These 10 stunning island destinations offer a more nourishing side of Greece, a taste of true Greek culture. These are places where people take pride in offering hospitality – in line with the ancient custom of philoxenia, love of strangers – and where things are done with "meraki", love, and soul. A cruise voyage unraveling the most authentic Cycladic and Dodecanese islands of Greece. Discover unknown gems with rich history, incomparable light, translucent water, and heavenly beaches. Whether Greece has always been on the top of your bucket list or whether you are returning for yet another visit, Greece is a magical land with an endless supply of beauty and knowledge, so prepare to experience it all with new eyes.
Embarkation 14:00-15:00. Set sail for nearby Cape Sounion. Sunset cocktails and welcome dinner al fresco under the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. Overnight at sea to the island of Ikaria.
Day 2 (Saturday)
Ikaria
In the morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at the Seychelles beach of Ikaria island, accessible best by yacht. Enjoy the translucent blue waters and bright white pebbles covering the sea bottom. BBQ lunch on board and our ship docks in Ikaria's quaint port. Ikaria is an island phenomenon unlike anywhere else in Greece or the world. People here live much longer than the population on other islands and on the mainland. In fact, people here live on average 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and America. Join our tour discovering authentic villages that march to a different drummer, enjoy a hike in wild landscapes followed by a dip in one of the eight natural thermal springs. Or join a cooking class in a family’s country home, kitchen, and garden in an ancient village for a personalized experience cooking and learning about life and the secret to the inhabitants' famed longevity in Ikaria, the Blue Zone Greek island. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, or at one of the village traditional fairs.
Day 3 (Sunday)
Patmos - Lipsi
Early morning sailing and arrival in Patmos, an island revelation with a touch of the divine. Surrender yourself to the mysticism and tranquility of the island of the Apocalypse. Morning discovery of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John and the historic center of the medieval town of Chora, filled with grandeur and serenity. Patmos has been frequented by intellectuals, artists, royalty, and discerning visitors from all over the world. Small and secluded yet spectacular all the same, it is the “The Jerusalem of the Aegean”. Afternoon sailing to Lipsi island, a time capsule of authenticity in the Dodecanese. Lunch al fresco and swim stop in one of the glittering necklaces of 24 islets await, protected by the Natura 2000 network making an ideal refugee for the shy Mediterranean Monk seal. Evening at leisure to enjoy the setting of the local harbor at sunset and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. Overnight in Lipsi
Day 4 (Monday)
Kalymnos
Early morning sailing to Kalymnos with a swim stop on the way. Kalymnos is a hidden gem island for those who crave simplicity and authenticity. Home of the famous sponge divers, this island in the Dodecanese is ideal for modern-day adventurers with 1,300 market hiking routes to be explored. Join our tour to engage with the locals harvesting sponges and producing about 30,000 sponges annually, witness the numerous species of sponges and the various stages they go through before reaching the market. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a hike or marvel at the Esperidon fjord, perhaps the most beautiful fjord in Greece. Overnight in Kalymnos quaint port.
Day 5 (Tuesday)
Levitha - Amorgos
The ship sails towards the white and the blue Cyclades. Enjoy a stop at Levitha island, inhabited by a family of four, raising animals. In the summer the family also runs a small but spotless restaurant for the visiting yachts. They grill to perfection fresh fish and meat. Enjoy a hike on one of the island's goat paths. On top of the island, there is an abandoned World War II Italian outpost. Midday sailing to Amorgos, the island of Luc Besson's "Big Blue". Mellowed with traditions, firewater, and laid-back villages, Amorgos will make you forget the 20th century, never mind the 21st. Enjoy an afternoon with locals learning how to make the island's famous "Psimeni Raki", a local homemade liquor with the flavor of honey and clove made since ancient times on Amorgos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the breathtaking medieval capital, situated 400m above sea level. Overnight in Amorgos quaint port of Katapola.
Day 6 (Wednesday)
Amorgos - Koufonisia - Iraklia
Our early morning discovery will take us to the impressive monastery of Chozoviotissa built-in 1088, inside the rocky cliffs of the mountain. We will visit monks’ cells which are open to visitors and contain important heirlooms and artifacts. We are offered a glass of Psimeni Raki and a local sweet while we enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean. Return on board for a short sail to the Small Cyclades: enjoy a swim in Koufonisia, take out the ship's Kayaks and Paddleboards to explore sea caves only accessible by yachts. Afternoon scenic cruise around the nearby island of Schinoussa before we reach Iraklia, a tiny hidden island gem in the midst of the Aegean. Part of the Natura 2000 network of natural habitats, it enchants with the superb views offered by its mountainous footpaths, the variety of its coastline, and its own, unique sights. There is no supermarket on the island, and deliveries come by ferry from the nearby island of Naxos. Evening at leisure to enjoy the true laid-back Greek island life. Overnight in port.
Day 7 (Thursday)
Serifos
In the morning we reach Serifos, a quintessentially Cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water, and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim in one of the island's remote beaches accessible best by a small ship. Barbecue lunch on board, followed by an afternoon stroll to explore the island's picture-perfect "Hora" castle-village. Join our tour to a local winery offering unobstructed views of the Aegean, or get creative in the island's ceramic studio where you can master the basics of pottery, and bring them as gifts back home. Farewell dinner reminiscing all the hidden gems of Greece. Midnight sailing back to Athens.
Day 8 (Friday)
Athens - Marina Zeas (Piraeus)
Morning arrival in Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Disembarkation after breakfast at 9 am.
Dazzling white villages, golden beaches, and clear azure water are just the start of what these islands have to offer. Ancient Greek geographers gave this unique cluster of islands the name Cyclades because they saw that they formed a circle ('kyklos" in Greek) of sorts around the sacred island of Delos.
Greek island cruises... Athens and the Acropolis at sunset. The beautiful Cyclades, Kea, Santorini, Mykonos, and the neighboring UNESCO-protected archaeological isle of Delos. Crete, the largest and southernmost Greek island. The crystal blue waters of the island of Kythira, a hidden gem of the Aegean Sea. The Peloponnese with Monemvassia and Nafplion historical treasures. Hydra, an off-the-beaten-track island with her picturesque harbor. Each day you will discover a new port of call, a hidden cove with crystal blue waters to cool you, a glimpse of ancient history to amaze you, and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you.
Imagine a place far from home that feels just like home, where the borders are delineated by the golden shores of the sea; and home is wherever the anchors drop. Imagine 157 feet of comfort, old-style beauty, and safety classified by the latest International “Safety of Life at Sea” (SOLAS) standards. Galileo’s experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience.
PUBLIC AREAS
Lounge Area
The lounge area is located on the main deck and has large windows providing for magnificent views. The lounge is a spacious, warm and cozy area with an American bar.
Sundeck
The spacious sun deck is equipped with sun beds, deckchairs and shaded areas.
Upper Deck Outdoor Bar & Lounge area
Guests on Galileo very much enjoy the shaded outdoor deck area with an outdoor bar where they can just relax enjoying the most breathtaking sea views.
Dining Area
The spacious Dining room is located at the Main Deck and accommodates all passengers in a single seating.
The lounge area is located on the main deck and has large windows providing for magnificent views. The lounge is a spacious, warm and cozy area with an American bar.
The spacious sun deck is equipped with sun beds, deckchairs and shaded areas.
The spacious Dining room is located at the Main Deck and accommodates all passengers in a single seating.