Day 1 | Saturday

MAHE/VICTORIA (INTER ISLAND QUAY) - ST. ANNE
Welcome to the Seychelles, the Variety way. This natural paradise will be your home for the next few days: expect cultural immersion, uninhabited islands, and unique biospheres. But first, enjoy a welcome drink before we set sail for our first stop, Sainte Anne. We know you’ve been waiting to dive into the inviting Indian Ocean: this is your first chance of many. Dinner on board and overnight at anchor.

Day 2 | Sunday

ST. ANNE - CURIEUSE
An early departure means we’ll be at the uninhabited island of Curieuse ready for a day of excursions: guided walking tours, mangrove forest exploration, giant tortoise spotting, and more. Welcome in the afternoon with a beach barbecue and snorkelling opportunities or, with beaches this beautiful, you may prefer to simply lie back and soak it all in. We wouldn’t blame you. Overnight at anchor.

Day 3 | Monday

CURIEUSE - COUSIN ISLAND - ANSE LAZIO
From Curieuse to Anse Lazio. But first a visit to Cousin Island: the entire island has been a nature reserve since 1968. We’ll visit the bird sanctuary before sailing onwards to Anse Lazio in Praslin - globally recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, the time is yours; enjoy swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing or napping, before heading back to the ship. Overnight at anchor.

Day 4 | Tuesday

ANSE LAZIO - ARIDE - ST. PIERRE - BAIE ST. ANNE/PRASLIN
Experience a wake up call like no other: experienced island rangers will take you on an early-morning guided tour to the top of the island for a one-in-a-million vantage point. Be sure to bring your camera. Aride is famous for numerous indiginous species; your guide will point these out as you traverse the unique landscape. At noon we sail to St. Pierre Island for 3 hours of snorkelling and swimming. Dry off, and enjoy a sunset sail to Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin, in time for a cultural Creole Night. Overnight at dock. *Aride island often closed by local authorities during Southeast Trade winds (from May to September as a guideline). It may also close at short notice during strong winds. During this time, weather permitting, Variety Cruises Captain will be calling at equally beautiful locales, visiting Cote D’Or or Anse Georgette.

Day 5 | Wednesday

BAIE ST. ANNE, PRASLIN - FELICITE - LA DIGUE
Today is all about going where the wind takes us - figuratively and literally! After an optional tour to Vallee de Mai, the green heart of Praslin often described as a Garden of Eden, we’ll set off for Felicite or Grand Soeur. Wherever we end up, we guarantee you fun in the beautiful Seychelles sun. Evening sail to La Digue where we’ll anchor for the night.

Day 6 | Thursday

LA DIGUE - MOYENNE ISLAND
Join us for an optional morning excursion where our knowledgeable guides will take you to L’Union Estate Farm for a tour of a coconut oil mill. Spend the early afternoon souvenir shopping at La Passe, or idle the time away at Anse Source D’Argent beach. This is another beach well-known for being one of the world’s most beautiful. What can we say, the Seychelles will spoil you. Late afternoon sail to Moyenne Island, overnight at anchor.

Day 7 | Friday

MOYENNE ISLAND - MAHE - INTER ISLAND QUAY
Your last day with us in the Seychelles is equal parts food and swimming. Dive into those sparkling waters for one last time at Moyenne before enjoying a barbecue on deck. Late afternoon we’ll head back to where it all began - Mahe - for our signature Captain’s Farewell dinner with live music. Dancing isn’t required, but very much smiled upon. Overnight in Mahe.

Day 8 | Saturday

MAHE/VICTORIA (INTER ISLAND QUAY)
Mahe, Victoria (9AM)
Get ready to disembark, but first enjoy a breakfast on board. We never like saying goodbye, so instead let us say we hope to sea you soon!

Day 1 | Friday

ATHENS, MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS) - CORINTH
Meet at Marina Zeas in Athens, ready to join a bus transfer to Corinth. The bus leaves at 4PM sharp, for ship embarkation between 5.30PM - 6PM. This afternoon and evening is all about getting to know your fellow passengers and crew over a welcome dinner and drinks. Be sure to say hello to your hiking and archaeology experts for the week: George, Iro, and Evgenia. Their expertise will make this week one to remember. Overnight at sea, sailing to Itea.

Day 2 | Saturday

ITEA FOR DELPHI
Early morning arrival in Itea, ready for a day of exploration. Our hike today is rich in history and - along with our optional excursion to Delphi, revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world - will help you understand the historical significance of the area. The Kirra trail starts inside the town of Delphi, passes numerous small churches, the village of Chrisso with its Virgin Mary church and the fabulous Focis olive groves, to end at the port of Itea.

Day 3 | Sunday

KATAKOLON FOR OLYMPIA
Keen hikers (oh, that’s all of you!), listen up. Today’s optional excursion is to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a special place for anyone interested in sports, health, and fitness. Here you’ll visit the site of the Temple of Zeus - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - but also get the chance to run in the very spot the first Olympic athletes did, over 2000 years ago. Today’s hike is in the oak forest of Foloi. It’s an easy walk that we’ll take slowly, allowing us to take in the stunning flora and fauna of the area.

Day 4 | Monday

PYLOS
Morning arrival into Pylos port - the site of many famous naval battles, the last of which led to Greek independence. Our today’s trail begins at the Cazarma village and ends at the beautiful Polylimnio area with its fairyland waterfalls (if you wish, you can go ahead and jump right in). Tonight we sail to Gythion with dinner on board.

Day 5 | Tuesday

GYTHION
Gythion was the ancient naval base of the Spartans and our hiking trail today explores an area said to be home to modern descendants of them - the Mani Peninsula. We’ll hike one of the most beautiful areas of it, Cape Tenaron, beginning in Kokkinogia and ending at the Tenaro lighthouse. The latter is the southernmost point of continental Europe. Our route will take about two hours and, despite several rocky sections, is a relatively easy trek with many fascinating pathways. We’ll highlight the areas of historical significance as we walk but expect to see a stunning a Roman floor mosaic, the necromancy grotto of Poseidon which ancient Greeks believed led to the Gate of Hades and stunning views of the open sea.

Day 6 | Wednesday

MONEMVASIA - NAFPLION
Monemvasia, a mediaeval Byzantine town, is a sight to behold from the sea. Yet the special vantage point from sea is met with an equal measure of character when explored on foot. Nicknamed the Gibraltar of the East, explore the preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture of the town that was the birthplace of one of the most important Greek poets, Giannis Ritsos. We’ll take a guided walk inside - delving into its winding paths and traditional churches, as well as around its castle. Lunch on board with an afternoon sail to Nafplion, arriving just in time for dinner. Overnight in Nafplion.

Day 7 | Thursday

NAFPLION - ANCIENT EPIDAURUS
Nafplion is the first capital of modern Greece, and the main port of the Eastern Peloponnese. As such, it’s well-connected and a great location to begin our optional tours from. In the morning we’ll visit Ancient Epidaurus and start along the trail of the Asclepius Temple. We climb circling the Temple of Apollo, passing the St. Anne church, the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite and the ancient cistern. Passing through eons-old olive tree groves we end up walking down to the famous ancient theater. A picnic in the countryside close to the Epidaurus area will follow after our hiking tour. Lunch on board and optional tour to the stunning Argolis countryside to another major centre of Greek civilization: Mycenae. This ancient city is home to the Lion’s Gate, Cyclopean Walls, the Agamemnon Tomb, and more.

Day 8 | Friday

ATHENS - MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS)
We arrive back to Athens to enjoy one last breakfast together before swapping contact details with new friends, disembarking, and setting off on onward journeys.

Day 1

Crete (Heraklion), Depart 19:00
The seafaring city of Heraklion is where you set off on your Aegean adventure. Enjoy the calm of the stunning seafront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. Your spellbinding cruise awaits – but not before you’ve unravelled the mysteries and wonders of Heraklion. Was the minotaur half-man or myth? You’re about to find out.

Day 2-3

Santorini (Greece), Depart 00:30
The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th-Century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island’s calm and tranquillity.

Day 3-4

Mykonos (Greece), Depart 02:00
The sun-drenched island of Mykonos is affectionately known as the ‘Island of the Winds’. Easily recognised by its iconic 16th-Century windmills perched high on the hill, the vibrant Mykonos Town is an alluring landscape of smooth sandy beaches dotted along a dramatic coastline. Indulge in the islands culinary delights or take a short boat trip to explore the sacred island of Delos.

Day 4

Milos, Depart 19:00
The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculptured looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create the stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages.

Day 5

Athens (Greece), Depart 17:00
We pull into the magical city of Athens, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Join your included tour to the crowning glory of Athens. Join our expert guide and discover the fascinating history of ancient Greece and witness the enduring image of the Parthenon up close and personal.

Day 6

Thessaloniki (Greece), Depart 19:00
Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.

Day 7

Kusadasi (Turkey), Depart 19:00
The dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. From here you will be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of this iconic Aegean cruise. Before rebounding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazaar.

Day 8

Crete(Heraklion), Arrive 08:00
While your cruise may be coming to an end, the ancient Cretan city of Heraklion still lies ahead. Learn about Europe’s first civilisation in the Knossos museum and snap the imposing 16th-century walls of Koules Fortress as you get to know this charming port city. Take in the views of the stunning waterfront or explore the Cretan countryside. As your cruise draws to a close, you’ll leave with fond memories of this iconic city.