Cruising aboard our private yacht, the Elysium is a wonderful way to experience the lesser known islands of the Aegean and encounter their timeless quality, especially in October when the absence of high summer crowds will contribute towards making this voyage between Rhodes and Athens a truly memorable journey.
Our itinerary is a well balanced mix of guided excursions and time at leisure to explore the charming villages independently. With a maximum of just 49 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides. In addition to some daytime cruising which allows us to enjoy some magnificent views, there will be some swimming stops in the intensely blue Aegean and some overnight moorings which afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening. Our time in Greece will focus on unspoiled islands, timeless villages and splendid archaeological sites and we will learn about the intriguing civilisations that so coveted these ancient lands.
After many years of experience of operating cruises in the Aegean, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary with a mix of guided excursions and time at leisure to explore the charming villages independently. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply the joy of cruising aboard a yacht and experiencing new places and islands in this beautiful region, our voyage through the Aegean will surely appeal.
The Elysium Difference: Please note that we have designed our itineraries aboard the MY Elysium in order to achieve the maximum benefit from the advantages of her size and style. There will be yoga and Pilates sessions offered on board and we have incorporated a number of stops into the sailing schedule to facilitate swimming from the vessel. We also expect to be at anchor when visiting some of the smaller islands and in such instances will use the vessel’s Zodiac landing craft to shuttle ashore.
Elysium
We are delighted to have chartered the 49-passenger yacht, the Elysium from our Greek associates at Elixir Cruises. At 64 metres in length and with just 25 cabins, the Elysium is truly a boutique ship enabling an intimate and relaxing experience on board and the perfect escape from the formalities of the larger vessels. The team of friendly Greek crew members all speak English and their excellent service and hospitality will do much to add to your enjoyment of your time on board. With a focus on wellbeing and the beauty of the Aegean, there is a range of activities to enjoy both on and off the ship whether you wish to visit idyllic coves and beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, enjoy a session of yoga or Pilates on board, take a hike to a nearby volcano, wander through the picturesque villages, or simply relax on deck enjoying the stunning scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Rhodes, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MY Elysium and embark. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Rhodes & Symi.
From our berth we take a walk through the old town visiting the Grand Masters Palace, built to reflect the Papal Palace of Avignon and planned to serve as a fortress in times of war, a peacetime residence for the Grand Master of the Hospitallers, the Knights of St John and a meeting place for senior knights. Later we walk past the impressive houses on the “Avenue of the Knights”. Sail over lunch to nearby Symi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island. The harbour of Gialos is particularly attractive and we have a couple of hours to stroll through the colourful cobbled streets. The Simians were famous boat builders and are mentioned in the Illiad as sending boats to assist the siege of Troy but are better known today for their sponge diving. We sail late this evening for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 3 Tilos.
Spend the day in timeless Tilos, this lovely island has still to find its way onto the pages of tour operator’s brochures and so retains its traditional atmosphere. See Livadia, a lively little town and elegant Megalo Chorio, its tiny capital rich in Crusader castles, stone houses and narrow alleys which can be explored by foot. There is a beach nearby for those that prefer to have a swim. Sail in the early evening to nearby Nisyros where we moor overnight.
Day 4 Nisyros.
From our berth in the port of Mandraki we drive to the Polyvotis Volcano named after the Titan imprisoned under the rock of Nisyros during the battle with the gods. Here we will learn more of the legends and have the chance to walk into the caldera. Later, choose to relax on board or maybe wander through the village, climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani or visit the archaeological museum. We will sail in the late afternoon and enjoy some time at sea as we cross to the Cyclades Islands.
Day 5 Ios & Magganari Bay.
Arrive over breakfast in Ios and the port of Yialos. A short drive brings us to Chora one of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades where we can wander through the beautiful alleyways which are alive with colourful flowers, winding staircases, cafes, lovely boutiques and visit the striking cathedral church built in the Cycladic style with white walls and a blue dome. This afternoon we sail around the coast for a refreshing swim stop at Magganari Bay, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece.
Day 6 Milos.
Trade drove the early development of civilisation in the Aegean and Milos was a valuable source of quality obsidian used in ancient tools, knives and weapons. Created from volcanic activity, this super-hard glass was excavated and one of the Mediterranean’s most ancient mines is found on this island. On a morning island tour we will visit the picturesque, whitewashed village of Plaka including the archaeological museum where we find a copy of the “Venus de Milo” statue which was discovered on the island. Also see the unique natural pools and caves of Papafragas and the Neolithic settlement at Phylakopi. This afternoon the volcanic activity that shaped the island is evident as we anchor off Sarakiniko Beach where the lunar landscapes and white cliffs contrast with the turquoise waters of the Aegean.
Day 7 Sifnos.
Continuing our journey through the smaller islands of the Cyclades we arrive on Sifnos where we are greeted by traditional white houses, picturesque churches and narrow lanes and alleys. An island tour 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 8 Naxos.
The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos offers a blend of ancient ruins, mountainous landscapes and sandy beaches. Arriving this morning we will sail by the ancient Portara, all that remains of a ancient temple built for Apollo and according to mythology where Theseus abandoned his love Ariadne after killing the Minotaur in Crete. After docking in the town 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 providing a journey through Naxian history. We moor overnight for anyone wishing to try some of the island’s delicacies ashore this evening.
Day 9 Delos & Mykonos.
Though the smallest of the Cyclades, Delos was once the political and religious centre for the whole of the Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. Explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo. Later we sail to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, where we drop anchor at one of its beautiful southern beaches for a swim. We will moor overnight in the town where you can enjoy a sunset drink at Little Venice, photograph the iconic windmills or simply explore the swirling pathways of the white-washed chora with the many elegant boutiques and cafes.
Day 10 Syros.
Sail from Mykonos this morning and arrive during lunch 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 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. Overlooking Ermoupoli stands the hill-top Ano Syros, the original Medieval district with narrow lanes and white washed houses.
Day 11 Athens to London.
Disembark after breakfast in the port of Lavrion and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
The Elysium Difference: Please note that we have designed our itineraries aboard the MY Elysium in order to achieve the maximum benefit from the advantages of her size and style. There will be yoga and Pilates sessions offered on board and we have incorporated a number of stops into the sailing schedule to facilitate swimming from the vessel. We also expect to be at anchor when visiting some of the smaller islands and in such instances will use the vessel’s Zodiac landing craft to shuttle ashore.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy2 to 12 October 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
C Twin/Double Cabin on Ammos Deck with portholes | £5995 | |
B Twin/Double Cabin on Ammos Deck with porthole/s | £6295 | |
B + Twin/Double Cabin on Ammos Deck with portholes | £6595 | |
A Twin/Double Cabin on Astra Deck with picture window | £6895 | |
A+ Twin/Double Cabin on Astra Deck with picture window | £7295 | |
C Twin/Double Cabin on Ammos Deck with portholes for sole use | £6995 | |
B Twin/Double Cabin on Ammos Deck with portholes for sole use | £7295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCEY111023/SCEY021024
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MY Elysium on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Yoga/ Pilates sessions on board • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Ports & itinerary are subject to change. We will be at anchor off some islands and the onboard Zodiac landing craft will be used regularly to transport passengers ashore.
Elysium
We are delighted to have chartered the 49-passenger yacht, the Elysium from our Greek associates at Elixir Cruises. At 64 metres in length and with just 25 cabins, the Elysium is truly a boutique ship enabling an intimate and relaxing experience on board and the perfect escape from the formalities of the larger vessels. The team of friendly Greek crew members all speak English and their excellent service and hospitality will do much to add to your enjoyment of your time on board. With a focus on wellbeing and the beauty of the Aegean, there is a range of activities to enjoy both on and off the ship whether you wish to visit idyllic coves and beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, enjoy a session of yoga or Pilates on board, take a hike to a nearby volcano, wander through the picturesque villages, or simply relax on deck enjoying the stunning scenery.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000