Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands
Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands
10 Days Starting and ending in Santorini
Visiting: Santorini – Ios, Amorgos, Small Cyclades, Naxos, Syros, Mykonos, Sifnos, Folegandros, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZSRV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 11
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Fulfil your dreams of sailing the Greek Islands on a ten-day seafaring adventure around the renowned Cyclades. Setting off from Santorini, cruise the Aegean Sea in search of ancient towns, secluded coves and holiday hotspots like Mykonos and Paxos. Throw in some freshly caught seafood, local wines and a laidback way of life, and you’re set to drift and roll to the patterns of the ocean. Cool off with regular swims in the Aegean’s turquoise seas and get the lay of the land from a local leader who’s got all the people in the right places. Trust us – it’s all smooth sailing from here.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Santorini – Ios
Location: Santorini – Ios
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Welcome to Greece! Meet your skipper and shipmates at Cafe Spartakos at 1pm at Athinios Port, Santorini and take a ferry to Ios where you will board your yacht. If you’ve got time, why not consider arriving a couple of days early to enjoy Santorini. Check out the range of restaurants, shops and bars in the island's capital, Thira. An absolute, must is to take a walk along the caldera's rim to Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia. This is a particularly memorable experience at sunset, but make sure you leave plenty of time, so you aren't walking in darkness. Santorini's volcanic beaches are another must-see.
After your welcome meeting, unpack and get settled into your new home away from home a real sailing yacht. You will have some free time today to enjoy everything that Ios as to offer, including the beautiful nearby sandy beaches or check out Hora's shops, restaurants and bars – it’s all accessible within a short walk from the harbour in Ios – which all come alive in the evenings.
Day 2: Amorgos
Location: Amorgos
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Sail to the rugged island of Amorgos (approximately 4 hours). This is the stunning location of Luc Bresson's film, 'The Big Blue'. Stop for a swim at Paradisi Beach before continuing along the coast to the port of Katapola. The restaurants, cafes and bars along the waterfront are an excellent place to relax and enjoy views of classic Cycladic windmills and an old Venetian castle. You might like to explore the ancient Minoan Settlement or drive up to the spectacular 11th-century monastery, Moni Hozoviotissis, for beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Also worth a visit is the village of Hora, sitting high up in the rocky mountainside. Stroll through the labyrinth of stone laneways and Byzantine churches surrounding the town square. The Amorgos Archaeological Collection is housed nearby in Gavros Tower.
Day 3: Small Cyclades
Location: Small Cyclades
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Cast off and sail to the Small Cyclades this morning (approximately 4 hours). This group of islands boast quaint fishing villages, clear waters and beautiful beaches. While all of these islands once harboured communities in ancient times, the middle ages saw this reduced to just pirates and goats. Today, only Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa and Donousa have permanent residents, with the largest population said to be around 300. In the evening, perhaps sample fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna and sit back to enjoy the peace of the Mediterranean.
Day 4: Naxos
Location: Naxos
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Today you'll make your way to the largest Cycladic island of Naxos. There’s the option of taking a day trip around the island, but you can always stay behind and relax. The island’s best beaches are to the south, where water sports are also on offer. Perhaps hike up to the old Roman Catholic neighbourhood of Kastro, where winding laneways, mansions and churches all retain a medieval feel. While here, stop by the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the square, and the nearby Archaeological Museum which is housed in the former Jesuit School of Commerce. Take an optional trip to the countryside to observe rural life, see one of the oldest temples in Greece and enjoy lunch in the hills at a family tavern. Get a taste of the local brew with a shot of Kitron (best described as a lemon liquor). In the evenings, indulge in the vibrant nightlife of Hora.
Day 5-6: Syros
Location: Syros
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Sail to the island of Syros (approximately 4 hours), dropping by the Bay of Gaidharos along the way for a swim. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and neo-classical architecture, Syros’ neutral role during the Greek revolution made it a safe haven for the persecuted. Perhaps catch a bus up the hill to the fortress-like village of Ano Syros and explore the town’s stone archways and narrow alleyways (the views of the Aegean are stunning from up here). Sample authentic Greek food and culture in the capital of Syros and the Cyclades, Ermoupoli, and check out the magnificent town hall in the main square.
Day 7: Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Overnight boat
In the morning, raise anchor and set off on a short cruise (approximately 3 hours) to an island packed with beauty and glamour, Mykonos. With a history of around 5000 years, the island is said to be named after Apollo's grandson. It was also the mythological base for a deadly battle between Zeus and the Titans, their giant petrified bodies forming the rocks of the island. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques in town, examine the unique architecture of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani or relax on one of the island’s white beaches. In the evening, perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful wooden balconies hang precariously over the sea – the ideal spot to sit back with a cocktail and enjoy an Aegean sunset. Afterwards, join in the fun of Mykonos’ notorious nightlife.
Day 8: Sifnos
Location: Sifnos
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Set sail for the island of Sifnos, known for its production of high quality ceramics. The island's bare hills belie fertile valleys of wild juniper, terraced olive groves and almond trees. The beach in the main port of Kamares is one of the best on the island and the ideal place to swim. Wander among the whitewashed houses, churches and chapels of the village of Apollonia, which is the capital of Sifnos. The Museum of Popular Art displays old photographs, textiles, costumes and pots. Climb up the headland to enjoy panoramic ocean views and see the medieval architecture of the fortress of Kastro.
Day 9: Folegandros
Location: Folegandros
Accommodation: Overnight boat
Sail towards the tranquil island of Folegandros this morning. Named after the son of a former King of Crete, Folegandros has suffered a long history of colonisation and occupation like many of the surrounding islands. In the port of Karavostasis, the pebbly beach or a waterfront taverna are nice places to relax. Take a stroll through the island’s capital of Hora, one of the oldest villages in the Cyclades. The area in and around the Kastro is the most striking. In the evening wander up the hill to the pretty Church of the Panagia, an excellent vantage point to view the sunset.
Day 10: Santorini
Location: Santorini
Bid farewell to the open water as you catch the ferry back from Ios to Santorini arriving back at Athinios port just before 12pm midday. With no other activities planned for today, your adventure ends on arrival in Santorini. Your skipper can assist with organising a taxi to drop you off at your hotel or Santorini International Airport.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Meals
No meals are included in this tour
Transport
This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.Bow - front of the boatStern - rear of the boatPort - leftStarboard - rightDeck - outside, upper area of the boatHull - the main part or body of the boatKeel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizingMainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boomMast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsailBoom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boatSheet - ropes used to control the sailsBooty - another word for pirate treasureLines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)Spinnaker - large extra sailTrim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or directionTiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boatHelmsman - person steering the boatRunning - sailing with the windTack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the windJibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the windFigure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly usedClove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line
Accommodation
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 54ft to 56ft. A typical yacht for 11 travellers is equipped with a mixture of 2 x double cabins, 2 x twin cabins and 1 x triple cabin. There are 5 shared bathrooms. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this may mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.ELECTRICITY:While there should be electricity on board throughout your trip the voltage is likely to vary widely, from 12V to 220V, and when in port or moored we are dependent on the supply available. Please be aware that the supply may not be sufficient to power some electronic devices all the time and that you may need a voltage adapter or similar (such as portable inverter used in cars). On some trips it may be possible to charge devices ashore at restaurants or resorts, however this is not guaranteed.WI-FI:Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.
Included Activities
Important Information
START TIMEThis trip starts on Day 1 in Santorini at 1pmACCOMMODATION ON BOARD THE YACHTThis trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 54ft to 56ft. A typical yacht for 11 travellers is equipped with a mixture of 2 x double cabins, 2 x twin cabins and 1 x triple cabin. There are 5 shared bathrooms. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this may mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. If you’d prefer not to share a cabin, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.HOT WEATHER:Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.PASSPORT DETAILS:Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. If you have pre-booked any additional accommodation through us, you will need to make your own way to the joining point on Day 1 and from the finish point on the final day. We do not provide transfers between hotels and the port/marina. Please check the Essential Trip Information for details.SNORKELLINGThere are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. They are disinfected prior to use. Some customers may prefer to bring their own diving mask and snorkel from home and just use the fins available on board.TRIP KITTY:On this trip it's compulsory to contribute to a kitty of EUR110 per person. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund managed by travellers. It helps fund for breakfast and lunch on the boat and other small items such as ice, water, snacks and drinks. Travellers are responsible for the preparation of these meals onboard and to shop at port where supermarkets are often very close to the mooring. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. On day 1, the skipper will talk through the kitty and how it will be managed (by yourself or fellow travellers) The kitty will be collected when you arrive at the welcome meeting or in stages throughout your trip.
Mode of Transport
This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.Bow - front of the boatStern - rear of the boatPort - leftStarboard - rightDeck - outside, upper area of the boatHull - the main part or body of the boatKeel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizingMainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boomMast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsailBoom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boatSheet - ropes used to control the sailsBooty - another word for pirate treasureLines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)Spinnaker - large extra sailTrim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or directionTiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boatHelmsman - person steering the boatRunning - sailing with the windTack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the windJibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the windFigure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly usedClove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board and your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.
Our yachts have a small Zodiac on board, which is used to transport travellers to shore if we need to anchor in the bay. However, we will most often overnight in the small marinas on each island we visit, so the Zodiacs aren’t used. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude are all you need.
This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you will be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.
Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. See the Essential Trip Information below for a full packing list.
Please note that smooth sailing is dependent on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavourable. If any changes are made, you can trust in your knowledgeable skipper to choose an alternative route or activity.
Due to the size of the yachts, sound carries easily from one side to the other and can wake your fellow travellers. If you’re planning to have a late night, it’s a good idea to head into town and experience the local nightlife. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
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