CRUISING ITINERARY    2010.
 

The cruise will take us down the west coast of Greece to Crete, then north for a wander through the Aegean islands as we make our way east to the coast of Turkey.  We’ll follow the Turkish coast south to Cyprus.  From Cyprus we’ll head across to Syria and Lebanon, then follow the coast south to Israel.  Embarkation points have been chosen for proximity to airports.  Detailed meeting instructions will be sent when you book. 

June 1 to June 15.  Levkas to Kalamai.  14 days.  As we travel south we’ll stop at the islands of Ithaca, home island of Ulysses, Cephalonia, (the setting for Louis de Berniere’s novel ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’), and Zakinthos, before exploring some of the many bays along the Corinth Peninsula.  The cruise will end in the harbour of Kalamai. 

June 19 to July 3.  Kalamai to Iraklion. 14 days.  We’ll stop in at the islands of Kithera and Gramvousa.  (Gramvouse was the home of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds who sewed all the contrary winds in a leather bag for Ulysses).  On the island of Crete we’ll visit Khania from where you can do the walk through the famous Samaria gorge.  Close by Iraklion is the Minoan city of Knossos, excavated by archeologist Arthur Evans. 

July 7 to July 21.  Iraklion to Mikonos.  14 days.  From Iraklion, the first stop will be Thira, that gigantic volcanic crater that measures some 10 kms across and now forms a natural harbour about 300 metres deep, surrounded by spectacular cliffs.  It is thought that the eruption of Thira was responsible for the destruction of Knossos.  We’ll then continue north around the islands of Sikinos, Naxos, Paros, en route to Mikonos. 

July 25 to August 8.  Mikonos to Rhodos.  14 days.  We’ll continue to wander through the Aegean stopping at the islands of Patmos, Leros, Kalimos, Kos (and any others we come across along the way).  We’ll need to leave some time for Rhodos as there’s a lot to see. 

August 12 to August 26. Rhodos to Antalya.  14 days.  We’ll now cross over to the Turkish coast, remembering to first change our courtesy flag.  The Turks get upset if you’re flying a Greek flag!   We’ll cruise down the Turkish coast, anchoring in the many bays and inlets and visiting the towns of Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas and Finike ending at Antalya.  There’ll probably be time to explore further inland as well. 

August 30 to September 13.  Antalya to Cyprus.  14 days.  Continuing around the Turkish coast we’ll visit the towns of Manavgat, Alanya, Anamus before putting in to Cyprus.  Although no visa is required for Cyprus, we’ll probably only be allowed to put into either the Greek or the Turkish occupied area.  We’ll need to ge some up-to-date information before we arrive. 

September 17 to October 8.  Cyprus to Israel.  21 days.  We believe Syria has become more welcoming to tourists recently.  We have always wanted to visit Damascus and this is the perfect opportunity.  We’ll probably put into the port of Latakia and take a car inland.  There are several other ports along the Syrian coast we’d like to visit as well.  The harbours of Lebanon are enticing, but we’ll get up-to-date advice at the time, to ensure we’re not putting into a civil war.  We’d like to allow some days in Israel so we can visit, not only the many sites there, but take a car to Jordan to explore, particularly Petra. 

Cost.  We charge 125 euros per person per day, double occupancy, 160 per day single occupancy.  This is a ‘share expense’ rate based on our operating costs, and is about one-third the normal charter fee for the vessel.  You don’t need to send a deposit; we’ll send you bank details where you can pay just before your cruise.