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Peregrine Travel Centre

Island Hopping in the Aegean (Monet)

Island Hopping in the Aegean (Monet)

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Description

Join us for a relaxing and informative voyage to some of the most idyllic islands in the Aegean. Part of the joy of a cruise aboard a small vessel is its capability to dock in small ports and cruising aboard the delightful MS Monet is a wonderful way to experience the lesser known islands of the southern Aegean and encounter their timeless quality. In addition to some day time cruising which allows us to enjoy some magnificent views, there will also be some overnight moorings. These afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening. For those who wish to swim in the intensely blue Aegean there will also be time at leisure to explore the local beaches.

We have devised our itinerary to allow ample time to wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek island gems such as Sifnos, Lipsi, Nisyros, Tilos and Symi. In addition, whilst ensuring a relaxing time will be had by all, we could not devise an itinerary in this wonderful region without including visits to at least some of the wonderful ancient sites in the area and we will discover the fascinating site of Ephesus where St Paul preached and spend some time on Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John.

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 island hopping voyage has something for everyone.

Trip Name
Island Hopping in the Aegean (Monet)
Days
11
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 Folegandros & Sifnos.
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. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail to Sifnos arriving in the early evening. 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. Maybe take the chance for a pre or post-dinner drink ashore as we will moor overnight.
Day 3 - Day 3 Sifnos & Syros.
A morning 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. Sail during lunch to 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. We remain in Syros overnight for those who wish to take an after-dinner stroll.
Day 4 - Day 4 Icaria.
Departing Syros over breakfast we will have a morning at sea arriving at Icaria this afternoon. According to Greek myth, Icaria was created when Icarus crashed into the sea after flying too close to the sun. Today it is one of the least developed but visually dramatic of Greek islands with beautiful coves, deep valleys and hidden beaches. On a scenic drive we will explore the villages and discover why the islanders here have a longer life expectancy than anywhere else in Europe. The island is also revered as the birthplace of Dionysus, the God of wine and we plan to visit one of the local vineyards.
Day 5 - Day 5 Samos.
Today we explore Samos which lays claim to be the birthplace of Hera, the mathematician Pythagaros and philosopher Epicurus. From the port of Vathy we will visit the excellent archaeological museum with one of the richest collections in Greece including the five metre tall Kouros rescued from the Hereion and dedicated to the god Apollo. Continue to the Sanctuary of Hera, the second largest temple ever built in Greece dating from the 6th century BC before arriving at the charming village of Pythagorio. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon in Vathy where you may wish to learn about the local wine production at the museum of Samos wines, visit a local beach or wander through the historic quarter of Ano Vathy. We moor overnight for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 6 - Day 6 Kusadasi, Turkey.
Arrive in Kusadasi over breakfast. From our berth we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. Also see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi.
Day 7 - Day 7 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 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 this afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach. Over dinner we sail the short distance to Lipsi where we moor overnight.
Day 8 - Day 8 Lipsi & Leros.
Today we can use our small ship to visit two of the less visited islands of the Dodecanese. Spend the morning on Lipsi. At just eight kilometers 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. Over lunch we sail to 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.
Day 9 - Day 9 Nisyros & Tilos.
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. Over lunch we sail 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. See 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. We will remain moored overnight.
Day 10 - Day 10 Tilos & Symi.
We will sail from Tilos mid-morning for those who wish to spend some time ashore and we will arrive over lunch into Symi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island. The harbour of Gialos is particularly attractive and we have time 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.
Day 11 - Day 11 Rhodes to London Gatwick.
Sail this morning to Rhodes where we will disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Enjoy Folegandros & Sifnos. Visit Icaria & Samos. Travel to Patmos, Lipsi & Leros. Explore Tilos & Symi.

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