August 27September 5, 2014
Variety Cruises S/C Panorama II
Imagine sailing on your own private yacht in the magical Greek Islands! Get ready to experience this dream aboard the state-of-the-art Panorama II on this all-gay voyage filled with ancient sites and some of the most beautiful islands in the world. To experience the Greek Islands by sea is nothing less than extraordinary. Sparkling blue waters, hidden coves and secluded beaches makes the Greek islands the perfect playground.
You'll explore ancient archaeological sites, dine on fresh seafood and get to try out your talent for traditional Greek dances after a few rounds of ouzo! Sailing aboard the 49 the passenger Panorama II is the perfect vessel for this intimate voyage. She is small enough to give you a sense of being on your own private yacht – Onassis style! You'll feel like your sailing between heaven and earth when you sail into Mykonos and Santorini. You'll have plenty of time to explore everything Mykonos has to offer: stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class shopping. Santorini is famous for its cliff hanging villages and stunning landscape. While some believe that Santorini is the remnant of the lost civilization of Atlantis, we say its absolute…paradise. What's your pleasure? It's probably included!
We're excited to announce that this cruise will be inclusive of the following special amenities: 2 nights hotel stay pre-cruise in Athens, welcome dinner, tour of Athens, all shore excursions, and a professional gay Greek guide. We've even included soft drinks, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner. On this voyage you have freedom to be yourself. This is life as it should be.
Aegean Odyssey Greek Islands Gay Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Depart USA Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Athens, Greece.
Day 2 - Wednesday, August 27, 2014 Arrive Athens, Greece Arrive Athens.
Accommodations are arranged at the Intercontinental Hotel. Make your way to the hotel for check in. (Private transfers are available upon request.)
The remainder of the day is at leisure. Hotel: Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens Hotel
Day 3 - Thursday, August 28, 2014 Athens, Greece (City Tour) Athens is the seat of democracy, site of the Acropolis, and home to world-class museums. Our tour of Athens begins with the main buildings on the Acropolis, including the Erechtheion, temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia, and, of course, the Parthenon. Also visit the stunning new Acropolis Museum, designed by Bernard Tschumi and opened in 2009. Continue to the Plaka, the historic neighborhood in the shadow of the Acropolis. There is much to explore here, from Byzantine churches dating to the 11th century, a maze of streets from the same period, to modern art deco and contemporary meze restaurants. This afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to visit the National Archaeological Museum, containing the most extensive collection of Greek antiquities in the world, including the Mask of Agamemnon and the famous bronze sculpture of Zeus hurling a thunderbolt. Tonight we'll have dinner in glow of the Acropolis to kick off the fabulous adventure ahead.
Day 4 - Friday, August 29, 2014 Marina Zeas, Athens (Embarkation) The morning is at leisure in Athens. After lunch, we transfer to the yacht basin at Marinas Zeas. Embark our sail cruiser, Panorama II. After boarding, we'll enjoy a welcome aboard cocktail. Our ship sets sail for Ios. This evening we have a Welcome Dinner on board following safety instructions and an introduction to our yacht. Overnight at sea sailing to the island of Ios.
Day 5 - Saturday, August 30, 2014 Ios - Santorini In the morning, we stop for a refreshing swim at Manganari Beach on Ios, one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Later, around noon, we reach Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Santorini is unique and breathtakingly beautiful. We will go ashore by local tenders and take a cable car to the town of Fira, a stunning cluster of white buildings atop a cliff. An afternoon tour visits Akrotiri, a city buried in the eruption that created the caldera in 1600 B.C and to Fira. The tour will end in Oia, famous for its sunset. For those who wish, we will hike back toward Fira to enjoy the spectacular views of the caldera. Back aboard for dinner and a late sail to the island of Patmos.
Days 6 - Sunday, August 31, 2014 Patmos
Early morning arrival in Patmos. Patmos has something for everyone, the culturally inclined, shoppers and those just seeking to unwind. Our Patmos excursion includes two Unesco World Heritage sites, the Grotto and Monastery of St. John, where the apostle St. John was purported to have written the Fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelations, and the historic center of the medieval town of Chora. Afternoon at leisure to discover Scala, the capital, or swim at a nearby beach. Overnight in Patmos.
Days 7 - Monday, September 1, 2014 Patmos – Kusadasi, Turkey
Early morning sailing to Kusadasi, Turkey, gateway to the East and the magnificent site of Ephesus. Today our explorations of ancient civilizations continue with a tour to Ephesus, the greatest archaeological site in the Aegean region. As we tour this remarkably preserved Greek and Roman city, you may feel as if you're about to encounter a toga-garbed resident, or hear a chariot clattering down the main avenue, the same avenue down which Cleopatra and Mark Anthony rode in procession more than 2,000 years ago! Enjoy free time in town to shop for carpets or other treasures. Late in the evening we sail to Mykonos. Overnight at sea.
Days 8 - Tuesday, September 2, 2014 Mykonos / Delos The ship sails into the white and blue Cyclades. Early this morning we sail into Mykonos harbor. Enjoy a boat ride to tiny Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. On a guided walking tour, you'll visit the archaeological ruins of this Unesco World Heritage Site, unearthed here in the 19th century. Delos is a true open- air museum with many ancient monuments and buildings that are remarkably intact. After our 2-hour walking tour, we return to Mykonos. In Mykonos discover its brilliant white houses as you stroll in the narrow streets. While exploring the town you can visit the archaeological museum or the maritime museum, and don't forget to visit a bakery that has been turning out bread in wood-fired ovens since the 15th century. We suggest ending your evening as the Mykonians do and enjoy a glass of ouzo and traditional "mezedes" appetizers or enjoy Mykonos world famous night life with a visit to Jackie O. Overnight in Mykonos.
Days 9 - Wednesday, September 3, 2014 Mykonos - Tinos At daybreak we leave Mykonos to reach the island of Tinos. We stop at Ysternia for a swim stop and a BBQ. Afterwards we sail into Tinos harbor. The afternoon excursion takes us to Tinos villages. We will visit the picturesque villages of Exovergo and Volax. Visit the famous basket weavers of Tinos and the workshops of the marble sculptors of Pyrgos. Overnight in Tinos.
Days 10 - Thursday, September 4, 2014 Kea – Cape Sounion - Marina Zeas In the morning we leave Tinos and sail to Kythnos or Kea for a swim stop and beach BBQ. We reach Kolones Beach in Kythnos for our last swim stop. After lunch we sail to Cape Sounion, we arrive around 5:30 pm. We celebrate our cruise with a farewell cocktail & dinner under the Temple of Poseidon! In the evening, we will leave Sounion to reach Marina Zeas/Athens. We reach Marina Zea/Athens just after midnight. Overnight at Marina Zeas.
Day 11 - Friday, September 5, 2014 Marina Zeas (Athens) After breakfast it is time to bid farewell to the crew. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (One bus transfer will be arranged to the airport.) Private transfers are available upon request.
Your Ship - sail cruiser Panorama II
Ihe Panorama II is a 2-masted state of the art sail-cruiser, which can accommodate up to 49 passengers in 25 cabins. It was launched in 2004 offering the highest standard of accommodation and comfort safety. The public areas include a main lounge with deep pile carpet and comfortable sofas. The aft area at the Upper deck provides generous semi covered exposed areas and some magnificent views. The restaurant area at the Lower deck is the perfect setting for any of your meals, with generous buffet space and seating, while the swimming platform enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
The Panorama II cabins located on the upper and main decks are equipped with windows, while those at the lower deck come with portholes. All cabins are handsomely designed, finished with lustrous wood trims and warm fabrics. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble. All cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone (for internal use), hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe boxes.
Your voyage includes:
• 2 nights in Athens at the Intercontinental Hotel, breakfast daily.
• 7 night cruise aboard the 50-guest Panorama II in cabin of choice
• Welcome dinner in Athens
• Welcome & Farewell parties aboard Panorama II
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily aboard Panorama II or ashore
• Wine with lunches and dinners on Panorama II
• Tour of Athens on Day 2
• All shore excursions as described in the itinerary
• Professional gay Greek guide for all excursions & on board enrichment
• Series of port briefings and site lectures from Greek guide.
• Source Events and Coda host staff
• Visa for Turkey
• Comprehensive pre-departure information and assistance
Not Included:
• Airfare
• Transfers from airport to hotel in Athens
• Passport fees (if applicable)
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (recommended)
• Incidental expenses aboard (bar, laundry, telephone)
• Tips to Greek guide and Shipboard Personnel
• Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates.
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