Experience the best of Greece in a journey that blends ancient history with island serenity. Begin in Athens, exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis. Continue to Corinth, Delphi, and the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Then set sail on a week-long private catamaran cruise through the Cyclades Islands, visiting Santorini, Mykonos, and quieter gems like Syros, Kea, and Kythnos. Enjoy sunsets, crystal waters, and charming villages on this unforgettable land-and-sea adventure.

Greece with an optional Turkey extension (Tour Leader: Luke McLellan).

This trip is yet another labor of love, especially with so many moving parts to situate logistically. I anticipate this filling very quickly. For the trip to move forward, 15 travelers are required. Once I receive the required number of deposits, an email confirming the trip will be sent out, and the reservations will be locked down.

The general itinerary for this trip involves 5 days on the Greek mainland visiting Athens, Corinth, Delphi, and Meteora (home of the "Hanging Monasteries"... easily, one of the most amazing and historic places I have ever visited) followed by 7 days on catamarans sailing to a number of Greek islands, including Paros and Mykonos. Each catamaran holds between 8-12 participants, which will take into account friend groups and preferences. These boats will have both a skipper sailing the ship and a personal chef preparing both breakfast and lunch most days. During the evenings groups will enjoy the local cuisine for dinner on the various islands.

At present, I am looking into offering scuba diving to participants who are certified and might assist in coordinating diving lessons with a dive shop in Kansas City for those interested in getting their lifetime certification before heading to Greece.

Unlike previous trips, the deposit structure for Greece is slightly different. In order to secure the catamarans for our dates, a larger non-refundable deposit is necessary. The deposit amount per person is $1,000 and comes off the total price of the trip.

Please look at the detailed itinerary and pricing below. You will likely will have to scroll to the bottom of this newsletter and click a button to see all the details, as this contains a lot of information.

The island itinerary is subject to minor adjustments, but this will be communicated well in advance, as I am still working with the captains of each catamaran to coordinate. However, it should look very close to what is detailed below.

As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Luke McLellan

We will arrive at Athens International Airport, stepping off the plane with a sense of quiet anticipation for the days ahead. The warmth of the Greek sun will greet us even before we leave the terminal. Our transfer will already be waiting, and we will be driven through the bustling capital—past hills crowned with white buildings and olive trees, glimpses of the Acropolis rising in the distance—until we reach our hotel.

Soon we will find ourselves in the comfort of our rooms, where we will have a few hours to rest. Some may choose to walk through the nearby streets, perhaps stopping at a shaded café for a first taste of Greek coffee. Others will simply relax, letting the long journey settle behind them.

As evening falls, we will gather for our first group dinner. The meal will be generous and unhurried, paired with local wines and flavors that will give us a first glimpse into the richness of Greek cuisine. Everyone will have an opportunity to be formally introduced before retreating for some much deserved rest.

Our Athens city tour will begin with a visit to the Acropolis, where we’ll explore its iconic monuments—the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea. From the hilltop, panoramic views stretch over the Odeon of Herodus Atticus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Areopagus. We’ll continue to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

We’ll witness the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace before driving past Athens’ cultural landmarks, including the Parliament, Constitution Square, and the neoclassical Athens Trilogy. A scenic stop at Lycabettus Hill will offer sweeping views of the city.

Later, we’ll stroll through Plaka and the Flea Market for local delicacies and shopping. If time allows, we may also visit the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, and Socrates’ Prison. The day will conclude with a visit to either the New Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum—both offering a perfect ending to our exploration of this timeless city. (B)

We will depart from Athens and follow the scenic coastal road to the Corinth Canal—a remarkable 6-kilometer waterway that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. After a brief stop to admire the canal, we will continue through traditional villages to reach Ancient Corinth. There, we will visit the Agora, the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, and the museum featuring mosaic floors, Corinthian pottery, terra cotta sphinxes, statues, and the Roman head of Tyche. We will also see the podium where St. Paul was judged.

Our journey will then take us to Mycenae, where we will explore the famous Cyclopean Walls, the Lion Gate, and the Treasury of Atreus—believed to be the tomb of Agamemnon. We will pass through Argos and arrive in Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Here, we will admire the Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the small islet of Bourtzi, with time for a relaxed lunch.

In the afternoon, we will visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus, known worldwide for its superb acoustics. Our return journey will follow the beautiful coastal road along the Saronic Gulf, and we will arrive back in Athens in the evening, having experienced a full day of Greece’s historical and cultural treasures. (B)

We will depart early from Athens, following the national road past Thiva, Levadia, and the village of Distomo, eventually arriving at the picturesque ski town of Arachova—famous for its mountain charm and traditional architecture.

Our journey will continue to Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world. We will explore the archaeological site, home to the famous Oracle, the Temple of Apollo, and the ancient stadium. A visit to the museum will reveal treasures from the site, including the renowned Charioteer of Delphi.

Later, we will enjoy lunch at a traditional taverna in the modern village of Delphi before heading north, crossing Mount Parnassos and passing through charming Greek villages and the regional capital of Lamia. We will arrive by evening in the scenic village of Kastraki, nestled beneath the cliffs of Meteora, where we will spend the night. (B)

The morning will begin with visits to the Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most spectacular locations in Greece. Perched atop towering rock pillars, these monasteries offer both spiritual richness and breathtaking views. We will visit at least 2–3, if not more, of the monasteries depending on opening hours, with highlights including the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron and the Monastery of Varlaam. If accessible, we may also explore St. Stephen’s Monastery or the more remote Holy Trinity Monastery, known for its dramatic location.

At the end of the day, we will enjoy the epic sunset overlooking the monasteries before retiring back to our hotel for rest. (B)

Early in the morning, our arranged transport will depart Meteora to return us to Athens for our cruise. During our drive back, we will pause at the historic battlefield of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their legendary stand. We will then continue straight to the Agios Kosmas marina, the departure point of many motor yacht charters. We will be greeted by the crew and will depart for Sounion. There will be a lot of space in the bay. With some time before lunch, the braver among us will be taken to shore for a quick walk up to the Temple of Poseidon, while the rest will just relax on the yacht’s sundeck. Lunch will be served, and we will depart in the direction of Kea shortly after.

Kea will offer us a wealth of history, both ancient and modern. Being close to the mainland and the first Cycladic island, Kea will have strategic importance. Notably, the Britannic (Titanic’s sister ship) will have been sunk off Kea, on its way to pick up wounded Allied soldiers, and its wreck will still lie there. We will choose a quiet little bay, away from many other boats, and will have dinner. If we are not too tired, we will have the opportunity to discover the area of Ay Nikolaos – a city with tavernas – that evening. (B, D)

After lunch, we will depart from Kea. We will have decided against visiting Ermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades, as we are already accustomed to large urban environments and much of the historical character of the city will no longer be present. Instead, the captain will select a tranquil bay where we will spend the day. We will finalize our overnight location and will eventually settle in Finikas, a well-sheltered bay on the northwestern side of the island.

We will have the opportunity to venture out to explore the surrounding area. The island of Syros will appear largely barren. We will learn that it had been under Venetian rule throughout much of the Middle Ages before being succeeded by the French. (B, L)

The next three days are really why we decided to charter a private cruise through the Cyclades.

We will depart from Serifos in the morning, leaving behind its rugged hills and quiet harbor. The island’s wild beauty fades into the distance as we catch the Aegean breeze, heading eastward. The passage offers open-water sailing with views of scattered Cycladic islets along the horizon.

As the day unfolds, the sea carries us toward the vibrant energy of Mykonos. Approaching from the west, we see the island’s whitewashed houses clinging to the hillsides and the iconic windmills standing above the harbor. After the calm simplicity of Serifos, the contrast is striking—here the rhythm is lively, cosmopolitan, full of color and sound. By late afternoon, we’ll dock and step ashore into Mykonos’s maze of alleys, ready for a new chapter of island life.

(B, L)

We will sail out of Mykonos in the early morning, leaving behind its lively waterfront and windmills. The short passage brings us to Delos, the sacred heart of the Cyclades. Here, history feels alive—temples, mosaics, and marble streets recall a time when pilgrims and traders crossed paths at this spiritual center of the ancient world.

Just to the west lies Rineia, a place of solitude and unspoiled beauty. In antiquity, it was tied to Delos by custom: births and burials happened here when they were forbidden on sacred Delos. Today, Rineia is quiet and wild. We will anchor in a secluded bay, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy the peace of an untouched Aegean landscape.

By afternoon, we’ll set our course south toward Paros, a beloved island with its whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and lively harbors. As the sun lowers, we’ll dock in Parikia or Naoussa, ready to wander narrow alleys, dine by the sea, and feel the rhythm of Cycladic life.

(B)

We will depart Paros in the morning, leaving behind its lively harbors and golden beaches. As the sails fill, the coastline drifts into memory, and we cross open waters bound for the western Cyclades. Along the way, we may glimpse Antiparos and smaller islets, scattered like stepping stones across the Aegean.

By afternoon, the rugged silhouette of Serifos rises ahead. Known for its untamed hills and striking cliffs, the island feels wilder, more secluded than its central Cycladic neighbors. We will enter the quiet harbor and see the whitewashed Chora perched high above on the mountainside, glowing in the afternoon light. After the vibrancy of Paros, Serifos offers a gentler rhythm—authentic, simple, and timeless. (B)

We will depart Serifos in the morning, the island’s rugged hills fading behind us as we catch the breeze northward. The passage carries us through open waters, with the western Cyclades stretching out like stepping stones across the horizon.

By midday, the gentle outline of Kythnos comes into view. Known for its quiet bays, natural hot springs, and a slower rhythm of life, the island feels peaceful and welcoming. We will anchor in one of its sheltered coves—perfect for swimming or simply relaxing on deck before heading ashore. Kythnos’s whitewashed villages and tranquil harbors offer a simple, authentic charm, a fitting contrast after Serifos’s wild, dramatic landscapes.(B, L)

The hours in Kythnos will pass more quickly than expected, and soon it will be time to set off to ensure we arrive in Athens before sunset. We will pass by Cape Sounion once more, offering a quiet nod to the Temple of Poseidon silhouetted against the sky, and continue along the Peloponnesian coast.

Eventually, we will return to Agios Kosmas marina, where a splendid farewell dinner will bring our charter to a perfect close. (B, L)

The final morning will begin with a generous breakfast on board. We will feel a sense of reluctance as we prepare to say goodbye to the crew, who will have been exceptional throughout the journey. Their warmth, professionalism, and care will leave a lasting impression.

As we sip our final coffees, the cars will arrive to take us to the airport to either return to the United States or adventure on to Istanbul. (B)

This morning, we will bid farewell to Greece and continue our journey as we board a flight from Athens to Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, we will be warmly greeted by our local hosts and transferred comfortably to our centrally located hotel.

After check-in, you will have time to relax and settle into your new surroundings. Whether you choose to unwind or take a short stroll around the neighborhood, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

The evening will offer a perfect opportunity to gather as a group for a welcome dinner, where we’ll share impressions from the journey so far and set the tone for our discovery of Istanbul—a city layered with history, culture, and vibrant energy. (B)

We will begin our day with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, an opulent symbol of the Ottoman Empire's later period, located on the European shores of the Bosphorus. With its grand halls, crystal chandeliers, and blend of Ottoman and European styles, Dolmabahçe offers a striking introduction to Istanbul’s imperial legacy.

From there, we will continue to the lively Spice Market, one of the city’s oldest covered bazaars, where vibrant stalls overflow with fragrant herbs, Turkish delights, dried fruits, and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the colorful energy of Istanbul’s trade culture and perhaps pick up a few flavorful souvenirs.

Next, we will embark on a Bosphorus cruise, gliding between Europe and Asia along the strait that defines Istanbul. Along the way, we will see historic waterfront mansions, Ottoman-era palaces, and grand mosques—all set against the dramatic silhouette of the city.

After the cruise, we will head to the heart of modern Istanbul: Taksim Square. From here, we will stroll down Istiklal Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue filled with boutiques, cafes, galleries, and street performers.

We will make a stop at the atmospheric Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage), once a flower market, now home to charming meyhanes (taverns), where you may choose to enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch or meze.

This day will offer a perfect blend of royal splendor, local culture, and modern city life—all within the unique East-meets-West atmosphere that defines Istanbul. (B)

Our journey through the heart of historic Istanbul will begin at the majestic Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Inside, we will admire its soaring dome, ancient mosaics, and the layered history that shaped the city across centuries.

Just steps away, we will continue to the Blue Mosque, known for its cascading domes and six elegant minarets. Its interior, lined with over 20,000 Iznik tiles in shades of blue, offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling square outside.

(Duration: 6–8 hours, mostly walking).

Our journey comes full circle as we prepare for our return. After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for our flight back to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be check in for your international departure home.

As we part ways, we carry with us unforgettable memories of Aegean islands, ancient wonders, and vibrant cities. This has been more than a trip—it has been a shared experience of culture, history, and connection. (B)