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Overview

Sailing cruise to the Greek Islands

Take 8 days to explore the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean... the Dodecanese islands, jewels of Greece... You will discover Rhodes, Alimia, Khalki, Tilos and Symi (the most photographed island of all the Greek islands)...
On board of one of our yachts or Catamarans, The Greek Islands are revealed in a different and special way. You will discover our secret moorings in protected bays and islands, exceptional places where the beauty of nature rivals around lush and unique vegetation. In a sharing and friendly spirit, you will go to the meeting of cultures, within a cosmopolitan and united group, with a desire for discovery and adventure. Through various activities on the boat and on the islands: the visit of outstanding places, historical and archaeological sites, walks in the villages and their authentic souqs, tasting of local cuisine, sports activities, evenings with rhythmic ambiences... farniente for those looking for moments of rest and relaxation...

Contact our Greece specialist at Uniktour today to get more information about this fantastic cruise to the Greek Islands!

Itinerary

Day 1| Marmaris - Embarkation
Arrival at the marina of Marmaris and embarkation starting from 3.00 pm. Captain’s briefing. Distribution of cabins, placing the personal luggage in the cabins and provisions in the holds (foods, beverages, etc…). Dinner and possible evening in the city center of Marmaris…

Day 2| Rhodes
Breakfast, sailing out of the port (1h), and “safety at sea” briefing… The journey begins, little swim in the blue open sea and first experience of navigation under sails (4h), we will leave the Turkish territorial waters and enter Greece from the port of Rhodes. Arrival and mooring in mythical port of Mandraki famous for being one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world thanks to the colossus who used to guard the entrance of the port. Discovery of Rhodes and its intact medieval intra-muros town... each of us will be free to visit the city at his own rhythm and taste... Relaxing in the cafes, visiting the museums and admiring the medieval art works... or the topless beauties of the island while swimming & sunbathing on the famous sandy beaches... Dinner in one of the cool inner city restaurants and party... or relax on the boat in Mandraki.

Day 3| Alimia
Breakfast and departure... Sailing towards the island of Alimia, during this navigation we will pass by the island of Rhodes & we’ll admire its windward side where hundreds of wind surfers and kite surfers intersect forming a colorful ballet. Small break in (K...S…)* a protected bay with a tiny fishing port. Sailing & arrival to Alimia, the scenery is wild and splendid, anchoring in a beautiful bay in crystal clear water next to an abandoned charming little Greek church. For dinner we will make a BBQ onboard under the stars.

Day 4| Alimia - Khalki
Breakfast, swimming in a magical setting, snorkeling. Discovery of Alimia… This small peaceful and uninhabited island was a German base during World War 2. Today we can find graffiti and paintings that German soldiers had left on the walls of their bunkers during their protracted stay on this island... Nature has reclaimed the island but you can still see several military installations and bunkers. Navigation (1h) and arrival to Khalki, anchoring in the small port, central nucleus of the island... Khalki is one of my favorite Greek islands; No one will resist the charm of its narrow shaded streets hiding some taverns with delicious traditional mezze surrounding our little harbor. Ballades and discovery of the village... Sundowner on the terrace of a tavern watching the sunset... the variation of colors on the surrounding hills and the small port are superb. Dinner in a tavern on the ground and tasting local delicacies.

Day 5| Antitilos - Tilos
Breakfast on board or ashore. Victualling (fresh traditional village bread, delicious fruits and vegetables… we’re ready to sail again! ) Sailing (2h) to Antitilos where we will drop the anchor, snorkeling and lunch on board sheltered by this wild and uninhabited island with a particular shape... It is 3 km long with a width of 50 meters. Navigation (1h30) in the direction of Tilos, arriving to the small traditional port of Nivadia, the main town of the island, with its legendary fishermen. Tilos being far from the touristic circuits has preserved its authentic and sincere character¸ this little village and its inhabitants live in perfect harmony with nature... Time seems to stand still and it feels good to lay on the terraces.

Day 6| Symi
Breakfast and Sailing (4h) to Symi… The wind filling our sails will carry us gracefully toward the majestic bay of Symi... Discovery of the most photographed island in Greece. We will be berthing in the heart of Symi island surrounded by houses perched on hills, narrow pedestrian streets and staircases encrusted with multicolored houses are an irresistible appeal for wandering around... Camcorder or camera in hand, in an attempt to capture the magical light which bathes these architectural gems, so simple and beautiful. The island used to be very wealthy because of the sponge fishing, that was the specialty of the islanders. Today Symi lives mainly from tourism, but you can still feel the old days and you’ll find many dealers of natural sponges and superb shells. Dinner in the best tavern on the island (one of the Captain’s secret places :-) )

Day 7| Marmaris
Sailing (3.5h) towards the island of (A...A...)* Mooring and swimming in the Cristal clear turquoise waters of this bay hidden behind our secret island. Sailing (3.5h) back to Netsel Marina, the most famous and largest marina in the entire eastern Mediterranean. Ballads, dinner in the city center of Marmaris or the famous “bar street” for the ones who like and partying until dawn in the 2nd biggest open air disco in the world after Ibiza.

Day 8| Marmaris - Disembarkation
Last breakfast on board, tidying up the boat and the personal luggage. Visit of Marmaris; shopping in the big bazaar etc… End of the cruise.

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

1. Do I need a prior sailing experience?
No prior sailing experience is required at all!! If you want to learn about sailing, we’ll be delighted to teach you. However, there are no obligations whatsoever.

2. How many will we be on the yacht?
The sailing yachts or catamarans that we use have 5 - 6 cabins/boat, which means you will be with a max of 10 - 12 persons together, unless you want to charter the yacht exclusively.

3. Can I come with a friend(s)?
Sure you can, but don't feel like you are going to be left out if you don't, as many of our passengers come on their own.

4. Can friends be assigned to the same yacht?Of course, and in case your group is larger than 12 (the max capacity of our yachts), you will be on 2 or 3 boats, but we will always be sailing, mooring, and eating together. It will practically seem as if it was one boat and the fun will be while sailing coast to coast because we will be racing for fun :)

5. Do we sail during the night?
No

6. Do we go ashore when we stop?
Yes, we visit the islands, the villages, the ruins, etc.

7. Will we lose sight of land and islands during our cruise?
No, we will always see the land, even when we cross between islands. We will always have at least one island at sight.

8. What do we eat on the sailboat?
Before the departure we shall take care of the travel provision by ensuring food and beverage provision; We will purchase everything necessary for breakfast (bread, coffee, tea, milk, eggs, cheese, assorted cooked meats, jams, honey, corn flakes…), for the dinners and meals (Vegetables, fruits, pastry, rice, chicken, conserves, spices, oils, sauces, etc…; as well as dried fruits, chocolates, biscuits, snacks & appetizers …Drinks and beverages: soft & sparkling water, Wine, Beer, Rhum, Coke, 7up, Orange juice, milk…)

9. What if I have special dietary needs?
No problem. We make sure we always have nutritious and great tasting ingredients. But if you have special needs such as allergies or are a vegetarian, make sure to let us know prior to the sailing cruise and we will have what you need on board. If you really want special stuff, you can bring along all your needs.

10. Who cooks during the trip?
Everyone shall participate.

11. Can we bring our own alcoholic beverages to the yacht?
Yes, of course you can bring your own beverages. We provide you with the soft drinks, juices, Beer, Wine & Raki that are always available onboard. You can bring different beverages of your choice (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, etc…)

12. Is smoking allowed?
For safety reasons, and to prevent lingering odors remaining to disturb the comfort of actual or future guests, smoking is not permitted inside the yacht. But of course smoking is permitted on deck in the open air.

13. What about drugs?
It’s strictly forbidden to use any kind of drugs or illegal substances including misuse of prescription medication. Any use, possession or association with drug products may be cause for immediate dismissal from the sailing cruise, without refund.

14. Is there music installation on board? Cd or cassette?
Yes, Radio with CD player.

15. Are music instruments allowed onboard?
Musical instruments of any kind are welcomed on board except for “Pianos” since they can be a bit problematic ;)...

16. Does the price include the airfare?
As our passengers fly from all points of the compass, the Sailtogether.com fee does not include the cost of travel to and from Dalaman Airport in Turkey.

17. Is it possible to have GSM network on board?
Yes, we will have most of the time GSM network on the board as most of the islands are covered by local networks. You can buy a local mobile number for Turkey that will cost less than 15 euros.

18. What should we take with us as luggage? Clothes etc...
□ Swimsuits, sunglasses & Sun lotion
□ Docksides, sandals or similar.
□ A pair of shoes or sandals that goes in the water (sea urchins, Coral reefs, etc...)
□ A sweat shirt ( at night it can be a bit chilly )
□ A short wet suit or sweat shirt to wear for snorkeling if you wish to snorkel for long periods.
□ The minimum possible of clothes, we will be most of the time in swimsuits... Travel light.
□ Tidy up all these things in a foldable bag (Backpack or similar).

19. How much pocket money should we foresee?
It depends of everyone, but the average is around 150$.
In order to get Turkish lira the best will be to do the exchange in Marmaris, because the exchange rate at the airport is not good or you can get Turkish liras when withdrawing from ATM machines with your credit card.

20. Are there showers and hot water on the yacht?
Yes

21. Is there electricity on the yacht?
220V when we are in marinas and 12V when we are sailing or on anchor (most of the time) if you want you can bring with you a charger for your cell phone etc. (allume-cigare)

22. Where do we all sleep?
You will be surprised to discover how spacious our yachts can be from inside. Each yacht has 5 to 6 cabins that can accommodate 2 persons each. But, for the most part, the evenings are clear and dry and most of us like to sleep out on deck, swinging in a hammock under the stars.

23. Is there a single supplement?
All cabins are for 2 persons each and most people are quite happy to share a cabin. However, if you really prefer a cabin to yourself, you have the possibility to book the cabin alone and pay additional 50% of the cruise price + Taxes.

24. What about seasickness?
Seasickness is caused when the inner ear organs that enable a human to balance are disturbed by the motion of the boat swaying and pitching. This movement sets off alarm signals to the brain causing nausea, headache, dizziness and sometimes vomiting. This condition can be intensified by the lack of fresh air.
In general, LESS than 10% of the people can be subjected to Seasickness. But since the sailing cruises that we organize always take place in beautiful weather, everybody stays out on deck while we are sailing. While exposed to fresh air, the risk of being Seasick is much lower. Besides, the yachts we are operating are very stable especially when we are sailing (a sailboat is much more stable than any motor boat because of the action of the wind on the sails and the heavy keel that stabilizes the boat).
Finally, you can avoid seasickness by looking at the distant horizon and staying out on the deck. If all these weren't enough for you and you're still seasick, which rarely happens, we always have “Dramamine, Gravol etc.” on board. These are simple medications for motion and seasickness. You can take a pill and you’ll be fine.

25. Which is the nearest airport?
The airport of Dalaman (1H30 by taxi) or the airport of Bodrum (2H30 by taxi) and also the airport of Antalya (4H30 by taxi).

26. If you arranged for me and I already paid for the airport taxi transfers, how will I find the taxi driver at the airport?
The taxi driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate at the airport and he will be holding a paper with our logo printed on it.

27. Do I need a passport?
Yes, a valid passport is needed.

28. Where will the boat be located?The boat will be located on pontoon "N" in "Netsel Marina" in Marmaris, Turkey.
In case of any problem getting there you can contact Laurent Messarra on this mobile number: 0090 538 660 33 44

29. Who is the contact in case of problem?
You can contact Laurent Messarra on: 0090 538 660 3344

30. What does the personal travel insurance include?
It includes: Travel Information Service, Referral to Medical Correspondents, Long Distance Medical Advice, Dispatch of a Specialized Physician, Urgent Messages, Evacuation and/or Medical Repatriation, Transportation to Join Member, Return of Dependent Children, Repatriation of Mortal Remains, Total loss or Disappearance of Baggage, Medical Expenses and Hospitalization Abroad, Sea and Mountain Rescue and Flight Cancellation.

32. Waiver, Release & Assumption of risk.
Every participant shall sign one form upon embarkation.

Overview

Greece boasts 16,000 km of coastline evenly split between its thousands of islands and the mainland. The Greek shores offer exceptionally diverse landscapes: long, clean beaches, sheltered bays and small coves, sandy beaches lined with dunes, pebble beaches, rocky peaks towering over underwater caves, black sand beaches typical of volcanic soil, coastal wetlands, etc. The diversity of these shores combined with the crystal clear waters that surround them have made the world-famous Greek islands extremely popular. In 2004, 378 Greek beaches and 7 marinas were awarded the blue flag under the “Blue Flags of Europe” program, placing Greece among Europe’s best.
The Greek shores are easily accessible and you can discover these in complete freedom, usually with few other swimmers around. There are also dozens of beaches offering a number of quality services, including parasols, chairs, changing rooms, cafés, bars, restaurants, etc.
Apart from swimming, many other water sports are available, including water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing (solo or duo), tubing, banana boating, jet skiing, pedal boating, etc.


The islands...
In the Aegean sea, little white houses bask in a bright and warm sun, surrounded by crystal clear waters: welcome to the Cyclades! The Greek islands are probably the country’s most famous asset. They are an integral part of society and have shaped its culture and traditions.
There are 6,000 islands and islets scattered between the Aegean and Ionian seas, only 227 of which are inhabited, a phenomenon unique in all of Europe. The Greek islands boast 7,500 km of shores, for a national total of 16,000 km. These shores display exceptionally diverse landscapes: long, clean beaches, sheltered bays and small coves, sandy beaches lined with dunes, pebble beaches, rocky peaks towering over underwater caves, black sand beaches typical of volcanic soil, coastal wetlands, etc.
Many beaches have received awards from the Blue Flags of Europe program. Apart from swimming, they lend themselves to scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. As they represent the cradle of some of the most ancient and prosperous European civilizations (the Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), the islands boast unique archaeological sites, an outstanding architectural heritage, and centuries-old, fascinating local traditions of a multifaceted cultural past. It’s not surprising then that 58.5% of the country’s lodging establishments and 62.6% of hotel beds are found on the islands (data for 2003). All the above, combined with the ideal climate, the safety of Greek waters and the short distances between ports and coasts, have made these islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors.

Geography

Greece is a mountainous country, with more than 300 mountains of varying sizes on its territory. The Pindus Mountains, often called the “spine of Greece”, form the country’s main mountain range, extending from the mainland down to the Peloponnese and Crete. Most Greek islands are actually the peaks of the underwater Aegean mountains that long ago connected Greece with continental Asia. The country’s highest mountain is the mythical Mount Olympus in Macedonia, where Mytikas peak culminates at 2917 m. Some 40 mountainous areas spread across the country have peaks rising over 2,000 meters. The Greek mountains are characterized by their diversity, their unique landscape and their exceptional forests, some of which are among Europe’s oldest natural forests. To help protect their unparalleled natural wealth (flora and fauna), many of these forests are classified as natural reserves.

Culture

Greece is filled with prestigious archeological sites and charming monuments rich in history, each a reminder of a specific period in this country’s long and impressive history. Visitors have the opportunity to make a unique journey into Greece’s past and discover its historical and cultural wealth, each of the country’s regions bearing a local reminder of one of this ancient civilization’s many facets.

The following archeological and cultural sites are on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites:

• Mount Athos (monastery complex)
• Athens (Acropolis)
• Bassae (temple of Apollo Epicurus)
• Vergina - Aigai
• Delphi (archeological site)
• Delos (archeological site)
• Epidaurus (archeological site)
• Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments in Thessalonika
• Meteora monasteries
• Mystras (medieval town)
• Monasteries of Dafni (Attica), Hosios Loukas (Phocida) and Nea Moni of Chios
• Archeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns
• Olympia (archeological site)
• Patmos (Saint-John monastery and cave of the Apocalypse)
• Medieval city of Rhodes
• Samos (Pythagoreion and Heraion)

Climate

The climate in Greece is Mediterranean, which means plenty of sunshine, little rain, and warm temperatures. Thanks to its geographical location, mountainous terrain, and a territory split between the sea and the mainland, Greece’s climate varies considerably as one travels from one place to another. In the summer, the Meltelmi winds bring a breath of fresh air on the warmer days, while the temperatures remain lower in the mountainous areas. In the plains, winters are fair with little snowfall, while the mountains receive their fair share of snow. Temperature variations within the same season are frequent (for example, coastal temperatures are warm while it’s very cold in the mountains).

When to sail?

April/May/mid-June:
Spring in the islands offers lots of sunshine. The flowers are in bloom and the air full of Mediterranean fragrances. Moderate winds and a warm breeze mean the conditions are right for family sailing. The sea is still cold in April, but once May rolls in the water becomes more inviting.




Mid-June/July/August:
Warm and dry summer, more demanding sailing conditions due to Northern winds: the Meltemi. Enjoy fine evenings and refreshing sunsets as you drop anchor in a warm and lively port in the Cyclades.

September/October:
“A lovely autumn that doesn’t fear winter”. After summer, things calm down. Winds become moderate. The days get shorter, but the sunsets are more beautiful. Having been warmed by the sun all summer long, the water temperature is ideal. Smooth sailing and fair weather for those who dread the summer heat.

Next departure dates for this travel

14-07-2012
28-07-2012
11-08-2012
25-08-2012
08-09-2012