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8 nights from

£2895

Encircling the Cyclades

Spectacular seascapes, beautiful beaches, iconic cube houses in white and sky blue, and that rare blend of island simplicity and a cosmopolitan air, these are the hallmarks of the Cycladic archipelago. Sail on the small ship MS Galileo to visit ten of the fabled isles

From the famous to the unfrequented, each of the Cycladic islands retains its own distinct character. Cruising anti-clockwise in the Aegean, the small ship allows easy access to shallow harbours and secret coves, without the need for tenders, as we sail between the scattered isles and islets of the archipelago, going ashore at a varied selection to experience their diversity of style and tempo. Embarking in Athens, our first port of call is pretty Poros, in the Saronic Gulf, a skimming stone’s throw from the Peloponnese coast; before island-hopping amid the Cyclades, including swimming-stops at pristine Poliegos and in a beautiful Antiparos bay. Paros teams blissful beaches with Byzantine footpaths linking old-world villages. Remote and rugged Folegandros is an on-trend semi-secret now. With its caldera port and archetypal houses, Santorini is the group’s most photographed island. More glitzy Mykonos has long held the title as most hedonistic. A history of trade makes Syros, the island of Hermes, a happy blend of cultures; while Kythnos, close to Attica, is the uncrowded setting for thermal springs, sixty beaches and hundreds of chapels; and all form a swirl around the sacred isle of Delos, inhabited only by the spirits of the Gods.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Athens
  • Day 2  - Poros
  • Day 3  - Poliegos/Folegandros
  • Day 4  - Santorini
  • Day 5  - Antiparos/Paros
  • Day 6  - Delos/Mykonos
  • Day 7  - Syros
  • Day 8  - Kythnos/Cape Sounion
  • Day 9  - Return Flight
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Tour Highlights

  • Small vessel cruising
  • Sacred Isle of Delos
  • Santorini’s picturesque Oia village
  • The charming town of Syros
  • Natural beauty of Folegandros
  • Swim in the Aegean Sea

Spectacular seascapes, beautiful beaches, iconic cube houses in white and sky blue, and that rare blend of island simplicity and a cosmopolitan air, these are the hallmarks of the Cycladic archipelago. Sail on the small ship MS Galileo to visit ten of the fabled isles

Notes:

On occasion lunch and dinner may be alternated during the cruise.

Optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers and bookable locally.

Excursions are on foot and may be over uneven ground with some inclines.

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or to enhance your experience at certain sites.

Accommodation

Athens Marriott Hotel - Athens

A 5-star hotel located on the bustling artery of Syngrou Avenue, opposite the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, which houses the national Opera and the Library. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free) and 374 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV. A hotel tax is payable locally, currently per room per night: €3

Vessels

MS Galileo

Operated by Variety Cruises, the classic 157 ft., 3-masted motor sailing yacht, MS Galileo, was launched in 1992, rebuilt in 2007 and refurbished in 2020. The MS Galileo is motor driven and the sails are used only occasionally.

The vessel has a spacious and comfortable lounge and bar, an elegant single seating dining room, outdoor bar and a sun deck with sunbeds, deckchairs and shaded areas.

Meals are a combination of buffet and served dining, using fresh local produce, with the opportunity to eat ashore and experience the ‘filoxenia’ (hospitality) of the region.

All 24 outside cabins are air-conditioned with private facilities, portholes, safe, hairdryer, TV and mini-fridge. WiFi (chargeable/limited.

Three Cat. C cabins (102.6-119 sq. ft.) and twelve Cat. B cabins (119-151 sq. ft.) on the Lower Deck. Nine Cat. A cabins (130-140.4 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck.

Extension Options

Athens Extension

Stay for 2 nights at the 4-star Amalia Hotel Athens located right next to Syntagma Square and within walking distance to the charming Plaka, Acropolis and other major monuments and museums in the city.

Amalia Hotel - Athens

A centrally located 4-star hotel in Syntagma Square right across from the National Garden and within walking distance to the charming Plaka, Acropolis and other major monuments and museums in the city. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 97 air-conditioned rooms with safe, minibar and satellite TV. A hotel tax is payable locally, currently per room per night: €3.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin room/Category C cabin

Thu 24 Apr 2025
From London Gatwick
Thu 14 Aug 2025
From London Gatwick
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, all port charges, 1 night hotel, 7-night cruise, transfers, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, cruise director, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Notes:

An environmental tax is payable locally upon check-in, currently €7 per room per night at the 4-star Amalia and €10 per room per night at the 5-star Marriott Hotel.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £1070
Upgrades
  • MS Galileo - Lower Deck Category B Standard Twin/Double Cabin from £510
  • MS Galileo - Upper Deck Category A Standard Twin/Double Cabin from £1075
  • MS Galileo - Lower Deck Category B Standard Cabin for Sole Use from £1640
  • MS Galileo - Upper Deck Category A Standard Cabin for Sole Use from £2470
Flight Options
  • British Airways from Heathrow
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £250
  • Arrival transfer
  • £50 (2025 £58)
  • Departure transfer
  • £60 (2025 £68)
Extension Options
  • Athens Extension (2 nights)
  • £660
  • Single Supplement
  • £195

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