Greek Islands Adventure (Kos to Santorini)

Itinerary

Segment 1: Dodecanese Islands - Kos to Santorini

Possible stops include: Kinaros & Levitha, Leros, Kalimnos, Sirna, Astypalea, Tilos, Halki, Nisyros, Amorgos, Santorini.DODECANESE ISLANDSThe Dodecanese (Twelve Islands or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Southern Sporades, lying off the southwest coast of Asia Minor. It includes 14 larger islands together with some 40 smaller islets and rocks. With the exception of Rhodes, which belongs culturally to Greece but geologically to the mainland of Anatolia, the islands are arid and largely barren. Their inhabitants live by farming, sponge fishing (the Dodecanese forms the base of the Greek sponge-fishing fleet), and increasingly, tourism. Windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkelling, diving and swimming are popular activities in the Dodecanese.KOSHome to the Greek father of medicine Hypocrites, Kos is an island full of contrasts, with a mix of both Greek and Turkish architecture and culture. Rich in history, Kos is home to many ancient ruins, including Asklipion, a healing centre and medical school that followed the teachings of Hypocrites. Away from the lively main town you will find many secluded beaches and quaint villages. Kos is a part of the Dodecanese island group and an ideal gateway for excursions to other islands or Turkey. An exciting possible excursion is the 4-hour hydrofoil to Rhodes.According to ancient mythology, the sun god Helios chose Rhodes as his bride and bestowed light, warmth and vegetation on her. The blessing seems to have paid off and Rhodes is one of the most pleasant islands to visit. The old town with its massive walls is one of the finest surviving examples of medieval fortification. Don't miss the Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes’ most important ancient city.KALIMNOSIn Kalimos, we harbor at the small fishing village of Ormos Vathi. Vathi means deep in Greek, and is a fjord with dramatic deep sides and caves. A little snorkelling here is well worth the trouble. Past the tavernas, the valley is stunning - filled with citrus trees, gardens. Keep an eye out on entry and exit for the crazy goats again. Enough said, Vathi is a must see on every trip in this area.KINAROS AND LEVITHAExtremely sparsely populated and authentic. A must visit to the local family taverna; it's a 300 metre walk through barley fields - take a torch and close the gates behind you to control the goats!PATMOSThe main town does have charm, and the fortified monastery on the hill is still active, giving the town an authoritarian feel. A great island for a scooter ride.LEROSOn the west coast Lakki harbour is a natural fortress offering excellent shelter in a long narrow harbour. This is probably why Mussolini used this town to show his example of a fascist model village while the Italians occupied the Dodacanese through the 1920’s and 1930’s. The mixture of decaying and renovated ‘art-deco’ buildings gives this place a great atmosphere. Nearby Platanos boasts the fine Castle of Pandeli, offering stunning views in all directions.AMORGOSThis pleasant little part of Greece remains authentic, with little mainstream tourist influence and some great hospitality. A try of the local Raki is almost compulsory as it is served to you as you pay at the supermarket. This honey and sugar based alcohol has some kick, but nothing like that of hard liquor. The coast of this island can be steep and dramatic - the south side boasts an extraordinary 11th-century monastery embedded in the cliffside.SANTORINI (THIRA)Still shaky Santorini needs no introduction, being a 1 million year old volcano that remains in active/dormant state until today. Its breathtaking beauty both historically and geologically are awe inspiring making it one of life’s true highlights. The island was home to a Minoan settlement that was obliterated by an eruption around 1650BC which sent tsunamis through the eastern Medeteranean. The colossal eruption displaced 30 cubic kilometres of earth jetting a cloud of ash 36 km into the sky creating the foundation of what we see today. Centrally located in the 300 metre deep 5 -mile wide crescent moon shaped caldera harbour are two new cones, Neas Palaias & Kammenis. Eruptions and earthquakes have wreaked havoc on Thira as recently as the 1970’s, with the notable 7.8 earthquake of 1956. The shape of the crater ring has constantly changed over the last 3000 years with several parts of the crater wall collapsing into the sea. Remarkably, the island has always been resettled due to the rich volcanic soil's fertile properties. The wines, tomatoes and cucumbers from this island are super tasty due to the soil composition and low rainfall. Visitors can make their way from sea level to the crater rim either by bus, gondola or even a donkey ride. Fira, the main town, sits perched on the edge of the caldera with breathtaking views of multi-coloured cliffs, sugar-cube architecture and great shopping.Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On Day 1 of your tour you will be advised of any amendments.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Boats have 5 twinshare cabins and 3 shared bathrooms/showers.
Departure	Departs monthly May-October
DepEnd	Sun-Sun
Group Size	Max 8
Included Highlights	Full time skipper
Local Payment	EUR150
Meals Included	No meals are included but basic items on the boat will be covered by a food kitty.
Recommendation	Why not add our 10-day Classic Greece trip before or after your Sailing Adventure? - see code GCP.
StartFinish	Kos to Santorini
Testimonial	"It was a holiday that surpassed my expectations. The sailing was great - a comfortable boat, expertly skippered. The remainder of the tour was a real mixture of cultural experiences, great food and company and some wonderful adventures." - Pamela Chambers travelled on Greek Islands Adventure (Kos to Santorini)
Transport	50 ft sailing yacht
Brochure Intro	A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the world's most beautiful islands: the Greek Islands. Sail for up to 22 days aboard our 50-foot yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don't forget to try the Ouzo!

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-09-07	2008-09-14	2
2009-05-03	2009-05-10	7+
2009-06-14	2009-06-21	7+
2009-09-06	2009-09-13	7+

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