NEW TRIP
Explore the Enchanting Island World of the Cyclades aboard the Sea Cloud II
Discover the Cyclades
Overview
Revel in the blue and white Greek idyll of the Cyclades! Aboard the majestic windjammer Sea Cloud II, spend a week island-hopping under sail in the blue Aegean, visiting some of the archipelago's most enchanting isles. Your stops include Astypalaia, an off-the-beaten-path island with enticing beaches and white-washed houses with red windmill roofs, Amorgos, an island of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, and Naxos, with its fishing villages and old Venetian castle. Along the way you'll step into the past as you visit the most impressive Aegean monasteries: the brilliant white rock monastery of Panagia Hozovitissa on Amorgos and St. John's Monastery on Patmos, almost one thousand years old! Thanks to half-day layovers, you'll have extra time to sail and enjoy the authentic windjammer atmosphere. A renowned lecturer accompanies the trip and entertains with exciting talks and stories about the destination.
Arrive: Athens, Greece
Depart: Athens, Greece
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the relaxed lifestyle of the Greek island worlds
- Discover the little-known Cyclades islands and their secrets—far from the tourist crowds
- Steep cliffs, magical monasteries: the wild beauty of Amorgos and the brilliant white rock monastery of Panagia Hozovitissa
- Windmills in red and narrow alleys in white: the original charm of the small island jewel of Astypalea
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009. Arrive in Athens and embark on the Sea Cloud, with a departure at 7:00 pm.
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails—today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
The unique character of Milos' landscape was formed by volcanic activity. Hot springs, spectacular cliffs, and distinctive rock formations give the various beaches their own individual character. The colors of Milos are most obvious where the water meets the stone and forms the coastline. Minerals have colored the sand and stones and each rock along the coastline seems to glow in a different color. Plaka, the picturesque old capital with its typical dazzling-white houses, is overlooked by a mighty castle that offers a superb view over Adamos Bay and the surrounding islands.
Does it still exist, a real insider tip in Greece? Astypalaia seems to be one of these places that have become rare. From above, the small island jewel looks like a butterfly that has landed on the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Since the journey to Astypalaia is a bit tedious—if you are not just relaxed with the windjammer on the way—the little island is spared from tourist crowds and has been able to preserve its original charm. Thus, between countless beaches, crystal clear water, snow-white alleys, and red windmill roofs, even as a guest you quickly become part of the typical Greek island everyday life.
At nearly a thousand feet above the deep blue sea, the monks are very close to heaven. The white monastery of Panagia Hozovitissa almost seems to grow out of the steep cliffs, so high and narrow is it. Its eight floors are connected by a labyrinth of corridors, and every now and then you catch a breathtaking view of the vastness of the Aegean Sea through a rock window. The magical cliff-top monastery is the best-known highlight of Amorgos, but beyond this architectural marvel, the charm of the Cycladic Island also enchants—with remote little mountain villages, old stone windmills, and the scent of wild oregano.
In the south of Naxos lies the idyllic fishing village of Agia Anna, with its secluded tavernas and beach bars on the small promenade. On both sides, lovely bays and beaches entice you to swim in the crystal-clear water. The huge Venetian castle in the island's capital, only a few miles away, once protected the city from attackers. Nowadays it offers you a stunning view over the whole island in all its glory. Even the gods loved the island. The German opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" was based on the myth of Dionysus and the Cretan king's daughter.Later in the early evening, arrive at Syros for overnight.
Although the capital of the Cyclades is situated on the tranquil and traditional island of Syros, outside of the town this seems the most remote island of them all. Ermoupoli, one of the most beautiful island towns in Greece, was built majestically on two hills. Its architecture is exceptional and the numerous monumental neo-classical buildings give the impression of a large, elegant town. Passing over the hill, the spaciousness and vastness transform into a maze of lanes and give a medieval impression.
Arrive in Piraeus early in the morning and disembark at 9:00 am.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated 1, Easy. For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb in and out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore.
Review Trip Level Details
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
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- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.