Europe

Greek Catamaran Sail June 2024 – Private Group

9 Days

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TRIP DATES AVAILABILITY PRICE SPOTS LEFT
June 21, 2024 - June 29, 2024 Guaranteed $3,295 USD
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Hello everyone. We finally have all the details worked out. We now have reserved a Lagoon 50 – one of the largest Catamarans allowed to sail in the Greek islands. You saw many of them in the ports we visited in Croatia. Note: the main difference is that we are now sailing out of Mykonos instead of Paros.

Overview

This is a private group charter for alumni of the Croatia cruise and their friends! After a night in Athens to recover from your travels, we’ll take a ferry from the Athens ferry port of Piraeus straight to Mykonos. We’ll arrive late morning or early afternoon, and I would encourage a quick walk around this spectacularly beautiful town. We’ll likely meet with Maro, who will be our hostess and cook. We can discuss any dietary preferences, and she’ll set off to buy groceries and liquor. In the early afternoon we’ll board the Lagoon 50 and meet with the captain. He’ll then discuss his proposed island itinerary, but the group is welcome to make requests on which islands to visit. You’ll set sail around 4 PM, typically, to make the crossing to the first island.

The itinerary will typically include the Southern Cyclades islands, and might include Paros, Naxos, Ios, Folegandros, Milos, and Sifnos. Each has it’s unique charm. Of course, the captain will find a quiet cove each day for a swim break!

Note that logistically, you may need to spend Saturday evening June 29 in Athens. The ferry back to Athens takes about 4 hours and most flights back to the US leave in the morning.

Itinerary

Depart for overnight flight, arriving in Athens the next morning.

Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Athens and transfer to the island of Mykonos, Greece. In the afternoon, meet with the captain and map your island itinerary. Meet with the cook to create a shopping list for her. We will depart in the afternoon or the next morning, depending on weather.

Dinner
Days 3 - 8 :
The Cyclades

Your captain will follow the island itinerary you have requested. Recommended itinerary includes Antiparos, Sifnos, Milos, Folegrandos, Sikinos, Naxos. Arrive back in Mykonos on Friday evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark and transfer to Athens via ferry and then home the following day.

What's Included

  • Due to fluctuating airfares, air will be booked for you at the prevailing rate
  • All meals
  • Accommodations for 9 days/nights
  • All tickets and passes for all tours and activities
  • Airport Transfers to/from the Airport

FAQs

Is a visa required for U.S. citizens to travel to Greece?

No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to spend up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes.

What is the currency used in Greece?

Greece uses the Euro, as it is part of the EU.

Are there COVID travel restrictions to enter Greece?

No, all COVID travel restrictions have been removed. You may enter the country with no test or need to show a vaccination certificate. American citizens do not need to test or show documentation to reenter the US.

What are the electrical outlets in Greece?

Greece uses the standard round two-prong outlet in use throughout the European Union.

What will the weather be like in Greece in June?

The average temperature in the Cyclades is in the mid to upper 70s. It is very moderate this time of year.

Pre-trip and Post-trip

ATHENS PRE-TRIP

Day 1 – Leave home for an overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2 – Arrive Athens and transfer to the Acropolis Palace Hotel for 3 nights with spectacular views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant. Relax, and explore Athens on your own, prior to a group welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 – Today we take an all-day tour of ancient Athens, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and other ancient archeological excavations.

Day 4 – We journey today outside of Athens, probably to Delphi where you can ask the oracle your own questions about the future and visit the very temple where she sat. We can also discuss a different outing too.

Day 5, Saturday – As our time in Athens ends, we take a ferry to join our other travelers in Paros.

Cost
$975 double occupancy

What’s Included:
3-nights lodging near the Acropolis
Tour of ancient Athens
Day tour to Delphi (or other outing depending on travelers’ choice)
Airport / Ferry transfers
Breakfast each day

CRETE POST-TRIP

Day 1 – After disembarking in Mykonos we’ll head to Crete for 3 days of relaxation on one of the most interesting islands in the Aegean. After transferring to our boutique hotel in Rethymno, we’ll have the afternoon to explore on our own. That evening we’ll get together for a group dinner.

Day 2 – Today we will explore the charming streets of Chania Old Town. Stroll through the narrow alleys lined with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. We will visit the Venetian Harbor and admire the iconic Venetian lighthouse.

After lunch at a local taverna, we will visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania to learn about Crete’s rich history, including the Minoan civilization.

The evening will include a wine tasting and paired dinner prepared at our hotel.

Day 3  – There are two choices for today, one that is more adventurous and one that is more relaxed.

Option 1: Hike Samaria Gorge ($100 extra cost)

We will head out early, as this is a full-day excursion. Our local guide will pick us up from our hotel, and we will take a scenic drive to Omalos Plateau, the starting point for the Samaria Gorge hike. The drive itself offers stunning views of Crete’s mountainous terrain. We will also learn more about the Samaria Gorge, its history, geology, and the unique ecosystem it hosts.

We will begin our hike from the Omalos Plateau entrance. The trek through Samaria Gorge is approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and takes around 5-7 hours, depending on our pace. Along the way, our guide will point out highlights such as the “Iron Gates,” the narrowest part of the gorge, and the “Gates of Heaven,” known for their impressive height. You’ll also encounter diverse flora and fauna, including the Cretan wild goat, kri-kri.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

Our hike will end in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where we can relax, freshen up, and have some free time for swimming in the Libyan Sea.

From there, we will take a boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, where we will be transported back to Rethymno. The boat ride offers fantastic coastal views and a chance to rest after the hike.

We will arrive back in Rethymno in the late evening in time for a delicious dinner prepared by our hosts.

Option 2: Explore Rethymno

This is an opportunity to spend the morning wandering through the picturesque streets of Rethymno Old Town. We can explore the narrow alleys, visit the Rimondi Fountain, and admire the Venetian architecture before visiting the Fortezza, the town’s Venetian fortress, for panoramic views.

We will enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Cretan taverna in the Old Town. Be sure to try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and stuffed vine leaves.

The afternoon offers time to relax at Rethymno Beach, which is just a short walk from the Old Town. We can spend our afternoon swimming in the clear waters or relaxing on the sandy shores.

Day 4 – We fly from Crete to Athens, before heading back to the US the following day

Cost:

$1250 double occupancy

$100 optional Samaria Gorge Hike

What’s Included:
Transfer from Paros to Crete (either by ferry or plane)
3-nights lodging in Rethymno
all tours and admissions
Van and driver
Airport transfers
Breakfast each day, welcome dinner on the first evening

From $3,295 USD
/ Shared Room (Double Occupancy)
From $975 USD
/ Pre-Trip to Athens
From $1,250 USD
/ Post-Trip to Crete
  • 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)

Curator: Jim Peacock

Trip Leader/CSR: TBD