Summer in the Aegean & the Turquoise Coast (Monet)

Description

Join us for a relaxing voyage to some of the lesser known islands of the Aegean, visiting ports off the beaten track that are only accessible to a small ship such as the delightful MS Monet. Whilst we will include some of the main tourist sites, we have primarily devised this itinerary to allow ample time to wander through the picturesque harbours and villages of some hidden Greek gems such as Tilos, Symi and Kastellorizo. We will also pay a visit to the Turkish island of Kas, a charming fishing town at the foot of the Taurus Mountains.

We have included some relaxing day time cruising which allows us to enjoy some magnificent views, as well as 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.

With a maximum of just 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the region. Whether you are interested in ancient historical sites, discovering new places and islands, or simply enjoy cruising through beautiful regions aboard a small ship our exploration of the islands of the Aegean and Turquoise Coast has something for everyone.

Trip Name

Summer in the Aegean & the Turquoise Coast (Monet)

Days

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 to Athens, Greece.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Day 2 - Day 2 Paros & Syros.

Our first morning will be on 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 sail over 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. Arriving in the late afternoon, we take a walk in the town of Ermoupolis, 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 a post-dinner stroll.

Day 3 - Day 3 Ikaria.

Departing Syros over breakfast we will have a morning at sea arriving at Ikaria this afternoon. According to Greek myth, Ikaria was created when Ikarus crashed into the sea after flying too close to the sun. Today it is one of the least developed but visually dramatic 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 4 - Day 4 Ikaria & Fourni.

Perhaps enjoy a swim from the beach before we sail mid-morning to one of the best kept secret islands in the Aegean, Fourni. Once a haven for pirates who enjoyed the island’s remote setting, and little changed for centuries, it has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a free afternoon to walk up from the harbour to the charming main square, a perfect spot to have a drink whilst watching island life.

Day 5 - Day 5 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 the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled 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 as we moor overnight. Perhaps explore the picturesque town of Skala or enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.

Day 6 - Day 6 Tilos.

Spend a morning at sea as 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 whilst there is also a beach nearby for those that prefer to have a swim.

Day 7 - Day 7 Tilos & Symi.

Sail midmorning to Symi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island. The harbour of Gialos is particularly attractive and we have the afternoon to enjoy some 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. We will remain overnight in port for those wanting to enjoy an evening ashore.

Day 8 - Day 8 Symi & Kastellorizo.

After a couple of hours to explore Gialos further we depart mid-morning and spend the day at sea sailing to Kastellorizo in the far east of Greece. Arrive over dinner and moor overnight.

Day 9 - Day 9 Kastellorizo & Kas, Turkey.

Spend the morning in Kastellorizo, technically part of the Dodecanese, it is a long way east of Greece and only two kilometres from the Turkish coast. However, with few ferry connections it is well off the main tourist routes. Spend the morning exploring the delightful harbour or those feeling active can visit the Crusader castle and the Monastery of St George on the Mountain. Sail over lunch to Kas, a delightful fishing town in a beautiful bay at the foot of the Taurus Mountains overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. As you walk up from the port you will see narrow streets lined with beautiful Ottoman houses with flowered balconies and traditional painted doors. See the rock-cut tombs that date to the 4th century BC, the impressive Lycian tomb and the Hellenistic theatre.

Day 10 - Day 10 Antalya.

After a morning at sea we arrive at our berth in Antalya from where we explore one of the principal Roman ruins along Turkey’s southern coast. We pass the modern city of Antalya en-route to the ancient city of Perge which dates back to 1000 BC and was founded by Mopsus and Calchas after their retreat from Troy. See the Basilica of Perge which played an important role in the spread of Christianity, the 2nd century AD stadium, the baths complex and two magnificent round towers of the Greek Gate.

Day 11 - Day 11 Antalya to London.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Day 12 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Discover Paros & Syros.
Visit Ikaria & Fourni.
Enjoy Tilos & Symi.
Explore Kastellorizo & Kas, Turkey.