Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

UK/Europe earlybird 
Up to 15% off* selected trips in Europe, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt & Jordan 

Description

Experience your dream of sailing the Greek Islands on a ten-day adventure through the stunning Cyclades. Starting in Santorini, you’ll cruise the Aegean Sea, exploring ancient towns, hidden coves, and popular destinations like Mykonos and Paxos. With fresh seafood, local wines, and a relaxed lifestyle, you’ll feel the rhythm of the ocean. Enjoy refreshing swims in the turquoise waters of the Aegean and gain local insights from your knowledgeable guide. Trust us—smooth sailing awaits!

Pricing

Was from $3,757

Now from $3,223* 
SAVE $534* 

*Per person, twin/double share

What's Included

• Transportation by boat
• 9 Nights accommodation onboard

Itinerary Highlights

• A Santorini sunset around the caldera is a sight to behold. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island past white villages that cling to plunging cliffs and watch as day turns to night in the most stunning of ways. 
• Sail the Aegean Sea on your small group yacht and island-hop through the Cyclades, taking regular stops to swim off the side of your boat and letting the pitch and roll of the ocean help you sleep at night. 
• Feast on fresh seafood at a sleepy waterfront taverna in the Small Cyclades islands – far away from tourist crowds and deep in the local way of life. This is island living, Greek style. 
• Step back in time among the Venetian architecture of Naxos and consider learning about rural life with a daytrip to a country village – a couple of the many experiences to be had around the Cyclades. 
• No Greek island adventure is complete without a stop in Mykonos. Embrace your hedonistic side with its boutique culture and nightlife or relax on one of the many beaches dotted along the coast. 

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Santorini – Ios
Welcome to Greece! Meet your skipper and fellow travellers at Cafe Spartakos at 1 PM at Athinios Port, Santorini, before taking a ferry to Ios, where you'll board your yacht. If you have time, consider arriving a couple of days early to enjoy Santorini's charm. Explore the island’s capital, Thira, with its array of restaurants, shops, and bars. Don’t miss the stunning walk along the caldera’s rim to Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia, especially memorable at sunset—just be sure to leave enough time to avoid walking in darkness. Santorini’s volcanic beaches are also a must-see. After your welcome meeting, settle into your sailing yacht and enjoy some free time to explore Ios, including its beautiful sandy beaches or the lively shops and bars in Hora, all within a short walk from the harbour.

Day 2: Amorgos
Sail to the rugged island of Amorgos (approximately 4 hours), the stunning backdrop for Luc Besson's film "The Big Blue." Enjoy a swim at Paradisi Beach before heading to the port of Katapola. Relax at the waterfront cafes and restaurants, taking in views of classic Cycladic windmills and an old Venetian castle. You might explore the ancient Minoan Settlement or drive to the breathtaking 11th-century monastery of Moni Hozoviotissis for spectacular Aegean views. Be sure to visit the village of Hora, perched on the mountainside, where you can wander through charming stone alleyways and admire the Byzantine churches surrounding the town square. The nearby Gavros Tower houses the Amorgos Archaeological Collection.

Day 3: Small Cyclades
Set sail for the Small Cyclades this morning (approximately 4 hours). This group of islands features quaint fishing villages, clear waters, and beautiful beaches. While once home to bustling communities, these islands are now primarily known for their serenity, with permanent residents numbering around 300 on Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Donousa. In the evening, consider dining on fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna, soaking in the peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere.

Day 4: Naxos
Today, you'll head to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades. You have the option to take a day trip around the island, or you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. The best beaches are to the south, where water sports are also available. Perhaps hike to the old Roman Catholic neighborhood of Kastro, where medieval charm abounds in its winding lanes, mansions, and churches. While there, visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum, located in the former Jesuit School of Commerce. Consider an optional trip to the countryside to witness rural life, see one of Greece's oldest temples, and enjoy lunch at a family tavern. Don't miss a taste of the local Kitron liqueur. In the evenings, experience the vibrant nightlife of Hora.

Day 5-6: Syros
Sail to the island of Syros (approximately 4 hours), stopping at the Bay of Gaidharos for a swim. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and neoclassical architecture, Syros played a neutral role during the Greek Revolution, becoming a refuge for those persecuted. You can catch a bus to Ano Syros, a fortress-like village with stunning views of the Aegean, and explore its stone archways and narrow streets. Sample authentic Greek cuisine and soak up the local culture in the capital of Syros and the Cyclades, Ermoupoli, where you can admire the magnificent town hall in the main square.

Day 7: Mykonos
In the morning, set sail for the glamorous island of Mykonos (approximately 3 hours). With a history spanning around 5,000 years, Mykonos is named after Apollo's grandson and was the site of a mythological battle between Zeus and the Titans, whose petrified bodies formed the island's rocks. Explore chic boutiques and galleries, marvel at the unique architecture of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, or relax on one of the island’s pristine beaches. In the evening, head to Little Venice, where colorful wooden balconies overlook the sea—an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset. Afterward, dive into Mykonos' vibrant nightlife.

Day 8: Sifnos
Set sail for Sifnos, renowned for its high-quality ceramics. The island’s arid hills contrast with its lush valleys filled with wild juniper, terraced olive groves, and almond trees. The beach at Kamares, the main port, is one of the island’s best spots for a swim. Stroll through the village of Apollonia, Sifnos' capital, characterised by its whitewashed houses and churches. Don’t miss the Museum of Popular Art, showcasing photographs, textiles, and ceramics. Hike up to the headland for panoramic views and visit the medieval fortress of Kastro.

Day 9: Folegandros
This morning, sail to the serene island of Folegandros. Named after a former King of Crete's son, Folegandros has experienced a long history of colonization and occupation, much like its neighbouring islands. At the port of Karavostasis, you can relax on the pebbly beach or visit a waterfront taverna. Take a leisurely walk through Hora, one of the Cyclades' oldest villages, with its striking architecture around the Kastro. In the evening, hike up to the picturesque Church of Panagia for a stunning sunset view.

Day 10: Santorini
Say goodbye to the open water as you catch the ferry back from Ios to Santorini, arriving at Athinios Port just before noon. With no further activities planned, your adventure concludes upon arrival. Your skipper can assist you in arranging a taxi to your hotel or Santorini International Airport.

Terms and Conditions

1. All Earlybird Sale offers apply to new bookings made and deposited with World Travellers New Zealand between 12:00am NZDT 14 October 2024 and 11.59pm NZDT 10 November 2024 for select trips departing between 1 January 2025 – 31 August 2025. 
 
2. The following discounts apply: 
 
a. A 15% discount can be applied towards the following Intrepid Travel trips by applying promo code 690623 at time of booking: 
 
AMKG, AMSB, AMXC, AMXL, BIKH, BMSF, BMSH, BMSI, BMSP, BMXH, BWSL, BWSO, EERJ, EESJ, EEXA, EEXC, ELKD, ERFJ, ERSI, ERXL, ETFT, WMKK, WMSK, XEFG, XEKE, XEKI, XERA, XESB, XMRW, XMSB, XMSF, XMXM, XMZF, ZFXM, ZGXT, ZKZM, ZMFI, ZMKF, ZMRI, ZMSF, ZMSG, ZMSH, ZMSI, ZMSK, ZMSL, ZMSM, ZMSN, ZMSQ, ZMSS, ZMSV, ZMSW, ZMSY, ZMSZ, ZMXB, ZMXG, ZMXI, ZMXL, ZMXP, ZMXT, ZMXV, ZMXY, ZMZB, ZMZC, ZMZG, ZMZJ, ZMZP, ZSRS, ZSRT, ZSRU, ZSRV, AMSNC, BMSMC, EERCC, WMSJC, WMSLC, XEFJC, XEKBC, XEKJC, XESPC, ZMSFC, ZMSJC, ZMSKC, ZMSQC, ZMSSC, ZMSUC, ZMXBC, ZMZEC, ZMZMC, ZMZSC, ZSDS, ZSRAC, ZSSD. 
 
b. A 10% discount can be applied towards the following Intrepid Travel trips by applying promo code 690624 at time of booking: 
 
 AAFP, AMKB, AMRC, AMSD, AMSS, AMSU, BIKW, BMRI, BMSB, BMSE, BMSN, BMSR, BMSW, EEYJ, ERKT, ERSF, WBSE, WMSB, WMSI, XEYE, XMFB, XMFK, XMKC, XMSC, XMSS,, XMXC, XMXO, XMXOW, ZGXA, ZLSA, ZLSM, ZLSW, ZMFD, ZMKS, ZMRC, ZMRE, ZMRG, ZMRR, ZMSC, ZMSE, ZMXD, ZMXJ, ZMYR, ZMZZ, ZSRK, ZSRM, ZSRR, ZSRZ, AMSAC, AMSCC, AMSOC, ERSZC, WMSEC, XMSQC, ZMFDC, ZMRDC, ZMRFC, ZMRGC, ZMRRC, ZMRVC, ZMRXC, ZMSAC, ZMSEC, ZMXDC, ZMZLC, ZSRUC 
All other trips are excluded. 
 
3. This offer excludes the following: 
Short-Break Adventures;   
Tailor-Made Experiences;   
Urban Adventures;  
All Polar trips in Antarctica and the Arctic, including the following trips operated by Adventure Canada: SBKN, SBKA, SBKG, SBKH, SBKO, SBKW;    
 
4. This offer can only be applied to trips departing between 1 January 2025 – 31 August 2025. 
5. All offers apply to the trip price only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. 
6. Credit Holders can use any valid discounts or promotions, except where we are honoring their original price. For more information about how to redeem your credit visit our Credit Redemption page. 
7. Offer applies to land element of trip only and cannot be redeemed against flights, additional accommodation, transfers, travel insurance or local payments/kittys.   
8. This sale is applicable to residents of New Zealand only and must be booked in NZD.  
9. Our trips are subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking.   
10. If you wish to cancel and rebook your trip or change dates outside the promotional period, you will be required to pay the full cost towards the new trip.    
11. Except as set out expressly above, Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions apply.   
12. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller.    
13. Promo codes must be quoted at time of booking.