Unique Opportunity To Experience Greece

Athens to Rhodes Guided flotilla

Introduction

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 raveled 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 10 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 culture 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 the islands are literally made of marble. This is the reason that most of the artifacts are carved in marble. The islands we plan to visit in the Cyclades are Kithnos, Syros, Naxos Ios, and Amorgos, Santorini. 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 will be comfortable 60 ft yachts, with four to five double cabins, each with private shower and toilet facilities. Each boat will 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.

Athens to Corfu & Corfu to Athens

Introduction

Greece's Ionian Sea is an ideal sailing destination. It offers the perfect combination of sparkling seas and warm sun, magnificent islands and mainland coastline, and numerous ancient and medieval monuments. Add to this a passage through the Gulf of Corinth, visits to Delfi, the ancient theater of Epidauros, the Acropolis, and much, much more, and you have the makings of the passage of a lifetime.

As we sail the blue green waters of the Ionian, you will marvel at the stark beauty of the quaint, yet elegant ports we will visit. These shores have hosted historical figures as Odysseus, Cleopatra, Roman Caesars, Venetian Merchants, Ottomans, and so many others. The history of Greece is inextricably tied to the sea and her islands and their geographical features.

We plan on sailing an average of about 3 to 4 hours a day -and a few 5 hour days- so as to leave plenty of time for relaxing, swimming, and exploration of the destinations we visit. We will also sail through the Corinth Canal whose construction was started by Nero in 67 AD and finally completed in 1892.

This flotilla, like our 1997 Cruising World Flotilla which sailed from Corfu to Zakinthos, goes beyond the Ionian Islands as we explore the coastal towns along the Gulf of Corinth & Athens.

Our passage will visit the Ionian Islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Meganisi, Cepahlonia, Ithaka, and the mainland port towns, along the Gulf of Corinth, Patras, Nafpaktos, Itea, Kiato, Epidauros, & the Island of Aegina. Each day is planned with a stop for swimming to enjoy the serene coves with crystal clear waters, then sailing on to our day's destination.

Accompanying our flotilla will be a archeological guide who will lead us on guided tours (both walking and with tour buses) to visit the ancient and modern villages and sites. At the end of each day you will enjoy the meals served at spirited Tavernas located at waters' edge and serving delicious Greek cuisine and Ouzeries & shops where you'll experience the laid back lifestyle of local Greek life and music. Each of our island or village visits, promise to be rich in discovery & excitement.

Each of the Ionian islands is unique, culturally and architecturally shaped by its history. Their people also share things in common; their cheerfulness, their songs, their zest for life and especially their warmhearted hospitality and simple lifestyle. They are quick to laugh or cry or engage in passionate discourse over matters of great and not so great importance, and always with a ready invitation.

Click Here To Visit Our Athens to Corfu & Corfu to Athens flotillas web-page

For any questions, or to request more information, please contact us at meandros@meandros.gr

Meandros Marine Enterprises,
11 Pan. Tsaldari Str. 17455
Alimos, Athens, Greece
Tel:+3 (010) 9850220
       +3 (010) 9858374
Fax:+3 (010) 9884596