Discover the natural beauty of Greece and its rich history. Spend time in Athens and viist the Acropolis before you embark on eight glorious days onboard a luxurious 26 cabin sailboat as you experience the Jewels of the Cyclades. The Aegean Islands are known for their whitewashed villages and ports, the bright skies and crystal sea - soak it all in throughout your sea-born adventure. Enjoy visiting well known places such as Santorini and Mykonos and off the beaten track islands such as Paros and Folegandros.
Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012):

Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jun 29, Jul 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27, Aug 3, Aug 10, Aug 17, Aug 24, Aug 31, Sep 14, Sep 21, Sep 28, Oct 5, Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov 2

Athens, the capital of Greece is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who, according to legend, won the city after defeating Poseidon in a duel. The goddess' victory was celebrated by the construction of a temple on the Acropolis, the site of the city's earliest settlement in Attica. As a city state, the coastal capital of Athens reached its heyday in the fifth century BC as a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. Athens is also the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles and its many other prominent philosophers, writers and politicians of the ancient world. Nowadays, the city retains a vast variety of Roman and Byzantine monuments, as well as a smaller number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city's long history across the centuries.

Enjoy your private airport transfer today.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you relax at your hotel or enjoy the city sites.

Athens Gate Hotel (4*) is located in the historic district of Athens, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Gate which was constructed by the Athenians to welcome the Roman emperor Adrianos (Hadrian). Very easy to access, it is located 500 meters from the Acropolis and 100 meters from the New Acropolis Museum. Constitution (Syntagma) Square, and the commercial center of Athens are only 500 meters away. The entrance to the Plaka is just a couple of blocks away. The view of the city from the hotel's Roof Garden is possibly the best in all of Athens. It was fully renovated in 2007. The style is modern and simple, as befits the area. The hotel has 7 floors, a roof garden bar and a la carte restaurant, a lobby bar-cafeteria and a cozy area with fireplace in the lobby.

Overnight at Athens Gate (4*).

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the center of the city, Constitution Square(Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the NationalLibrary .Driving down Herod Atticus street, you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace .On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian's Arch , visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea , the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally ' the harmony between material and spirit ', the monument that 'puts order in mind', the Parthenon.

Lunch at leisure (not included in tour price).

Your evening will start with a panoramic tour of Athens. Then, proceed for dinner in Plaka, the old city, in a typical Greek tavern with folk music and dancers.

Overnight at Athens Gate (4*).

Cruise the historic waters of the Mediterranean aboard your luxury cruise vessel, making calls-to-port at many of the region's most triumphant cities of bygone eras. Your onboard experience will be enriched with shore excursions out to explore the local culture, the beaches, or well-preserved relics of the past, such as great mosques or hand-masoned city walls.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Enjoy a private port transfer in Athens with private vehicle and driver.

Embark the M/S Galileo at Marina Zea this afternoon between 2 and 3pm and get ready for a sea-bound adventure for the next 8 days!

Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers.

Leave Piraeus and sail for Poros for a short 3 hours visit. You should arrive into Poros at approximately 8pm.

There are three different cabin types; the lower deck has category C and B cabins. Both category cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes, hair dryer & en suite bathroom with shower. Category C cabins are made up of either one double or twin beds, while Category B cabins are made up of twinbeds. Category A cabins are located on the upper deck, and have either one double or twin beds. They have the same amenities and facilities as the other category cabins with the addition of windows. 

After the short stop at Poros, the boat will continue onward to Polyaigos, and you will overnight at sea.

The 51 meter "Galileo" is a classic steel Motor Sailer built with the most stringent safety regulations, with spacious and well appointed interiors. Launched in 1992, it was rebuilt in 2007 and has a crew of 16-18, 26 cabins with a cruising speed of 11 knots per hour. The spacious and cozy lounge area with American bar is located on the main deck and has large windows providing for magnificent views, and leads into an elegant dining room finished with wood and leather. The spacious sun deck is equipped with sun beds, deckchairs and shaded areas which make for the perfect backdrop to enjoy an evening aperitif or relax with a book during the day. The secrets of classic Motorsailer Galileo are simply warm hospitality, genuine friendliness, informal elegance and a cruising style that allows time to savor each port and appreciate the many joys of being in Greece.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

Life on board will center around the Lounge area with American bar which leads into a warm and elegant dining room finished in wood and leather. Enjoy spending time on the shaded outdoor deck with an outdoor bar, sunbeds, deck chairs and a jacuzzi.

This morning will see you arrive at Polyaigos, a very small island known for its amazing beaches. Enjoy a morning swim stop followed by a BBQ on deck.

This afternoon will entail sailing to Folegandros, one of the most amazing and less known islands in the Aegean Sea.

Walk through interesting Upper city and dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas this evening (not included).

Overnight onboard in Folegandros port tonight.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

This morning will see you arrive at Santorini (occasionally at anchor) where you will have time to explore its unique capital Fira and further afield.

The following private half-day private excursion is not currently included in your itinerary.
Meet your private vehicle and escort at the pier for a half day shore excursion in Santorini, visiting Oia and Fira. The traditional settlement of Oia is located on the northern tip of the island, high on the cliff-top. Oia boasts some of the most magnificent views on Santorini and a picturesque road, with cliffs on one side and sea on the other, leads to this attractive town. Directly below the village is the beach of Ammoudi and across the bay are the Burnt Islands. Ammoudi, accessible only by foot, is 214 steps below, and Armeni beach is 286 steps below.  The architecture of Oia is typical Santorini with houses sunk deep into the volcanic soil, their whitewashed walls and blue domes sparkling in the sunlight. Ia today hosts a cultural centre, a central art gallery and many other Greek art galleries. Many shops sell handicrafts, souvenir, jewellery and other items to help visitor remember the village. From here, continue on to Fira, the capital of the island and the most important village. After the earthquake of 1956 a part of the town was destroyed (only a small part of the 18th century buildings were saved). The town is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano. It is made of many white painted houses in stepped streets with blue domed churches and sun-bathed verandas. Enjoy some free time to explore this unique village and experience the outstanding shopping to be found before being returned to the port.
If you would like this private tour added to your itinerary, please contact us.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Santorini.

Dinner on Santorini this evening is at leisure. Perhaps Oia known for its breathtaking view of the caldera, and its sunsets, is the ideal location.

Overnight onboard in Folegandros port tonight.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

Enjoy a swim stop in an enchanting bay of Antiparos this morning.

You should arrive into Paros at Early noontime today.

Enjoy the day at leisure in Paros. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to do a private shore excursion and suggestions will be presented to you.

Have a fun night this evening and practice your  dancing skills with a traditional Greek Night.

Overnight onboard in Paros port tonight.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

This morning you will arrive into Delos.

There will be a stop at one of Mykonos beautiful bays for swimming off the ship before sailing into the port of Mykonos.  The island of the jet setters is yours to explore and the night is young. 

The following half-day tour is not included within your itinerary. Please contact your travel consultant to book this tour.
Depart from your ship at the Tourlos port in Mykonos with a private vehicle and guide, towards the Old Port of Mykonos Town from where the local ferries to Delos depart. After a short sailing of 30 – 35 min, arrival at Delos. Delos, an islet of the Aegean, nowadays uninhabited, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Delos is the legendary birthplace of the twin gods, Apollo and Artemis. Remains of temples and residences on Delos are dating back from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. The tour includes amongst others, a visit of the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Old city and the Theater and a walk down the celebrated Lion Street. Also, in the Museum of Delos, visitors have the chance to admire Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman sculptures, a collection of vessels from all periods as well as items of everyday use. Return back to Mykonos Town with transfer to the cruise ship in Tourlos port.

Overnight onboard in Mykonos port tonight.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

After a morning swim we will 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.

Enjoy a special evening tongith - the Captain's dinner!

Overnight onboard in Syros port tonight.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

Enjoy a morning swim in Kolones Bay this morning before setting sail for the final leg of your journey.

Late afternoon will see you arrive at the Marina Zea in Piraeus via Cape Sounion, the temple of Poseidon.

Enjoy your last night onboard tonight.

Overnight at M/S Galileo (AI) (Cabin).

All Port charges for your cruise are included in your trip. 

After breakfast onboard, bid your fellow passengers and crew adieu before you disembark.

Enjoy a private transfer today from the port to airport.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).