Cabin Cruises
UNEXPLORED GREEK ISLANDS CRUISE

ABOARD THE M/Y CALLISTO
2023
Friday - From Athens to Athens, Greece


variety voyager
Let us show you our home, off-the-beaten path. 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 filoxenia, 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 and endless supply of beauty and knowledge, so prepare to experience it all with new eyes. 

 

Unexplored Islands of Greece
  • Day 1 | Friday: Athens, Marina Zeas (Piraeus) - Cape Sounion
  • Day 2 | Saturday: Ikaria
  • Day 3 | Sunday: Patmos - Lipsi
  • Day 4 | Monday: Kalymnos
  • Day 5 | Tuesday: Levitha - Amorgos
  • Day 6 | Wednesday: Amorgos - Koufonisia - Iraklia
  • Day 7 | Thursday): Serifos
  • Day 8 | Friday: Athens - Marina Zeas (Piraeus)

Day by Day
Day 1- Friday
Athens, Marina Zeas (Piraeus) - Cape Sounion-

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.
Cape Sounion
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 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 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 swimstop in one of the glittering necklace 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 harbour at sunset, and a seaside dinner with home-cooked traditional recipes made of local produce. Overnight in Lipsi
Patmos
Kalymnos
Day 4-Monday
Kalymnos
Early morning sailing to Kalymnos with a swimstop 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 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 quaint port
Day 5- Tuesday
Lavitha-Amorgos
The ship sails towards th white and 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 Amorgo's quaint port of Katapola.

Lavitha-Amorgos
Amorgos-Koufonisia-Iraklea
Day 6- Wednesday
Amorgos-Koufonisia-Iraklea
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 Paddle boards 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.
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 the island's remote beaches accessible best by 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 to the Aegean, or get creative in the island's ceramic studio where you can master the basics of pottery, and bring as gifts back home. Farewell dinner reminiscing all the hidden gems of Greece. Midnight sailing back to Athens.

Serifos
Athens
Day 8- Friday
Athens-Marina Zeas(Pireaus)
Morning arrival in Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Disembarkation after breakfast at 9 am.
   

Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the Vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6/7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel- on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.

BEST OF GREECE & TURKEY
8-DAY CRUISES aboard the M/Y CALLISTO

FRIDAY DEPARTURES FROM ATHENS-MARINA ZEA
OFFICIAL RATES - USD

   

Sailing Dates
June 09, 23, 30
July 07, 14, 28
Aug 11, 25


Cruise fares mentioned are per person in double occupancy and exclude Port Charges.

Cabin Categoties
 
Cat C Lower Deck, Twin bedded Cabins $ 3190
Cat B Lower Deck, Twin bedded Cabins $ 3890
Cat A Main Deck, Twin or Double bedded Cabins $ 4490
Cat P Main Deck, Twin or Double bedded Cabins $ 4990
Single Supplement  
3rd Person discount in Cat C and Cat B 30%
Port Charges $370
   

Children policy/Family offer
✓ SINGLE parent with 1 or max. 2 children in same cabin:
The parent pays Single cruise fare & children cruise for FREE
✓ COUPLE with 1 child sharing the same cabin: ▪ No charge for the child up to 10 years old ▪ 50% reduction for the child 11-17 years old
✓ COUPLE with 2 or 3 (regardless of age) children: Both cabins will be charged at Single rate (single adult rate)

✓ Discounts which only apply for the children (5-17 years old): 25% reduction on all optional excursions

Conditions & Restrictions for the Family offers:
• They apply for children 5-17 years old
• They are valid for new bookings only
• They are on request and on first come-first served basis
• “Special Family offer” to be mentioned at the time of booking so that the discounted rates will apply for the reservation. Otherwise, Full rates will apply
• No reduction offered on port taxes which are additional for all participants
• They cannot be combined with any existing or future early bird discounts or special offers including Club exclusive offers
• Standard payment and cancellation policies apply

A/ Cruise fares are per person and week and include:
Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local Theme Evening and Captain's Dinner.
Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
English speaking expert Guest Speaker.
English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
Not included:
Beverages (except those mentioned above).
Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
Crew tips.
Passenger personal expenses
Wi-Fi (available at a charge)

A/ Cruise fares are per person and week and include

-- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
-- Half-board: Buffet breakfast and one meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, fun BBQ, weather permitting) and Captain's Dinner.
-- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
-- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
-- English-Speaking Cruise Escort.

Not included:
-- Beverages (except those mentioned above).
-- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
-- Crew tips.
-- Passenger personal expenses
-- Wi-Fi (available at charge)

B/ Conditions and restrictions

PAYMENT
25% deposit is required 7 days from confirmation.
75% Balance of payment no less than 60 days prior to day of embarkation.

CANCELLATIONS
240 days to 120 days from embarkation: €120 / US$140 Administration fee (per booking)*
119 to 90 days from embarkation 15% of the cruise fare
89 to 60 days from embarkation 25% of the cruise fare
59 to 30 days from embarkation 50% of the cruise fare
29 to 00 days from embarkation 100% of the cruise fare
Cancellations must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing in all cases.

*In case of cancellation the administration fee per booking will be converted to a future cruise credit redeemable on bookings made up to 12 months after cancellation, valid for any cruise and date of cruise.

AMENDMENTS
There may be a charge for amendments of cruise date or decreasing pax number received less than 60 days prior to sailing. Amendments must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing.

NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE
Such personal expenses as drinks (other than included in the rate), laundry, spa-where applicable-, boutique items and gratuities, (gratuities are optional but as a rule, satisfied clients are expected to give to the captain, at the end of the cruise, approximately Euro 13-15 per person per day for distribution among all crew members) medical expenses, port taxes, shore excursions (shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders), use of the on board Wi-Fi (available at a charge), expenditures incurred ashore, and anything not mentioned in cruise program.

 

 

 



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