Halcyon Days on Aegean Islands
Flights from London→Athens → Naxos → Chios → Skopelos → Meteora → Thessaloniki → Samothrace → Thassos → Limnos → Cannakale → Istanbul→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £4995
per person
Overview
Experience a relaxing and informative voyage between Athens and Istanbul aboard the 50-passenger MS Monet. A cruise with Noble Caledonia on a small ship is a wonderful way to experience the region, allowing access to many delightful, yet often overlooked islands with ease and without having to rely on local ferries. Mighty civilisations, including Macedonians, Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs and Turks, have left their mark on the islands of the Aegean, and during Noble Caledonia’s ten-night itinerary, guests will be able to appreciate the fascinating history, undisturbed natural splendour, scenic towns and villages, and beautiful uncrowded beaches.
Setting sail from Athens, Noble Caledonia has devised an itinerary to allow ample time to wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of hidden Greek island gems. These include Chios, with its fortress-like medieval villages, distinctive architecture and fragrant mastic trees; the volcanic landscapes of Limnos with its alluring capital of Myrina; and the emerald paradise of Thassos, the most northerly of the Greek islands. Amongst the many ancient world highlights of this voyage are visits to Thessaloniki, home to an array of Byzantine churches featuring important early Christian mosaics, and Samothrace, where guests will visit the Sanctuary of the Great Gods temple complex, one of the great sites of the ancient world. In addition, travellers will visit one of Greece's most extraordinary sights, Meteora, the "monasteries in mid-air"; the sheer spectacle of these dramatic rock formations will most certainly provide a lasting memory. Before the journey concludes in the captivating Turkish city of Istanbul, time will be spent in Canakkale, where guests can choose to visit the First World War trenches and cemeteries at Gallipoli or spend time exploring the ruins of the ancient city of Troy.
Highlights
- Embark on the MS Monet for an intimate small-ship cruise experience through the Aegean.
- Explore Naxos’s historic Hora, featuring a 13th-century castle and the iconic Portara temple ruins.
- Visit the 11th-century Nea Moni Monastery on Chios, a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Discover the picturesque labyrinthine streets and 13th-century Venetian castle of Skopelos.
- Witness the extraordinary UNESCO-listed "monasteries in midair" at Meteora, built atop gigantic rocks in Thessaly.
- Explore the rich Byzantine heritage of Thessaloniki or visit the magnificent Vergina Royal Tombs of King Philip II.
- Step back in time at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods on Samothrace, the historic home of the original Nike statue.
- Admire the 18th-century Monastery of Archangel Michael on Thassos, which houses a piece of the Holy Nail.
- Uncover the ancient mysteries of Hephaistia on the island of Limnos, a significant religious center in antiquity.
- Choose between a guided tour of the legendary ancient city of Troy or the poignant WWI memorials of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
- 2
Day 2 Naxos.
The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos offers a blend of ancient ruins, mountainous landscapes and sandy beaches. Arriving this morning we will sail by the ancient Portara, all that remains of an ancient temple built for Apollo and according to mythology where Theseus abandoned his love Ariadne after killing the Minotaur in Crete. After docking in the town we can stroll through the narrow alleys to the old castle of Hora, built by an Italian adventurer in the 13th century and walk past 14th century mansion houses, the cathedral and maybe visit the archaeological museum providing a journey through Naxian history. The afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace and we sail late for anyone wishing to try some of the island's delicacies ashore this evening.
- 3
Day 3 Chios.
The birthplace of Homer, Chios remained a significant Aegean island into the Byzantine period. Homer mentions the island by name several times in the Odyssey, calling it ‘paipaloessa', or craggy, a richly deserved epithet. The island is rich in ancient ruins and this morning we will visit the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore the town of Chios independently. Alternatively, join a tour to the south of the island where we visit the beautifully preserved, 14th century fortress village of Mesta and the elaborately decorated houses of Pirgi enjoying time to wander through the maze-like streets.
- 4
Day 4 Skopelos.
This morning we cruise across the Aegean to the Sporades Islands arriving into the picturesque island of Skopelos at lunchtime. An afternoon walking tour will explore the labyrinthine streets lined with whitewashed houses with picture-perfect courtyards and colourful balconies. Those feeling active can walk to the Church of Panagitsa of Pirgos and the 13th century Venetian castle offering panoramic views over the town below and islands across the waters. We also learn about the rich history of the island at the Folklore Museum, housed in a renovated 18th century stately building which displays a fine collection of ceramics, paintings, frescoes and photos. We sail late tonight for anyone who wishes to take an after dinner stroll.
- 5
Day 5 Volos for Meteora.
Arrive today in Volos, the starting point of the expedition of Jason and the Argonauts from Greek Mythology, located in the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of Mout Pelion. Leaving the port we will head through the fertile plains of Thessaly towards Meteora (“monasteries in midair”), one of the most extraordinary sights in Greece and in all of Europe. Rising from Thessaly's valley are gigantic rocks on top of which are monasteries built by hermits some 600 years ago and which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the monastery of Varlaam, originally founded in the 14th century and covered in fine frescoes and the monastery of Roussanou. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we return to Volos where you may want to take a walk along the pedestrianised seaside promenade, the Argonauts Way.
- 6
Day 6 Thessaloniki.
Since its foundation by King Cassander of Macedonia in 315 BC and named after his wife and stepsister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki has always been a metropolis. The long history of the city is evident in the varied architectural forms from the Hellenistic era up to the end of the 20th century as well as an astonishing Byzantine artistic heritage. This morning explore the city seeing the White Tower, the symbol of the city, the Galerious Arch, the Rotunda, St Dimitrios Church, the Citadel and the City Walls, from where you will have a marvellous view of the city and the Thermaic Gulf with Mount Olympus in the background. Alternatively drive to the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum which displays the superb, decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs. The tombs were discovered in 1977-78 by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos and until that time they were covered by a protective tumulus 13 metres high and 110 metres across. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
- 7
Day 7 Samothrace.
After a morning at sea we arrive on the small island of Samothrace. This rarely visited island contains one of the ancient world's great sites, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, the site of important religious ceremonies. We will visit the main archaeological site including the Greek theatre, ruined temples and the ruins of a rotunda built for Arsinoe, one of the largest circular buildings from ancient Greece. Also see the replica of the statue of Nike, the original of which was discovered here in 1863 and now resides in the Louvre Museum.
- 8
Day 8 Thassos.
The most northerly of the Greek Islands, Thassos is also known as the Emerald Isle due to the dense woodland and pine forests which slope down to the sea. This morning an island drive will include the well preserved 18th century Monastery of Archangel Michael. Located on a cliff with lovely views over the Aegean and Thassos coastline, it has retained a collection of religious articles, the most important being a part of the Holy Nail from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore the port town of Limenas at your own pace. Maybe visit the archaeological museum, the remains of the ancient agora or walk to one of the nearby beaches. We sail late for anyone wishing to take a stroll this evening.
- 9
Day 9 Limnos.
Awake in Myrina, the small capital of Limnos, an island steeped in mythology being the domain of the Greek god Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, who fell on Limnos when his father, Zeus, threw him from Mount Olympus. A morning tour will cross the island to the archaeological site of Hephaistia, one of the island's principal cities in Antiquity and an important religious centre. We can see the ruins of the ancient baths, theatre and palace as well as the sanctuary devoted to the Great Goddess of Limnos. Spend the afternoon at leisure in pretty Myrina, known for its romantic castle built over the rocky promontory. Maybe explore the castle or the picturesque Romeikos Gialos, which is lined with charming Neoclassical houses one of which contains the Archaeological Museum.
- 10
Day 10 Canakkale, Turkey.
Arrive in Turkey at the port of Canakkale, our base for a choice of excursions. Maybe visit the ancient city of Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the onsite Troy Museum. Alternatively, there will be an excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula to see the World War I memorials which commemorate the Gallipoli campaign. It was here in 1915 that allied troops, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, landed intending to quickly defeat the Ottomans and facilitate ships to pass through to Dardanelles to capture Istanbul. However, the landings were contained by the Ottoman troops and trench warfare soon took hold leading to thousands of deaths. We will visit the memorials at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair. Return to the ship and spend the afternoon at sea as we cruise through the Dardanelles Strait.
- 11
Day 11 Istanbul to London.
Be on deck this morning as we cruise into Istanbul. We will disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
The Ship
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn't the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Deck plan
Life aboard Monet
The MS Monet is a boutique motor yacht offering an intimate, informal experience for up to 50 guests. It is perfectly suited for travellers who prefer the relaxed atmosphere of a private vessel over large-scale resort-style cruise ships.
Quick facts
Guest Capacity
50
Length
68 metres
Refurbished
2018
Crew
29
Currency
Euros
Suites
Cabins are designed for comfort with wood trimmings and light fabrics, ranging from 9 to 22 square metres. Choose from four categories, with some cabins featuring windows and others equipped with portholes.
- •Category A (21-22 sqm) and B (17 sqm) cabins feature windows and double beds.
- •Category C (12-14 sqm) cabins feature windows; some have twin beds.
- •Category D (9-14 sqm) cabins feature two portholes; some have twin beds.
- •All cabins include en-suite bathroom, television, minifridge, safe, and hairdryer.
- •Twin bed cabins: 104-107, 112, 119, 205, and 210-215.
Life on board
Life aboard the MS Monet centers on a relaxed, social atmosphere with inviting public spaces. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the open sun deck or unwind in the lounge.
- •Main lounge and bar area with comfortable seating.
- •Sun deck featuring loungers and a Jacuzzi.
- •Small library located in the lounge.
- •Outdoor deck spaces perfect for socialising or reading.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available (subject to connection stability).
Dining
Meals are served in a glass-enclosed dining room with unassigned seating, offering an informal environment. Menus feature international cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities.
- •Single-sitting dining with unassigned tables.
- •Al fresco dining available on the Lumiere Deck, weather permitting.
- •House wine, beer, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner.
- •Self-serve tea and coffee station available in the lounge.
- •Notify the reservations department of dietary requirements in advance.
Practical information
The atmosphere on board is consistently casual, with no formal dress requirements. Please note that the ship does not have a lift and requires guests to be mobile.
- •Informal dress code; no jackets or ties required.
- •Voltage is 220V (European standard); two-pin adaptors recommended.
- •Smoking is permitted only on open decks.
- •No lift on board.
- •Laundry service available for an additional charge.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
- •On-board payments accepted in Euros (cash) or by Visa/Mastercard.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 17 to 27 May 2027 • 15 to 25 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | £5295 | £4995 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | — | — |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO151027
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 25 September to 5 October 2028 • 14 to 24 October 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | £5595 | £5295 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | £5995 | £5695 |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6495 | £6195 |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6995 | £6695 |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | £6995 | £6695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO151027
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 5 to 15 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | — | — |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6795 | £6495 |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | — | — |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO151027
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787