Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 7 Breakfasts 6 Lunches

Others

Arrival and departure transfers All boat fees There is a chance to swim every day straight from the boat.

Transport

The main mode of transport throughout this tour is onboard your boat. You will also use a public ferry for transportation and a private bus with your tour group. About your boat The MV Isidoros II is a traditional family-owned wooden caique with just eight guest cabins that Explore exclusively charters. The caique is listed as a historic vessel and there are fewer than 80 of this iconic Greek designed boat left in existence, so being able to stay aboard is a real treat. It was built in 1962 and was originally used as a cargo ferry before being converted in 1974 to the comfortable passenger cruiser it is today. Our boat has a large sundeck and a comfortable galley for meals. There is a bar where you can purchase a range of local wine and beer, spirits and soft drinks. There is also a boat ladder and snorkelling equipment available on board to make the most of the many swimming opportunities. All of the cosy cabins are en suite with windows and large fans and there is complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Our boat has a real home from home feel and you are free to move around as you please. You can even choose to sleep on deck under the stars if you wish to enjoy the clear night sky and cool night breeze.

Accommodation

6 nights on board the MV Isidoros II 1 night at the 3-star Galaxy Hotel, Athens Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. Final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents. For more information about your boat on this tour, please see the transport section below. Cabin information: There are two double cabins on the main deck and six twin cabins on the lower deck. Cabins on the lower deck have portholes and cabins on the upper desk have windows. All are en suite. There are no triple cabins available. MV Isidoros II - Our traditional wooden caique has a large sundeck and a comfortable galley for meals and indoor relaxing. There is also a boat ladder to make the most of swimming opportunities. There are two double cabins on the main deck and six twin cabins on the lower deck. Cabins on the lower deck have portholes and cabins on the upper desk have windows. All are en suite. Please note we don’t have single cabins on board, if you are a family of two, four or six you will all get twin cabins. If you are a family of three or five you will still get twin cabins and there is a very small chance, if the trip is fully booked and we have a number of families of three and five that one of your party will need to share with someone of the same gender and age group (i.e. adults will only ever share with adults or children with children). The cabins are cosy and can get warm in summer as there is no air-conditioning but each is equipped with a fan and all have power sockets (European 2 pin round). Bath and face towels are provided on the caique, so there is no need to bring your own. A safe for your personal valuables is available in the wheelhouse of the caique. While our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day route printed, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Overnight stops and even islands visited, may vary due to weather, sea conditions and the availability of mooring space in harbours.

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and has a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety are adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour. Explore leader Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline. Local crew Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £10 of local c urrency per family member. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Not included:

Flights

As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed. You are able to book this tour on a ’land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Others

Pre and post-tour accommodation Tipping Other meals, snacks and drinks Visa and Passport Information Greece: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per-person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. The prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Day 4: Entry to Eretria Museum, €2 per person (morning visit before we set sail) Day 4: Visit Styra village, including transport by taxi, €10 per person (afternoon visit) Day 7: Visit the Red castle ruins at Castello Rosso for spectacular views across the bay (includes transport by taxi) €10 per person

Insurance

This tour does not include travel insurance. Please make sure you are adequately covered. You can arrange travel insurance with your preferred provider, or our Travel Experts can recommend a provider for you. It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.

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Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip At Athens Airport And Transfer To Evia Island To Board Our Caique
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip At Athens Airport And Transfer To Evia Island To Board Our Caique

Our family adventure begins today at 6pm at Athens International Airport (ATH). The latest your flight can arrive is 5.30pm, giving you time to clear the airport. We’ll meet and travel as a group by bus to the port of Rafina or Marathon where we’ll catch a ferry to the island of Evia. On arrival, it’s a short taxi or minibus ride to Karystos where our caique will be waiting for us. Before settling into our cabins, we’ll meet our friendly boat crew and enjoy a welcome drink. If your flight arrives earlier in the day and you have time to spare, Athens is easily accessible by metro from the airport. The airport is well signposted (in English) and it’s a direct train. There are also luggage storage facilities at the airport. Our home for the week is the MV Isidoros II, a traditional wooden caique, owned by our captain and tour leader, Thanos and his family. Thanos has been a part of the Explore family for 20 years - there’s nobody better to give you a warm welcome both aboard and to Evia. The vessel is exclusively chartered by Explore and has just eight cabins. Listed as a historic caique, there are fewer than 80 of the iconic Greek-designed boats left in existence, so being able to stay aboard is a real treat. Ours was built in 1962 and was originally used as a cargo ferry before being converted in 1974 to the comfortable passenger cruiser it is today. The boat has a large sundeck and a comfortable galley for meals. There is a bar where you can purchase a range of local wine and beer, spirits, and soft drinks. There’s also a boat ladder and snorkelling equipment available on board to make the most of the many swimming opportunities. All of the cosy cabins are en-suite with windows and large fans and there is complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Our boat has a real home-from-home feel and you’re free to move around as you please. If you’d like to enjoy the clear night sky and cool breeze, you can even choose to sleep on deck. Evia is one of the largest Greek islands but remains off of the main tourist trail. In summer and on the weekends, you’ll find the main visitors are the Greeks leaving the city of Athens to enjoy the waterfront tavernas and uncrowded beaches. This makes visiting Evia an authentic local experience. The rugged coastline is dotted with market towns, fishing villages, secluded coves, and wide sandy beaches. The sea is clear and warm, making it a wonderful spot to swim and snorkel, while the pine-covered hills provide the perfect backdrop and help to keep the evening temperatures cooler. Please note, the order of the itinerary and inclusions may vary due to weather and cruising conditions.
Day 2 Day 2: Sail To The Bay Of Panagia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sail To The Bay Of Panagia

Each morning, the crew will prepare you a hearty breakfast consisting of fresh bread, cheese, ham, eggs, cereals, Greek yoghurt, honey, marmalades, fresh seasonal fruits, and orange juice with coffee or English tea. Our captain also serves tea and coffee with biscuits or cakes at eleven o’clock on deck. After breakfast, we’ll set sail for our first destination, the bay of Panagia, a small fishing village lying in the shelter of a fjord. En route we’ll stop to swim in the waters off the rugged and undeveloped coastline. Once in Panagia there’ll be the opportunity to see terrapin turtles in the streams behind the picturesque church of St Mary or swim and snorkel in the fjord waters of the bay. Lunch is generally a hot regional speciality with a vegetarian option served with seasonal salad and a traditional appetiser. Dinner will be in one of the small, characterful seaside waterfront taverns offering barbecue seafood and traditional dishes with local wine, beer, and soft drinks.
Day 3 Day 3: Cruise To Porto Buffalo Then On To Panagia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cruise To Porto Buffalo Then On To Panagia

Today we’ll cruise to the Gulf of Evia, where the island splits from the mainland. Greek legends romantically claim that the divide was caused by Poseidon piercing the earth with his trident. We’ll travel to Porto Buffalo, a small fishing village port in southern Evia renowned for its fresh fish, the port hosts a beautiful and private lagoon where we’ll spend time at the sandy beach or if you’re feeling energetic, you can practice jumping off the boat from the top deck into the turquoise Aegean Sea. We’ll continue at a leisurely pace cruising to back to Panagia where we can walk along the coast to a beautiful golden beach in the Bay of Almiropotamos. Please note that during times of adverse weather, usually when there are high winds, it might not be possible to sail to Eretria. Our captain will monitor the weather daily and make a final decision on the planned route.
Day 4 Day 4: Morning Cruise In The Bay Of Marathon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Morning Cruise In The Bay Of Marathon

After breakfast we cruise towards Nea Styra. This area has several stunning beaches and boasts a beautiful coastline with clear waters inviting you to swim and snorkel. The rolling hills above Nea Styra lead to a silver-green valley of olive trees where we’ll have the opportunity to explore in the afternoon. As the sun sets in the historic bay of Marathon, the promenade comes to life with locals and visitors taking in a typical Mediterranean stroll before dining alfresco.
Day 5 Day 5: Swim And Snorkel In Nea Styra, Afternoon Cruise To Figias And Marmari
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Swim And Snorkel In Nea Styra, Afternoon Cruise To Figias And Marmari

After a leisurely start to the day, we’ll set sail and cruise towards Figias and onto Marmari, a typical Aegean fishing village with numerous tavernas and cafes dotted along the promenade. There’ll be ample opportunity to swim and snorkel off the boat close to the rocky shores.
Day 6 Day 6: Cruise To Pelai Islands For Swimming And On To Karystos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cruise To Pelai Islands For Swimming And On To Karystos

This morning we’ll cruise towards the archipelagos of Petali, where seven private and exclusive islands offer the best of a ’jet set’ life in the Aegean. Once the summer residence of the Greek royal family, today it’s the playground of the Picasso family, the Embiricos ship owners, and other such tycoons. Maria Calas, one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century, spent many summers here and we’ll drop anchor to enjoy the good life ourselves with opportunities to swim, snorkel or just relax on the deck amongst the rich and famous. In the late afternoon, we’ll set sail for Karystos.
Day 7 Day 7: Cruise To Bouros Bay And On To Karystos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cruise To Bouros Bay And On To Karystos

This morning we can visit the Venetian mountain castle of Castello Rosso in Gourna which is a well-preserved fourth-crusade fortress that commands the sea corridor between Asia and Europe, the entry to the Black Sea. Our final stop on our cruise is Bouros in Karystos bay where we’ll drop anchor for the last time to swim and snorkel in the amazing clear waters of the Aegean. After docking at the harbour, we’ll bid farewell to our friendly crew. Tonight, we’ll stay in a waterfront hotel in Karystos. We can visit the famous Montofoli winery estate or enjoy an afternoon in Kohyli Coves which is walking distance from our hotel.
Day 8 Day 8: Ferry To Rafina And Transfer To Athens Airport Where Trip Ends
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ferry To Rafina And Transfer To Athens Airport Where Trip Ends

Departing Karystos this morning, we’ll take a short taxi or minibus ride back to Marmari or Styra to board the ferry for the journey back to Rafina or Marathon on mainland Greece. Our ferry will depart at approximately 9.50am. From Rafina we’ll transfer to Athens International Airport (ATH), where we’ll arrive at around 11.30am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 1.30pm.

8 days tour

Family Greek Coast Caique Cruise

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Family Greek Coast Caique Cruise

Day 1: Join Trip At Athens Airport And Transfer To Evia Island To Board Our Caique

Day 2: Sail To The Bay Of Panagia

Day 3: Cruise To Porto Buffalo Then On To Panagia

Day 4: Morning Cruise In The Bay Of Marathon

Day 5: Swim And Snorkel In Nea Styra, Afternoon Cruise To Figias And Marmari

Day 6: Cruise To Pelai Islands For Swimming And On To Karystos

Day 7: Cruise To Bouros Bay And On To Karystos

Day 8: Ferry To Rafina And Transfer To Athens Airport Where Trip Ends

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