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www.noble-caledonia.co.ukDay 1 London to Athens, Greece. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.Day 2 Naxos & Syros. Naxos offers a blend of ancient ruins, mountainous landscapes and sandy beaches. Across the harbour lies the ancient Portara, all that remains of an ancient temple built for Apollo and according to mythology where Theseus abandoned his love Ariadne after killing the Minotaur in Crete. After breakfast we can stroll through the narrow alleys to the old castle of Hora, built by an Italian adventurer in the 13th century, and walk past 14th century mansion houses, the cathedral and maybe visit the archaeological museum that provides a journey through Naxian history. Return to the MS Monet and sail to Syros over lunch. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. We will sail late this evening allowing time for those who wish to take an after-dinner stroll.Day 3 Fourni. After a morning at sea we arrive at one of the best kept secret islands in the Aegean, Fourni. Once a haven for pirates who enjoyed the island%u2019s remote setting and little changed for centuries, it has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to walk up from the harbour to the charming main square and enjoy a drink whilst observing island life.Day 4 Patmos, Greece. Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote %u2018Book of the Apocalypse%u2019. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and this afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach. Over dinner we sail the short distance to Lipsi where we moor overnight.Day 5 Lipsi & Leros. Today we can use our small ship to visit two of the less visited islands of the Dodecanese. Spend the morning on Lipsi. At just eight kilometres long, the tiny island of Lipsi is popular with yachts and has avoided the development of many surrounding islands. It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours walking among the whitewashed houses or take the opportunity to visit a local beach for a swim. Over lunch we sail to Leros, the island of Artemis the God of hunting. We will drive to the capital, Platanos, to see the Pandeli Castle, which overlooks Agia Marina offering wonderful views from the ramparts to the harbour below and islands beyond. The Battle of Leros was a central event in the Second World War and we will also visit the War Museum and Commonwealth Cemetery before returning to the vessel.Join us aboard the MS Monet for a relaxing and informative voyage to some of the most idyllic islands in the Aegean. Setting sail from Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, we will cruise through the turquoise waters of the Aegean on a journey through the playground of the Greek Gods, learning of the myths and legends that surround the enchanted islands. Some of the islands we have included are very difficult to access without relying on the local ferry network, and it is during our time on such islands that you will truly be able to appreciate the unique atmosphere and island life. When combined with the dramatic scenery and clear waters of the Aegean, it is evident why this region has inspired writers, poets and artists since the time of Homer. Our custom-made itinerary focuses on many islands that the mega cruise ships cannot access and, in addition to our included guided excursions, there will be ample time at leisure for some independent exploration or to swim in the intensely blue Aegean from the local beaches. We have scheduled some daytime sailing so as to enjoy our time ashore in the cooler hours of the day as we wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek island gems such as Fourni, Lipsi, Halki, Kasos and Folegandros. There will also be some late departures from port and overnight moorings, allowing for the opportunity to enjoy the evening atmosphere of some delightful harbour towns. With a maximum of only 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides who will also join us on board for our cruise, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the region. The ItineraryApollonia, SifnosGialos Harbour, SymiGREECEAthensNisyrosPatmosSifnosFolegandrosSyrosLerosLipsiSymiHalkiFourniNaxosKasos