Day 1 | Friday

ATHENS (LAVRIO PORT) - SYROS OR KEA
Begin your Aegean adventure aboard the M/Y Variety Voyager or M/S Panorama. Enjoy a welcome drink, meet fellow travelers, and set sail for Syros (on VV ship in 2026) the sophisticated capital of the Cyclades. Wander its neoclassical streets, soak in the local culture, or visit Kea (on Panorama ship in 2027), a charming, tranquil, and authentic gem of the Cyclades. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner onboard, setting the tone for an unforgettable voyage.

Day 2 | Saturday

MYKONOS
Explore Delos, the sacred birthplace of Apollo, with its UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. Spend the morning exploring the archaeological wonders at your own pace or join an optional guided tour to uncover the island’s fascinating stories. Return onboard for a delightful lunch before sailing to Mykonos, the jewel of the Cyclades. Stroll its whitewashed streets, visit iconic windmills, shop in charming boutiques, and experience vibrant nightlife along the waterfront. Midnight departure for Samos.

Day 3 | Sunday

SAMOS
Arrive in the historic port of Pythagorion, named after the legendary mathematician Pythagoras. Immerse yourself in local history or choose from optional excursions to the Heraion Sanctuary, dedicated to the goddess Hera, and the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, perched dramatically above the harbor with breathtaking views. After your explorations, enjoy free time to wander the town’s streets, shop for local crafts, or savor a meal at a traditional restaurant. The evening brings the unique charm of Samos, with its quaint streets and welcoming atmosphere. Overnight in port.

Day 4 | Monday

KUSADASI (TURKEY)
Dock in Kusadasi, your gateway to ancient civilizations. Optional excursions take you to Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and a grand Roman theatre. Return to Kusadasi port and enjoy free time to explore the bustling market, where colorful textiles, handicrafts, and aromatic spices create a feast for the senses. Dinner on board and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5 | Tuesday

PATMOS
Visit Patmos, known as the “Island of the Apocalypse”. Optional excursions allow you to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Grotto of the Apocalypse, where Saint John received his visions, and the Monastery of St. John, perched high above the medieval town of Chora. After exploring these historic sites, enjoy lunch at your leisure at one of Patmos’ local tavernas. Later, wander the island’s charming streets, perhaps stopping at local shops or cafés to soak up its serene atmosphere. Dinner will be served onboard before departing for Naxos at midnight

Day 6 | Wednesday

NAXOS
Arrive at Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, known for its fertile landscapes and rich cultural heritage. After lunch onboard, explore the island’s picturesque villages. Optional excursions take you to Filoti, the largest village, known for its traditional charm; Apeiranthos, a mountainous settlement celebrated for its cultural heritage; and Halki, with elegant neoclassical mansions and the renowned Citrus Museum, where you can savor local citrus liqueurs. In the evening, stroll through Naxos Old Town, savoring local specialties, while taking in the unique blend of Venetian and Cycladic architecture. Overnight in port.

Day 7 | Thursday

SIFNOS
Discover Sifnos, renowned for its traditional villages, stunning architecture, and exceptional cuisine. Take optional excursions or explore the island at your own pace. Lunch at a local taverna lets you savor Sifnos’ renowned specialties, from fresh seafood to traditional pies. In the early afternoon, we sail back to Lavrion, reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences from the past week. Enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner onboard as the sun sets over the Aegean.

Day 8 | Friday

ATHENS (LAVRIO PORT)
After breakfast, disembark between 8:30–9:00 AM. Though your Aegean voyage concludes, the memories, experiences, and friendships you have made will last a lifetime. Until we meet again, may the magic of the Aegean linger in your heart.

Day 1 | Saturday

DAKAR, SENEGAL
Meet us on board between 3PM and 4PM. Spend some time getting to know your home at sea and fellow voyagers, then join us for a welcome dinner before we set sail southwards, towards the Saloum River Delta. Overnight at sea.

Day 2 | Sunday

DJIFFER, SENEGAL – BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
Dolphins, crocodiles, turtles and manatees. Keep your eyes peeled for all of these and more as we venture into the Sine-Saloum Delta, Senegal. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, this important birding area is home to around 200 different bird species including flamingos, pelicans and raptors. From here, join our optional excursion to JOAL FADIOUTH, an island built on and of clam shells. Come afternoon, we begin our sail to Banjul, The Gambia. Overnight in Banjul.

Day 3 | Monday

BANJUL - BAKAU, THE GAMBIA
Banjul is The Gambia’s capital city and gateway to the 700 mile Gambia River. We’ll sail the river this afternoon, but first join our optional half day tour of Banjul itself, plus the town of Bakau; known for its kachikally crocodile pool and botanic garden. Mid-afternoon we sail upstream on the Gambia River to Tendaba. Overnight docked in Tendaba.

Day 4 | Tuesday

TENDABA, THE GAMBIA
Today, we offer two optional excursions. Both begin in Tendaba, a small Muslim fishing village with a population of around 600 people. It’s reachable from our ship by motor pirogue - small canoe-like boats. In the morning we’ll walk from Tendaba to Batelling to visit the Kiang West National Park - home to many rare species of bird as well as Guinea baboons, Senegal bushbaby and marsh Mongoose. When you’re all primate-d out, we’ll jump in a safari truck heading back to the ship, via Tendaba, and passing local villages as we go. In the afternoon the excursion is to Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve - with six major bolongs (creeks) and remarkable birding and boating opportunities. Overnight docked in Tendaba.

Day 5 | Wednesday

GAMBIA RIVER – KUNTAUR - RIVER GAMBIA NATIONAL PARK, THE GAMBIA
Early morning we continue our journey upstream on the Gambia River, heading to the bustling port town, Kuntaur. This is the last inland stop navigable for ocean-going ships. Yes, even our small ship. The optional excursion this afternoon is a motor pirogue journey further inland to Baboon Island, a part of The Gambia National Park. Listen and learn as a local park ranger teaches us all about the park's flora and fauna. Then, as we drift slowly and peacefully back towards Kuntaur, keep a look out for the chimpanzees at a rehabilitation project en route. You may also spot hippos, crocodiles, Red Colobus monkeys, and more. An exceptional dance, the Kankurang, is performed on our return to Kuntaur. The Kankurang is believed to dispense justice and ward off evil spirits. Overnight docked in Kuntaur.

Day 6 | Thursday

KUNTAUR – JANJANBUREH - KAUR, THE GAMBIA
We hope you’ve slept well as we have a varied and active optional tour today. First to Janjanbureh via bus and local ferry. Janjanbureh is one of the oldest towns in The Gambia, formerly known as Georgetown. Wander the streets and take in the laid back vibes before we head back to the bus and on to our second destination: Lamin Koto. Here, you’ll see a new school in the process of being built, thanks to generous donations from Variety Cruises and our clients. From here we’ll visit the mysterious stones of Wassu, a sacred burial ground thousands of years old, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch we sail downstream to the small fishing village, Kaur. Explore and see how local Gambians live here today. Lastly, join us in the evening for our signature Captain’s Farewell Dinner as we sail downstream, back towards Banjul.

Day 7 | Friday

KUNTA KINTEH ISLAND - BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
One more day in The Gambia, with lots more to learn and discover. This morning we anchor at Kunta Kinteh Island. Strategically located in the middle of the Gambia River, the island has a dark history in the slave trade, the story of which has been told to the world via author Alex Haley’s book, Roots. A local guide will teach us about the history, after which you’ll have some time to walk around before we head back to Banjul. Tonight we host Gambian Night on board, complete with a concert performed on the kora, a west African string instrument. Overnight at sea, heading towards Dakar.

Day 8 | Saturday

DAKAR, SENEGAL
Early morning arrival in Dakar. Join your fellow adventures - who we’re sure are now friends - for one last breakfast before our trip comes to an end.