Unexplored Greece: Sailing the Aegean Islands

Embark on the Panorama in the early afternoon. Your exploration begins as the ship heads from Athens to Cape Sounion. As the sun sets on the first day of adventure, enjoy an al fresco, get-to-know-each-other dinner under the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion. As night falls, the ship begins to sail to Ikaria. Overnight at sea.

Wake up in paradise: aka Seychelles Beach, Ikaria. Surrounded by craggy rocks, the beach is best accessed by boat. Enjoy your first of many swim stops before sailing onward to Ikaria’s quaint port. Join an optional nature hike, take a dip in thermal spas, or visit an ancient village. You’ll soon realize this is an island like no other! Fun fact: locals here live an average of 10 years longer than elsewhere in Greece. Overnight in Ikaria.

Today the voyage brings you from Ikaria to Patmos and Lipsi. Patmos is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is often considered divine. Sailing onward to Lipsi, enjoy lunch al fresco before diving into the glittering sea. You are also invited to join an on board tasting of Lipsi’s famous wine, Aposperiti. This elusive bottle is produced only on the island. Evening at leisure, overnight in Lipsi.

It's an early morning sail to Kalymnos, but not without a swim stop on the way. Simple, authentic, and packed to the shores with hiking routes, Kalymnos is a utopia for modern adventurers. It’s also home to the famous Greek sponge divers. Join an optional tour and meet the locals who harvest them, and learn all about the process from reef to market. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure; relax with a coffee, hike one of the famous island trails, or visit the stunning Esperidon fjord. Overnight in Kalymnos.

From the Dodacanese to the Cyclades — destination Amorgos, with a stop at Levitha island. The grand total of people living on Levitha is four. The dedicated family raises animals and runs a restaurant for visiting yachts — dine on their freshly-grilled fish. In the afternoon, sail onward to Amorgos, where Luc Besson’s movie, Big Blue, was shot. The island will transport you to the past with its authentic, laid-back villages. Evening at leisure in the medieval capital; overnight in Amorgos.

Before setting sail today, stop for an optional tour at Panagia Chozoviotissa, a monastery carved into the dramatic sea-facing cliffs and bursting with significant ancient heirlooms. Then on to Koufonissia, a playground for water-lovers packed with caves and rock pools accessible only by boat. Jump off deck and snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard to explore them. The afternoon cruise passes scenic Schinoussa to reach the tiny island of Iraklia, protected by Natura 2000 and offering incredible mountainous footpaths. Take a walk along them for awe-inspiring views. Enjoy laid-back Greek island life at leisure this evening. Overnight in port.

It’s the penultimate day, but one to remember. Sail to the captivating island of Serifos, a hidden gem in the Cyclades. Take part in an optional tour, guided by an expert local guide, to explore the charming Chora, the island’s castle-village, which offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy some free time to wander its picturesque streets and savor a leisurely lunch ashore. This evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner, a perfect opportunity to reflect on and reminisce about the hidden gems of Greece. In the early afternoon, set sail back to Athens.

After breakfast, disembark and depart on homeward-bound flights.