This is a holiday trip combining sailing and photography in the Cycladic complex of islands. This does not mean that you either have to be an experienced sailor or photographer. An experienced skipper will take you to small, off-the-way spots, away from crowds where you can enjoy quality vacations. To this, we have added the element of photography. That means that you wont be staying lazy all day on board.
We have included some light treks and visits in the interior of the islands we visit. An experienced photographer and sailor will accompany you to the secret spots, (lunar landscapes, old mines, hidden chapels etc) and places other than the major photo attractions that you can see in almost all travel guides.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet in Athens
Meet at the airport with your English speaking guide. There is one major transfer from the newly built airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" to the hotel, which is conveniently located in the heart of Athens. Settle to the hotel. Early in the afternoon, a slide show and seminar on photography will take place by your photographer who will be accompanying us through out the trip. After a short briefing of our trip, he will give us hints and tips on taking photographs in the Greek environment, especially in the Aegean Sea, where we have to take into consideration issues such as: the intense sunshine, the rocky and deserted islets, the white temples, houses and chapels contrasting the blue sky and sea. Overnight in Athens. Dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the old part of Athens, in Plaka, overlooking the Acropolis.
Day 2: Fly to Milos Island and embark our yacht
After breakfast, an early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Milos Island in the west Cyclades, and embark our sailboat. We will settle in the boat and depart for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the islet. Early in the evening, we return to the port of Milos where we can enjoy a walk in the Hora (the capital of the islet) from where we can take pictures of the sun setting in the glittering Aegean Sea.
Day 3: Around Milos
Milos and its surrounding islets are volcanic ones with bizarre rock formations composing of granite lunar landscapes offering opportunities for exceptional pictures. In the morning we will sail around the island whilst taking pictures of? sailors? and ?caves? and taking advantage of swimming in isolated gulfs. Early in the evening, when light conditions are ideal for taking pictures we will walk in the cast off mines unique and rare scenery. Spend the night in Milos.
Day 4: Sail to Poliegos & Kimolos Island
After breakfast we depart northeast to the uninhabited islet of Poliegos and continue to Kimolos, which also boasts some superb beaches in an eccentric background of rocky formations. In the evening we will walk to the interior of the island to the fortress of Paleokastro, another chance for great pictures! (Total sailing distance: Milos to Poliegos 15 nautical miles, Poliegos to Kimolos 4 nautical miles).
Day 5: Folegandros Island
We set sail to Folegandros one of the most picturesque and well preserved of the Cycladic islands. As soon as we anchor in the small harbor we will go to the Hora (the capital of the island), built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Aegean panorama. The town composes of typical white washed houses with balconies full of bougainvilleas, azaleas and hibiscus, paved roads and esplanades with small cafes and taverns where you can enjoy ?ouzo? or ?rakomelo? typical Greek drinks, accompanied by local ?meze? starters. The themes of our today?s photo safari are countless; to name a few: chapels, and churches with superb views, local people, food, donkeys and cats. (Total sailing distance: Kimolos to Folegandros 23 nautical miles).
Day 6: Santorini Island
Experience shows that you have fallen in love with Folegandros but you are also curious to visit, world famous Santorini! The main reason, Santorini differs from the other islands in the group is its geological morphology, the result of action by a volcano now dormant. Her first name was Strongili (The Round one) because of its shape. During 2000 B.C. a remarkable civilization was developed when the eruption of the volcano submerged the central part of the island and created a huge underwater crater 83 sq. km. in extent, called Caldera (there are only 32 Calderas in the world, the one of Santorini and of China is not inhabited). Indeed the view of the island when entering the port in the Caldera is amazing. We will have time to walk around the crater (Palea Kameni) and take some more exceptional pictures in this inimitable landscape before we anchor and go for a walk in Fira town. (Total sailing distance: Folegandros to Santorini 25 nautical miles).
Day 7: Santorini
We will sail to some pictorial gulfs around Santorini and in the afternoon disembark from the boat and go to our hotel for the last night in Santorini. In the evening we will enjoy a trek along the Caldera?s edge. The path starts from the cable car station. For the first 40 minutes, it?s a stone-path, which then turns into a footpath. We end up to the village of Oia, the most famous village for its sunset. (Approximate duration of trek, 3 hours). Overnight in a hotel in Santorini.
Day 8: Fly to Athens and city tour
Early morning flight to Athens. Your tour leader will give the slides for development and the next day we will have time to view and discuss on the pictures we took. Afternoon, half-day sightseeing tour of Athens. Visit Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Archaeological Museum and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic games were held in 1896. Overnight at the same hotel, we spent the first night in Athens.
Day 9: Athens
Free day in Athens and in the evening we gather for a slide show from our trip, followed by farewell dinner in the city center.
Day 10: Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of services.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 3 nights in 4 star hotel in Athens;
- One night in a 5 star hotel in Santorini;
- Half board breakfast and lunch are taken on the sailing boat and dinner in taverns;
- Trekking English speaking guide & professional skipper throughout the trip;
- Transfer from/to all airports by private A/C mini bus or taxis;
- Domestic flight Athens-Milos and Santorini-Athens (economy class);
- Boat fuel and water;
- Marina fees;
- Half day sightseeing in Athens with professional guide;
- Entrance fees to museums and sites;
- Transfer from the port of Santorini to the hotel in Fira;
- Cable car fee in Santorini.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Boating and Sailing
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