8 Days • 7 Nights
Aegean Island Cruise: Cyclades & the Dodecanese
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Cruising the sparkling Aegean from island to island is the spectacular heart of this journey. There is no finer way to experience the Greek islands than aboard a small ship, sailing the deep-blue Aegean from one whitewashed harbour to the next. You wake each morning to a new island rising from the turquoise sea, spend the day exploring its town, sites and beaches ashore, and sail on in the golden evening light, watching glorious sunsets from the deck as dolphins sometimes play in the bow wave. Between islands you drop anchor in hidden coves to swim in warm, clear water straight from the ship.
- Glamorous Mykonos and the sacred ancient island of Delos are a beautiful highlight of this cruise. Your ship calls at Mykonos, the most famous of the Cyclades, where you wander the dazzling maze of whitewashed lanes, blue-domed churches and iconic windmills of Mykonos Town, and the pretty waterfront of Little Venice. From here you sail the short distance to Delos, one of the most important sites of the ancient world and the mythical birthplace of Apollo, a UNESCO-listed open-air museum where you explore temples, the famous Terrace of the Lions, and grand houses with beautiful mosaics. The style, beauty and history are captivating.
- Lovely Paros and green, authentic Naxos add beauty and charm to this cruise. Your ship calls at Paros, one of the loveliest of the Cyclades, where you explore the pretty fishing village and harbour of Naoussa, with its whitewashed lanes, waterfront tavernas and Venetian ruins, and the marble town of Parikia with its ancient church. You call too at Naxos, the greenest and most authentic of the Cyclades, crowned by a Venetian castle and marked by the great marble Portara gateway, with its unspoilt mountain villages and long sandy beaches. The charm, authenticity and beaches are captivating.
- The magnificent medieval walled city of Rhodes is a spectacular highlight of this cruise. Sailing east into the Dodecanese, your ship calls at Rhodes, whose Old Town is one of the finest and best-preserved medieval walled cities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You walk through mighty gates into a labyrinth of honey-coloured stone streets built by the Knights of Saint John, exploring the cobbled Street of the Knights, the great Palace of the Grand Master, and atmospheric squares, cafes and markets. Nearby lie the ancient Acropolis of Lindos and its beautiful bay. The history and grandeur are captivating.
- Holy Patmos, where Saint John wrote Revelation, adds sacred beauty to this cruise. Your ship calls at Patmos, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric of the Dodecanese, a holy island of great spiritual significance. You visit the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John the Divine is said to have received the visions he recorded as the Book of Revelation, and the great fortified Monastery of Saint John, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crowning the island, with its treasures and sweeping views. You wander the beautiful whitewashed hill village of Chora and enjoy quiet, lovely beaches. The spirituality, beauty and peace are captivating.
- Above all, this cruise offers the freedom, beauty and history of the Greek islands from the sea. Sailing the sparkling Aegean by small ship is the most magical way to experience Greece, and this cruise links its loveliest islands in one seamless journey. Over eight days you sail from Athens to glamorous Mykonos and sacred Delos, lovely Paros and authentic Naxos, medieval Rhodes and holy Patmos, swimming in hidden coves, dining on fresh Aegean seafood, and watching glorious sunsets from the deck, with expert guides bringing each island to life ashore. The combination of whitewashed harbours, ancient sites.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your Aegean adventure begins as your flight arrives at Athens International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, is a captivating blend of ancient and modern, crowned by the floodlit Acropolis. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll through the atmospheric Plaka quarter beneath the Acropolis, or up to a rooftop cafe with views of the Parthenon glowing above the city. This evening, savour your first taste of Greek cuisine and prepare for the beautiful cruise ahead through the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. As you settle in, the anticipation of sailing the sparkling Aegean begins to build. Rest well, for tomorrow you transfer to the port and embark on your small ship for a magical week among the Greek islands.
Today you embark on your small ship and sail into the beautiful Cyclades. You are transferred to the port, where you board your ship, settle into your cabin, and set sail across the sparkling Aegean as the mainland slips away. Your first call is glamorous Mykonos, the most famous of the Cyclades, where you go ashore to wander the dazzling maze of whitewashed lanes, blue-domed churches and chic boutiques of Mykonos Town, take in the iconic hilltop windmills, and enjoy the pretty waterfront of Little Venice, where cafes spill onto the sea. The beauty and style are captivating. Back aboard, a welcome dinner introduces the pleasures of cruising and the journey ahead. As the day ends, watch the sun set over the Aegean from the deck. Rest well, rocked gently by the sea, ready to explore sacred Delos tomorrow.
Today you explore the sacred island of Delos and the beauty of Paros. In the morning you go ashore at Delos, one of the most important sites of the ancient Greek world, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your expert guide you explore this uninhabited open-air museum, its temples, the famous Terrace of the Lions, grand mosaic houses, theatre and sanctuaries. You sail on to lovely Paros, where you explore the pretty fishing village of Naoussa, with its whitewashed lanes, Venetian harbour and waterfront tavernas, and enjoy time to swim from a beautiful beach. The history and charm are captivating. Back aboard, you dine on fresh Aegean seafood as the ship sails on. As the day ends, enjoy the sunset from the deck. Rest well, for tomorrow you discover authentic Naxos and sail towards the Dodecanese.
Today you discover green, authentic Naxos and sail east across the Aegean. You go ashore at Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades, exploring Naxos Town with its Venetian Kastro and the great marble Portara gateway of an unfinished temple of Apollo, which frames the sea. You may journey briefly into the mountainous interior to an unspoilt village, or relax on a long golden beach. The authenticity, scenery and beaches are captivating. In the afternoon your ship sets a course east across the open Aegean towards the Dodecanese, and you spend a blissful stretch at sea, swimming from the ship in a hidden turquoise cove, relaxing on deck, and watching for dolphins in the bow wave. As the day ends, a glorious sunset colours the sea. Rest well aboard, for tomorrow you reach the medieval city of Rhodes.
Today your ship calls at Rhodes, home to one of the finest medieval walled cities in Europe. You go ashore and walk through mighty gates into the honey-coloured labyrinth of the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the crusading Knights of Saint John. With your expert guide you explore the cobbled Street of the Knights, lined with the medieval inns of the orders, the great Palace of the Grand Master, and atmospheric squares, markets and cafes within the walls. In the afternoon you may drive to Lindos, with its ancient acropolis crowning a whitewashed village above a beautiful bay, or relax on a beach. The history and grandeur are captivating. Back aboard, you dine as the ship prepares to sail. As the day ends, watch Rhodes recede. Rest well, for tomorrow you reach holy Patmos.
Today your ship calls at Patmos, one of the most beautiful and sacred of the Dodecanese. You go ashore and journey up to the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John the Divine is said to have received the visions he recorded as the Book of Revelation, and the great fortified Monastery of Saint John, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crowning the island, with its treasures, frescoes and sweeping views over the Aegean. You wander the beautiful whitewashed hill village of Chora, with its grand old sea captains' houses and quiet lanes, and enjoy time on a lovely, peaceful beach. The spirituality, beauty and peace are captivating. Back aboard, you dine on fresh seafood as the ship turns west towards the Cyclades. As the day ends, savour the peace of the sea. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy a final day of islands and swimming.
Today you savour a final, beautiful day of Aegean islands and swimming as your ship sails back towards Athens. Depending on the winds and the itinerary, you call at a lovely Cycladic island such as Syros, with its elegant neoclassical capital of Ermoupoli, or Kea, dropping anchor to go ashore, wander whitewashed lanes and harbours, and relax on a quiet beach. Between calls you enjoy the freedom of the sea, swimming from the ship in a hidden turquoise cove, relaxing on deck under the Aegean sun, and savouring the last of the sailing. The beauty, peace and freedom are captivating. This evening, a farewell dinner aboard celebrates the beautiful journey you have made through the Greek islands. As the day ends, watch a final glorious sunset from the deck. Rest well, for tomorrow you disembark in Athens.
This morning your ship returns to port near Athens, and after a final breakfast aboard you disembark and are transferred to the airport for your onward journey. You leave having experienced the Greek islands the timeless way, from the deck of a small ship sailing the sparkling Aegean, calling at glamorous Mykonos and sacred Delos, lovely Paros and authentic Naxos, the medieval city of Rhodes and holy Patmos, swimming in hidden coves and watching glorious sunsets from the sea. The images stay vivid long after you land, the whitewashed harbours rising from turquoise water, the windmills of Mykonos, the honey-coloured walls of Rhodes, the hilltop monastery of Patmos, and the endless blue of the Aegean. A Greek island cruise is one of travel's great pleasures, and you depart already dreaming of a return to these beautiful and ancient islands.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, full board aboard the ship with a welcome dinner
- Private airport, port and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert licensed local guides
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums as per itinerary
- One night in an Athens hotel, a six-night small-ship cruise of the Cyclades and Dodecanese with full board, guided shore excursions on the islands, port charges and transfers, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and dinners ashore and the night in Athens beyond breakfast
- Optional shore excursions, drinks aboard and tips for crew and guides
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Greece is part of the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required, and the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Athens, the larger towns and resort areas, but carry some cash for tavernas, small island shops, markets, tips, kiosks and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and on the larger islands, though smaller islands may have only one or two
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October are ideal across Greece, with warm, sunny days perfect for the ancient sites, islands and beaches, and fewer crowds; July and August are hot and lively, the peak beach season, especially on the islands; winter is mild, quiet and green on the mainland, and lovely for Athens, Delphi and Meteora, though many island services wind down
- Language & etiquette: The language is Greek, and English is widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy; Greeks are famously warm, generous and hospitable, and a little politeness goes a long way. Dress modestly at monasteries and churches, especially the monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos region, where covered shoulders and knees are required and women are given wrap skirts at the entrance
- Getting around: Touring the mainland is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide or driver, with some long but scenic drives through beautiful mountains and coast; the islands are linked by frequent ferries and fast catamarans, and by domestic flights, all of which we arrange, timing connections carefully. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for the ancient sites and Meteora
- Health & safety: Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe, and travel here is relaxed and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. Bring sun protection, a hat and water for the open-air ancient sites and beaches, as summers are hot; ferry schedules can occasionally shift with the weather, so we build in sensible connections and keep you informed
- Ancient sites & museums: Greece's archaeological sites, from the Acropolis to Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae and Knossos, are mostly open-air, so wear good shoes, a hat and sunscreen and carry water; some sites and museums adjust their hours seasonally and may close earlier in winter or on certain days. Our expert licensed guides bring the ancient world vividly and unforgettably to life
- Power & plugs: Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter for UK, US and other devices. Tap water is generally safe to drink in Athens and much of the mainland, while on some islands bottled water is recommended; your guide advises at each stage, and hotels provide bottled water
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ship is the cruise on?
This is a small-ship cruise, aboard a comfortable motor-yacht or small vessel carrying a limited number of guests, rather than a giant liner, so you enjoy an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, access to smaller harbours and coves, and easy time ashore. Full board is included aboard, with fresh Greek cuisine and Aegean seafood, and guided shore excursions on the islands. A range of cabin categories and larger or more luxurious ships can be arranged to suit your preferences and budget.
Will I get seasick, and how much time is spent ashore?
The Aegean is usually calm and beautiful in the cruising season, and days are structured around generous time ashore on the islands, with sailing often overnight or in short, scenic hops, so seasickness is rarely an issue; we are happy to advise on remedies for sensitive travellers. Each day you go ashore with an expert guide to explore towns, ancient sites and beaches, with time to swim, so you enjoy the best of both the islands and the sea.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and selected tastings or half-board stays). Greek cuisine is one of the great pleasures of a visit, from fresh fish, grilled meats, salads and mezes to olive oil, feta, honey and wine, and we usually leave most lunches and dinners free so you can explore the tavernas, seaside fish spots and family kitchens we recommend at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert licensed local guide and air-conditioned vehicle on the mainland, and carefully arranged ferries or flights between the islands, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and escorted options can be arranged if you prefer. Greece's knowledgeable guides bring the ancient sites, monasteries, museums, villages and island life vividly to life, greatly enriching every day of your journey.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
Greece is in the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with the EU's ETIAS authorisation being introduced. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help with any paperwork, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required.
Is Greece safe to visit?
Greece is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe, and travel here is relaxed, easy and deeply rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times, timing ferry and flight connections carefully. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Greek people, on the mainland and the islands alike, are among the great joys of any visit.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October are ideal across Greece, with warm, sunny days perfect for the ancient sites, islands and beaches, and thinner crowds than the peak. July and August are hot and lively, the height of the beach and island season, while winter is mild, quiet and green on the mainland, lovely for Athens, Delphi and Meteora. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions and islands you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Athens, the ancient sites, the mainland and the islands, add or swap islands, extend beach time, include a sailing or cruising leg in the Aegean, add Meteora, Delphi or the Peloponnese, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the ancient sites, islands and beautiful landscapes of Greece.
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