours visit, before continuing on to Poliegos. Overnight at sea.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner

We arrive in the morning arrival in Poliegos, a very small island known for its amazing beaches. We'll stop for a swim followed by a BBQ on deck. Afternoon sailing to Folegandros, one of the most amazing and less known islands in the Aegean Sea. Walk the amazing Upper city and have the chance to dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas. Overnight in Folegandros.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Early in the morning we will depart Folegandros for Santorini. Take an optional Excursion boarding the cable car to reach the island’s capital Fira for a guided walk through the narrow pedestrian streets. Board the bus for a pleasant drive through the countryside passing the village of Pyrgos to the famous archaeological site of Akrotiri. If Santorini is known as the Greek Pompeii it is because of ancient Akrotiri. Excavations uncovered an ancient town frozen in time by ash from an eruption some 3.600 years ago. Remains of sophisticated buildings with great frescoes and other constructions are evidence of an elaborate lifestyle.
Continue by bus to the northern coast admiring views of land, sea and skies to reach Oia, the most picturesque village of Santorini with its magical views over the Caldera. Our local guide will take you to the most photographed blue domes, to insight spots and will give you hints for your time at leisure. A short drive will bring you back to Fira.
Alternatively, spend the time exploring the streets and sites of Santorini on your own. Overnight at anchor in Santorini.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Santorini 1/2 Day Tour - EUR70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After leaving Santorini In the morning, we will enjoy a swim stop in an enchanting bay of Antiparos. Early noon arrival in Paros. There is the opportunity for an optional excursion to Parikia and the quaint village of Naoussa. Next to the port of Parikia, stands gracefully the church of Ekatontapiliani (the church with the hundred gates), one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the whole Greece. The Church, built in the 4th century AD, is dedicated to Virgin Mary. The visitors entering the cathedral can admire its dome and the old byzantine icons. Hiding up in the mountains unspoilt, authentic villages like Lefkes and Marpissa are full of little traditional whitewashed houses, mixed with Venetian architecture, wonderful churches, whitewashed windmills and beautiful dovecotes. At Marpissa, we visit the folklore museum , which is a representation of a typical house of Paros ,with traditional old furniture, a loom, utensils and various other objects. The cosmopolitan Naoussa on the other side, has preserved the feeling of the pristine fishing village it truly is, beautifully mingling with the elegant atmosphere of the modern venue that it has become. Full of shops, taverns and bars, is one of the most famous nightlife destinations in the Aegean.
Time to have a fun night and show us your dancing skills during our famous Greek Night. Overnight in Paros.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Paros 1/2 Day Tour - EUR47
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Optional morning tour to the unique archaeological site of Delos, antiquity’s most sacred island. In antiquity, Delos was considered to be the spiritual and commercial centre of the Aegean. After a short tender ride disembark on the island and gather for an introduction before proceeding with your lecturer guide on a unique walk through the original streets of the site’s best preserved quarters. There you will see Hellenistic houses with beautiful mosaics in amazingly good condition, further along you will come to the Sanctuary, where you can see the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo – Delos being Apollo’s mythological birthplace - while over the Sacred Way you will see the famous five 7th century B.C. marble lions, guardians of the Sacred Lake. On to the Theatre and the Roman quarter, where you will find ancient statues dedicated to Dionysus and optionally visit the museum with its interesting exhibits.
Later on, we stop at one of Mykonos beautiful bays for swimming off the ship before sailing into the port of Mykonos. The island of the jet setters is yours to explore and the night is young. Overnight in Mykonos.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Delos Walking Tour - EUR62
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

After a morning swim we will arrive in Syros, the capital of the Cycladic islands where you can enjoy one of its beautiful sandy beaches or walk through town and enjoy the unique architecture of the buildings. Overnight in Syros.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Syros Island Tour - EUR35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

In the morning we will arrive in Kythnos where you will enjoy a swim in Kolones bay and will then set sail for Athens, arriving at the marina in the late afternoon via Cape Sounion, the temple of Poseidon. Captain’s Farewell Dinner and overnight in Marina Zea.
Accommodation
  • M/S Galileo (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Disembarkation will take place after breakfast this morning. Make your way to the airport for your onward travels or stay on in Athens and soak up the ancient atmosphere of the city.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights

Dates & availability

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Important notes

Your voyage is operated by our partner company, Variety Cruises.

SHORE EXCURSIONS
On this itinerary, shore excursions are optional and are paid on board the ship in Euros. The price and a description of these excursions are listed in the day to day itinerary.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
It is not possible to share with a stranger on a Variety Cruises voyage and single travellers must pay the Single Occupancy rate.

MINIMUM AGE
Children from the age of 7 can be accommodated on these voyages. Each boat has one cabin category that will accommodate a 3rd person allowing for triple sharing. Any child under the age of 18 must share with an adult.

Essential trip information

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