The Jewels of the Cyclades small ship cruise is a voyage unravelling the authentic, whitewashed islands of the Cyclades. Discover much-loved or unknown gems with rich history, incomparable light, translucent water, heavenly beaches, white & blue buildings. Dazzling white villages, golden beaches and clear azure water are just the start of what these islands have to offer. Ancient Greek geographers gave this unique cluster of islands the name Cyclades because they saw that they formed a circle ('kyklos" in Greek) of sorts around the sacred island of Delos. According to myth, the islands were the debris that remained after a battle between giants. In reality, they resulted from colossal geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Their colours are blue and white like the Greek flag. The islands come in all sizes and, though the ingredients are the same – incomparable light, translucent water, heavenly beaches, lustrous white buildings and bare rock, each one has its own distinct character...
Day 1: Athens ( Marina Zea) - Poros
Transfer from airport to Athens and embarkation at Marina Zea in Athens, between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Poros for a short 3 hours visit, before set sail to Poliegos. Overnight at sea.
Day 2: Poliegos - Folegandros
Morning arrival in Poliegos, a very small island known for its amazing beaches. Morning swim stop 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 dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas. Overnight in Folegandros.
Day 3: Santorini
Early in the morning depart for Santorini. Morning arrival at Santorini (occasionally at anchor) to explore its unique capital Fira. Optional Excursion to Akrotiti excavations and a tour of the villages including the small beautiful village of Oia know for its breathtaking view over the caldera. Overnight in Santorini..
Day 4: Antiparos - Paros
In the morning you will enjoy a swim stop in an enchanting bay of Antiparos . Early noon arrival in Paros. Visit Parikia and the quaint village of Naoussa. Time to have a fun night and show us your dancing skills during our famous Greek Night. Overnight in Paros..
Day 5: Delos - Mykonos
Optional morning tour to the unique archaeological site of Delos, antiquity’s most sacred island. 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.
Day 6: Syros
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.
Day 7: Kythnos - Cape Sounion - Ahtens
In the morning we will arrive in Kythnos where you will enjoy a swim in Kolones bay and will then set sail for Marina Zea where we will arrive in the late afternoon via Cape Sounion, the temple of Poseidon. Captain’s Farewell Dinner and overnight in Marina Zea..
Day 8: Athens - Marina Zeas
Disembarkation at 8-9 am after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return journey.
Please note that if your flight is not scheduled to arrive early enough or if your return flight departs too early, we recommend considering a one-night stay at one of our carefully chosen 4-star or 5-star hotels.
Hi
WOW what a super trip. Flights, transfers etc all worked like clockwork. The Galileo is fantastic, really good food, super crew, lovely cabin with excellent air conditioning. There were actually only 19 passengers, which meant there was plenty of space and an almost family atmosphere. I was travelling alone and the only down side was that with such small numbers only one of the excursions went ahead- not really a problem as it made me make a bit more effort and use local buses! Loved the places we visited, so easy to get ashore, had 2 transfers by tender to super beaches and 2 lovely long sessions swimming from the boat. Thank you for your efficient organisation of a holiday that ticked all the boxes.
Best wishes
Jackie Casswell - 13/08/2023
Food & Drink
Cruise is based on Half-board basis and include Buffet breakfast and one meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, fun BBQ, weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner. Also include complimentary Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
Included in this cruise:
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
- Half-board: Buffet breakfast and one meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, fun BBQ, weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
- English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
- Complimentary private transfer (not applicable for special offer prices)
- Flights are not included but we can book a package holiday and book any flights from any airport.
Highlights of the cruise
Folegandros island
A hidden gem that proves that small is beautiful, and will sweep you off your feet with its beauty, charm and relaxing rhythm. A few years ago, Folegandros was a well-kept secret, known to a discerning few. Now, more and more people are discovering this tiny, remote island with its rugged beauty and easy pace.
Deck BBQ & Swim-stop in Polyaigos island
A paradise on earth awaits. Polyaigos is the biggest uninhabited island in the Mediterranean and a veritable ecological haven. It provides shelter to rare species of flora and fauna while its gorgeous beaches and its exotic bays attract yacht owners from all over the world.
Departure Dates 2024 Operating with M/S Galileo
Apr: 19, 26
May: 3, 10, 17, 24
Jun: 14, 21, 28
Jul: 5, 12, 19, 26
Aug: 2, 9, 16, 30
Sep: 6, 13, 20, 27
Oct: 4, 11, 18
Departure Dates 2025 - Operating with Harmony V
Apr: 18, 25
May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Jun: 6, 13, 20, 27
Jul: 4, 11, 18, 25
Aug: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sep: 5, 12, 19, 26
Oct: 3, 10, 17
