-
STARTING AT $5995 per person
Fully guided 8-day sailing tour with a Greek Captain + First Mate
6-16 people
Santorini add-on
-
STARTING AT $5995 per person
Fully guided 8-day Greece sailing tour with a Greek Captain + First Mate
Minimum of 4 people
Santorini add-on
See pricing matrix below
Trip Highlights
Sail on a small private catamaran with other like-minded travelers
Explore unique islands like Poros, Hydra & Aegina
Visit ancient sites like a Doric Temple & 4th century amphitheater
Feast on seasonal Greek cuisine
Swim in pristine waters & watch the sunset every night
Are you dreaming of crystal-clear turquoise waters, magenta-colored bougainvillea or olive green hills in the distance? Tucked between the Greek peninsulas of Attica and Argolis, the Saronic Gulf is filled with incredibly unique islands like Aegina, where pistachio groves dot the hills, and Poros and Hydra, where you can step back in time. At each port you'll have the opportunity to enjoy onshore experiences, including a preserved Doric temple to a 4th century amphitheater famed for its acoustics and a visit to a local organic winery that has been family owned for generations. Aboard our catamaran you'll enjoy daily breakfasts and lunches freshly prepared with local produce and specialties as well as the opportunity to learn or practice your sailing skills. And of course many gorgeous sunsets and midday swims in the crystal-clear waters.
Book our 8-day Greece sailing group trip or select Custom Dates for a Greece sailing tour spring, summer or fall! Starting at $5995 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.
trip INCLUSIONS
-
1 night accommodation in central Athens
6 nights’ accommodations aboard a private catamaran yacht, all double occupancy with en suite bathroom
-
Transfer from Athens Airport (ATH) on day 1 and return on Day 8 to your choice of the city, airport or ferry to Santorini
Private transfer to boat on Day 2
Private transfer to the Temple of Aphaia and the Ampitheatre of Epidavros group excursions
Privately chartered catamaran tour of the Saronic Islands and Peloponnese peninsula
Dinghy transport in/out of busier ports
-
Welcome Feast in Athens with an optional pre-trip Food Walking Tour
Sailing through out the Saronic Gulf with overnights in Aegina Island, Poros Island, Spetses & Epidavros port & more
Chances to swim, SUP and snorkel at our our favorite hidden coves.
Opportunities to rent e-bikes, scooters or ATVs on land
Visit local markets and ancient sites, hike to spectacular viewpoints, and relax on picturesque beaches.
Group excursions to the Temple of Aphaia and the Ampitheatre of Epidavros with entry tickets included
Optional visit to an organic, family-owned vineyard for wine tasting and tour
Optional visit to a bee farm and chance to try local honey
Opportunity for learning to sail aboard our boat! Practice hoisting the sails, take the helm or sit on the bridge and keep a lookout. You can also learn to throw a line, coil and secure lines, read a chart, etc.
-
Daily breakfasts + daily lunches on board the boat
Welcome Dinner in Athens on Day 1
Farewell Island Feast on Day 7
-
Visit with our local community partner + donation to their organization
Dedicated and experienced Greek sailing captain + first mate / Traverse Host
Boat insurance & licensing
Boat safety and information briefing
Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure + Traverse host throughout itinerary
Small group experience, max 8 people per boat (max 2 boats)
-
Athens Food Tour
The Acropolis guided walking tour
Winery visit
Bee farm visit
Extra nights in Athens
Santorini package
-
International Airfare
Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed
Tips to your local guide, Traverse guide, drivers, etc.
Required travel insurance
SEE THE DAILY ITINERARY ON STELLER!
DAILY ITINERARY
-
Arrive in Athens by mid afternoon and be transported from the airport to our centrally located hotel. Settle in to your room before we gather together with our local guide to enjoy a short walking tour of Athens en route to dinner. Gain insight into this ancient city and enjoy learning about local specialties and the unique history of this iconic metropolis.
We'll end at one of our favorite restaurants with views of the Acropolis - a wonderful way to welcome you to Greece!
Add-on options: Athens food tour starting in the morning (approx 6 hours, requires an extra night prior)
Meals: D
-
This morning following breakfast, you’ll check out of your Athens hotel and have the option to visit the Acropolis for a guided walking tour before transferring to our meeting point at the marina.
After a bit of time to unpack and settle in, our Greek Captain and First Mate will give a tour of the vessel with a safety briefing and what to expect.
Your home for the week consists of 4 double staterooms, each with its own head (toilet/shower), a well as a stocked galley that sits on the main deck with windows all around for excellent viewing, a covered open air dining area and a large bow area for those who want sun and take in spectacular views.
After familiarizing ourselves aboard our home, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch on board as we set out for a short sail to Aegina Island (2 hrs) giving us a chance to get our “sea legs.”
Aegina is a bustling little port surrounded by numerous small shops tucked away in narrow back streets with colorful tavernas along its waterfront. For lovers of ancient Greece, an included excursion to the temple of Aphaia - one of the better preserved Doric temples in Greece - will surely delight. The temple is located on the pine-clad Mesagro hill on the northeast end of the island from which there are stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the surrounding area.
In the evening, we’ll recommend one of our favorite spots for dinner with the most picturesque surroundings. Don’t forget to stock up on pistachios while on Aegina, which are grown in abundance on the island!
Meals: B, L
-
Enjoy these idyllic days of sailing through the Saronic Gulf aboard your trusty steed! You’ll visit incredible ports and stop for refreshing swims in the turquoise waters and possibly a chance to SUP and snorkel.
On land, you’ll have opportunities to rent e-bikes, scooters or ATVs and explore on land. You can visit local markets and ancient sites, hike to spectacular viewpoints, and relax on picturesque beaches. You can even visit an organic winery and a bee farm, two of our favorites!
We’ll also visit the renowned Epidaurus amphitheater. Dating from 4th-century BC, the theater is famous for its perfect acoustics. In Greek mythology, Epidaurus was also the birthplace of Apollo’s son, Asclepius, the healer and a sanctuary to Asclepius was built near the amphitheater. This was the most celebrated center for healing in the Classical world; sick people would travel long distances to visit Epidaurus in the hope of being cured.
While sailing, it’s the perfect opportunity to put your bathing suit on, grab a good book or camera and relax on the bow, watching as the gorgeous coastline of Greece goes by. As we sail from port to port you’re welcome to help the captain hoist the sails, take the helm or sit on the bridge and keep a lookout. Learn to throw a line, coil and secure lines, and read a chart!
Each day you’ll enjoy breakfast and a light lunch aboard. Our meals are focused on local, seasonal Greek ingredients with lots of variety. You’ll enjoy Greek greens, cheeses, breads, select meats, herbs, olives and olive oil, fruits, nuts and the like. You're welcome to jump in on meal prep as an enjoyable way to get together and mingle with your travel companions.
Each evening, you’ll have the opportunity to dine ashore, with recommendations provided. Our favorite spots have outdoor dining with plenty to admire as you’re served delicious local Mediterranean fare made fresh to order. After dinner you can walk off a delicious meal by wandering the shops or the harbor. Indulge in a gelato if you must!
Your exact sailing itinerary day by day will be determined by a variety of factors including weather conditions, sail times, availability to anchor at ports, etc.
Meals: B, L
-
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a swim in the turquoise waters, before we again set sail for the final leg of our journey back to Athens. Cruising along these crystal clear Mediterranean waters with the sea air in your lungs and the dynamic postcard-perfect coastline is a feast for your senses to savor. No doubt your experience of sailing these beautiful Greek islands will last a lifetime!
We'll enjoy a fantastic Farewell Lunch together before making our way back to shore.
When we arrive at the marina we’ll have a special treat - a visit from our Community Partner on this trip - Lighthouse Relief. This incredibly important organization has been providing a dignified, respectful and empowering humanitarian response to those seeking safety and asylum in Greece for the past 5 years.
We’ll close out our time together with evening snacks and sharing our favorite memories from the trip.
Enjoy one more sleep at our trusty home on the water.
Meals: B, L, evening snacks
-
A final breakfast aboard the boat will be provided before departing our beloved catamaran. We’ll have a group shuttle to the Athens Airport (ATH) and downtown, leaving the boat no later than 10am.
Those who opt for our Santorini add-on will have an early-morning taxi arranged and included to catch the fast ferry.
Meals: B
-
Continue your adventure with an add-on to the famous island of Santorini! You’ll catch an early morning fast ferry to Santorini, where you’ll be picked up by our local partners and taken to your boutique hotel. From there you can spend the next two days exploring the island, including the iconic Caldera trek.
When you depart, you can either book your airfare directly out of Santorini or book a ferry back to Athens. Your transfer to either the airport or ferry port is included.
Includes:
2 nights accommodation at our hand-picked boutique Santorini hotel with views of the Caldera
A fast ferry to Santorini
Arrival transfer from ferry to hotel
Departure transfer from hotel to the airport or ferry
Breakfasts each day
A self-guided sunset hike on the famous Caldera trail
All of our best tips and tricks for your best experience in Santorini
-
Solo travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same gender. Due to the nature of this trip, we are only offering double occupancy. You’ll share a double bed stateroom on board our catamaran. The beds are two mattresses next to each other and can be made up as one bed (for couples) or two separate beddings (for friends or solo travelers). You can indicate your preference on the booking form.
STARTING at $5995 per person, double occupancy
+$195 - “my own room” in Athens (1 night)
-
Have your own party and want to plan a sailing tour? Let us handle that for you! Your tour includes everything in the package above, including your Greek Captain and First Mate. Bookings will be roomed double occupancy in the boat. For parties greater than 8 we can have second boat and provide custom pricing. For your Athens hotel, we can provide upgrade and single occupancy rooming options.
STARTING at $8495 per person, double occupancy
$8495 per person with 8 people
$6495 per person with 6-7 people
$5995 per person with 4-5 people
$8495 per person with 4 people
-
Athens Food Tour on Day 1, approx. 6 hours - +$150 per person (requires an extra night)
The Acropolis guided walking tour on Day 2 before boarding the boat with entry ticket - +$95
Extra room night in Athens - +$195 (per room)
Wine Tour Visit & Tasting* - $45 per person
Bee Farm Visit & Tasting* - $45 per person
*Wine Tour & Bee Farm do not include transit; however, it is super easy and not expensive to get a taxi with fellow travelers. Your First Mate will assist in arranging.
Santorini
$995 per person, single occupancy. Each booking gets a solo room.
Includes:
2 nights accommodation at our hand-picked boutique Santorini hotel with views of the Caldera
A fast ferry to Santorini
Arrival transfer from ferry to hotel
Departure transfer from hotel to the airport or ferry
Breakfasts each day
A self-guided sunset hike on the famous Caldera trail
All of our best tips and tricks for your best experience in Santorini
FAQS
-
Your home for the week is a catamaran boat and consists of 4 double staterooms, each with its own head (toilet/shower). The beds in each stateroom are made up of two single mattresses side by side with bedding that will be made up as two single beds for friends or solo travelers or as one double bed for couples. Though the rooms are spacious from a boating perspective, they are very compact compared to a hotel room. There is enough room to sleep and store your clothes and luggage (soft case suitcases are the best) and that’s about it! Think of it like camping on water 🙂
-
Since this trip has more limited capacity, we recommend you sign up at least 6 months in advance to ensure your spot is secure. That said, we're always happy to fit you in last minute if we can!
Your First Mate:
Captain Joy Sherman has been boating all her life. She has thousands of nautical miles under her, on both sail and power yachts.
While studying photography Joy spent her summers restoring wooden sailboats. After college she began a 4-year career of working aboard large luxury yachts up and down the East coast from Maine to Florida and the Caribbean and securing her USCG Master license. As well as chartering her own vessel during the summers in Connecticut, Joy has chartered over 25 vessels all over the world.
Joy has sailed in Greece multiple times before and loves the friendly people, the landscape and quaint villages. She’s eager to return and show others all the beauty on offer in this unique part of the world!
Terms & Conditions
Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to hello@traversejourneys.com
Deposit
A $500 deposit per person per trip is required for each traveler to secure the booking. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless otherwise indicated on booking with the exception of our 24-hour No Regrets policy. A booking is not final until you receive a final confirmation from us.
24-hour No Regrets Policy: If, within 24 hours of submitting your deposit, you decide to cancel your booking you may request a refund, which will be granted less transaction fees.
Payment
Payments can be made either by 1) Normal Payment terms of 50% due 30 days after booking and 50% due 90 days prior to departure or 2) Monthly terms of equal installments with a $10 per month fee. Payments options include ACH, wire, credit card or Zelle. Payee is responsible for all transaction or processing fees. Late payments are given a two-week grace period; after that a $10 per month late payment fee will be charged.
Cancellations Policy
Group Trips & Retreats: Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 120 days prior to the trip start date.
Custom and Self-Guided: All payments non-refundable. Requests for transfers may be considered in extenuating circumstances and may incur a change fee.
To cancel a booking, Traveler must submit a request to us in writing by email to hello@traversejourneys.com
Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions.
Travel Insurance
The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance
Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations
Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.
