special offer
25% Off Jewels Of The Cyclades: Book select 2013 Jewels of the Cyclades cruise departures aboard Galileo and receive a ...
view details
The Jewels of the Cyclades showcases the Aegean Islands known for their whitewashed villages and ports, the bright skies and crystal sea. Visit the well known places of Santorini and Mykonos and off the beaten track islands such as Paros and Folegandros. The highlights of this program are the excursions in Santorini and Delos, nighlife in Mykonos, the old Greece atmosphere in Folegandros and swimstops in some secluded bays to swim from the boat.
Day 1 - FRI - Marina Zeas, Athens - Poros
Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece, a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, which is rapidly becoming a leading business center in the European Union. As one of the world's oldest cities, its recorded history spans at least 3,000 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state. The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city, represented by a number of ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous of all the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Poros for a short 3 hours visit, before set sail to Poliegos. Overnight at sea.
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: dinner
Day 2 - SAT - Poliegos - Folegandros
Morning arrival in Poliegos, a very small island known for its amazing beaches. The island lies in close proximity to the Peloponnesian coast, separated by a narrow channel. Is an extremely picturesque and aristocratic island blessed with sheer natural beauty and bearing unique nobility. Enjoy a morning swim stop followed by a BBQ on deck. This afternoon, sail to Folegandros - one of the most amazing and less known islands in the Aegean Sea. It has three small villages, Chora, Karavostassis and Ano Meria, which are connected by a paved road. Folegandros is a relatively quiet island paradise, that is maintained to keep its local atmosphere untouched by mainstream tourism. Walk the amazing Upper city and dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas.
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 - SUN - Santorini
One of the highlights cruising the Cyclades is of course the volcanic island Santorini or Thera, with the biggest caldera of the world surrounded by Thera and Therassia as well as a small islet called Aspronisi (White Island), which are the remains of the origin volcanic island risen in about 80000 BC. Today’s shape of the island is a result of a huge eruption followed by a catastrophic explosion in the 16th cen. BC, which had destroyed this island and the city of the Cycladic Civilization. Enjoy a morning arrival at Santorini to explore its unique capital Fira. Optional Excursion to a typical Winery and a tour of the villages including the small beautiful village of Oia know for it’s breathtaking view over the caldera. Overnight in Santorini.
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 - MON - Antiparos - Paros
In the morning, enjoy a swim stop in an enchanting bay of Antiparos. Early noon arrival in Paros. Visit Parikia and the quaint village of Naoussa. Time to have a fun night and show us your dancing skills during our famous Greek Night. Overnight in Paros.
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 - TUE - Delos - Mykonos
The Island of Delos lies in the middle of the Cyclades, 3.5sqm from Mykonos. Except for the guards and the guides the island is not inhabited. According to the Greek Mythology, Leto haunted by jealous Hera had found asylum on this island to give birth to Zeus’ children, Apollo and Artemis. Apollo became one of the most important gods and so Delos became a great sacred place for worshiping him up to the Roman times. In 1872 the French Archaeological School started with systematic excavations, which still continue today together with the Greek Archaeological School. Optional morning tour to the unique archaeological site of Delos, antiquity’s most sacred island. Later on, stop at one of Mykonos beautiful bays for swimming off the ship before sailing into Tourlos port in Mykonos. The island of the jet setters is yours to explore and the night is young. Overnight in Mykonos.
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 - WED - Syros
After a morning swim, arrive in Syros - the capital of the Cycladic islands, where you can enjoy one of its beautiful sandy beaches or walk through town and enjoy the unique architecture of the buildings. Syros lies in the middle of the Cyclades between Kythnos and Tinos. Syros like the other Cycladic islands was inhabited from the early prehistoric times. Syros, was the largest cultural and trade center of the Aegean in the 19th century and capital Ermoupolis was Greece's principal port. From the time of the Fourth Crusade (13th Century) until 1568 Syros belonged to the Duchy of Naxos. After that period the island had a significant Roman Catholic minority which was under the protection of France from piracy and during the Turkish occupation. Overnight in Syros.
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 - THR - Kythnos - Marina Zeas
In the morning arrive in Kythnos to enjoy a swim in Kolones bay. Kythnos or Thermia is part of the Western Cyclades and is considered as an unspoiled island, with very friendly locals. Life is quiet and slow, an ideal location for relaxing, swimming on its sandy beaches and enjoy traditional simple food. Its major attraction is a fairly well know healing thermal spa, attracting many Greeks and foreign visitors. The colorful quaint villages of Kythnos, with their traditional houses and the peaceful landscape will not disappoint. After, set sail for Marina Zea for an arrival in the late afternoon via Cape Sounion, the temple of Poseidon. Overnight in Marina Zea
Accommodations: M/S GalileoIncluded Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 - FRI - Marina Zeas (Athens) - Disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast
Extend Your Trip:
Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to other regions of Europe.
Itinerary Notes:
Read this itinerary as a guide only; swim stops and barbeques are weather permitting, itinerary is subject to weather conditions and sailing might not be permitted in force 7 Beaufort winds. The company reserves the right to substitute the vessel.
Included:
Shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, on board entertainment as specified in the cruise program selected, American buffet breakfast and one main meal daily - including a welcome cocktail, a Greek Night, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain's Dinner; regular coffee, tea and mineral water free all day, and services of our expedition staff.
Exclusions:
Port charges, fuel surcharge, travel insurance, transfers, optional air/sea or land programs (unless noted), shore excursions, airport facility charges, taxes/fees, nor do they include items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gratuities, gift shop purchases, medical services, phone calls, etc. All onboard charges are in Euros.
Room Configurations:
For single occupancy cabin reservations, a 50% single supplement is applicable for on the fare per person in twin cabin. Single space is capacity controlled. Third person rates are available in category A only at 30% reduction of the double occupancy rate.
Families & Children:
Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount on the cruise fare per person in twin cabin. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount. Port taxes are not discounted.
Arrival & Departure:
The Jewels of Cyclades cruise begins and ends in Marina Zea, Piraeus. Embarkation is at 2:00pm on day one (Friday) of the itinerary. Plan flights to arrive early morning as to have time to transfer to the ship. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to avoid any delay or baggage issues. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 8. Plan outward flights no sooner than noon for airport check in time.
Payment & Cancellation:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking. A
Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions:
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations
Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.
Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.
Qualifications:
This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.
return to top of page