Join up to 50 other likeminded gay adventurers on this exclusive Greek Islands Gay Yacht departure. Spend your days cruising impressive coastlines, exploring ancient cities, diving off our private yacht into the warm, turquoise waters. Contrast this with regular doses of unique culture, lively restaurants, fresh food and stunning coastal vistas. You will discover an array of ports, hidden coves with crystal blue waters to cool you, ancient history to amaze you and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you.
• Explore the tiny streets and narrow alleys of Mykonos
• Walk in the footsteps of the gods in Delos
• Enjoy the harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting
• Swim in the stunning Agean sea from the back of the yacht
• Hike up the winding steps of Santorini
Greek Islands Gay Cruise 2015 Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday, August 21, 2015
Marina Zea, Piraeus - Kea
Board our luxury Yacht and depart to Cape Sounion for our first official swim stop. Enjoy a sunset cocktail while getting to know your fellow travellers.
Your Private Yacht Adventure begins at 3PM when you board the M/S Panorama II at Marina Zeas. You can arrive at any time, as there are no activities planned until our embarkation, unless you are joining our Athens pre-tour.
In order to allow a buffer should you experience flight delays, we recommend that you arrive a day early. If you're arriving early, there are plenty of things to see and do in Athens. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis where you can enter the Parthenon and enjoy the view of the city from this unique vantage point. Many other options are available if you extend your time here, including day trips to the Peloponnese peninsula, taking in ancient Epidavros, and the ancient Corinthian canal.
Departing from Athens, you'll have the opportunity to meet others on the cruise over a welcome drink. As we cruise into the sunset, we'll enjoy a special Greek dinner on the deck of the yacht. Tonight we arrive into Kea, the most northerly island of the Cyclades. It is a short stop, giving you just enough time to walk around the small port town, explore a few shops and perhaps have a few more cocktails. We depart during the night for our next stop, Delos.
Day 2 - Saturday, August 22, 2015
Delos / Mykonos
Optional morning tour to Delos - the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. This afternoon sail to the port of Mykonos, with a swim stop on the way. Enjoy your free afternoon and evening getting to know the most famous Island in Greece.
If you're an early riser, you may be awake for our early arrival to Delos, otherwise you'll wake up to the sights of this sacred island. As the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the Greek island of Delos was a major sacred site for the ancient Greeks, second in importance only to Delphi. At its height, the island was covered in a variety of temples and sanctuaries dedicated to a variety of gods. Today, it is a fascinating archaeological site located just two miles from Mykonos.
You'll have the opportunity to join a guided optional excursion through the archaeological site where you'll walk through the original ancient streets of the site's best-preserved quarters.
This afternoon we arrive into Mykonos, one of the highlights on our trip to Greece. Mykonos is legendary both in ancient and modern times. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where almighty Zeus fought against the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence. Mykonos town is a typical whitewashed Greek island town, but its point of difference lies in the many bars and clubs which stay open all night, making it one big island party after dark. One of the most famous, and also one of the most expensive islands, Mykonos is very cosmopolitan and attracts a wide range of tourists from globetrotting gay men to the rich and famous. The island itself is barren and the countryside ranges from hilly to mountainous, with a coastline that is dotted with many bays, sheltered inlets and sandy beaches.
After arrival, our local Greek guide will take the group on an orientation walk around Mykonos town. This will serve as our base for for two nights, and it just so happens that the world-famous gay Xlsior festival is taking place at the same time! If it's not your thing, don't worry, there are plenty of things to do, including relaxing on the top deck on our yacht with your favourite book. If you're up for a night on the town, this is the night to get OUT!
Day 3 - Sunday, August 23, 2015
Mykonos
A full day in Mykonos - what's a guy to do? Perhaps enjoy Elia or Super Paradise Beach, or maybe explore the Parportiani church, a Byzantine architectural masterpiece. Don't forget to have a siesta, because it's Sunday night in Mykonos, where you eat late, and dance even later!
Day 3 is yours to explore, relax, or party! Head to the gay beach, wander the narrow streets and shops, meet new friends at a local café or relax on the Yacht. Whatever you do, be back on the yacht no later than 1AM, as we depart for Santorini at 2AM sharp.
While in Mykonos, a number of optional activities will be offered by OUT Adventures.
Day 4 - Monday, August 24, 2015
Santorini This morning we arrive in the Santorini capital of Fira. Join an optional winery excursion and tour of the beautiful village of Oia, know for its breathtaking view over the Santorini caldera. We overnight in Santorini.
Also known as Thira, few will be unmoved by the scale of the Santorini's 16 or so kilometres of multicoloured cliffs that soar up from the sea-drowned caldera, the vast crater left by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Lesser islands curl around the fragmented western edge of the caldera, but it is the main island of Thira that will take your breath away with its white Cycladic houses lining the cliff.
We arrive in Santorini around 9AM on Day 4, allowing you the full day to explore this magical island. This is the one and only port that we will use tenders to get to and from land, rather than docking. There will be two or three scheduled departures, allowing you a bit of flexibility when planning your day. For those interested, we will take the first tender together, then a cable car up to the town of Santorini where we will have a brief orientation walk.
Following our orientation walk, there will be the option to join a more thorough tour of Santorini, through the village of Pygros, visiting the famous archaeological site of Akrotiri. We'll also visit the most famous, and by far the most photographed village of Santorini, Oia, with it's beautiful views and blue domed churches.
Day 5 - Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Folegandros We depart Santorini bright and early for a swim stop en route to our next beautiful port.
Following a refreshing swim stop we arrive to Folegandros, a little known but incredibly beautiful island to the west of Santorini. It's worth the walk to the upper city where you can dine at a traditional Greek tavernas and take in the view.
Folegrandros, or Polykandros as it was known when it was inhabited in prehistoric times, takes its name from the son of King Minos. Chora, its main town, has managed to preserve its character as an authentic Cycladi Island. The island is a rocky, barren ridge, barely 12km in length and just 4km at its widest point. There is one road connective the three main settlements; Karavostasis, Chora & Ano Meria.
Upon arrival we'll go for a wonderful stroll along the upper city and you'll have the afternoon to explore this fantastic lesser-known island. Spend your evening dining at one of the charming local restaurants where you'll experience truly authentic Greek cuisine.
Day 6 - Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Poliegos / Milos
This morning we have a stop at Poliegos, a very small island known for its stunning beaches. Enjoy a swim before our Greek BBQ on deck. Following lunch we arrive in Milos, famous for the statue of Aphrodite (the "Venus de Milo", now in the Louvre).
This morning we have another beautiful swim stop with a view of the uninhabited island of Poliegos. That's right, you'll find nothing but goats on this one! Following our swim stop we set sail for Milos, the island of Aphrodite, with its dramatic coastal landscape dotted with colourful and surreal rock formations that reflect the island's volcanic origins. On our way we'll enjoy a fantastic BBQ lunch on deck.
Filakopi, an ancient Minoan city in the island's northeast, was one of the earliest settlements in the Cyclades.The island's most celebrated export, the beautiful Venus de Milo (a 4th-century-BC statue of Aphrodite, found in an olive grove in 1820) is far away in the Louvre, allegedly having lost its arms on the way to Paris in the 19th century.
Spend your afternoon and evening exploring this truly unique island and it's small beaches and quaint villages.
Day 7 - Thursday, August 27, 2015
Hydra Today is our last cruising day on the M/SPanorama II, so we're going to make the most of it. We'll have our final swim stop on our way to Hydra.
Hydra, built in the shape of an amphitheater on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf, is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, secluded squares, the absence of cars, and the use of around 500 donkeys as means of public transportation, explain the reason why Hydra preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time.
Upon arrival, we'll have time to explore the town prior to our farewell Captain's Dinner on the yacht in port where you'll have a chance to socialize with your captain and crew who have been taking such great care of us all week. We'll sail through the night en route to Marina Zea/Athens for our morning disembarkation.
Day 8 - Friday, August 28, 2015
Marina Zea, Athens
Following breakfast we say "yassou" or "good-bye" to our fellow travellers and disembark our yacht. If you aren't ready to return home, we recommend an extension in gay-welcoming Athens. Optional airport and private transfers are available on request. We hope you enjoyed your time in Greece!
Athens Pre-Cruise Extension August 19 -21, 2015
What better to start your Greek Island hopping adventure then by exploring Athens. A city of ancient ruins and modern architectural marvels, immerse yourself in the history and mythology of the Greek culture. Later, tantalize your taste buds and indulge in the "Big 5" of Greek cuisine - ouzo, feta, olives, olive oil and koulouri! Finally, join the Mousa (or Muses) - the Greek goddesses of music, song and dance - for a fun night out on the town all before embarking on your private yacht tour.
Day 1 - Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Athens What better way to start your Greek Islands Private Yacht tour than by spending a couple days taking in the sites of Athens - the capital and largest city in Greece, and one of the oldest cities in the world. Tonight, you will enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner at our chic New Hotel - designer hotel that is located in the Plaka District of the city and walking distance to many of the cities attractions.
Day 2 - Thursday, August 20, 2015
Athens Today you will explore the wonders of this ancient city with a licensed local guide. Athens is a city of breathtaking contrasts of a glorious past and a modern present/future. Visit the Acropolis - the crowning beauty of Ancient Athens - and drive to the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House, and make your way along the Panepistimiou Avenue. You will conclude your tour with a visit to the Acropolis Museum - a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of Ancient Athens. Tonight, check out the trendiest gay-welcoming area of Gazi for an optional evening of dinner, drinks & dancing!
Day 3 - Friday, August 21, 2015
Athens After a recovery breakfast in the morning, we will transfer as a group to the port and board our private yacht for the next seven nights. All aboard!
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