Sailing Homer’s Ancient Greece

 September 26 - October 9, 2002

Price: $3,150 per person sharing double cabin and hotel room 

General Information:
This flotilla features the most interesting & exciting places to visit in Greece, sailing into two island groups, which exemplify the cultural anthology and the historical diversity of Greece.   The first island group is the Cyclades and second is the Dodecanese.  Your 14-day adventure flotilla will begin with a guided tour of Athens – home to Pericles and other ancient philosophers who made Athens their home, and now the center of Greek cultural and life.  A guide accompanies us throughout the sail, from Athens to Rhodes. 

The Cyclades is derived from the Ancient Greek word if Kyklos, which means circle, and was named this because standing at the great holy island of Delos, the islands form a great circle.  During ancient times, these islands were the home of a flourishing culture.  Marble is a dominate feature of the Cycladic landscape.  Most of the islands are literally made of marble.  This is the reason that most of the artifacts are carved in marble.  The islands we plan to visit in the Cyclades are Kithnos, Syros, Naxos Ios, and Amorgos, Santorini.  We always rely on the winds to adjust our final itinerary. 

The second group of islands that we will be visiting is the Dodecanese, which extends through the southern Aegean.  Most of the 12 islands, which make up the Dodecanese are referred to by Homer.  Since ancient times, the islanders have been closely linked to the sea, and many of the islands were great sea powers during the Hellenistic period. Following Roman rule, they became part of the Byzantine empire and were then conquered by the crusaders.  You can well imagine this island group’s rich architecture and history.  The islands that you will be visiting, with Poseidon’s help, are: Astypalea, Nisiros or Kos, Simi and Rhodes. 

The Yachts, which will be used are the sleek, fast and comfortable 55 ft and 60 ft yachts, with 4 double cabins, each with private shower and toilet facilities.  Each boat has a skipper for local knowledge, and he will encourage you to take the helm as much as you wish.  You will be visiting the most interesting places and historically significant sites in Greece as you sail to the most fascinating destinations. 

Individual requests for yachts without skippers, changes in size of yachts or accommodations will be accepted with prices adjusted accordingly.  A lead boat will be accompanying the yachts and will be staffed with a lead skipper and local guide who will take you to all the exciting places to visit.   

Day 1: Depart for Athens
On September 26, we departure from New York in the evening aboard Olympic Airways. on-stop to Athens.

Day 2: Arrive in Athens
Arrival to Athens airport the next morning- assistance at the airport and transfer wine and cheese reception where we will discuss itinerary, meet your skippers, fellow sailors, and assign you to your yacht. Afterwards, we are off to Athens’ oldest and liveliest area of Plaka – for our firs dinner together and some exquisite Greek dancing performances. We will return to the hotel around midnight.  

Day 3: Athens Tour, Acropolis, Kithnos, Merihas
Time to pack our bags and get ready for a full day. First breakfast; check out form the hotel and an eight o’clock departure on a private air-conditioned coach and a half-day tour of Athens with our guide. You will see the Byzantine museum, war museum, the ex-Royal Palace with its guards where you will watch the changing of the guards, the Temple Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the theater of Dionysus. At the Acropolis, we will get off our coach and visit the Propylaea, the Temple of Wingless victory, the Parthenon, the Erechtheum and the museum f the Acropolis. The tour will then continue driving by the Ancient Agora, Stoa of Tallus, Temple of Hephaistus, Constitution Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We will then continue to our final destination, which is the port of Lavrion Athens’ newest Marina, to board our boats, familiarize ourselves with our yachts and hoist our sails for the island of Kithnos. We should arrive in the late afternoon and moor in the harbor of Merihas. Kithnos recently has become very famous due to a laters archaeological find in Loutra of a Mesolithic settlement (7500-6000 BC) this is now the oldest Cycadic settlement. You have the evening free to visit the local sites, visiti Vyrokastro (remains of a Hellenistic ruin) which is walking distance form the port or perhaps, take the local bus to visit Loutra (4 miles from the harbor). Diner at any of the many local tavernas, which serve a feast of Greek delicacies.

Day 4: Syros, Ermoupolis
Set sail for Syros- approximately 30 miles. Arriving at Syros we will moor in the harbor of Ermoupolis. There are two twin villages in Syros. The day is free to either swim, relax at one of the local cages or visit the museum in Syros within walking distance where there is an excellent collection and the church of Koimesis which contains an icon painted by El Greco. Make sure you find time to buy cheese from the shop located at Chiou.  

Day 5: Naxos
Set sail to Naxos – approximately 30 miles. We will moor in Naxos harbor. When arriving in the harbor, you will notice a marble arch on which construction began in 530 BC and was never completed. Take a tour of the Venetian castle which lies on the summit of the hill and the museum which was once a school house where Nios Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek) taught for 12 years.  

Day 6: Los
Set sail for Los – approximately 25 miles. We will moor at Port Los. This is an excellent island to replenish provisions. Shopping is good, as are the taverns on the water front. The day is free to spend at the beach.   

Day 7: Santorini, Akrotiri, Fira, Oia
Our destination is Santorini. Depending upon weather conditions and access to a limited mooring area, we will either sail or take a ferry to Santorini. We have organized for you a pretty full day. Upon arriving in Santorini, an air-conditioned motor coach will pick you up and take you to the ancient Minoan settlement in Akrotori. After our tour of Akrotiri you will have a chance to visit the main town of Fira to walk through the winding streets and to see the view from the mountain top village. Choose from one of the many taverns for lunch and enjoy some shopping. We will meet again after about three hours to take you to the village of Oia where you can see the view of the dormant volcano. Enjoy coffee, ice cream or a sweet at one of the local cafes, enjoy the most spectacular sunset, and then regroup for the return to our coach and boats.
  
Day 8: Amorgos, Katapola, Rahidi
We set sail for Amorgos (or Anadi), always looking for the best winds. If we are lucky, we may see an abundance of dolphins along the way. From Katapola you can walk up the hill to the ancient city of Minoa where walls, part of the Acropolis, a gymnasium and few remains of a temple of Apollo can still be seen, Also near Katapola is Rahidi where the church of Agios Georgios occupies the site of ancient Oracle. This island is plentiful in marine life. Make sure you order fish in the tavern as it will be the catch of the day.
  
Day 9: Astypalea, Panormos
We sail for Astypalea – about 35 miles – and anchor in the small picturesque cove of Panormos. Astypalia is rich with Venetian influence and much of the architecture resembles that of Venice with the added influence of the cubist styled Turkish balconies. Take a swim. Enjoy the sites. Plans for dinner should consider the wonderful locally caught fish.  

Day 10: Nisiros, Mandraki
Hoist sail, hopefully the winds are with us as we head for Nisiros, a 45 mile sail. We will moor in Mandraki harbor. The village of Nisiros is considered one of the most picturesque in the Dodecanese. Lots to see here and most within walking distance. We suggest a visit to the monastery, which is inside a cave in the old Venetian Castle, or take the local bus and visit the crater of a very active volcano, which has a 2 ½ mile opening. For those not up to sightseeing, we suggest the beach of Miramare - a ten minute walk from the port.  

Day 11: Chora
We set sail for the island of Simi, about 30 miles away, and will moor in the harbor of Chora. Simi was and is famous for their shipbuilding. The Knights of St. John built many of their galleons in Simi and now the islanders build the so-called caiques. We suggest a visit to the museum which has artifacts form Hellenistic period. For those who do not mind walking up hill, they can visit the Byzantine and medieval castle. The church of Mefali Panagia, which is nearby , contains some fantastic frescoes and Byzantine icons. Simi has some excellent tavernas. In the evening take a walk along the waterfront and see the traditional caiqeus. It is also the old center of sponge diving.

Day 12: Rhodes
We sail to our final destination of Rhodes. We will be mooring in marina Mandraki. You have the afternoon free to collect your things or do any last minute shopping in old town of Rhodes or perhaps walk to the medieval castle of St. John’s which was occupied by the medieval period Knights. On this evening, before going out to dinner, our charterers usually arrange to have cocktails aboard one of two of the boats in the flotilla to share as a group our sailing and sightseeing experiences we had on our trip. The rest of the evening is for you to enjoy as you wish. Take a stroll through the town of Rhodes where nightlife is in abundance.  

Day 13: Rhodes
Rise and shine! Say goodbye to your floating hotel and your skippers and prepare for a day of sightseeing. Rhodes has so many things to see that we have chosen the best and have taken the liberty to arrange today’s plan for you. You and your luggage will be picked up by a private air-conditioned coach around nine o’clock. We will first take you on a half-day tour of the three ancient cities of Lindos. We will then take you to Epta Pigades where you can stop for lunch. There is a selection of taverns to choose from. After lunch, and if time remains, we will then continue our voyage to Elaphos where you can stop and have a coffee or perhaps a sweet overlooking that astonishing view of the island of Rhodes, and see the valley of Petaloudes (Butterflies). In the late afternoon, we will check in at our hotel. On this last day of our flotilla, we have planned a farewell dinner.  You’ll have a chance to say good-bye to your fellow charter crew and skippers. 

Day 14: Depart to Athens, Home
It is now October 9, and we have an early rise!!! You will be transferred to the airport in Rhodes to catch your flight back to Athens and then go on from there back home, unless you are extending your vacation with additional tours.  
We hope, but already know, that your journey with us will be enjoyable and unforgettable!!!! 

Price per person: $3,150 per person sharing double cabin & hotel room. 

Inclusions:

• Airfare New York – Athens – New York

• Airfare Rhodes – Athens

• All Transfers

• Welcoming dinner in Athens and farewell dinner in Rhodes

• Half day coach tour of Athens

• Two nights accommodations (Athens & Rhodes) in a class A hotel (includes breakfast).

• Lead boat with skipper and guide

• The Yacht will be 55 ft or 60 ft yachts, with 4 double cabins, each with in-suite facilities plus private skipper cabin.  Requests for bookings will be considered on a first book first served basis.

• Each yacht will have its own skipper included (bareboat requests for full yacht charter can be accommodated).

• Start Pack provision for the first day’s lunch and following morning’s breakfast

• Round trip ferry Los- Santorini and admission to Akrotiri site

• Coach tour in Rhodes

• All port fees, fuel & water,

• Yacht insurance, and taxes

Arrange Your Own Itinerary:
Charter a Yacht for Parties of 4 or More