Compare Sailing & Hiking in the Cyclades 8 days by Personality Journeys vs Athens and Greek Islands Cruise (3 N) by Indus Travels

Day 1: Kea

Welcome to this unique adventure to the Cyclades! Our team, will be waiting to greet you at Lavrio port and guide you to your sailing yacht. Upon arrival onboard you will receive a thorough briefing by your skipper covering all operational and life-on-board aspects of the trip.

Let the wind guide you to the island of Kea. Fertile and green, Kea is hikers’s paradise, abundant with routes to beautiful, remote beaches. You should arrive just about the perfect time for a delectable dinner based on local specialties.

Day 2: Kythnos/Loutra

Kalimera! After a hearty breakfast it’s time for an invigorating hike along ancient footpaths through flower-carpeted valleys and ancient ruins, walking in the footsteps of travelers who have been visiting Kea since the 17th century.

After a dip at one of Kea’s most beautiful beaches, Aeolus, God of wind, will blow into the sails of your yacht as you set off for a relaxing afternoon sailing across to the picturesque port of Loutra on Kythnos, known for its natural warm springs, which you will have the chance to experience!

Day 3: Syros

After breakfast and taking advantage of the cool morning air, your hike will take you around the striking, arid countryside around Loutra in Kythnos, where you will discover hidden centuries-old castles, quaint whitewashed churches and other sites while coming across farmers and shepherds who live off this dramatic landscape.

After a refreshing dip and a light lunch the voyage continues to sophisticated Syros, to the stunning port of Foinikas. For those who wish, sailing becomes more hands on, testing out your skills against the elements.

Day 4: Syros

Start the day in Syros with a sun salutation to gather your energy for the day’s events, as today you will explore the western part of Syros hiking. For those who prefer to stay and relax in Foinikas, our expert guides will be more than willing to suggest alternative ideas to spend your time creatively.

Known as the duchess of the Aegean, Syros’ main port of Ermoupolis, with its grandiose 19th century architecture, is buzzing with life year-round. Explore the quaint pedestrianized streets and its maze of stairways, then discuss the day’s highlights while savouring local cuisine in some of the finest restaurants in the Cyclades and enjoy a cocktail in one of the local bars.

Day 5: Serifos

First thing in the morning it’s off to Serifos island, an integral part of Greek mythology, since its name is associated with two of the most famous mythical heroes: Ulysses and Perseas. You can mull over this yarn and other local legends whilst sipping a traditional Greek coffee and enjoying a local sweet at the sparkling port of Livadi.  Later on take a fascinating hike with your tour leader to Chora, the island’s capital, which is perched on a hill above the port, starting from Kallitsos Village, which as you will discover aptly translates as ‘the most beautiful’. For the rest of the evening amble around Chora’s narrow whitewashed alleys, coloured with the lush green, pink and purple of overflowing bougainvillea.

Day 6: Kythnos/Kolona

The next stage of the trip takes you back to Kythnos, but this time on the western side to the gold-sanded beaches of Kolona, which are basically the edges of a narrow bar connecting the main island of Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas.

The amazing loop hike here leads you to a hilltop from where you can admire this unique natural phenomenon, which from up high looks much like a column standing-out from a cobalt blue background.

After this invigorating hike, breathing in the Aegean meltemi wind, head down to the beach for some serious relaxation! A local tavern is always the best way to conclude the trip and share the myths lived and future plans dreamed of with your co-sailors.

Day 7: Lavrio

Good morning Kythnos! Today is your last swim with us on the Greek islands before you set sail on the last leg of your trip back to Lavrio port. Spending your final night on board offers a great opportunity to enjoy being on the water to the max while taking in the dreamlike experiences of the past week and enjoying dinner and no doubt a few glasses of wine!

Day 8: Trip end

Single timed transfer to the Athens International Airport

Upon arrival in Greece’s capital city of Athens today you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Athens

Athens Cruise Departure: 11.30 am

Mykonos Cruise Arrival: 6.00 pm | Cruise Departure : 11.00 pm

Today you will be transferred to the port in Piraeus to embark on a cruise that will take you out into the Aegean Sea to the beautiful island of Mykonos. Spend your evening at leisure exploring this magnificent island. Mykonos boasts splendid beaches, historic churches and quaint narrow streets laced with whitewashed houses, where artists and jetsetters alike mingle. Windmills give an extra romantic touch to this lovely island as do the open air tavernas, offering an array of Greek delicacies. It is truly an island paradise.

Overnight on board

Kusadasi Cruise Arrival:     7.30 am | Cruise Departure: 1.00 pm

Patmos  Cruise Arrival:      5.45 pm | Cruise Departure: 9.30 pm

The first port of call today is the Turkish port of Kusadasi where you will participate in the Ancient Ephesus through the Ages - Hellenistic/Roman tour. The journey begins from Kusadasi to Ancient Ephesus along fragrant roads lined with olive trees. One of the 12 cities of Iona, this is a stunning marvel in the hills above the Aegean coast, one of the world's largest open-air archeological museums. Founded by the ancient Greeks circa 2000 BC. Ephesus was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can wander through the Odeon and the Prytaneion, then stroll between the marble colonnades of Curetes Street to visit Trajan's Fountain, Hadrian's Temple, the Scholastica Baths and the astonishing Terrace Houses. Nearby, where Curetes Street becomes Marble Street, is the spectacular Library of Celsus, which has been almost entirely reconstructed, and the Agora. Every step here takes you deeper into the Hellenistic, Roman and early-Christian eras; you'll notice inscriptions on many of the city's columns. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was carved into the side of Mt. Pion in the 4th century BC.  Before returning to the cruise time permitting you will be able to walk through the Covered Bazaar in Kusadasi. where, you will be able bargain for jewellery, Turkish carpets, cosmetics or leather products at the little shops. The cruise will then sail on to the Greek island of Patmos, where you will have the option to visit the Monastery and Grotto of St. John, where he lived and recorded the Book of the Revelation.  After the tour, you will re-join your cruise ship in time for a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board

Crete Cruise Arrival:          7.00 am | Cruise Departure: Noon

Santorini Cruise Arrival:     4.30 pm | Cruise Departure: 9.30 pm

Today’s first port of call is the Cretan port of Heraklion, where you will have the opportunity to participate in an optional tour to the Palace of Knossos, to visit the center of the Minoan Civilization. The ship will sail on this afternoon to the most breathtaking island of Santorini, believed to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Enjoy an excursion to the spectacular village of Oia perched on the Caldera rim. The sunsets here are world-famous. As sunset approaches, hundreds of visitors to the village gather to watch the finale of another perfect day. The sunset from Oia is intoxicating, truly one of the most beautiful sights on earth. 

Overnight on board

*Please note that for April 5^th departure there will be a slight variation to the itinerary on this day. We will sail straight to Santorini from Patmos. 

Cruise Arrival: 7.00 am

After breakfast on board, disembark in Piraeus. You will be transferred directly to Athens International Airport for your onward flight.