Sample Itinerary
Here is sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation with TradeWinds in Greece. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course.
There is so much to do and see in this island group that it is impossible to do it all in a week! The islands are quintessentially Greek and all have a story to tell, the Legend of Odysseus being probably the best known! Your crew are well-versed on the area, and will be more than happy to impart their local knowledge, thereby enhancing your experience of this idyllic area.
The menu is designed with a Greek flavor, traditional local dishes will be presented with a modern twist!
Arrival Day - Sunday
Board at 5pm for cocktails and snacks, and introduction to fellow guests and crew.
Your captain will show you to your cabin allowing you ample time to unpack. You will have time for a pre-dinner swim on the little pebbled beach beside our dock.
Stretch your legs through Sivota village after your delicious meal onboard. If you are in the mood, Sunday night is karaoke night in Pirates bar.
Cruising Day 1 - Monday
After breakfast your captain will receive the official documents for the week, allowing us to throw off bow and stern lines and set out on the Ionian sea. Your first sail will be to Fiscardo on Cephalonia. Your captain will choose a safe spot for the night, possibly under the ruins of the Roman cemetery discovered as recently as 1993.
Fiscardo is built on a bed of mud and sand and therefore escaped the devastation of the 1953 earthquake. The original architecture and narrow streets of the town are a pleasure to explore.
Enjoy a beautiful shaded loop walk out to the Venetian lighthouse and Byzantine church before another gourmet dinner onboard.
Cruising Day 2 - Tuesday
After breakfast your captain will suggest a visit by dinghy or kayak to the nearby putty mine. The dinghy will be pulled up on the pebbles inside the cave. Bring flashlights and sturdy shoes to explore the trails that lead into the large caverns deep inside.
Set sail and choose a secluded cove near Ak Nikolaus on the North East side of Ithaca. Enjoy a peaceful swim and snorkel. The star gazing here is incredible with absolutely no light pollution. You may even be tempted to sleep out on the trampolines and look out for shooting stars.
Cruising Day 3 - Wednesday
Jump in to the clear waters after breakfast before a short sail to Kioni. also on Ithaca. Kioni is an extremely pleasant local fishing village with handmade crafts. Wander the streets after lunch or hike out to the 3 old windmills on the headland. There is also a walk with fantastic views up to the church on the top of the hill. Follow the path behind this church to an old windmill with all the working mechanisms still inside. The village also has a small beach to swim from.
Many of our guests choose to do an evening taxi tour of the historical sites of Ithaca with a knowledgable English speaking guide, Sue or her partner Dimos. You will visit the Kathara monastery perched on the peak of Homer’s Mount Nirito, the 12th century village of Anogi, and its church with its remarkably preserved frescoes and Venetian belltower. These frescoes have been covered in plaster to hide them from pirates. The removal of this plaster is ongoing and the vibrant colors emerge perfectly preserved. The village of Stavros (near which the city of Odysseus was supposedly located) is also on the tour. According to Homer’s description of the city it had views over three seas and was surrounded by three mountains. There is a replica of the palace on the town square. The entire tour lasts 3 hours. Each taxi can hold up to 4 people and the cost per taxi is 90euro; if 2 couples share a taxi the cost is therefore 45 euro per couple. If the entire group would like to go, both Sue and Dimos will guide you and travel in convoy.
Tonight guests eat dinner ashore. Kioni is a romantic village come nightfall, with a choice of waterfront restaurants to suit all palates and budgets.
Cruising Day 4 - Thursday
By this stage you should well and truly have your sea-legs, and today we set off on a fun-filled day of sailing. After breakfast we sail to the deserted island of Atoko where we stop for lunch under the awe inspiring cliffs, followed by a snorkel in the tranquil crystal clear water. We then sail on to Port Leone on Kalamos island where we anchor for the night. Another fantastic opportunity to sleep out under the stars. Port Leone was abandoned after the earthquake of 1953 when its water supply was cut off.
Cruising Day 5 - Friday
After breakfast, follow the coast of Kalamos towards the North and find a secluded beach for lunch. After lunch sail on to Elia beach on Meganissi. Before dinner step back in time and walk up to the village of Katomeri. This village has had little influence from tourism. Its aging population are content, the women dressed in black sit on their porches, embroidering and weaving, while the men sit around playing cards. The women are usually very flattered to have their photograph taken. Ask your crew to teach you a few basic words of Greek, such as good evening (calispera) and thank you (efkaristo), these will earn you plenty of heart-warming smiles.
Cruising Day 6 - Saturday
Today you will sail around the island of Skorpios, owned by the Onassis family (and currently on a 100 year lease to a Russian billionaire) before finding a secluded bay for lunch. In the afternoon you sail back to Sivota where you crew can help you with your luggage. Your crew can recommend a seafood restaurant for your final group dinner ashore.
Departure Day - Sunday
Exchange email addresses over a last tasty breakfast, and then it's time to gather your belongings as well as your wonderful memories, prior to your 9am departure. You will already be planning your next cruise with TradeWinds.
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