Greek Caique Cruise
8 days Caique - Gentle Cruising in Quiet Waters
Little Known Islands
Boarding our caique in Rafina, we make for the island of Kithnos, famous
for its thermal baths and traditional folk customs, which are still
in evidence. Heading north we stop at the rocky island of Kea and visit
the working monastery at Kastriani. Next we cruise to the island of
Evia, stopping en route at the exclusive Petali Island before mooring
in the long sweep of Karistos Bay. With several tavernas huddled around
the quay near the beach, this charming spot is an ideal place to relax,
unwind and take it easy.
Walks to Picturesque Villages
After swimming and snorkelling off the deserted island of Stira, we
cruise north to drop anchor in Panagia. Ashore, we can walk inland to
the picturesque red-roofed village of Almiro Potamos, surrounded by
steep mountains overlooking a broad plain. Then cruise via Amarinthos
where there are several secluded coves for swimming.
Across the Gulf of Attica
Next we stop at Eretria, one of the most powerful city states of ancient
Greece. The Temple of Apollo, Acropolis and Gymnasium date back to the
4th century and are well worth a visit. We can also walk to the nearby
medieval monastery of St Nikolaos with its wonderful views of the Gulf
of Evia and over to mainland Greece. Finally, we return to tranquil
Rafina, a vital port along the trading routes in the 6th and 7th centuries
BC.
Dates and Prices:
10 May 08 - 17 May 08 : £599
17 May 08 - 24 May 08 : £599
31 May 08 - 07 June 08 : £629
07 June 08 - 14 June 08 : £599
14 June 08 - 21 June 08 : £599
21 June 08 - 28 June 08 : £599
28 June 08 - 05 July 08 : £599
05 July 08 - 12 July 08 : £599
12 July 08 - 19 July 08 : £599
19 July 08 - 26 July 08 : £599
09 Aug 08 - 16 Aug 08 : £599
23 Aug 08 - 30 Aug 08 : £629
30 Aug 08 - 06 Sept 08 : £629
06 Sept 08 - 13 Sept 08 : £629
13 Sept 08 - 20 Sept 08 : £599
20 Sept 08 - 27 Sept 08 : £599
27 Sept 08 - 04 Oct 08 : £599
09 May 09 - 16 May 09 : £619
16 May 09 - 23 May 09 : £619
30 May 09 - 06 June 09 : £649
06 June 09 - 13 June 09 : £619
13 June 09 - 20 June 09 : £619
20 June 09 - 27 June 09 : £619
Greek Islands Adventure
(Athens to Kos)
22 days Athens to Kos GAP
Aegean Sea, Athens, Cyclades Islands, Mykonos, Santorini, Dodecanese
Islands, Kos.
A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider
the world's most beautiful islands: the Greek Islands. Sail for up to
22 days aboard our 49-foot yachts, with time for diving, hiking and
snorkelling. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined
harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don't forget to try the Ouzo!
Segment 1: Northern Cyclades - Athens to Mykonos
Possible Island stops include: Kea, Syros, Kythnos, Serifos, Paros,
Mykonos. ATHENS Athens is the capital of Greece, the founding city of
the Olympic games, and a city of culture, science and commerce. From
the colourful markets, to the ancient monuments, to the hustle and bustle
of Plateia Syntagmatos (Constitution Square), Athens is rich with history
and an important influence on the development of Western civilization.
Named after the goddess of wisdom Athena, Athens encircles eight hills
within its borders. The most prominent of these, the Acropolis, stands
as the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient
Athenian spirit. Athens is a growing city, engulfing its neighbouring
suburbs all the way to Piraeus, the city's port and your gateway to
the Greek isles. CYCLADES ISLANDS Located in the central and southern
part of the Aegean Sea, there are 39 islands in the Cyclades of which
24 are inhabited. On these small islands where the past meets the present,
one can find both peace and tranquility and colourful nightlife. The
white heat of July and August is often relieved by the meltemi, a strong
northerly wind that sweeps across the eastern coast of mainland Greece
and the Cyclades. Narrow paths full of flowers, whitewashed houses,
blue windows and white churches under the dazzling sun and complimented
by golden beaches: this is one of those magical places where the reality
outstrips the postcards. MYKONOS Legendary both in ancient and modern
times, Mykonos is one of the best-known Greek islands, and provides
ample entertainment for history and party buffs alike. Just a short
boat ride away from the main port lies Delos, legendary birthplace of
Apollo and home of the Gods. As the most sacred island in the Aegean
for ancient Greeks, Delos gave name to the Cyclades - that is, the islands
encircling (kyklos) Delos. Mykonos town, as typical a whitewashed Greek
island town can be, has long been famous for its nightlife, with bars
and clubs filled with the beautiful of Europe rocking till dawn every
night. And during the days, a short bus and boat ride takes you to some
of the best-and craziest-beaches in all of Europe.
Segment 2: Southern Cyclades - Mykonos to Santorini
Possible Island stops include: Naxos, Antiparos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos,
Sikinos, Folegandros, Thirasia, Santorini. Officially known as Thira,
Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades, and is regarded
by some as the most beautiful of the Greek Islands. Formed by a violent
volcanic eruption, the ring-shaped island has a stunning caldera lined
with high cliffs-easy to appreciate when arriving by boat. Fira, the
main town, sits perched on the edge of the caldera with breathtaking
views of multi-coloured cliffs, sugar-cube architecture and great shopping!
Segment 3: Dodecanese Islands - Santorini to Kos
Possible stops include: Anafi, Sirna, Astypalea, Tilos, Halki, Alimia,
Symi, Nisyros, Kos. DODECANESE ISLANDS The Dodecanese (Twelve Islands
or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Southern
Sporades, lying off the southwest coast of Asia Minor. It includes 14
larger islands together with some 40 smaller islets and rocks. With
the exception of Rhodes, which belongs culturally to Greece but geologically
to the mainland of Anatolia, the islands are arid and largely barren.
Their inhabitants live by farming, sponge fishing (the Dodecanese forms
the base of the Greek sponge-fishing fleet), and increasingly, tourism.
Windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkelling, diving and swimming are popular
activities in the Dodecanese. KOS Home to the Greek father of medicine
Hypocrites, Kos is an island full of contrasts, with a mix of both Greek
and Turkish architecture and culture. Rich in history, Kos is home to
many ancient ruins, including Asklipion, a healing centre and medical
school that followed the teachings of Hypocrites. Away from the lively
main town you will find many secluded beaches and quaint villages. Kos
is a part of the Dodecanese island group and an ideal gateway for excursions
to other islands or Turkey. An exciting possible excursion is the 4-hour
hydrofoil to Rhodes. According to ancient mythology, the sun god Helios
chose Rhodes as his bride and bestowed light, warmth and vegetation
on her. The blessing seems to have paid off and Rhodes is one of the
most pleasant islands to visit. The old town with its massive walls
is one of the finest surviving examples of medieval fortification. Don't
miss the Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes' most important ancient city. Please
note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above,
there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and
on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On
Day 1 of your tour you will be advised of any amendments
