Family sailing holiday in the Cyclades, Greece
| country: | Greece |
| location: | Cyclades |
| departures: | 2009: 23 May, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 22 Aug |
| price: | From £689 - £709 (8 days) per adult and £649 - £669 per child including flights from the UK, from £479 - £489 excluding flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
POSEIDON'S REALM
Boarding our caique in Rafina, we make for mountainous Evia and the fishing village of Panagia where we pause to explore and take our first dip on the warm waters of the Aegean. It's possible to walk to the red-roofed village of Almiros Potamos before we depart for Eretria, a region that has its own Poseidon legend... Here we will enjoy the first of several relaxed meals taken in local tavernas, and an opportunity perhaps to trying traditional mezes.
EXPLORE PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
Next morning free time allows for an exploration of the town.
This was once one of the most powerful city states of ancient Greece. The Temple of Apollo, Acropolis and Gymnasium date back to the 4th century and are well worth a visit. Later we cruise to Buffalo Bay, a perennial favourite amongst our travellers being both beautiful and, almost always, deserted.
KARISTOS & THE CASTELLO ROSSO
As we meander along the coast we drop anchor for regular swims. Nea Styra is well known for its stunning beaches and for those who want to stretch their legs a walk above reveals magnificent coastal views. Further along the coast the charming harbour-town of Karistos is an ideal place to relax, unwind and take it easy enjoying the tavernas that huddle around the quay near the beach, although there are several alternative options ranging from a walk to the ruins of the 13th century Castello Rosso or to the mines at Killindri from where outstanding views can be had. We end our tour with a leisurely cruise back to Rafina and a last night aboard the Isidoros.
Boarding our caique in Rafina, we make for mountainous Evia and the fishing village of Panagia where we pause to explore and take our first dip on the warm waters of the Aegean. It's possible to walk to the red-roofed village of Almiros Potamos before we depart for Eretria, a region that has its own Poseidon legend... Here we will enjoy the first of several relaxed meals taken in local tavernas, and an opportunity perhaps to trying traditional mezes.
EXPLORE PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
Next morning free time allows for an exploration of the town.
This was once one of the most powerful city states of ancient Greece. The Temple of Apollo, Acropolis and Gymnasium date back to the 4th century and are well worth a visit. Later we cruise to Buffalo Bay, a perennial favourite amongst our travellers being both beautiful and, almost always, deserted.
KARISTOS & THE CASTELLO ROSSO
As we meander along the coast we drop anchor for regular swims. Nea Styra is well known for its stunning beaches and for those who want to stretch their legs a walk above reveals magnificent coastal views. Further along the coast the charming harbour-town of Karistos is an ideal place to relax, unwind and take it easy enjoying the tavernas that huddle around the quay near the beach, although there are several alternative options ranging from a walk to the ruins of the 13th century Castello Rosso or to the mines at Killindri from where outstanding views can be had. We end our tour with a leisurely cruise back to Rafina and a last night aboard the Isidoros.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly London/Athens; bus Rafina, board caique. |
| Day 2: | Sail to Panagia via Niborio Bay and Kavaliani island. |
| Day 3: | Cruise to Eretria via Amarynthos and Pezonisia islands. |
| Day 4: | AM Free to explore ancient Eritrea or Aghios Nikolaos Monastery; PM Cruise to Buffalo Bay. |
| Day 5: | Cruise to Nea Styra; explore Kapsala Valley and medieval Styra. |
| Day 6: | AM Cruise to Bouros Bay; PM cruise to Karystos; optional visit to Castello Rosso. |
| Day 7: | Cruise to Petali island and on to Rafina. |
| Day 8: | Bus Athens; fly London. Note: itinerary may vary according to local weather conditions. |
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
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The caique used on this trip is one of just a handful still to be found in the Aegean and the family that we charter it from relies on us for their living. In addition, the nature of this sailing holiday is such that we visit many different communities on shore where we eat and drink, thus helping to generate an income for them in this quieter, less-touristy part of Greece. Using sails where possible helps save fuel – and reduces pollution, whilst exploration on shore is predominantly on foot – an environmentally friendly way of sightseeing.
Our Tour Leaders are all trained by us in the importance of responsible tourism with guidance given on how they can make a difference. This then percolates down through those they deal with. As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |