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Hidden Greece Cruise

Unexplored Greek Islands

10-Day package holidays

A cruise voyage exploring the most authentic Cycladic and Dodecanese islands of Greece. Discover unknown gems with rich history, incomparable light, translucent water, and heavenly beaches. None of these islands have an airport, that keeps them off the beaten track, so they retain their authentic charm and character and traditional way of life away from the crowds and 21st-century commercialism.

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights from the UK
In-destination transfers
7 Night Cruise on a Half-board Basis
2 Night Hotel in Athens on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Port Charges
ATOL Protection

Don’t miss…

Wonders of ancient Athens

The world famous Grotto and Monastery of St John The Divine on Patmos

The wild landscapes and stunning scenery of Ikaria – the island of centenarians

The almost uninhabited, one family island of Levitha

The Sponge Divers Museum plus the wonderful walking trails of Kalymnos

The scenic medieval ‘Chora’ of Amorgos and the amazing 11th-century cliff face Monastery

The Castle Village ‘Chora’ of Serifos with uninterrupted Aegean Views

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Wednesday – Athens

Fly to Athens. You will be met in Athens airport and transferred to the Royal Olympic hotel for a 2 night stay.

Newly refurbished as a 5 star ‘Art Hotel’, and reopening in August 2020, the Royal Olympic is one of the most exciting places to stay in Athens.

It’s the ideal place for people who like their holiday accommodation to be a little extravagant. The public areas are sumptuously appointed, and the rooms are elegant.

Day 2

Thursday – Athens

Explore Athens at leisure or an Athens tour can be organized for you. Please ask for details.

As such you’ll find yourself within 500m stroll of all the famous places to go and see in Athens such as the Roman Agora, Syntagma and Hadrian’s Arch – and, of course, the Acropolis itself. It’s the perfect place to grab an early breakfast and you can get the hot-spots before the tourists and be first in the queue. As it is also well located for the little back streets where you can find the hidden bars and eateries the locals use, you can also be first for lunch. In the afternoon shop in the flea market as Monastraki and end the evening with dinner in one of many traditional taverna restaurants in the Plaka district. You’re guaranteed a big day and a short walk home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 3

Friday – Athens

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.

Embarkation Time: 14:00

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 4

Saturday – Ikaria

This morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at the Seychelles beach on Ikaria island, best accessible by yacht, with translucent blue waters and bright white pebbles covering the sea bottom. After a BBQ lunch on board we dock in Ikaria’s quaint port. Ikaria is an island phenomenon unlike anywhere in the world. Islanders are much longer lived than on other islands averaging 10 years longer than people in the rest of Europe or the Americas. Join our tour discovering authentic villages that march to a different drum by taking a hike in wild landscapes followed by a dip in one of the eight natural thermal springs. Alternatively join a cooking class in a family’s country home, kitchen and garden for a personalized cooking experience learning about life and the secret to the inhabitants’ famed longevity. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure, or at one of the traditional village fairs.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 5

Sunday – Patmos – Lipsi

Early morning arrival in Patmos where you can discover the mysticism and tranquillity of the Island of the Apocalypse. Morning visit to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John plus the historic centre 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 in its own right, known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean” with a touch of the divine. Afternoon sailing to the authentic Dodecanese island of Lipsi.

We take lunch al fresco and make a swim stop at one of the glittering necklace of 24 islets await – protected by the ‘Natura 2000 Network’ they make an ideal refugee for the shy Mediterranean Monk seal. While in Lipsi make sure to taste the famous Aposperitis red Lipsi wine (it’s our on board treat). Evening at leisure to enjoy the setting of the local harbour at sunset, and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. Overnight in Lipsi.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 6

Monday – Kalymnos

Early morning sailing to Kalymnos with a swim stop on the way. Kalymnos is a hidden gem of an island for those who crave simplicity. Home of the famous sponge divers at sea, it’s also ideal for modern-day adventurers, with 1,300 market hiking routes to be explored. Today’s visit meets the locals who harvest and produce about 30,000 sponges every year, and you can see the numerous species of sponge 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 port with quaint waterfront tavernas and bars.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 7

Tuesday – Levitha – Amorgos

Today we set sail for the white and blue Cyclades. We stop at Levitha island, home to just a family of four who raise animals. Luckily for us, in the summer the family also runs a small but spotless restaurant for visiting yachts, grilling fresh fish and meat to perfection. Work up an appetite hiking one of the island’s goat paths or visiting the abandoned World War II Italian outpost on top of the isalnd. 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 flavour of honey and cloves made here since ancient times. Evening at leisure to enjoy the breath-taking medieval capital, 400m above sea level. Overnight in Amorgos’ quaint port of Katapola.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 8

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. Here the monks’ cells which are open to visitors and contain important heirlooms and artefacts. Try a glass of Psimeni Raki and a local sweet whilst enjoying magnificent views of the Aegean. Then we make a short sail for a swim in Koufonisia, or take out the ship’s Kayaks and Paddleboards to explore sea caves only accessible by sea. 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 so deliveries come by ferry from the nearby island of Naxos – it’s true laid-back Greek island life. Overnight in port.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 9

Thursday – Serifos

In the morning we reach Serifos, a quintessentially Cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water, and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim at one of the island’s remote beaches accessible best by sea. BBQ 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.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner

Hidden Greece Cruise

Day 10

Friday – Athens

Disembarkation after breakfast and transfer to Athens airport.
If your flight departs late we can organize an Athens sightseeing tour for you. Please ask for details.

Meals included: Breakfast

Hidden Greece Cruise

What is included:

Flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester or Bristol

All local transfers

2 nights at Royal Olympic hotel on a bed and breakfast basis

On board M/S Panorama

Accommodation on board M/S Panorama for 7 nights in your chosen grade of cabin with private SH/WC & air conditioning, mini fridge and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.

Half-board: Buffet breakfast and one main meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local themed party evening, fun BBQ on the beach or on deck (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.

Tea, coffee and water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.

Complimentary House Wine, Beer and soft drinks with lunch/ dinner on board

2 shore excursions : Amorgos half-day walking tour & Patmos half-day tour

Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment, sea kayak and stand up paddle boards (subject to availability).

Professional English speaking Cruise Director.

Port charges

Flights

Below flight times are indicative and subject to availability. You will be advised exact flight details at the time of booking.

London Heathrow

  • Wednesday Depart Heathrow:07:30 Arrive Athens: 13:00
  • Friday Depart Athens:13:50 Arrive Heathrow: 15:45

London Gatwick

  • Wednesday Depart Gatwick:05:45 Arrive Athens:11:20
  • Friday Depart Athens: 12:10 Arrive Gatwick: 14:00

London Luton

  • Wednesday Depart Luton: 06:50 Arrive Athens:12:30
  • Friday Depart Athens: 13:10 Arrive Gatwick: 15:10

Bristol

  • Wednesday Depart Bristol: 17:30 Arrive Athens:23:15
  • Friday Depart Athens:11:00 Arrive Bristol: 13:00

Manchester

  • Wednesday Depart Manchester: 10:40 Arrive Athens: 16:30
  • Friday Depart Athens:22:00 Arrive Manchester: 00:05 (+1)

Transfers

All local transfers are included in your package.

  • Athens airport to Royal Olympic hotel – approximately 40 min
  • Royal Olympic hotel – Marina Zea (cruise embarkation) – approximately 30 min
  • Marina Zea – Athens airport – approximately 45 min

What is Extra

  • Beverages, except regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water.
  • Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
  • Crew gratuities (optional – recommended amount EUR 10 – 14 per passenger per day.
  • Passenger personal expenses
  • Wi-Fi (available at charge)

Ports of call: Cape Sounion - Ikaria - Patmos - Lipsi - Kalymnos - Amorgos - Koufonisia - Iraklia - Serifos

Cruise routes may need to be varied in the event of adverse weather and operating conditions at the captains discretion, in the interests of the comfort and safety of guests. The Captain and Cruise Director will will keep you fully briefed on the daily programme.

The Weather

Reliable sunshine is virtually guaranteed during the season between early May and late October, with temperatures ranging from the low 20’s in early and late season up to the mid and high 30’s from late June until August. Winds are predictable with moderate winds (Force 3-4) from the NW.

Your Vessel - M/S Panorama

M/S Panorama

Discover a 3 masted Motorsailer which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 24 cabins. The “Panorama” was launched in 1993 and has been rebuilt in 2001, followed by a latest renovation in 2014, when the Upper Deck cabins and Lounge, as well as the Main Deck cabin en suite bathrooms and Lounge have been refitted.

This state of the art Motorsailer has performed several Atlantic Ocean crossings and has sailed from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Tunis and offers the highest standard of accommodation and comfort safety.

Home at Sea

  • Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar
  • Indoor & Outdoor Restaurant
  • Audiovisual in Lounge
  • Mini library
  • Beach Towels
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Kayak
  • Board Games
  • Swimming Platform
  • Wi-Fi

Comfort Zone

  • Windows: upper & main deck cabins
  • Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A
  • Flat-Screen TV
  • Mini Safe
  • Mini Fridge
  • CD & DVD player
  • En suite bathroom with shower
  • Individually controlled A/C
  • Hairdryers
  • Telephone for internal use
  • Central music

Cabins

Category C:

Lower Deck

1 Double Bed or 2 Twin Beds
(11-11.5 sq.m. / 119-124 sq.ft.)

The Category C cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equiped bathrooms are finished with marble.

Category B:

Lower Deck

2 Lower Beds
(11.5-12 sq.m. / 124-130 sq.ft.)

The Category B cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equiped bathrooms are finished with marble or corian.

Category A:

Upper Deck or Main Deck

2 Lower Beds or 1 Double Bed Cabin
(11.5-12.5 sq.m. / 124-135 sq.ft.)

The Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck or on the Main Deck and have large windows enabling a breathtaking view or the areas you are cruising in. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equiped bathrooms are finished with marble or corian.

Public Areas

Lounge Area

The lounge is situated on the main deck and has a library where you can enjoy a book and look through the floor to roof windows.

Sundeck

During the day life on board centers around the outdoor areas, the sun deck and the shaded exterior deck on the aft of the Panorama.

Upper Deck Outdoor Bar & Lounge area

The classy spacious indoor and outdoor bar lounge area is located on the Upper Deck and is surrounded by large windows providing beautiful views and is ideal to relax in the evening.

Dining Room

The classy spacious dining room is located in the Main Deck and is surrounded by large windows providing beautiful views and accommodates all guests in one seating.

Video

Costa Rica & Panama Cruise

Your Hotel: Royal Olympic Hotel

Royal Olympic Hotel

Stay in the heart of Athens

Newly refurbished as a 5 star ‘Art Hotel’, and reopening in August 2020, the Royal Olympic is one of the most exciting places to stay in Athens.

It’s the ideal place for people who like their holiday accommodation to be a little extravagant. The public areas are sumptuously appointed, and the rooms are elegant. Come here and you cannot help but feel pampered and cosseted. If you need more reason to reserve your room the roof terrace, overlook ing the Parthenon 300 m away, is a total delight. Even Pericles who rebuilt the Acropolis in the Golden Age of Greece wouldn’t have had views like this as he ate his breakfast or diner. Include a lovely swimming pool in which to cool off after a day sight seeing and it’s altogether wonderful.

The central location makes it the perfect base to explore the antiquities by day and the cafes and restaurant area
by night. Although if you don’t take at least one dinner on the roof-terrace to see the illuminated city you really will be missing out.

Facilities

  • Free WiFi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Room service
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Room options

Executive room (Included in your Holiday)

The following room types are available with a supplement

  • Deluxe room
  • Athenian panorama room
  • Junior suite
  • Suite

Athens

Location is everything when it comes to exploring a foreign city and we have chosen the Emporikon Hotel as much for its central position as its creature comforts. In brief we’re talking four star comfort in a brilliant location. In detail it’s situated half way between the Acropolis and Omonia Square.

As such you’ll find yourself within 500m stroll of all the famous places to go and see in Athens such as the Roman Agora, Syntagma and Hadrian’s Arch – and, of course, the Acropolis itself. It’s the perfect place to grab an early breakfast and you can get the hot-spots before the tourists and be first in the queue. As it is also well located for the little back streets where you can find the hidden bars and eateries the locals use, you can also be first for lunch. In the afternoon shop in the flea market as Monastraki and end the evening with dinner in one of many traditional taverna restaurants in the Plaka district. You’re guaranteed a big day and a short walk home.

Prices

december, 2023

2024 - Full Package Holidays

Hidden Greece Cruise 2024 flight inclusive package

Prices (£) per person from:
Departure Dates Category CCategory BCategory A
29/5/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
5/6/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
19/6/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
26/6/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
3/7/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
10/7/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
24/7/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
31/7/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225
21/8/2024Early Booking Discount£3,317£3,794£4,225

Hidden Greece 2024 - Single & Triple occupancy

Category CCategory BCategory A
Single use£5,248£6,044£7,663
3rd person N/A£2,539N/A

2024 - Cruise Only

Hidden Greece Cruise 2024

Prices (£) per person
Departure Dates Category CCategory BCategory A
31/5/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
7/6/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
21/6/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
28/6/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
5/7/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
12/7/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
26/7/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
2/8/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248
23/8/2024Early Booking Discount£2,340£2,817£3,248

Hidden Greece - 2024 - Single & Triple occupancy & port charges

Category CCategory BCategory A
Port charges(mandatory)278278278
Single use£3,900£4,696£6,315
3rd person N/A£1,583N/A
0208 324 3117
[email protected]

Book your flights with us to ensure full financial protection for your holiday.

Hidden Island Greece Cruise, Hidden Greece Cruise Your flight inclusive holiday with us is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed and the full package is ATOL protected.
We have been trading since 1995 so  you can book with total confidence.

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