Discover the magic of Greece on an Aegean islands cruise that explores the less visited islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
Mega yacht Callisto accommodates up to 34 passengers in 17 cabins and is serviced by a highly professional crew of 16. These intimate boutique cruises allow you to visit smaller ports that the larger mega cruise ships cannot visit, and you will enjoy an intimate and highly serviced atmosphere during your time on board. This is probably the best way to visit the Greek islands in a limited period and because much of the travelling happens at night, you have more time to spend on each island.
Friday sailings | From Athens to Athens, Greece
2023 Sailing Dates from Marina Zeas | |||
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June | – | 23 | – |
July | 7 | 14 | 28 |
August | 11 | – | 25 |
Day 1
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 towards the island of Ikaria.
Day 2
In the morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at the Seychelles beach, 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 in the world. People here live much longer than the population on other islands and mainland. In fact, people here live on average 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and the Americas. 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, the Blue Zone Greek island. Afternoon at leisure, or at one of the village traditional fairs.
Day 3
Early morning sailing and arrival in Patmos, an island revelation with a touch of 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. Small and secluded yet spectacular all the same, Patmos is the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”. Afternoon sailing to Lipsi island, a time capsule of authenticity in the Dodecanese. Lunch al fresco and swim stop in one of the glittering necklaces of 24 islets await, protected by the Natura 2000 network making an ideal refugee for the shy Mediterranean Monk seal. While in Lipsi we invite you to taste the famous Aposperitis red Lipsi wine (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.
Day 4
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 the Esperidon fjord, perhaps the most beautiful fjord in Greece. Overnight in Kalymnos quaint port.
Day 5
The ship sails towards the 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, 400m above sea level. Overnight in Amorgo`s quaint port of Katapola.
Day 6
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. Overnight in port.
Day 7
In the morning we reach Serifos, a quintessentially Cycladic island of brilliant light, clear water, and steadfast traditions. Enjoy a swim at 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.
Day 8
Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast. If you haven`t already, now is the time to explore some of the special sites in Athens, including the Parthenon / Acropolis, Acropolis museum, as well as the popular shopping disctricts of Plaka and Monastiraki.
The Callisto is a 50 m / 164 ft mega yacht which complies with the latest SOLAS regulations for international cruises. Her state of the art twin stabilizers allow for safe and comfortable cruising. Launched in 2000, she was fully refitted in 2016. She accommodates up to 34 passengers in 17 twin or double cabins and is maintained and serviced by 17 professional crew members. m/y Callisto is of the “boutique” category of cruiser, and offers the highest standard of accommodation, comfort and safety.
CABIN CATEGORIES | Cabin | Euro rates | USD rates |
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CAT C Lower deck | Twin bed cabins | €2700.00 | $3190.00 |
CAT B Lower deck | Twin bed cabins | €3300.00 | $3890.00 |
CAT A Main deck | Double or Twin bed cabins | €3800.00 | $4490.00 |
CAT P Main deck | Double or Twin bed cabins | €4200.00 | $4990.00 |
Single supplement | in CAT C AND CAT B | + 50% | |
Single supplement | in CAT A AND CAT P | + 75% | |
3rd person discount | in CAT C and CAT B | – 30% | |
Port charges | per person | €310.00 | $370.00 |
USD prices for USA, JAPAN AND MEXICO countries. Euro prices for rest of the world.
PLEASE SEE CHILD POLICY / FAMILY OFFERS BELOW
Cruise fares are per person and week and include
Not included:
Children policy/Family offer
Conditions & Restrictions for the Family offers:
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.
The Variety Cruises passion remains unchanged since 1968: an alchemy that blends enriching oneself educationally and exploring the true identity of a destination, while enjoying the comforts and unique benefits of a small ship sailing the seas.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard one of our ships soon and discover the world the Variety Cruises way.
OVERVIEW
Variety Cruises is one of the leading yacht cruise lines worldwide, operating a fleet of 11 fully owned vessels offering travelers the ultimate Boutique Yacht Cruise experience. With capacities ranging from 5 to 36 cabins, Variety Cruises’ upscale yachts and experiential cruise itineraries embrace each destination by visiting much-loved and unfrequented ports of call in a private, intimate and relaxed environment.
THE VARIETY CRUISES DIFFERENCE
AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
Some of Variety Cruises’ industry nomination highlights:
With more than 400 bed capacity on board 11 vessels, Variety Cruises is the largest Mega Yachts operator in the Mediterranean and one of the top 3 worldwide in the Small Ship market.
Odyssey Sailing is registered and bonded with the Greek National Tourist Organisation (GNTO – EOT) and is a member of the Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association (HYBA).