Wines of Greece
Overview
The Wines of Greece cruise takes us to several of the country’s renowned wine regions, including Nemea, Santorini, and Tinos. While wine and winemaking are central themes of this journey, we’ll also explore the dramatic limestone crags and rugged mountains of the Peloponnese, take in the stunning views of Santorini, and enjoy the tranquility of villages scattered throughout the Cyclades and Eastern Aegean islands. Along the way, we’ll meet prominent winemakers, sample wines at leading wineries, and savor dinners thoughtfully paired with a specially curated selection of wines—each highlighting the exceptional native grape varieties from Greece’s rich and diverse wine regions. Aboard the 24-cabins, M/S Panorama. Hosted by Tim Clarke, Wine Ambassador This meticulously crafted itinerary has been designed by Tim Clarke, a wine expert and renowned figure in wine tourism. As the on-board wine guide, Tim will accompany you throughout the cruise, offering his extensive knowledge. Alongside his wife, Lynette Arblaster, Tim co-founded Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours, a venture they successfully ran for almost 30 years. Tim has also gained firsthand experience in winemaking on the island of Samos. His passion for Greece and its wines is truly contagious, and we’re confident you’ll share in that enthusiasm. During this specialized cruise, Tim will take you on a journey through the evolution of Greek wine, from the classical age to the modern day, providing you with a unique and insightful perspective on the country’s rich wine culture.Small Ship Cruising
- Guaranteed Departures
- Small Ship Cruise
- Unique Itineraries
Itinerary
Welcome drink, Begin your journey with a sparkling Greek Brut as you meet your crew and fellow travelers. Set sail towards Cape So union for dinner featuring selected wines from the Ionian Islands. Overnight sailing to Tinos.
Meal Plan: Only Dinner
Tinos, a holy island with over 700 churches, is also making a name for itself in the wine world. We'll visit Volakis Winery, one of the island's rising stars, where vines grow among scattered granite rocks. Sample their signature Assyrtiko and Malagasies wines while overlooking the rugged landscape. Later, we'll moor in a nearby bay for a swim-stop (weather permitting). After dinner and the Greek wine tasting featuring both local and international grape varieties we sail to Samos. Overnight at sea.
Day Highlight: Volacus winery
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning, we'll dock at the port of Pythagorion, named after the island's most famous resident, Pythagoras. From here, we'll journey inland to Vakakis Winery, where tradition meets innovation in the production of elegant Samian wines. Lunch will be served at Platanos, a serene village setting, where we'll indulge in a range of local wines alongside fresh island flavors. The afternoon is yours to explore the port or simply relax by the sea. Tonight’s dinner on board will feature wines from Chios and Ikaria, two neighboring islands whose ancient wines were once among the most sought-after in the Mediterranean.
Day Highlight: Vakakis winery, Platanos winery lunch, Chios-Ikaria wines
Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner
After a refreshing morning swim stop and lunch on board, we arrive at Santorini — one of Greece’s most iconic wine regions, renowned for its white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape. We'll visit Argyros Winery, home to century-old vines and some of the island’s finest wines. Return to the ship for dinner on board, paired with wines made from Santorini’s unique volcanic terroir as we set sail towards Milos. Overnight at sea..
Day Highlight: Argyros winery, tasting some of Santorini’s wines
Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner
Start your day with a swim in Milo's crystal-clear waters, where diving off the yacht’s deck into turquoise seas is simply unbeatable. After drying off, explore the island before visiting Konstantakis Winery, a family-run estate producing wines that express the island’s volcanic landscape. Tonight’s dinner on board will feature a selection of Cretan wines, presented by your wine host, Tim Clarke.
Day Highlight: Swim stop, Konstantakis winery
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Monemvasia’s fame was built on its legendary Malvasia wine (also known as Malmsey), once among the most prized wines in Europe. We’ll visit Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi, a pioneering estate bringing this ancient tradition back to life. After lunch ashore, we’ll set sail for Nafplion, making a brief swim stop along the way (weather permitting). Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner on board, accompanied by wines from the Peloponnese. We’ll arrive in Nafplion after dinner.
Day Highlight: Monemvasia winery Tsimbidi
Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner
In the morning we will discover the ancient site of Mycenae, one of Greece’s most important archaeological landmarks. Then, journey to Nemea — the country’s premier red wine appellation — for a visit to the groundbreaking Gaia Winery. Our next stop is at Semeli Winery, where we'll enjoy a tasting of Nemea and Mantineia wines alongside a winemaker’s lunch. Early afternoon sailing to Marina Zeas. Enjoy the farewell dinner on board, paired with handpicked wines from the Peloponnese.
Day Highlight: Gaia winery | Winery SEMELI with lunch
Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner
Breakfast and disembarkation. For those not arranging their own onward transport this morning, we offer an optional tour of Athens including wine tasting at Kokotos Estate and lunch, followed by a transfer to the center of Athens.
The Optional Excursion on the final day arrives at the center of Athens in time for flights after 6pm.
NOTE: In many cases the journeys between ports are reasonably short so the ship will be in harbour or at a mooring for part or much of the night, though there will be some sailing at night. Wine visits are subject to confirmation and subject to change in the event of regulations changing, or in the event of weather conditions disrupting the cruise itinerary. Details such as swim stops, will be entirely at the captain’s discretion.
Day Highlight: Wine tasting at Kokotos Estate
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
• Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
• Tim Clarke as your Wine Guide and Expert Host on board.
• Daily Wine & History Tours on shore.
• 12 Meals paired with Wines handpicked from our Wine Ambassador.
➢ including 9 served dinners or buffet lunches on board paired with selected fine wines from the regions we are in.
➢ including 3 lunches ashore at wine estates or local tavernas including wines, traditional Greek food and coach transfers.
• Buffet breakfast each morning.
• On board tastings as per the itinerary.
• Special Activities on board: Welcome Sail-away Reception on Day 1 with sparkline wine, dinners with local wines and guests, and Captain’s Dinner.
• All excursions to the wineries (except the optional excursion to Kokotos or other winery on day 8).
• Use of snorkeling equipment (Masks, Fins and Snorkels), and Beach Towels.
• Kayaks, Water Toys and Stand-Up Paddle Boards (subject to availability.
Exclusions
• Beverages (except those mentioned above)
• Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements not mentioned as inclusive.
• Crew tips
• Passenger personal expenses
• Wi-Fi (available at charge)
• Optional excursion to Kokotos or other winery in Athens on Day 8
Notes
CABIN CATEGORIES
Cat C - Lower Deck, Twin or double beds (No Single Room Supplement available)
Cat B - Lower Deck, Twin beds
Cat A - Main or Upper Deck, Twin beds
Port Charge - AUD 898
NOTE: In many cases the journeys between ports are reasonably short so the ship will be in harbour or at a mooring for part or much of the night, though there will be some sailing at night. Wine visits are subject to confirmation and subject to change in the event of regulations changing, or in the event of weather conditions disrupting the cruise itinerary. Details such as swim stops, will be entirely at the captain’s discretion.
M/S PANORAMA
Motor Sailor
GENERAL INFORMATION
Length: 54 m
Launched: 1993 | Rebuilt: 2001 | Renovated: 2021
Cabins: 24
Capacity: 49 passengers
Crew: 16-18
The M/S PANORAMA is a 54 meter/24 cabin elegant motor sailor that was launched in 1993 and was last renovated in 2021. This state of the art sail cruiser has performed several Atlantic Ocean crossings, has sailed from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Cuba, and offers the highest standard of accommodation, comfort and safety. The vessel complies with the most stringent SOLAS safety regulations. Service on board is provided by your Captain, the Cruise Coordinator, and your experienced Marine and Hotel crew members. Service will be attentive or unobtrusive according to your preference and priority is always given to the safety and comfort of passengers. Organized excursions are available for most ports of call and can be pre-booked or reserved 24 hours in advance.
The M/S PANORAMA is a 54 meter elegant motor sailor accommodating just 49 passengers in 24 outside cabins.
CABIN SPECIFICATIONS
The PANORAMA’s 24 cabins are located on 3 decks and are finished with wooden furniture and light fabrics. Cabins on the Upper and Main decks are equipped with windows while cabins on the lower deck have portholes. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble or Corian materials. All cabins are air conditioned and fitted with flat-screen TV, telephone (for internal use), hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe boxes.
LIFE ON BOARD
During the day, life on board centers around the Lounge and Dining Room at the Main Deck as well as the Upper deck indoor and outdoor bar area and the sun deck. In the evening you can relax in one of the ship’s lounges and enjoy a drink while listening to soft music. The swimming platform on PANORAMA’s stern enables to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit. The Captain will drop anchor at secluded bays and beautiful uninhabited islands where guests enjoy swimming and snorkeling*.
*Swim stops are not always guaranteed due to weather or other external factors. The Captain will inform the guests accordingly.
MAIN DECK DINING ROOM
The classy dining room is surrounded by large windows providing beautiful views of the ports of call. The spacious dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned seating and food is served at the table or displayed on the state of the art hot & cold buffet.
MAIN DECK & UPPER DECK LOUNGE AREAS
The interior lounges have relaxing couches and comfortable lounge chairs where you can have a drink and gaze out of the large windows into the breathtaking sceneries you are cruising to, read a book, watch television or one of our documentaries on the next place you are visiting. Also, the outdoor area, located on the Upper Deck, provides beautiful views of the ports of call visited.
SUN DECK
The vessel features a Sun Deck with a sitting area to relax and enjoy unobstructed views and with ample Sun loungers’ space to bask under the sun, read a good book or just gaze at the scenery.
NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE
Such personal expenses as drinks (other than included in the rate), laundry, spa-where applicable-, boutique items and gratuities, (gratuities are optional but as a rule, satisfied clients are expected to give to the captain, at the end of the cruise) medical expenses, port taxes, shore excursions (shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders), use of the on board Wi-Fi (available at a charge), expenditures incurred ashore, and anything not mentioned in cruise program.
AMENDMENTS
There may be a charge for amendments of cruise date or decreasing pax number received less than 60 days prior to sailing.
Dates & Pricing
Cat C - Lower Deck, Twin or double beds
Cat B - Lower Deck, Twin beds
Cat A - Main or Upper Deck, Twin beds
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