Thank you for contacting us about our Fun and Fascinating Flotilla to the Greek Islands.
We first offered this flotilla in 1995 as a Cruising World Magazine's Adventure Flotilla and it was a fantastic success. Every year since, we have offered this special flotilla, and this year, we know it will again be the best flotilla charter ever. Our charterers enjoy the discovery of these less traveled islands and the value of the guided tours that are INCLUDED .

This flotilla features the most interesting & exciting places to visit in Greece, sailing into two Island groups which exemplify the cultural anthology and the historical diversity of Greece. The first island group is the Cyclades and second is the Dodecanese . Your 14 day adventure flotilla will begin with a guided tour of Athens - home to Pericles and other ancient philosophers who made Athens their home, and now the center of Greek cultural and life. A guide accompanies us throughout the sail, from Athens to Rhodes.

The Cyclades is derived from the Ancient Greek word of Kyklos, which means circle, and was named this because standing at the great holy island of Delos, the islands form a great circle. During ancient times, these islands were the home of a flourishing culture. Marble is a dominate feature of the Cycladic landscape. Most of these islands are literally made of marble and for this reason most artifacts are carved in marble.
The islands we plan to visit in the Cyclades are Syros, Mykonos, Delos, Paros, Ios, Santorini and Anafi. We always rely on the winds to adjust our final itinerary.

The second group of islands that we will be visiting is the Dodecanese, which extends through the southern Aegean. Most of the 12 islands which make up the Dodecanese are referred to by Homer. Since ancient times, the islanders have been closely linked to the sea, and many of the islands were great sea powers during the Hellenistic period. Following Roman rule, they became part of the Byzantine empire and were then conquered by the Crusaders. You can well imagine this island group's rich architecture and history.
The islands that you will be visiting, with Poseidon's help, are: Astypalea, Nisiros or Kos, Simi, & Rhodes.

The yachts, which will be used, are sleek, fast, and comfortable 55 ft & 61 ft yachts, with 4 double cabins, each with private shower and toilet facilities. Each boat have a skipper, for local knowledge and he will encourage you to take the helm as much as you wish. You will be visiting the most interesting places and historically significant sites in Greece, as you sail to the most fascinating destinations.

Individual requests for yachts without skippers, changes in size of yachts or accommodations will be accepted with prices adjusted accordingly. A lead boat will be accompanying the yachts and will be staffed with a lead skipper, and local guide who will take you to all the exciting places to visit.

I hope to see you on this exciting and certainly unforgettable passage, Athens to Rhodes

DAY ONE- On September 26, We departure from New York in the evening aboard Olympic Airways Airbus non-stop to Athens.
DAY TWO- September 27, Arrival to Athens airport the next morning- assistance at the airport and transfer to category A hotel. Afternoon free to enjoy shopping in Athens. We will meet in the early evening for a wine and cheese reception where we will discuss itinerary, meet your skippers, fellow sailors, and assign you to your yacht. Afterwards we are off to Athens' oldest and liveliest area of Plaka- for our first dinner together and some exquisite Greek dancing performances. After dinner we will return to the hotel.
DAY THREE- September 28, Gather our bags and get ready for a full day. First breakfast, check out from the hotel and an eight o'clock departure on a private air-conditioned coach and a half day guided tour of Athens At the Acropolis, walk on the marble stones that were once the paths walked by Pericles and the ancients.
At the end of the Athens tour, our bus will take us to the port of Pireus to board a superfast ferry the island of Syros to meet and board our waiting yachts. The rest of the day is free to either swim, relax at one of the local cafes or visit the museum in Syros. There is an excellent collection of Cycladic artifacts, the theater of Apollon and the churches of St. Nicholas and Koimesis which contains an icon painted by El Greco.
The night is free to enjoy your first island in Greece. Dine at any of the many local tavernas, which serve a feast of Greek delicacies and have a drink at the local ouzeries.
DAY FOUR- September 29, Set sail from Syros- to the famed island of Mykonos. approximately 25 miles. Arriving at Mykonos, we will moor in the new Marina for the evening. The island is marked by the dazzling white buildings and homes. It is striking for its colorful shops and architecture and the narrow winding alleys. The yacht-set, jet-set, artists, backpackers and holiday makers of every stripe all go to see the uniqueness of this island. For those who want entertainment, they can join other all night revelers at the many of the island's night spots. No island of Greece has been photographed or filmed more than this island.
We plan to arrive in Mykonos early to visit to the island of Delos, an uninhabited island preserved for its extensive relics and ruins of its once prominent stature as political and religious center of the ancient world.
DAY FIVE- September 30, Set sail to Paros -approximately 20 miles. We will moor at the main port of Paroikia which is set against a step hillside with dazzling white houses and churches. Narrow pathways leading to picturesque shops and Tavernas offer a new discovery at every turn. The island is rich with churches dating back to the Byzantine empire and many museums and sculptures dating back to pre -Homeric times. years.
DAY SIX- October 1, Set sail for the island of Ios- approximately 25 miles. This is an excellent island to replenish provisions. Shopping is good, as are the tavernas on the water front. The day is free to spend at the beaches ( some where the youthful visitors have posted signs "clothing is prohibited "), rent a bike and tour the island, or walk up to the town to visit its many shops. If you are so inclined, Ios has a great reputation for music and dancing till dawn.
DAY SEVEN- October 2, Our destination is Santorini, 20 miles away. This is set aside as a day of relaxation and stops along the way for sun and water at any of the island's many beaches. No plans are made, however for those curious to explore on their own or with our guide, Santorini offer spectacular sights. As a suggestion, you may want to take a bus or taxi to the tip of the island to see the most spectacular sunset anywhere.
DAY EIGHT- October 3, We have organized for you a pretty full day. An air conditioned motor coach will take us to the ancient Minoan settlement in Akrotiri which is actively being excavated for the past 30 years. After our tour of Akrotiri you will have a chance to visit the main town of Fira to walk through the winding streets and hidden treasures. Choose from one of the many tavernas for lunch and enjoy the view of the dormant volcano which had its major eruption 1500 BC. Our day ends with a sail to the small island of Anafi, 18 miles to the south. 20. Anafi is a small island rarely visited by the throngs of tourists. Until recently, there was only one ferry boat serving this island every week. With only 3 tavernas on this island, we normally have dinner near the water and expect to have the evening end with dancing in the street.
DAY NINE- October 4, We sail for Astypalea- about 35 miles - and anchor in the small picturesque cove of Panormos. Astypalia is rich with Venitian influence and much of the architecture resembles that of Venice with the added influence of the cubist styled Turkish balconies. Take a swim. Enjoy the sites. Plans for dinner should consider selecting one of the tavernas specializing in serving some of the fresh locally caught fish.

DAY TEN- October 5, Hoist sail, hopefully the winds are with us as we head for Nisiros, a 45 mile sail. We will moor in Mandraki harbor. The village of Nisiros is considered one of the most picturesque in the Dodecanese. Lots to see here and most within walking distance. We suggest a visit to the monastery, which is inside a cave in the old Venetian Castle, or take the local bus and visit the crater of a very active volcano, which has a 2 1/2 mile open crater. For those not up to sightseeing, we suggest the beach of Miramare; a ten minute walk from the port.
DAY ELEVEN- October 6, We set sail for the island of Simi , about 30 miles away, and will moor in the harbor of Chora. Simi was and is famous for their shipbuilding. The Knights of St. John built many of their galleons in Simi and now the islanders build the so-called caiques. We suggest a visit to the museum which has artifacts from Hellenistic period. For those who do not mind walking up hill, they can visit the Byzantine and medieval castle. The church of Megali Panagia, which is nearby, contains some fantastic frescoes and Byzantine icons. Simi has some excellent tavernas. In the evening take a walk along the waterfront and see the traditional caiques. It is also the old center of sponge diving.
DAY TWELVE- October 7, We sail to our final destination of Rhodes. We moor at the marina Mandraki. You have the afternoon free to collect your things or do any last minute shopping in old town of Rhodes or perhaps walk to the medieval castle of St. John's which was occupied by the medieval period Knights. On this evening, before going out to dinner, our charterers usually arrange to have cocktails aboard one or two of the boats in the flotilla to share as a group our sailing and sightseeing experiences and to exchange stories and experiences we had on our trip. The rest of the evening is for you to enjoy as you wish. Take a stroll through the town of Rhodes. Nightlife is in abundance in Rhodes and those with lady luck on their side might want to take a crack at the casino.
DAY THIRTEEN- October 8, Rise and shine! Say good bye to your floating hotel and your skippers and prepare for a day of sightseeing. Rhodes has so many things to see that we have chosen the best and have taken the liberty to arrange today's plan for you. You and your luggage will be picked up by a private air-conditioned coach around nine o'clock. We will first take you on a half-day tour of the three ancient cities of Lindos. We will then take you to Epta Pigades where you can stop for lunch. There is a selection of tavernas to choose from. After lunch, and if time remains, we will then continue our voyage to Elaphos where you can stop and have a coffee or perhaps a sweet overlooking the astonishing view of the island of Rhodes, and see the valley of Petaloudes (Butterflies). In the late afternoon, we will check in at our hotel. On this last day of our flotilla, we have planned a farewell dinner. You'll have a chance to say good-bye to your fellow charter crew, and skippers.
DAY FOURTEEN- It is now October 9 , and we have an early rise!!! You will be transferred to the airport in Rhodes to catch your flight back to Athens and then go on from there back home, unless you are extending you vacation with additional tours.
We hope, but already know, that your journey with us will be enjoyable and unforgettable!!!!!!!

a) Airfare New York- Athens- New York
b) Airfare Rhodes- Athens
c) All Transfers
d) Welcoming dinner in Athens and Farewell dinner in Rhodes
e) Half day coach tour of Athens
f) Two nights accommodations (Athens & Rhodes) in a class A hotel ( includes breakfast)
g) Lead boat with skipper and guide
h) The yacht will be 55 or 61 ft yachts, with 4 double cabins, each with in-suite facilities plus private skipper cabin. Requests for bookings will be considered on a first book first served basis.
i) Each yacht will have its own skipper included (bareboat requests for full yacht charter can beaccommodated)
j) Starter Pack provision for the first day's lunch and following morning's breakfast
k) Round trip ferry Ios- Santorini- Ios if ferries are used.
l) Half day coach tour of Santorini and admission to Akrotiri site
m) Coach tour in Rhodes
n) All port fees, fuel & water, Yacht insurance, and taxes

In the event of any significant price increases in airfares or exchange rate of the Euro, a price adjustment may be made.

Fill out the application form enclosed with this information packet. A deposit of $1000 per person will be required to hold a space for you. ($500 of it will not be refundable). We sincerely hope you will join us on this flotilla which we know will most memorable. Albatross is committed to doing its utmost to meet this goal.

A) Changes to the itinerary are possible any time if needed within the time frame of the flotilla. Our itinerary is planned in advance but is altered to suite local weather and wind conditions to assure the best possible sailing experience

B) Additional or extended services required by clients (i.e. hotels, tours, car rental etc..) can be arranged with prior notice.
C) Individual request for changes or upgrading of a yacht will be made as available.
D) Singles ( extra singles supplement)and individual couples are welcome on the flotilla.