With countless Greek islands to explore, it can be difficult to choose just one, but this 8-day cruise will bring you to an ideal mix of iconic destinations like Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos along with tranquil, more off-the-beaten path isles where motor vehicles are banned and residents get around on foot, by donkey or horse and carriage. Discover ancient legends and myths, rich history, breathtaking scenery and plenty of mouthwatering local food and wine. Of course, you’ll have plenty of time to leap into those enticing sapphire waters and relax on pristine beaches too.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Embarkation is from 14:00 to 15:00, with departure for Kea at 16:00. Enjoy a welcome meet-and-greet dinner and time to explore Kea. | Kea | |
| An optional tour of Delos with the rest of the day spent at your leisure on Mykonos. | Mykonos | |
| Sail to Naxos and enjoy a cheese tasting experience followed by dinner on your own in Naxos Town. | Naxos | |
| Tour the island of Paros and visit the port of Naoussa independently, dining al fresco. | Paros | |
| Enjoy a tour of Santorini with a visit to a top winery for a tasting, time to take in a sunset from Oia village and dine in Fira. | Santorini | |
| Explore Folegandros Town; swim in the captivating waters off uninhabited Poliegos and attend the captain’s dinner this evening. | Folegrandros | |
| Take in the delights of Spetses; sail to Hydra and enjoy the rest of the day on your own, with a 22:00 departure to Marina Zea. | Athens | |
| Disembark Marina Zea after breakfast. |
Your ship will be waiting in Marina Zeas with embarkation between 14:00 and 15:00 and departure for the island of Kea at about 16:00. Enjoy our welcome dinner where you’ll be introduced to the crew and your fellow island-hopping passengers. We’ll reach Kea Island in just an hour, home to one of the largest natural harbors in the region along with everything from ancient ruins to an outstanding archaeological museum. Despite its proximity to the capital city, it’s managed to retain a tranquil atmosphere without the big tourist crowds. After dining, explore the fishing port with shops selling colorful sarongs, and pop into one of the family-run tavernas, perhaps tasting some tsipuro, distilled from local grape skins. We’ll depart for Delos in the early morning hours.
This morning we’ll reach the small island of Delos, a UNESCO-listed site and the birthplace of Apollo, home to multiple fascinating ruins that primarily date from the 5th and 4th centuries BC, including a theater and temples. You’ll have the chance to join an optional tour to explore them before we continue to Mykonos. After our arrival onto this cosmopolitan isle, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy it at your leisure. You might relax on one of the pristine beaches, visit the famous windmills or wander through town to check out the museums and upscale shops.
Heading toward Naxos, we’ll make a swim stop to take advantage of the dazzling turquoise waters at Koufonissi. As we cruise into Naxos port, you’ll notice the Portara which marks the entrance. Upon our arrival, sample the island’s famous local cheese during a cheese tasting experience and then enjoy the local fare on your own. You’ll find lots of great eateries along the waterfront serving mouthwatering Naxian dishes that utilize local ingredients thanks to the island’s olive and citrus groves, vegetable farms and cheese farms. Naxos is one of the alleged birthplaces of Dionysus, the ancient god of wine, so not surprisingly there are plenty of vineyards producing delicious offerings to pair with your meal.
We’ll continue our cruise to Paros where you’ll join a tour to discover its diverse and spectacular landscapes with everything from sandy beaches edged by aquamarine waters to rolling hills and verdant valleys. Enjoy time at your leisure to visit the port of Naoussa, a charming village that looks like a Cycladic postcard with a bustling seafront promenade, colorful boats and glistening whitewashed homes. Check out the stately Venetian castle, a watchtower that’s now partially submerged in the water, and relax with a refreshing drink after sightseeing in one of the local bars nearby. The evening is yours to soak up the local atmosphere by dining in one of the many enticing seafood tavernas and restaurants.
Legendary Santorini is next on our itinerary. Upon our arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the island’s unique viticulture and indigenous grape varietals by sipping some of the distinctive volcanic wine at one of its top wineries. Next visit Oia village, one of the most famous spots for watching the colors of the sunset splash across the Aegean. You’ve probably seen many images of its whitewashed homes and buildings that spill down the caldera cliffs. Afterward you’ll have time on your own to dine in the capital city of Fira.
We sail on to Folegandros, renowned for its timeless Cycladic architecture, goat-dotted hills and old wooden windmills. Enjoy the tranquil bohemian atmosphere with no motor vehicles to interrupt the peace or the views, leisurely exploring Folegrandros Town with its towering medieval fortress at the top. Cruising to Poliegos, take a dip in the refreshing waters and then get ready for the captain’s dinner which will be hosted while we journey to serene Spetses. Here, the clip-clop of horses and carriages are heard instead of traffic noise.
Take time to explore the many delights in Spetses, the island of aromas with its lemon trees, pine-covered hills and salty sea air. The nearly vehicle-free island is especially idyllic, with beautiful beaches, authentic wooden fishing boats, fisherman that sell their fresh catch of the day, and a lovely seaside promenade. We’ll sail to Hydra next, another virtually car-free island where people get around on foot, by boat or donkey. Wander the cobblestone streets and peaceful squares, sightseeing on your own, ending the day by dining al fresco. We’ll make our return to Marina Zeas at 22:00.
Departure day has arrived, with disembarkation after breakfast. Be sure to get your bags packed and ready before saying farewells to your fellow shipmates, now new friends. After your morning meal, you’ll be met by transfer for the drive to your onward hotel in Athens, or Athens International Airport.
The Harmony V is a modern vessel that holds up to 49 guests onboard, ideal for passengers looking for an intimate and personalized sailing experience. This small ship cruise is 179ft in length and is able to reach small ports and harbors that larger cruise lines cannot. Harmony V was originally launched in 2009 but underwent a complete renovation in 2017. Guests can relax in their ocean-view cabin or socialize with other passengers in the American Bar or dining area.
View the Harmony V Ship
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