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Unexplored Greece: Aegean Islands

Athens Roundtrip - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Variety Voyager
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Board the Variety Voyager for this 8-day Mediterranean cruise to the legendary Greek Isles. Explore stunning island destinations that offer a taste of true Greek culture. These are places where people take pride in offering hospitality, and where things are done with love and soul. Discover hidden gems with rich history, incomparable light, translucent water, and heavenly beaches. Whether Greece has always been on the top of your bucket list or you are returning for yet another visit, these legendary islands offer an endless supply of stories, beauty, and history. 
Piraeus (Athens), GreecekalymnosPatmos townThe Acropolis Theater - Athens, GreeceThe ruins of Athens
Highlights
  • Discover the hidden gem island of Kalymnos
  • Enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean Sea
  • Learn about the mysticism and history of the island of Patmos
  • Explore the authentic villages at Ikaria
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Athens | Embark | Cape Sounion

Board your ship in Athens in the afternoon and set sail for nearby Cape Sounion. Enjoy sunset cocktails and a welcome dinner al fresco under the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. Overnight at sea en route to the island of Ikaria.

Day 2: Ikaria

In the morning, stop for a refreshing swim at Ikaria island, and enjoy the translucent blue waters and bright white pebbles covering the sea bottom. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board. This afternoon, the ship docks in Ikaria's quaint port. Join a tour visiting authentic villages that march to a different drummer, or enjoy a hike in wild landscapes followed by a dip in one of the natural thermal springs. Or join a cooking class in a family’s country home in an ancient village for a personalized experience cooking and learning about life and the secret to the inhabitants' famed longevity. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, or at one of the village traditional fairs.

Day 3: Patmos | Lipsi

Enjoy early morning sailing before arriving in Patmos, an island with a touch of the divine. This morning, tour two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John and the historic center of the medieval town of Chora, filled with grandeur and serenity. Patmos has been frequented by intellectuals, artists, royalty, and discerning visitors from all over the world. This afternoon, sail to Lipsi island, a time capsule of authenticity in the Dodecanese. Enjoy lunch al fresco and a swim stop in one of the glittering islets. Take an evening at leisure to enjoy the setting of the local harbor at sunset and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. 

Day 4: Kalymnos

Early this morning, sail to Kalymnos with a swim stop on the way. Kalymnos is a hidden gem island for those who crave simplicity and authenticity. Home of the famous sponge divers, this island in the Dodecanese is ideal for modern-day adventurers with countless hiking routes to be explored. Join a tour to engage with the locals harvesting sponges, and learn about the numerous species of sponges and the various stages it go through before reaching the market. This afternoon, enjoy a hike or marvel at the Esperidon fjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in Greece. 

Day 5: Levitha | Amorgos

Today the ship sails towards the white and the blue Cyclades. Enjoy a stop at Levitha island, inhabited by a family who work raising animals and, in the summer, also run a small but spotless restaurant for the visiting yachts: here, get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine with perfectly grilled fresh fish and meat. Enjoy a hike on one of the island's goat paths for spectacular views, or make your way to the top of the island, where there is an abandoned World War II Italian outpost. This afternoon, sail to Amorgos, the island of Luc Besson's "Big Blue." Mellow with traditions, firewater and laid-back villages, Amorgos make you forget the 20th century, never mind the 21st. Enjoy an afternoon with locals learning how to make the island's famous "Psimeni Raki",  a local homemade liquor with the flavor of honey and clove made since ancient times on Amorgos. Enjoy an evening at leisure to enjoy the breathtaking medieval capital. 

Day 6: Koufonisia | Iraklia

This morning, explore the impressive monastery of Hozoviotissa, built in 1088 inside the rocky cliffs of the mountain. Visit monks’ cells which are open to visitors and contain important heirlooms and artifacts. Enjoy a glass of Psimeni Raki and a local sweet with magnificent views of the Aegean. Return on board for a short sail to the Small Cyclades: enjoy a swim in Koufonisia, or take out the ship's kayaks and paddleboards to explore sea caves only accessible by small yachts. Take an afternoon scenic cruise around the nearby island of Schinoussa before reaching Iraklia, a tiny hidden island gem in the midst of the Aegean. Part of the Natura 2000 network of natural habitats, it enchants with the superb views offered by its mountainous footpaths, the variety of its coastline and its own, unique sights. There is no supermarket on the island, and deliveries come by ferry from the nearby island of Naxos. Take an evening at leisure to enjoy the true laid-back Greek island life. 

Day 7: Serifos

In the morning reach Serifos, a quintessentially Cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water, and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim in one of the island's remote beaches accessible best by a small ship. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board, followed by an afternoon stroll to explore the island's picture-perfect "Hora" castle-village. Join a tour to a local winery offering unobstructed views of the Aegean, or get creative in the island's ceramic studio where you can master the basics of pottery, and bring them as gifts back home.  Tonight, savor a farewell dinner reminiscing with your travel companions about your magical experiences.

Day 8: Athens | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Morning arrival in Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Disembarkation after breakfast at 9 am.

Ship/Hotel

Variety Voyager

The Panama Canal
Reception and lounge
Main lounge and reception

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Greece Cruises.
Category C cabin aboard the Variety Voyager.
Category C
Lower Deck, two twin beds, or one double bed. Porthole windows, private bath facilities. (12-15.5 sq.m./130-167 sq.ft.)
Category B cabin aboard the Variety Voyager.
Category B
Lower/Main Deck, two twin beds or one double bed. Porthole windows (Lower) or windows (Main), private bath facilities. (11-20 sq.m. / 124-216 sq.ft.)
Category A cabin aboard the Variety Voyager.
Category A
Main Deck, two twin beds or one double bed. Double windows and private bath facilities. (13-17 sq.m./140-184 sq.ft.)
Category P cabin aboard the Variety Voyager.
Category P
Upper "Horizons" Deck, double windows, special amenities, and private marble bath facilities. (17-21 sq.m./184-227 sq.ft.)
Variety Voyager's Owner's Suite.
Owners Suite (Double)
Upper "Horizons" Deck, double windows, special amenities, sofa, private marble bath facilities. (24 sq.m./260 sq.ft.)

Notes

Child Discount:
Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day
  • Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
  • English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • Local delicacies treats on board
  • Select Shore Excursions included: Amorgos half-day walking tour & Patmos half-day tour
  • Special Activities on board: Welcome Sail-away Reception on Day 1, a Greek Night Theme Evening with traditional music and/or dancers onboard, fun BBQ Lunches (weather permitting), and Captain’s Dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port Fees
  • Wifi
  • Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned in inclusions)
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions

Map

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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