Sailing the Greek Isles

Aboard the sailing yacht Panorama, you'll visit Greece’s Cyclades, a circle of islands surrounding the sacred sanctuary of Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and one of the most important archaeological sites in the western world. These are the Greek islands of the imagination and the ideal, with colorful fishing boats reflected in azure waters, whitewashed villages cascading down scrabbled slopes that smell of rosemary and lavender, and craggy headlands punctuated by sandy beaches that splashed the dreams of centuries of romantics. Superstar islands like Santoríni and Mikonos flaunt well-deserved reputations, while less-glamorous wonders like Folegandros and Naxos relax with a confident allure, and many of the Cyclades remain virtually unknown to all but the Greeks and the discerning traveler.

The Panorama is made for these waters, with their snug harbors, scenic coastlines, agile winds and pocketed swimming holes. Our expedition in the Cyclades is an organized mosaic of highlighted island jewels, profound historic substance, overlooked day-to-day living, and the sensual delight of Mediterranean flavor, flora, color and sea. We’ve devoted one unscheduled day in the middle of the week entirely to exploration, utilizing the Panorama’s versatility and the crew’s knowledge of their home waters to seek out those special places, and to allow the versatility in the itinerary to improvise around the wind and sea conditions. Panorama’s ability to set sail quickly, and just as quickly drop anchor for a refreshing swim, ensures that we will always make the most of the day and the situation. It’s the perfect way to experience the islands that the gods called home.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — Fly overnight from the U.S. to Athens, Greece

DAY 2 — Athens / Piraeus / Embark / Cape Sounion
We arrive in Athens, and make our way our hospitality suite at the Electra Palace Hotel located in the shadow of the Acropolis. After lunch in Athen's, we'll travel to Pireaus and embark Panorama and sail toward Cape Sounion where we anchor under the headland. Take a late afternoon swim before dinner, and don't miss the sunset on the unparalleled Temple of Poseidon above! (L,D)

DAY 3 — At sea / Sifnos
Our first morning on board is spent at sea. We’ll stop for a late morning swim before docking at the island of Sifnos. Distinguished for its pottery and its Venetian dovecotes, Sifnos is a rugged island with a harbor village and upper chora (village), waterfront tavernas and convenient beaches. It’s a great island for walkers or loungers alike. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — At Sea / Folégandros
A morning sailing south brings us to a secluded beach on the not often visited island of Poliegos where we'll swim and kayak under the colorful cliffs. After lunch, we sail for Folégandros where we dock for the night. Visit a waterfront taverna or head up to the stunning, cliffside town of Hora. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Santoríni
Incomparable Santoríni is an island archipelago that was once a single volcanic cone. It erupted in the second millennium BC and buried what some say might have been the legendary island of Atlantis. Stand on deck as we sail into the caldera (the center of the old volcano) and observe the cliffs from the sea. On shore, we drive through windswept vineyards characteristic of Santoríni, and along the rimmed town of Oia before visiting the main town of Thira. Perched high on the volcanic cliff, Thira affords unrivaled views of the caldera below. We sail out of the crater in mid-afternoon to find an anchorage for a beach and swim stop, with the evening dependent on our plans for the following exploring day. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Exploring
This is a day that we’ve left to adapt to the wind and sea conditions, and the curiosity of the group on board. These are home waters for the Panorama and her crew, and we will take this day to find the hidden Mediterranean and the special spots that suit the moment. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Naxos / Mikonos
Fertile Naxos, largest of the Cyclades, was a center of Cycladic art 5000 years ago. At the heart of the island we’ll visit the ancient village of Apeiranthos, which has retained its traditional marble-paved streets, two-story houses built of local stone, sloping alleys and charming cafés. Return to the main port for lunch on board or in town, and take a swim at the adjacent beach. This afternoon we cruise a few miles north to the Cycladic magnet of Mikonos. Whether you hit the beaches, lose yourself photographing local architecture, or make a night of it in the world-class clubs and hotspots, Mikonos promises fun for everyone. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Delos / At Sea
Delos/At Sea This morning we land at the tiny archaeological highlight of Delos, where the twin gods Artemis, goddess of animals and the hunt, and Apollo, god of healing, reason, and light were said to have been born. Today it is a magnificent archaeo-logical site, where we explore, among other places, the Street of the Lions and the marble Temple of Apollo. After a mid-day swim before we set sail for Cape Sounion en route to Pireaus. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Piraeus / Disembark / Athens
Disembark Panorama this morning for transfers to Athens airport, or take the optional 3-night extension to Crete. (B)

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