Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Athens to Kos)

Itinerary

Segment 1: Northern Cyclades - Athens to Mykonos

Possible Island stops include: Andros, Syros, Kea, Naxos, Paros, Kythnos, Mykonos. ATHENSAthens is the capital of Greece, the founding city of the Olympic games, and a city of culture, science and commerce. From the colourful markets, to the ancient monuments, to the hustle and bustle of Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square), Athens is rich with history and an important influence on the development of Western civilization. Named afterthe goddess of wisdom Athena, Athens encircles eight hills within its borders. The most prominent of these, the Acropolis, stands as the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Athens is a growing city, engulfing its neighbouring suburbs all the way to Piraeus, the city's port and your gateway to the Greek isles. CYCLADES ISLANDS Located in the central and southern part of the Aegean Sea, there are 39 islands in the Cyclades of which 24 are inhabited. On these small islands where the past meets the present, one can find both peace and tranquility and colourful nightlife. The white heat of July and August is often relieved by the meltemi, a strong northerly wind that sweeps across the eastern coast of mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Narrow paths full of flowers, whitewashed houses, blue windows and white churches under the dazzling sun and complimented by golden beaches: this is one of those magical places where the reality outstrips the postcards. ANDROSThe Island as a whole is dramatically beautiful in its geology, and quite green as far as all the islands go. Enjoy the nice beaches located nearby, especially at Grias Pidima which is further toward the south of the island on the far coast.SYROSIn Syros you experience authentic Greek culture, great eating, and a handful of small but pleasant beaches.NAXOSNaxos town is a pretty, and typical Greek Island town offering the usual charm. Visit the monument to Apollonius (Bacchus) situated on the headland as you approach the port from the NE. The monument was started in 530BC, but strangely never completed. The town also has a Venetian castle on the hill, and was once ruler of its surrounding islands leaving legacies of aristocracy. The ‘labyrinth’ street patterns exist here as a testament to the cunning of local inhabitants in their efforts to confuse and ward off piracy in past times. PAROSLivadhi is a small town on the east coast of Paros, easily accessible from the channel between Paros and Naxos. It's quaint, and provides a respite from other busier ports in the region. Sample the local cuisine at one of the various tavernas commanding superb views over the strait between these two large islands. Naousa lies centrally at the base of its very large bay on the north east end of Paros. It’s another idyllic island town, with a historical port, featuring Venetian ruins.MYKONOSLegendary both in ancient and modern times, Mykonos is one of the best-known Greek islands, and provides ample entertainment for history and party buffs alike. Just a short boat ride away from the main port lies Delos, legendary birthplace of Apollo and home of the Gods. As the most sacred island in the Aegean for ancient Greeks, Delos gave name to the Cyclades – that is, the islands encircling (kyklos) Delos. Mykonos town, as typical a whitewashed Greek island town can be, has long been famous for its nightlife, with bars and clubs filled with the beautiful of Europe rocking till dawn every night. And during the days, a short bus and boat ride takes you to some of the best—and craziest—beaches in all of Europe.

Segment 2: Southern Cyclades - Mykonos to Santorini

Possible Island stops include: Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Ios, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Sikinos, Folegandros, Thirasia, Santorini. NAXOSNaxos town is a pretty, and typical Greek Island town offering the usual charm. Visit the monument to Apollonius (Bacchus) situated on the headland as you approach the port from the NE. The monument was started in 530BC, but strangely never completed. The town also has a Venetian castle on the hill, and was once ruler of its surrounding islands leaving legacies of aristocracy. The ‘labyrinth’ street patterns exist here as a testament to the cunning of local inhabitants in their efforts to confuse and ward off piracy in past times.PAROSLivadhi is a small town on the east coast of Paros, easily accessible from the channel between Paros and Naxos. It's quaint, and provides a respite from other busier ports in the region. Sample the local cuisine at one of the various tavernas commanding superb views over the strait between these two large islands. Naousa lies centrally at the base of its very large bay on the north east end of Paros. It’s another idyllic island town, with a historical port, featuring Venetian ruins.ANTIPAROSAntiparos Town lies at the westernmost end of the narrow straight between Antiparos and Paros. Hop on one of the hourly buses to the large cave deep inside the island, which is an excellent activity and easily reached by bus. The cave is fully fitted with staircases to the bottom, which is a 100m vertical drop. The stalagmites and stalagtites are really visually striking. IOSPort Ios is situated at the far end of the excellently sheltered Ormos Iou on Ios’ western side. Its very pretty, and the town port is in fine condition with considerable space. Take the enjoyable 25 minute walk to the old town of Charos at the top of the hill.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!

Segment 3: Dodecanese Islands - Santorini to Kos

Possible stops include: Amorgos, Kinaros & Levitha, Leros, Kalimnos, Sirna, Astypalea, Tilos, Halki, Nisyros, Kos. DODECANESE ISLANDS The 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.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.KINAROS AND LEVITHA Extremely 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.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 areaKOSHome 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.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	EUR450
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	Athens to Kos
Testimonial	"This trip was incredible! I loved every minute sailing and exploring the bays and islands of Greece." - Mark Shapiro travelled on Greek Islands Adventure
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
2009-05-31	2009-06-21	7+
2009-08-09	2009-08-30	7+

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