The Sheltered Saronic Gulf
Day 1
We will spend the night on the boat in Athens, familiarize ourselves with the boat and enjoy the nightlife of the Plaka, setting sail the next morning.
Day 2
We sail to Poros – A brilliant green landscape punctuated by yew and black cypress. When you sail into the harbor, this is what you imagine a “Greek Island” to look like!
Day 3
We sail to Hydra – An artists’ hideout and not a car to be seen on the whole island (one of my favorites). Why not take a donkey ride to the top of the island for a spectacular view and photo opts, later we will join the nightly sunset party at “Hydronetta” on the side of the cliffs, listen to classical music, sip a cocktail and applaud the sun making it’s daily dip into the sea!
Day 4
We sail to Spetsis – This history-rich island of tranquil pine forests was the setting for John Fowles’ The Magus. This is a charming island and a great area to rent a bicycle and explore the coast line.
Day 5
We sail to Ermioni on the Peloponnisos coast. Ermioni is relatively untouched by tourism. In ancient history festivals honoring Poseidon were held here.
Day 6
We sail to Aegina, the island of pistachios and octopus with a well-protected anchorage. Take a scooter or taxi over to Agia Marina harbor for lunch and a hike up to the Temple of Aphaia, one of the finest Doric Temples remaining in all of the Greek Isles.
Day 7
We take a short motor over to the small island of Metopi for a swim and lunch before sailing back to Athens, where we will disembark later that afternoon.
Paros to Athens
Day 1
We will spend the night on the boat in Paros, familiarize ourselves with the boat and enjoy the nightlife Naoussa. In antiquity, Paros was an important religious center and source of the famous Parian marble used to build the temple of Solomon. We will spend the night in Naoussa, which is a major stop on the rounds of the jetsetters. Trendy boutiques and water front cafes abound. The local club scene here is more than fun!
Day 2
We sail to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Mykonos is known for its fabulous beaches, fantastic shopping, fine dining and world-class nightlife.
Day 3
We sail to Syros. Syros is the traditional business center of the Cyclades. Its capital city of Ermoupoli is rich with museums and churches, an opera house and theatre. We will moor along the waterfront of the city where tavernas, shopping and clubs are just a few steps away. Beautiful homes of wealthy merchants and ship owners are scattered throughout the Vaporia district.
Day 4
We sail to the island of Kythnos. Well known for its hot springs where you can step back in time and “take the waters”. The waters are filled with iron and said to heal all sorts of ailments! It’s locally produced Thyme Honey was recently written up in Travel and Leisure magazine as a must have purchase on your trip to the Greek Islands. This is a fun island to explore by scooter.
Day 5
Off to Kea. Keep a watch for dolphins, turtles and tuna on the way. Little known, Kea is one of the most interesting islands. The yacht will moor in the quaint harbor of Vorukari. On this island you will see deserted ruins dating back to 3000B.C. just a short hike around the bay. Watch the sunset from the town of Ioulis where the inhabitants hid during pirate raids, later enjoy dinner in a taverna, drink ouzo with the locals and learn to “Greek line dance” opa!
Day 6
We sail to Athens. We will pass by Cape Sounion where the famous Temple of Poseidon sits on the cliffs and overlooks the Aegean Sea. Time permitting we will stop here for lunch and our last night on board the yacht in Athens.
Day 7
We disembark and bid our captain farewell.
This past year we have a new itinerary where we combine the Cyclades and the Saronic Islands which gives you the opportunity to see the best of both island groups.