Discounted
Child Ages: 7+

Family Greek Coast Caique Cruise

Greece - Trip code FGC Family
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
278Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Join our captain, Thanos, for a week aboard a traditional Greek sailing boat exploring the enchanting coastline of Evia. Drop anchor and dive into sea-to-the-bottom-blue waters, spot sea life while snorkelling or soak up the sun on deck. As you cruise from island paradise to island paradise, explore ancient ruins, visit tranquil fishing villages, and indulge on freshly caught seafood at family-run tavernas.

Why we love this trip
  • A seafaring adventure - Cruise around the stunning Greek island of Evia on a traditional wooden boat.
  • Non stop swimming - Water babies will love the endless opportunities to dive straight from the boat into the azure waters of the Aegean Sea.
  • Discover the island pace - Get to grips with island life, waking up to a view of the Mediterranean from deck each morning.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 6

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Ferry

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    Accommodation

    6 nights simple boat

    1 nights simple hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Relaxed

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    Group Size:

    10 - 16

Itinerary

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.

Accommodation:

M/S Isidoros II (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Meals Provided: None

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.

Accommodation:

M/S Isidoros II (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Accommodation:

M/S Isidoros II (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Accommodation:

M/S Isidoros II (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Accommodation:

M/S Isidoros II (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Accommodation:

M/S Isidoros II (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel Galaxy (or similar)

Grade: Simple Hotel

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

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.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Greece

Climate

Greece has such a vast geographical difference between the mainland and the islands, and travel is possible at all times of year but the climate can vary depending on when you go. During late spring or early autumn, in the months of April-May or September-October, temperatures are warm and pleasant, usually hovering around 77 degrees. Rainfall is low, but can be erratic during these months. Cooler evenings take the heat off the day. If you have booked a walking holiday, wild flowers bloom during the spring, adding color to the hiking trails. Summers are hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. Temperatures can go north of 95 degrees in July and August. On the islands, restaurants and bars may be busy with cruise ship passengers. While this period definitely gives you a ‘summer holiday’ feeling, those wishing to explore Greece’s ancient sites may find the heat challenging. When traveling in winter, from late November to early March, the villages will be very quiet. Temperatures in Athens at this time are around 50 and 60 degrees, while the nights will be colder. Hotels in northern Greece in particular are well adapted to deal with cold winters, having proper heating and warm fires to retreat to after a day of exploring. This makes it a good destination for travel between November-March.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Orthodox

Language

Greek

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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. 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 locally 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


Clothing

July and August are the hottest months though the islands are freshened by cooling winds. You'll need your swimming gear and an extra towel. Early and late in the season, there may be an occasional shower and you will need a warmer sweater and/or fleece for the odd chilly breeze whilst we travel between the ports.

Footwear

Footwear is not generally worn on board but bring trainers, walking sandals for shore excursions or walking shoes for longer walks on the island.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself. Space is limited on board so only bring what you need. A soft bag is strongly recommended as it is more easily stored than a hard suitcase. A daysac is useful for shore excursions.

Equipment

Water bottle, a torch, sunhat, sunglasses and sunblock. Please note that if you intend to sleep out on deck on some nights, as many travellers choose to do in good weather. Please bring a sleeping bag with you (the sunbathing cushions are available to sleep on the boat but cabin bedding can't be taken on deck).

Limited snorkelling equipment in on board, however we recommend that you bring your own if you wish to snorkel.

Tipping

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.


For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.


Greece

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Dinner price
£12.00 - 16.00
Beer price
£3.5
Water price
£0.9
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP Sterling or US Dollars, cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn from ATMs from all types of cards in most areas in Greece, including the islands.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Ferry

Accommodation notes


Our base for our family adventure in Greece is the MS Isidoros II. The traditional wooden caique has a large sundeck and a comfortable galley for meals and indoor relaxing. There's also a boat ladder to make the most of swimming in the cool, blue waters.

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 deck have windows. All are en-suite. Please note, we don't have single cabins on board, so if you're a family of two, four or six you'll all get twin cabins. If you're a family of three or five you'll 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).

Cabins are cosy but can get warm in summer as there's no air-conditioning but there is always the opportunity to sleep under the stars on deck. Each cabin is equipped with a fan and power sockets (European two-pin).

Bath and face towels are provided on the caique. There's also a safe for storing your personal valuables in the wheelhouse.

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.

On the last night of our holiday, we'll stay in the Galaxy Hotel, a two-star, family run, traditional Greek hotel. It's been in the same family for 30 years, so you're sure to get a warm, familial welcome. The family also run a farm and many items from the breakfast buffet come direct from farm to table.

We've graded the Galaxy Hotel as simple due to the basic furnishing and décor of the rooms. All rooms have a balcony with sea views, air conditioning, en-suite facilities, a fridge, a TV, tea, and coffee making facilities as well as free Wi-Fi. It's located on the harbour front with great views out to sea.

Family swimming

There is a chance to swim every day straight from the boat.

Greece

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

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.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

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.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

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 the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Greece

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. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Family information
Our traditional Greek sailing boat
Greek sailing holiday: Whether you are new to sailing or an old hand who knows the ropes, an Explore family sailing holiday is ideal for all abilities, no previous sailing experience is necessary. Our Greek skipper Thanos and his crew will be happy to show you the ropes and there is ample opportunity to pick up some sailing skills along the way, alternatively kick back on deck with a book and let the world float by. Wake up to a new view every morning in the Aegean Sea, swim to your hearts content during the day and head ashore to traditional seaside tavernas every night to enjoy hearty Mediterranean cuisine.

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.

Average Age: As a guide we have identified the actual average age of the children who have travelled on this trip over the last 5 years, to help you decide whether it's the right one for your family. The average age on this trip is 13 years old.

Minimum age: This trip is suitable for children of all ages from 7 upwards.
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Airport Transfers
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