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Island Hopping in Greece (Monet)

Island Hopping in Greece (Monet)

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Description

A cruise aboard the MS Monet is a wonderful way to experience the lesser known islands of the Aegean and encounter their timeless quality. Setting sail from Athens, the cradle of western civilisation, we will cruise through the turquoise waters of the Aegean on a voyage through the playground of the Greek Gods learning of the myths and legends which 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 the clear waters of the Aegean, it is evident why this region has inspired writers, poets and artists since the time of Homer.

We have devised our island hopping itinerary to allow ample time to wander through whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek Island gems such as Nisyros, Symi, Tilos and Lipsi. In addition we will spend time on Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John, discover the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni on the island of Chios, one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece and finally we will visit the remarkable site of Troy in Turkey.

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 in 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.

Trip Name
Island Hopping in Greece (Monet)
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Passenger Capacity: 50 Build / Referbished: 1998 / 2016 / 2018 Your Cabin All the cabins on board the MS Monet are designed for comfort and have a warm and inviting feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 9 to 22 square metres and Categories A, B & C are equipped with windows, while those in Category D have portholes. Cabins 104-107, 112, 119, 205 and 210-215 feature twin beds and all other cabins have fixed double beds. Facilities include en-suite bathroom with shower, television, minifridge, safety deposit box, air-conditioning and hairdryer. Your Space The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas on the Lumiere Deck, a restaurant located on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Open Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. The gym can be found on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Sun Deck provides a delightful sun exposed space with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi, ideal for relaxation and wonderful views. Your Dining Located on the Parisian Deck, the glass enclosed indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single sitting with unassigned seating and allows for wonderful panoramic views of the stunning scenery as we sail. The Lumiere Open Deck provides a generous covered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffet stands. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialties. A choice of house wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Life On Board During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor and outdoor dining spaces, as well as the open and inviting deck areas including the Jacuzzi. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London Heathrow 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 - Day 2 Paros.
Awake in the Cyclades and the island of Paros, famed for the marble that is drawn from the island’s interior and used in the Venus de Milo statue. We moor at Parikia, a beautiful village of whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets. 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. We will sail later in the afternoon allowing time for independent exploration.
Day 3 - Day 3 Nisyros & Symi.
Arrive this morning at the small island of Nisyros. From the port of Mandraki you may wish to wander through the village and climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spilanior or visit the archaeological museum. Alternatively, join the 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. Enjoy an afternoon at sea as we sail to Symi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island arriving in the early evening. 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 remain moored overnight.
Day 4 - Day 4 Symi & Tilos.
The harbour of Gialos on Symi is particularly attractive and we have time to stroll through the colourful cobbled streets before sailing later in the morning to 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. We arrive in the mid afternoon at Livadia, a lively little town and Megalo Chorio, its tiny capital rich in Crusader castles. There is a beach nearby for those that prefer to have a swim.
Day 5 - Day 5 Leros & Lipsi.
Today we can use our small ship to visit two of the less visited islands of the Dodecanese. Spend the morning on 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. Over lunch we sail to nearby 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 amongst the whitewashed houses or take the opportunity to visit a local beach for a swim. We remain in Lipsi overnight for anyone wishing to enjoy an evening ashore in the pretty harbour.
Day 6 - Day 6 Patmos.
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, after sailing the short distance from Lipsi, 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 ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. 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 into 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 an afternoon and evening at leisure. Explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach. We sail later in the evening.
Day 7 - Day 7 Chios.
The birthplace of Homer, Chios remained a significant Aegean island into the Byzantine period. Homer mentions the island by name several times in the Odyssey, calling it ‘paipaloessa’, or craggy, a richly deserved epithet. The island is rich in ancient ruins and this morning we will visit the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon either relax and explore Chios Town independently or join a tour to the south of the island where we visit the beautifully preserved 14th century fortress village of Mesta and the elaborately decorated houses of Pirgi enjoying time to wander through their maze-like streets.
Day 8 - Day 8 Limnos.
Arrive over breakfast in Myrina, the small capital of Limnos in the northern Aegean, known for its romantic castle built over the rocky promontory. The castle foundations date back to Classical times, when it was the site of a temple of Artemis. A guided walk will include the picturesque quay, Romeikos Gialos, lined with charming neoclassical house one of which houses the Archaeological Museum. The afternoon is free to explore independently; perhaps seek out one of the island’s secluded beaches or, if you are feeling energetic, join a longer countryside walk along a rural pathway to Kondias village.
Day 9 - Day 9 Canakkale, Turkey.
This morning we call at Canakkale, strategically placed on the Dardanelles and our gateway for Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and “Priam’s Treasure”, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the new Troy museum on site. Be on deck this afternoon as we continue our voyage through the Dardanelles and into the Sea of Marmara en-route to Istanbul.
Day 10 - Day 10 Istanbul to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Visit Paros, Nisyros & Symi.
    • Explore Leros & Lipsi.
    • Travel to Canakkale, Turkey.

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