Europe

Greek Catamaran Experience: Escape the Crowds in the Saronic Gulf

11 Days

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TRIP DATES AVAILABILITY PRICE SPOTS LEFT
May 21, 2025 - May 31, 2025 Available $3,995 USD
8 Available

Want to enjoy the authentic Greece – the sea, the islands, the food, and its history and culture? And of course the amazing hospitality, integral to any Greek experience? If so, then Sarah and Maro, Greek locals, have curated the perfect sailing experience for you. A catamaran cruise is perfect for exploring the Saronic Gulf, offering unparalleled access to this area, so close to Athens yet with a totally unique character. We chose the Saronic because of the calmer weather patterns and the ability to get away from the hordes of tourists visiting the Cyclades, without sacrificing any of the glory of Greek islands. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of culture, natural beauty, and access to the real Greece. From ancient temples and bustling markets to car-free streets and charming, preserved architecture, these islands have it all. As you glide over clear turquoise waters, you can easily anchor in secluded coves and pristine beaches. Additionally, the Saronic Gulf’s deep connection to Greek mythology and history, with landmarks such as the Temple of Aphaia and numerous archaeological sites, adds a profound cultural layer to its natural allure. This tour also includes 2 days in Athens to explore the Acropolis and the main sites of this ancient city. Oh, and this is one of our fully customizable trips – we can design it around the needs of your group of up to 10 passengers, on the dates that suit you best! Just let us know!

Overview

This is the sailing trip that put us on the map, and this tour brings visitors back year after year. We have our own private catamaran, which has 4 berths for 8 passengers with their own bathrooms, and space for gathering both inside and out. We’ll be able to sail into small coves and isolated beaches to explore the many sights the Saronic Gulf has to offer.
On day one you’ll meet with the captain and map out your itinerary. You’ll also meet with your hostess/travel guide. She’ll ask about your food and alcohol preferences. Our recommendation: let her pick everything for days of authentic Greek meals. Breakfast will be a hearty healthy spread, and as you sail to the next island, lunch may be a Greek salad with local fish. You can decide where to have dinner at one of the great local tavernas. Your hostess will be happy to arrange such meals ashore. Some of the islands even have an active nightlife if that’s your thing. Every day will be a postcard moment, and you’ll bring back memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Note: Ship cabins are small, and each cabin has the equivalent of a queen bed and a private bath with shower. We are happy to pair you with a potential roommate, but please be aware of the space limitations. And unfortunately we cannot accommodate single room upgrades. There is a possibility for one couple to book a smaller cabin for 2 children – without its own bathroom. Please contact us with questions.

Itinerary

Overnight flight to Athens.

As we wait for everyone to arrive, we check into our amazing 5-bedroom Athenian villa in the heart of Ancient Athens, walking distance from the Acropolis. Light bites will be waiting for us there. We have a 5.30 pm tour of the Parthenon and the Acropolis museum, then at 8, our private chef will prepare a traditional Greek dinner with creamy moussaka, tzatiki, zuchhini fritters, Greek salad, and an assortment of wines, cheeses, fruits and desserts. Tonight we sleep off our jet lag in our comfy beds in the villa.

Dinner

Our breakfast will be preared at our villa: Greek yoghurt, fresh fruits, spinach and cheese pies, coffee and fresh juice. Today we have 2 choices: 1) A one-day excursion to Meteora, a place of dramatic stone formations and moansteries 2) A one-day excursion to Arachova and Delphi, the ancient oracle. In the evening we eat a gourmet rooftop restaurant overlooking the Acropolis.

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we have a lazy day: a breakfast/brunch at the villa, (Greek omlelet, fruit salad, yogurt, pastries, etc.) and then time to shop for souvenirs and explore the historic neighborhood on our own. Lunch recommendation: souvlaki gyros from one of the many local places. We meet at 2 to be transferred to the port where our catamaran, skipper, and hostess Maro, will be awaiting us. We bid farewell to Sarah to start our island exploration! We sail off to the island of Aegina, depending on the winds, and have dinner at a traditional taverna of Maro’s choice.

Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we tour Aegina, with the Apollo Temple, which forms a triangle with the Athens Acropolis and Sounio. Then we’re off to Poros, a lush island in the Saronic Gulf, known for its charming harbor, pine-covered hills, and serene beaches. Here, we can spend the day swimming or touring the island on e-bikes. In the evening, we will have a wine tasting experience that showcases local wines. Maro will prepare breakfast and lunch, and recommend a spot for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we set sail for Spetses, an elegant car-free island in the Saronic Gulf, famed for its rich maritime history, grand neoclassical mansions, and vibrant waterfront lined with cafes and boutiques. We’ll spend the morning swimming, and after Maro’s lunch, we’ll visit the Poseidon hotel, which has been open for over 200 years. We’ll also visit the Bouboulinas Museum and ride a horse and buggy before having dinner at the famous restaurant, Mouragio.

Breakfast, Lunch

Hydra, another car-free island in the Saronic Gulf, captivates visitors with its picturesque stone architecture, steep cobblestone streets, and a serene, timeless atmosphere. It is known for it’s artistic community and galleries. Here we can swim amongst the rocks, shop in the boutiques, visit galleries and museums – it’s a small island and you’ll be free to wander off on your own. Donkey rides are also available, the most traditional way of getting around Hydra for centuries. Dinner and cocktails are on the agenda at the Sunset Restaurant, an iconic eatery with an astounding view.

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we explore an important area of Greece – the Peloponnese and Ancient Epidavros, renowned for its remarkably preserved theater, famed for its exceptional acoustics. In the afternoon, we return to the beach of the area near our catamaran, for a swim and a dinner at a local taverna.

Breakfast, Lunch

Methana, a volcanic peninsula in the Saronic Gulf, is known for its dramatic landscapes, natural hot springs, and the unique hiking trails that lead to its ancient volcanic craters. We’ll be hiking about 800 meters into the volcano, and ascend to Thodoris’ taverna called “Wine Therapy Center.” He’ll be opening up just for us today!

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we sail back to Athens, stopping for swims and snorkeling along the way. This is a day we can plan together, but we’ll be back at the harbour at 5 pm. We dismebark, and will be taken to our airport hotel, on the seaside. Dinner is on your own at the lovely hotel restaurant or a seaside tavern.

Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we bid each other farewell, or head off to Crete for an amazing post-trip. A hotel shuttle will take us back to the airport.

Cost includes

  • 2 nights accommodation in villa in Plaka, Athens
  • 6 nights accommodation on catamaran
  • 1 night accommodation in airport seaside hotel
  • One-day tour of Delphi
  • Guided tour of the Acropolis
  • All admission tickets
  • Airport and port transfers
  • Taxi transfers in Methana
  • All breakfasts
  • All lunches on catamaran
  • Welcome dinner and lunch on one-day tour
  • One island wine tasting experience
  • Skipper and hostess
  • Trip leader in Athens

Cost excludes

  • Meals not listed
  • Gratuities

Accommodations

In Athens, you’ll be staying in a lovely villa in the heart of the ancient city, walking distance from the Acropolis. It has 5 bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a spacious sitting area and modern kitchen. On the last day, you’ll be at a seaside hotel 10 minutes away from the airport. The catamaran will have 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms, with a possibility of one smaller cabin for children but with a shared bathroom.

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Sarah will be your trip leader in Athens. She is a Korean Canadian based in Greece for almost 3 decades, a country she has chosen as her home. She has been a chef, maitre d’,  personal coach, actor, and author. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for all that is Greek, and giving you the best introduction to this amazing city.

Maro has also worn many hats, but is most recently a yacht hostess and exceptional cook. She has a strong bubbly amazing personality and incredibly in-depth knowledge and experience of the islands you will be visiting. Her humor and kindness will leave a lasting impression on you!

Both Sarah and Maro have received excellent ratings for their commitment to their travelers and zest for the work they do, mostly because they clearly love doing it!

From $3,995 USD
/ Shared Room (Double Occupancy)
  • Small Groups of 8 - 15 people
  • Flexible Payments
  • Pre-trip Educational/Preparation Meetings
  • TravelAvidly Trip Leader
  • Immersive Experiences

Trip Information

Activity Level: Relaxed (see all ratings)