Join us for a relaxing and informative voyage aboard the MS Monet as we island hop around some of the most idyllic isles in the Cyclades followed by some time in the Peloponnese which is home to an extraordinary collection of great archaeological sites. Cruising aboard the delightful MS Monet is a wonderful way to experience some of the lesser known islands and ports of the Aegean and encounter their timeless quality. In addition to some daytime cruising which allows us to enjoy the magnificent views, there will also be some overnight moorings that afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening.
Setting sail from Athens, 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 which surround the enchanted islands. There will be ample time to wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek island gems such as Syros, Sifnos and Folegandros and it is during our time on such islands that we will truly be able to appreciate the unique atmosphere and island life. Continuing on to the Peloponnese we will explore the Byzantine city of Mystras, the magical castle town of Monemvasia and learn of the sporting history of Olympia. Beyond these fascinating sites, there is also beautiful mountainous scenery, mysterious caves, vast gorges, charming villages and superb beaches to be discovered. Finally, after making the essential visit to the scared site of Delphi, ensure you are on deck as we transit the Corinth Canal, a wonderful end to our cruise and an experience only possible on a small ship such as the MS Monet.
With a maximum of just 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. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply the joy of cruising aboard a small ship and experiencing new places and islands in this beautiful region, our voyage has something for everyone.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Itinerary
Day 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 Syros & Naxos.
Over breakfast we arrive at Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Enjoy a leisurely morning with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th centuries created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. Overlooking Ermoupoli stands the hill-top Ano Syros, the original Medieval district with narrow lanes and white-washed houses. In the afternoon we sail over to the largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos, where we moor overnight for anyone wishing to enjoy a post dinner stroll.
Day 3 Naxos & Paros.
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 which provides a journey through Naxian history. Return to the MS Monet and sail to the island of Paros over lunch, famed for the marble that is drawn from the island’s interior and used in the Venus de Milo statue. We will moor at Parikia, a beautiful village of whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets. Here we will explore the 4th century Panagia Ekatondapyliani, one of the finest churches in the Cyclades and the fine Byzantine Museum, housing icons from the churches and monasteries of the island. Alternatively, opt to walk to one of the nearby beaches for a swim.
Day 4 Sifnos.
After breakfast we enjoy a relaxing morning at sea while we sail to Sifnos, arriving over lunch. This corner of the Cyclades is far from the well-trodden tracks of the big ships and you will be greeted by traditional white houses, picturesque churches and narrow lanes and alleys. An afternoon tour of Sifnos will include Apollonia, the island’s tiny capital, the Virysianni Monastery and the villages of Kastro and Artemos, both delightful places to wander and admire the traditional architecture.
Day 5 Folegandros.
Arrive this morning at the little known island of Folegandros. Visit the clifftop capital of Chora, a wonderfully picturesque village with alleys lined with bougainvillea and hibiscus and a dramatic seascape over an edge which drops some 700 feet directly into the Aegean. We return to the ship for lunch and sail across the Myrtoan Sea towards the Peloponnese.
Day 6 Gythio.
We arrive in picturesque Gythio this morning for our excursion to magical Monemvasia. As we approach, view the massive rock that rises dramatically out of the sea and the fortress on top. However, the real attraction is the Medieval town with its narrow, cobbled streets and winding stairways which lead to a warren of stone houses with walled gardens and courtyards, and the main square dominated by an old cannon and the cathedral. On a walking tour we will visit the town castle, followed by a short transfer to Liotrivi mansion. The estate was cultivated by the family of Eleftherios Ritsos (the father of Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos), and it was used as a summer house by the poet’s family. We will have the opportunity to sample the local specialities during an olive oil tasting followed by a buffet lunch of local products and wines. After lunch we return to the ship for a free afternoon in Gythio.
Day 7 Gythio for Mystras.
This morning we head north towards Sparta, the capital of Laconia and a prominent city-state in ancient Greece. However our destination today is Mystras, a remarkably intact Byzantine town that once housed a population of 20,000 people. Here we visit the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where the two-headed eagle which is the symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty is carved into a plaque on the floor. According to tradition, this is where Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned king. Strolling through the narrow lanes of the dead city, we will also visit the Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes. Before returning to the vessel, refreshments will be served at the picturesque tavern located just beneath the site offering sweeping views over the local terrain. There will be the opportunity for another stroll in pretty Gythio before we sail in the late afternoon.
Day 8 Pylos.
This morning we will call into the home of Nestor, the wise king of Pylos who fought for the Greeks at Troy and advised Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, on how best to deal with the evil suitors chasing his mother, Penelope. From our berth in Navarino Bay, we will drive through the enchanting countryside to Methoni, one of the most impressive Medieval fortresses in Greece. The Venetians built Methoni on the Ionian Sea and Koroni on the Gulf of Messenia in the 13th century to safeguard their newly acquired Greek Empire. Also visit the castle of Neokastro which today houses the Centre for Underwater Archaeological Studies. Enjoy lunch on board and a free afternoon to explore Pylos independently. For those interested in learning more about King Nestor we will arrange an afternoon tour to his palace situated a short distance from Pylos and considered one of the best preserved of the Mycenean Palaces in Greece.
Day 9 Katakolon for Olympia.
The port of Katakolon will be our base today for our excursion to Olympia. Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. After our visit you may choose to return to the MS Monet for lunch and an afternoon at leisure in Katakolon or stay in Olympia to explore further independently.
Day 10 Itea & Corinth Canal.
The port of Itea is our gateway to the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5,000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Alternatively, enjoy some free time in Itea or visit one of the nearby beaches. Sail over lunch and in the late afternoon we transit the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like ours which can now make this journey. We will arrive into Piraeus late this evening and moor overnight.
Day 11 Athens to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
4 to 14 October 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £4995 | £4795 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £5395 | £5195 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £5895 | £5695 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6495 | £6295 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £6495 | £6295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO041026
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Also of Interest
Island Hopping in the Aegean
Discover some of the most beautiful Greek Isles aboard the MS Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Folegandros / Sifnos / Syros / Fourni / Samos / Kusadasi / Patmos / Lipsi / leros / Nisyros / Symi / Rhodes
Aegean & Adriatic Odyssey
A voyage between Athens & Split aboard the MS Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Corinth Canal / Itea / Argostoli / Preveza / Sarande / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Kotor / Dubrovnik / Korcula / Brac / Split
Halcyon Days on Aegean Islands
A voyage between Athens & Istanbul aboard the 50-passenger MS Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Naxos / Chios / Skopelos / Meteora / Thessaloniki / Samothrace / Thassos / Limnos / Cannakale / Istanbul
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000