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Greek Islands Sailing Adventure View Full Screen Itinerary

7 NIGHTS, 8 DAYS, WESTERN CYCLADES GREEK SAILING ADVENTURE

One of the most famous archipelagos in the world, the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea have way more to offer than pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and amazing sailing experiences. They are the cradle of over ten millennia of rich history, boast extreme geographical diversity, abundant marine wildlife and feature the best of traditional Aegean architecture and Mediterranean cuisine.

This sailing adventure goes far beyond mere island hopping, giving you a chance to explore way beyond each island's marina, as well as immerse in local culture, savor the local flavors and learn a thing or two about the history of this immensely beautiful part of the world. And did we mention that it provides you with the opportunity to actively engage yourself in sailing, whether you have done it before or not?

The Aegean archipelago, with its clear deep blue waters is the ideal place to get acquainted with the basics of sailing and our skippers are always happy to show you the ropes!

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Immerse in the rich culture, delicious cuisine and millennia spanning history of Athens
  • Explore over a dozen different beautiful sailing destinations, visiting four major islands in the process
  • Spend a night on the deck, under the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
  • Have a BBQ under the stars on a quiet island beach
  • Go swimming or snorkelling in crystal clear waters
  • Enjoy the laid back atmosphere on the quiet island of Kythnos
  • Savor amazing Aegean seafood on the 'iron island' of Serifos
  • Visit one of the world's most famous caves on the island of Antiparos
  • Get lost in the back alleys of Parikia, on the island of Paros 

 

Day 1

Day 1: Athens ­to Cape Sounion

Our day starts with a short stroll around the historic center of Athens, before we head to the marina and board the sailing boat that is going to be our home for the next week. Late afternoon we leave the marina, enjoying views of the southern suburbs of Athens. We head...

Our day starts with a short stroll around the historic center of Athens, before we head to the marina and board the sailing boat that is going to be our home for the next week. Late afternoon we leave the marina, enjoying views of the southern suburbs of Athens. We head east, towards one of the most iconic landmarks or both the ancient and the modern world. The Temple of Poseidon, built high on a cliff over the dark blue waters at Cape Sounion, is the place where the Aegean archipelagos gets its name from. We spend the night anchored near the cliffs, where you get a chance to relax and swim. The short climb up the hill to the Temple at sunset is an unforgettable experience we cannot recommend enough.

Overnight:​ Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included:​ Light lunch onboard

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Day 2

Day 2: Cape Sounion to­ Serifos

Early in the morning, after breakfast and a swim, we leave the Temple behind us, as we set sails for open seas. This time our destination is the 'iron island' of Serifos, home of Perseus and the Cyclops according to Greek mythology. We set course through the straits of Serifos,...

Early in the morning, after breakfast and a swim, we leave the Temple behind us, as we set sails for open seas. This time our destination is the 'iron island' of Serifos, home of Perseus and the Cyclops according to Greek mythology. We set course through the straits of Serifos, towards the island itself, where we arrive late afternoon or early evening.  We drop anchor in the protected bay by the port and we strongly advise you start exploring the harbor area with its array of tavernas, grocery shops and coffee houses, before you move on to the Chora, overlooking the port, with its narrow streets, white houses and tiny churches scattered all around. Swimming is a real treat in Serifos, so you do not want to miss out on that as well!

Overnight:​Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included:​Breakfast, Light lunch on board

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Day 3

Day 3: Sarifos to Paros

After breakfast you have a chance to unwind, have a swim or explore the island some more. Serifos is renowned for its hospitality so do not miss out on interacting with the locals. Late morning we leave the island behind us, and sail towards the cosmopolitan island of Paros, famous for...

After breakfast you have a chance to unwind, have a swim or explore the island some more. Serifos is renowned for its hospitality so do not miss out on interacting with the locals. Late morning we leave the island behind us, and sail towards the cosmopolitan island of Paros, famous for its supreme beaches, vibrant nightlife and a premier destination for windsurfing. We arrive there in the evening and the moment you walk out of the marina you realize why Paros is so popular year round. You can experience authentic island life by exploring the area around the port and there is many a tavernas to satisfy every culinary taste..

Overnight:​Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included:​Breakfast, Light lunch on board

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Day 4

Day 4: Paris to Antiparos

Paros has something to offer to everyone, so whether you are looking for peace and quiet or something more active and adventurous, the island won't disappoint you. There are excellent swimming spots, as well as amazing snorkelling opportunities. We have the better part of the day to explore around the island...

Paros has something to offer to everyone, so whether you are looking for peace and quiet or something more active and adventurous, the island won't disappoint you. There are excellent swimming spots, as well as amazing snorkelling opportunities. We have the better part of the day to explore around the island and maybe even make a short sail to a different more secluded beach. Late evening we set sails towards the nearby island of Antiparos, Paros' smaller neighbour. We drop anchor off the coast, near a quiet beach and while you enjoy a swim we prepare a delicious barbeque on the beach for you.

Overnight: ​Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included: ​Breakfast, Light lunch on board, BBQ Dinner

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Day 5

Day 5: Antiparos

This day is pretty relaxing and dedicating to know Antiparos. There are plenty of sights and excellent hiking opportunities, so after breakfast we head out looking for adventure. One of the highlights of any visit to Antiparos is a chance to go spelunking in one of the most beautiful and mysterious...

This day is pretty relaxing and dedicating to know Antiparos. There are plenty of sights and excellent hiking opportunities, so after breakfast we head out looking for adventure. One of the highlights of any visit to Antiparos is a chance to go spelunking in one of the most beautiful and mysterious cave complexes in the world. The sailing boat is also at your disposal as a means to explore the island's numerous beaches and we have quite a few to recommend, so feel free to ask for our suggestions. In the evening we return to the marina and you have a chance to explore the old town by the port and there are plenty of tavernas and traditional eateries for when the hunger kicks in.

Overnight:​Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included:​Breakfast, Light lunch on board

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Day 6

Day 6: Antiparos to Kythnos

Late morning, after breakfast and a swim, we leave Antiparos behind us and we set sails for open seas. The quiet island of Kythnos, with its traditional Aegean architecture, superb beaches and array of food taverns that specialize in regional Mediterranean cuisine, is our final destination for the day. We arrive there...

Late morning, after breakfast and a swim, we leave Antiparos behind us and we set sails for open seas. The quiet island of Kythnos, with its traditional Aegean architecture, superb beaches and array of food taverns that specialize in regional Mediterranean cuisine, is our final destination for the day. We arrive there in the evening and you get a chance to explore the old town on foot. Don't be afraid to let yourselves get lost in the back alleys of the old town. It is an important cultural experience and will allow you to witness island life at its most authentic. The food scene in Kythnos is also top notch so ask away for our suggestions.

Overnight:​ Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included:​ Breakfast, Light lunch on board

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Day 7

Day 7 : Kythnos to Athens

In the morning, after breakfast, there's plenty of time for a swim and one last exploration of the town. Visit the local bakeries and traditional coffee houses, while we get supplies and prepare the sailing boat for yet another amazing sailing experience. This time we sail back towards the mainland and...

In the morning, after breakfast, there's plenty of time for a swim and one last exploration of the town. Visit the local bakeries and traditional coffee houses, while we get supplies and prepare the sailing boat for yet another amazing sailing experience. This time we sail back towards the mainland and arrive in Athens long after sunset.

Overnight:​Cabin aboard the sailing boat

Meals Included:​Breakfast, Light lunch on board

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Day 8

Day 8 : Athens

In the morning we pack our bags and bid farewell to the sailing boat that’s been our home for the past week and our adventure ends. From here you will be taken to the airport for your return flights home. 

Meals Included:​ Breakfast

In the morning we pack our bags and bid farewell to the sailing boat that’s been our home for the past week and our adventure ends. From here you will be taken to the airport for your return flights home. 

Meals Included:​ Breakfast

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Overview

Duration:​ 8 Days / 7Nights

Starting Point:​ Athens

Finishing Point:​ Athens

Group Size:​ 2 to 6 people

Ages:​ 4 years and older (we can adjust the program for young family adventure holidays)

Accommodation

On your sailing adventures with Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions, we work with a fleet of 4 ­cabin sailing yachts with a large sundeck and a comfortable indoor galley for meals and relaxing. There are four double bed cabins on the main deck of the yacht. There is also an extra inflatable boat and a boat ladder that facilitate our swimming and snorkelling on all our trips, accommodation is operated on a twin share basis. This means that travelling as an individual, you will be sharing accommodation and room facilities with another person of the same sex or your partner, spouse, family, friend etc. There is also the option of booking a single room/cabin for an additional cost depending on availability at the time of booking. Our usual accommodation as described on the extra info of our tour may alter due to lack of availability.  On such an occasion accommodation of similar standard will be arranged.

Meals

When travelling with Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions, you will experience a great variety of delicious food, based on traditional Greek cuisine. Emphasizing on the regional cuisine of our destinations, we have carefully selected local, family run, restaurants for our groups.

On a camping day or when we have a picnic lunch, we usually buy local cheeses, vegetables, meat and bread from local markets so you don’t miss out on the specialities of the region. On a day when a barbeque dinner is included in our itinerary, we usually buy local cheeses, vegetables, meat or fish and bread from local markets, we choose a quiet, beautiful island beach where you can either help with the grilling and marinating or, alternatively, you can opt to have a swim under the stars while we cook for you.

We prefer to include most meals in the standard price of our tours. This gives our groups the opportunity to eat together and enjoy a larger variety of local dishes after a long day. When a meal is not included feel free to ask your tour leader to suggest a local restaurant in the village or town you are staying. Generally meals on board the sailing yacht are included in the standard price of our tours. "Light lunch" and "breakfast" usually refers to fresh Mediterranean salads, milk, cereal, sandwiches, omelets or fresh fruit and local cheeses. When a meal is not included feel free to ask your tour leader to suggest a local restaurant in the village or town you are staying.

For the meal plan of the tour please refer to the day to day itinerary and the extra info of the tour. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, have any food allergies or any special requests when it comes to food, please let us know at the time of booking.

 

Included in the standard tour price

Accommodation: 7 nights sailing yacht double cabin

Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 7 Light lunches on board the sailing yacht (Days 1­7), 1 BBQ Dinner (Day 4)

Transport: Fuel costs, toll costs, sailing boat rental costs, all electricity and water port costs,

Tour Staff: English speaking tour leaders, professional skipper, local guides where needed

Outdoor Activities: Sailing, swimming and snorkelling in the Cyclades

Not included in the standard tour price

Airline tickets

Travel and activity insurance

Personal expenses

Transfers where needed

Preparing For Your Trip

Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region you'll explore while on a tour. From local weather conditions to information on geography, local history and culture, all are essential in order to make the most out of you tour, while minimizing the possibility to face unexpected, unpleasant circumstances.

Weather Information

Greece in general has warm and humid summers lasting from May till October. In May and October weather can be less predictable with some rain and chilly temperatures being possible especially in the Greek mainland. Greek summers are generally hot, with temperatures rarely getting lower than 25 degrees Celsius in most of our destinations, while temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius during the day are not unheard of in July and August. In the open sea, weather can be tough to predict all year round, but in the summer the seas are generally calm and ideal for sailing. Generally, cool temperatures and occasional rainfalls occur especially at night especially in the mountains, a fact that you have to take into account when packing for your adventure.

Packing for your tour

Being as light as possible is always important on an adventure tour plus space is limited on board a sailing boat so, our travelers are expected to bring with them a backpack or suitcase as well as a daypack for personal items and valuables.

Travel documents​: Passport, visa if required, valid travel/activity insurance 

Personal health care items:​ personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, travel sickness tablets, sunglasses, insect bite gel

Clothing: Fleece/soft­shell jacket, waterproof & windproof jacket, sun hat, long trousers (wearing shorts is not permitted in monasteries and churches), shorts, swimming costume, extra towel for swimming, t­-shirts, hooded tops, trainers/walking shoes, waterproof hiking shoes/boots, personal mattress or a sleeping bag (should you choose to sleep on the yacht's sundeck), torch, umbrella, snorkelling mask and fins.

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