DAY 1

We welcome you at Thessaloniki, Makedonia Airport, and from there we travel to meet our sailing boat at Tripiti (a slim 2 ½ -hour drive). We sail towards Ammouliani Island. We follow the safety and orientation briefing and then we relax by enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, famous for its fresh seafood and for its splendid views on the bay.
Included meal: Dinner

DAY 2

On this day you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy swimming and sailing in the turquoise waters of Siggitikos Gulf. We set sail to Dredia Islands, a collection of uninhabited rocks bathing in the mid-day sun. A paradise of lonely coves and golden beaches. Late in the afternoon we sail back to Ammouliani Island to overnight.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

If Aeolus, the god of wind, will be kind on us, we will enjoy our breakfast sailing along the west coast of the Athos peninsula, enjoying the view of the spectacular monastic architecture. The whole peninsula (the locals call it a leg) is a symbol of the Christian faith, and has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. While men will have the chance to visit* the Dochiariou Monastery and Panteleimon Monastery (Russian), women will continue sailing and view from the boat the Dochiariou Monastery, Xenofontos Monastery, Panteleimon Monastery (Russian) and Dafni Port. By lunch time we will be back at Ouranoupolis to continue our evening before setting sail to Ammouliani.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Sightseeing in Athos Monasteries (men only) and by boat for women

DAY 4

On day four we sail to Ouranoupolis, a village which prepares pilgrims and black dressed monks for their spiritual journey to Mount Athos. After all, “Ouranoupolis” literary means the city of the sky, the “city of heaven”.

Women will drive to the Monastery of Zygos* (Athos region). It is in the greater area of Ouranoupolis, about forty meters before the borderline to the monastic state. It was founded around 991 AC. Unfortunately only remains of the Monastery are to be found today. The excavation works are still in progress. The Monastery was abandoned at some point, possibly due to a pirate invasion, and was used by the Crusaders of the 4th Crusade as a fort.

Men will have the opportunity to visit the Tsantali family vineyard of Metochi Chromitsa* in Mount Athos. Situated in the cloister of “Metoxi Chromitsa”, the elevated vineyards stretch as far as the sea. Isolated as they are from other cultivations, the Tsantali (Metoxi Chromitsa Mount Athos) vineyards are mainly organically cultivated, producing outstanding organic wines such as “Agioritiko Avaton” and “Kormilitsa”- the first wine in the world to be given the title “Official Purveyor of the Moscow Kremlin”.

By lunch time all will be back at Ouranoupolis to enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal with the finest fresh local fish. We will spend the evening scrolling through the village or swimming beside the “Prosforios Tower”, the symbol of Ouranoupolis, which is a high imposing Byzantine tower, built in 1344.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Sightseeing at Zygos Monastery and Metochi Chromitsa (men only)

DAY 5

Today we sail to Ouranoupolis where a mini bus will drive us to Stagira*, the birthplace of the world known ancient philosopher Aristotle, teacher of Alexander the Great. In Stagira we’ll walk on the same grounds Aristotle walked. Some kilometres away there is a park dedicated to the philosopher with marvellous views on the Athos peninsula. We will enjoy an ancient Greek menu by the sea where there will be enough time for swimming and relaxing. By evening we will descend back to Ouranoupolis and sail to Ammouliani Island.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Sightseeing in Stagira

DAY 6

Today we will stay ashore on the island of Ammouliani*. We will drink coffee by the majestic church of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1865 on the islands’ central square. We will also visit the Folklore Museum where we will examine authentic artefacts brought from Asia Minor. We can have a tranquil evening discovering the beautiful beaches of the island and we will farewell Halkidiki by honouring the regions delights having a dinner aboard.

Optional: We will visit Arnea, a town with traditional Macedonian architecture in Central Halkidiki. Here, some years ago, Claudia Papayanni bought some land on the mountain and planted vines of local varieties. She managed to produce some excellent labels of which we will try during our wine tasting** in her Estate. We will then visit the church of Agios Stefanos, a unique monument and the local Folklore museum.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
* Sightseeing in Ammouliani
** Wine tasting, optional

DAY 7

Early in the morning we return to Thessaloniki MAKEDONIA Airport to catch our flights. For those who have time, a guided walking tour can be organised to get to know the city of Thessaloniki.
Included meal: Breakfast

Please note that our itineraries may be altered, either for operational reasons (windward) or in response to your feedback. Please ensure you have read the latest tour description before booking your tour.

• sailing boat
• 6 nights accommodation in a double cabin
• all meals
• airport transfers on first and last day of tour
• road transfers
• entries
• harbour fees and crew services (skipper and hostess)
• fuel
• professional guide on day 3, 4, 5

Standard package includes:

• sailing boat
• 6 nights accommodation in a double cabin
• breakfasts (6)
• harbour fees and crew services (skipper and hostess)
• fuel

Not included:

• Flights and airport taxes
• Visas
• Personal travel insurance

Arrival and departure information

Arrival Airport -Thessaloniki (SKG)
Departure Airport -Thessaloniki (SKG)
We recommend you to arrive at Tripiti in the late afternoon /evening on the first day, and leave the boat first thing after breakfast in the morning on the last day. Your transfers from the airport on first day of the tour, and to the airport on last day of the tour will be arranged by us. You will just have to indicate us the arrival and departure time on your booking form. Guests can get on board after 17.00hrs on the first day. In case that you arrive earlier, you can spend your time exploring this bustling resort until late afternoon when everything will be ready for your group.

Booking flights

The cheapest way to book your flights is directly with the airline online. If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend you our partner in Greece. Please contact our officefor more details.

Meals: A taste of Greece

Our hostess will be cooking up wonderful meals during your tour. All products used for the preparation of the meals on board will come from local producers and the receipts will be inspired from our awarded Greek chefGiannis Giannakaras. On board we’ll enjoy modern delicacies and fabled Greek dishes along with distinguished wines, beers and spirits. Some of the products are branded exclusively for us under Acrobat’s “Deli Collective” brand name. We will be visiting ashore Greek taverns and restaurants chosen carefully and trying to find locally-owned hostelries which offer authenticity, cleanliness, welcome and real good local food. We will ensure you that you’ll have the chance to sample a good many of the local Greek delicacies and region’s wines.

Travel insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our multi-activity and theme tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or contact us after you have booked. Alternatively you might like to look at an online travel insurance company to give you a comparison in terms of price and coverage.
If you would prefer not to take out travel insurance you will need to complete a travel insurance waiver form.

Visas and passports

Citizens of the European Union or Schengen Treaty member states need no visa for Greece. Those from the United States, Canada and Australia do not need to apply for a visa to visit Greece for trips of less than 90 days duration. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Citizens traveling inside the E.U. just need to display their police I.D. Card without the need of a passport. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc.
Note: During the stay in Greece, citizens with a visa must also have suitable insurance coverage for emergency medical or other needs.
Embassies and Consulates in Greece http://www.ausgreeknet.com/greekembassiesandconsulates.htm

Extend your holiday

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation during your stay in Greece. You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at Thessaloniki or at Sani Resort please contact us for more details.

Overnights

On our seven days / six nights sailing tour, we will be spending more nights in harbours. This means you’ll have the chance to go ashore and wander in the mornings and evenings when we are tied up in the picturesque Greek harbour towns and villages. When weather permitting, we will spend a night off shore.

Foreign exchange

Local Currency: Euro.
Where to Exchange: In most major towns – your tour leader or skipper will advise you.
ATM Availability: Cash can be drawn from ATMs from all types of cards in most towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In most places.
Global exchange rates can be obtained at http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

Luggage

Total allowance 20kgs/44lbs. Space is limited on board so only bring what you need. A soft bag is recommended as it is more easily stored than a hard suitcase.

Clothing

During summer the temperature is really high especially in July and August whichare the hottest months. You’ll need your swimming gear and an extra towel. Early and late in the season, 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.

Equipment

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).