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Peregrine Travel Centre

Halcyon Days in the Aegean (Monet)

Halcyon Days in the Aegean (Monet)

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Description

Join us for a relaxing and informative voyage to some of the most idyllic islands in the Aegean. Part of the joy of a cruise aboard a small vessel is its capability to dock in small ports and cruising aboard the delightful MS Monet is a wonderful way to experience the lesser known islands of the Aegean and encounter their timeless quality. Owing to the fact that our small ship can moor centrally, we have the added advantage of being able to access the towns and villages by foot in many of the ports of call.

We have devised our itinerary to allow ample time to wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek island gems such as Skyros, Folegandros, Nisyros and Tilos. In addition, whilst ensuring a relaxing time will be had by all, we could not devise an itinerary in this wonderful region without including visits to at least some of the wonderful ancient sites in the area and we will discover the fascinating site of Ephesus where St Paul preached and spend some time on the island of Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John.

With a maximum of only 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides and, with its wealth of historic sites, dramatic scenery and the crystalclear waters of the Aegean, it will become evident why this region has inspired writers, poets and artists since the time of Homer.

Trip Name
Halcyon Days in the Aegean (Monet)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Passenger Capacity: 50 Build / Referbished: 1998 / 2016 / 2018 Your Cabin All the cabins on board the MS Monet are designed for comfort and have a warm and inviting feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 9 to 22 square metres and Categories A, B & C are equipped with windows, while those in Category D have portholes. Cabins 104-107, 112, 119, 205 and 210-215 feature twin beds and all other cabins have fixed double beds. Facilities include en-suite bathroom with shower, television, minifridge, safety deposit box, air-conditioning and hairdryer. Your Space The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas on the Lumiere Deck, a restaurant located on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Open Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. The gym can be found on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Sun Deck provides a delightful sun exposed space with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi, ideal for relaxation and wonderful views. Your Dining Located on the Parisian Deck, the glass enclosed indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single sitting with unassigned seating and allows for wonderful panoramic views of the stunning scenery as we sail. The Lumiere Open Deck provides a generous covered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffet stands. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialties. A choice of house wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Life On Board During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor and outdoor dining spaces, as well as the open and inviting deck areas including the Jacuzzi. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Skyros.
Spend the morning at sea as we cruise to Skyros, the most remote and least developed of the Sporades Islands. Our afternoon guided tour will visit Chora, the island’s capital and one of the most beautiful villages in Skyros. On a hill above Chora sits an imposing Byzantine castle and the monastery of Saint George, one of the most important landmarks on the island offering views over the Aegean. We will also visit the statue dedicated to the British poet Rupert Brooke who died on the island during the First World War.
Day 3 - Day 3 Chios.
The birthplace of Homer, Chios remained a significant Aegean island into the Byzantine period. Homer mentions the island by name several times in the Odyssey, calling it ‘paipaloessa’, or craggy, a richly deserved epithet. The island is rich in ancient ruins and this morning we will visit the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore the town of Chios independently.
Day 4 - Day 4 Kusadasi, Turkey.
Arrive in Kusadasi over breakfast. From our berth we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. We will also see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans to the present capacity of 24,000. We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Kusadasi. Sail this evening to Samos where we moor overnight.
Day 5 - Day 5 Samos, Greece.
Today we explore Samos which lays claim to be the birthplace of Hera, the mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus. From the port of Vathy we will visit the excellent archaeological museum with one of the richest collections in Greece including the five metre tall Kouros rescued from the Hereion and dedicated to the God Apollo. Continue to the Sanctuary of Hera, the second largest temple ever built in Greece dating from the 6th century BC, before arriving at the charming village of Pythagorio. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon in Vathy.
Day 6 - Day 6 Ikaria & Fourni.
According to Greek myth, Ikaria was created when Ikarus crashed into the sea after flying too close to the sun. Today it is one of the least developed but visually dramatic Greek islands with beautiful coves, deep valleys and hidden beaches. On a scenic drive we will explore the villages and discover why the islanders here have a longer life expectancy than anywhere else in Europe. The island is also revered as the birthplace of Dionysus, the God of wine and we plan to visit one of the local vineyards. We sail over lunch to one of the best kept secret islands in the Aegean, Fourni. Once a haven for pirates who enjoyed the island’s remote setting, little changed for centuries it has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a free afternoon to walk up from the harbour to the charming main square and enjoy a drink whilst watching island life.
Day 7 - Day 7 Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning, we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure as we moor overnight.
Day 8 - Day 8 Tilos.
Spend a morning at sea as we sail to timeless Tilos. This lovely island has still to find its way onto the pages of tour operator’s brochures and so retains its traditional atmosphere. See Livadia, a lively little town and Megalo Chorio, its tiny capital rich in crusader castles. There is also a beach nearby for those that prefer to have a swim. This evening we remain in port for those wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 9 - Day 9 Tilos & Halki.
Departing Tilos after breakfast we sail during the morning to the tiny island of Halki. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace through the maze of alleyways, see the picturesque houses, the church of Agios Nikolaos and the clock tower. Those feeling active may wish to walk to a local beach or climb to the old capital of Horio perched on a hill where you can see the Castle of the Knights of St John and enjoy the wonderful views.
Day 10 - Day 10 Nisyros.
We spend the day on the small island of Nisyros arriving in the port of Mandraki. This morning we will drive to the Polyvotis Volcano named after the Titan imprisoned under the rock of Nisyros during the battle with the gods. Here we will learn more of the legends and have the chance to walk into the caldera. After lunch you can spend a relaxing afternoon wandering through the village or climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spilanior.
Day 11 - Day 11 Folegandros & Paros.
Arrive this morning at the littleknown island of Folegandros. Visit the clifftop capital of Chora, a wonderfully picturesque village with alleys lined with bougainvillea and hibiscus and a dramatic seascape over an edge which drops some 700 feet directly into the Aegean. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail to Paros, arriving in the early evening.
Day 12 - Day 12 Paros & Syros.
Paros is famed for the marble that is drawn from the island’s interior and used in the Venus de Milo statue. We moor at Parikia, a beautiful village of whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets. Explore the 4th century Panagia Ekatondapyliani, one of the finest churches in the Cyclades and the Byzantine Museum, which houses icons from the churches and monasteries of the island. We sail over lunch to Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Arriving in the late afternoon we will take a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre.
Day 13 - Day 13 Athens to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Visit Skyros & Chios.
    • Discover Samos, Ikaria & Fourni.
    • Travel to Patmos & Tilos.

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