Day 1
Saturday: Athens, Alimos Kalamaki Marina
The first night is normally a sleep over in the marina.
Day 2
Sunday: Athens | Aghia Marina Bay, Aegina
Distances and sailing conditions: 12 miles – 2.5 hours. The Saronic Gulf area is known for light winds from the south in the spring and from the north in the summer.
Highlights: See the famous Temple of Aphaia (490 BC) by taking a 1.5-hour round-trip hike. This is one of the more challenging hikes on the tour. If you choose not to hike you can explore the quaint little village and have coffee overlooking the bay.
Aegina boasts the best pistachio nuts in the world and they can be found in the local shops.
Aegina | Poros
Distance and sailing conditions: 22 miles - 3 hours. Breezes tend to pick up in the afternoon but generally remain light.
Highlights: When viewed from seaward, Poros is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece – arriving is a great photo opportunity. After docking join an organized walk (20 minutes) up to the clock tower viewing local Mediterranean bougainvillea, jasmine,
cactus, fig and cypress trees. Arriving at the clock tower you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the sun setting over the majestic Peloponnese Mountains.
Day 3
Monday: Poros | Spathi Bay
Distance and sailing conditions: 6 miles - 1.5 hours. Motor sailing along the coastline.
Highlights: The narrow channel between Poros and Spathi provides an excellent photo opportunity of the built up terracotta roofed town, passing fishing boats and the bustling harbor. At Bourtzi island take pictures of the Venetian fort that once defended
this narrow passage. Spathi bay's clear water is good for snorkeling and Mediterranean marine life.
Spathi Bay | Hydra
Distance and sailing conditions: 5 miles - 1 hour. In northerly conditions this is a nice broad reach.
Highlights: The tiny port of Hydra becomes congested in the summer months with yachts regularly rafting three deep bow to stern. After an exciting tie-up, spend the afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and Venetian laneways of this famous historic
port. To cool off dive in at Hydra's swimming area a five minute walk from the yachts or relax at one of the many cafes watching the donkeys pass by – Hydra's only mode of transportation.
Day 4
Tuesday: Hydra
Highlights: A free day to explore the wonders of Hydra. For a relaxing morning, sip coffee at Pirate's bar; visit art galleries and shop for local handicrafts, exquisite clothing and jewelry. A 30-minute coastal walk or ten-minute water taxi ride leads
to the rustic Miramare hotel and charming Mandraki beach. For the more adventurous a one-hour hike through ancient stairways and Venetian architecture allows a view from the top of the steep harbor. For the very fit, two more hours through an enchanting forest
reveals the sacred monastery Profitis Ilias overlooking the harbor, Hydra Channel and the Peloponnese.
Day 5
Wednesday: Hydra | Kleftiko Bay, Milos
Distance and sailing conditions: 55 miles – 9 hours. Northerly winds in the summer months and south westerly air in the spring makes this a favorable passage.
Highlights: The best sail of the whole trip is this leg from the Saronic Gulf to the Cyclades leading to a remote overnight anchorage. Arriving at uninhabited Kleftiko bay, moor with fore and aft anchors, then swim or snorkel in translucent waters.
For a surreal experience, take a kayak through a maze of breathtaking caves admiring the surrounding white cliffs - some as high as 100m.
Day 6
Thursday: Kleftiko Bay, Milos | Adamas harbor, Milos
Distance and sailing conditions: 12 miles – 2 hours. Motor-sail along the coastline.
Highlights: Rent small cars or minivans to see some of the phenomenal geology of Milos. Visit the spectacular volcanic creek of Sarakiniko and hike around the deep grotto of Papafraga. Later in the day see the charming fishing village of Madrakia and
the ancient, Hellenistic amphitheatre at Tripiti where the statue of the Venus de Milos was found. Other sites include the geological museum near the harbor.
Day 7
Friday: Milos | Ios
Distance and sailing conditions: 50 miles – 8 hours. Open Aegean north winds normally allow for a broad reach.
Highlights: Swim in the azure waters of the blue lagoon at Poliagos before continuing to Ios the halfway point on the tour. After docking, enjoy the luxury of Leostasis' 5 star hotel and spa. Swim in the infinity pool, reserve a massage or simply have
a hot shower and cocktails watching the fantastic sunset over Ios harbor.
Day 8
Saturday: Santorini two-night excursion*
Highlights: Board a high-speed ferry for the 40- minute ride to Santorini. Drive a pre-arranged rental car on the magnificent road to Oia (Ia) - the most beautiful town in Santorini. A great lunch at Anemomilos hotel restaurant features Santorini's
sweet cherry tomatoes and the best moussaka on the tour. Arriving at your pre-booked accommodation view the spectacular 6-mile round volcanic crater (caldera) formed in the eruption of 1500BC. Oia sites include: shops, art galleries and watching the world-renowned
sunset at the northern most tip of town.
Day 9
Sunday: Santorini two-night excursion*
Highlights: Leaving early visit the entombed Minoan town of Akrotiri (1500BC) thought to be the lost civilization of Atlantis and then the hilltop settlement of ancient Thira (900BC). Later enjoy lunch at the black sand beach Perissa, explore the original
hilltop town of Pyrgos and sample excellent wines at famous vineyards (Sigalas one of the best vineyards is found near Oia).
*Yacht to remain in Ios for the two-night excursion. Accommodation in Santorini can be booked through Poseidon Charters.
Day 10
Monday: Ios | Paros
Distance and sailing conditions: 30 miles – 4.5 hours. This leg tends to be head to wind.
Highlights: After ferrying from Santorini and leaving Ios, stop for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Tigania Island. Navigate the tricky 14ft deep passage between Paros and Andi Paros to arrive in Paroikia in time to see this charming harbor town.
Visit the 4th-century Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Our Lady of a Hundred Doors). The oldest remaining Byzantine church in Greece has exceptional architecture, religious icons and an exquisite marble baptismal chamber. Wander the bougainvillea-fringed streets and
explore a maze of shops offering fashion, jewelry and local handicrafts.
Day 11
Tuesday: Paros
Highlights: Explore by rental car the oldest cave in Europe* (45 million years old) on neighboring Andi Paros. This ancient cave features stalactites/mites and an area known as 'the alter', where the French Ambassador to Constantinople gave a secret
Christmas Mass in 1673. Optional lunch and a swim at the rustic Stillwater* restaurant is an Asian fusion delight. Returning to Paros, tour the island stopping at Butterfly valley*, the ancient interior town of Lefkas, abandoned marble quarries and the picturesque
town of Naoussa.
* seasonal
Day 12
Wednesday: Paros | Delos
Distance and sailing conditions: 20 miles – 2.5 hours. With northerlies this is a tack or motor sail.
Highlights: An early departure allows a morning visit to sacred Delos, the most important archaeological and religious site of ancient Greece. Delos remains in an excellent state of preservation allowing you to wander through an amphitheatre, stadium,
private palaces and Roman baths. Finish your exploration with a climb up sacred Mount Kythnos for a divine panoramic view of the Cycladic Islands.
Delos | Mykonos
Distance and sailing conditions: 6 miles – 1 hour. Tacking in northerly winds.
Highlights: A spirited tack allows mooring at Mykonos new marina in the afternoon. Explore the labyrinth of Mykonos town, and enjoy fantastic shopping, fine dining and world–class nightlife.
Day 13
Thursday: Mykonos | Kea
Distance and sailing conditions: 58 miles – 9 hours. The area around Mykonos tends to be windy. Sailing close hauled in northerlies.
Highlights: A longer passage and the most challenging of the tour. The little known island of Kea is surprisingly one of the most interesting. After mooring at the quaint harbor of Vourkari, walk around the bay to find the deserted ruins of a 3000 BC
pre-historic settlement. A swim at a beautiful beach 5 minutes walk from the boats is a delightful way to relax before sunset.
Day 14
Friday: Kea | Athens
Distance and sailing conditions: 41 miles - 6 hours. With northerlies a nice beam reach, with north westerly's more close hauled.
Highlights: Visit the traditional town of Ioulis by bus, take an enchanting 45-minute walk through the town and valley beyond and see the Petrified Lion. At twenty-one feet, this is the largest example of ancient Greek sculpture dated at 600 BC. The
fascinating archaeological museum is something else not to miss and can be visited on the way back to the bus. Sail across the Kea channel and arrive in Cape Sounion on the eastern tip of Attica, enjoy lunch and the last swim of the tour in the shadow of the
famous Temple of Poseidon (440 BC).
Day 15
Saturday: Athens
Disembark: 09:00hrs