Day 1: Arrival in Kos and transfer to our gulet in the ancient harbour of Kos for welcome drinks and dinner.

Day 2: We will explore Kos town, a beautiful and beguiling mix of ancient, medieval and modern, before cruising towards picturesque Nisyros.

Day 3: We investigate the awe-inspiring volcanic crater of Stefanos and the tiny village of Emporio, perched dramatically on its rim. Lunch in the labyrinthine port town of Mandraki.

Day 4: We head to remote Astypalea, where we take a leisurely walk through the stunning chora (island capital), one of the most beautiful in the Aegean, with its grand Venetian castle offering breathtaking views across the blue sea.

Day 5: We cruise into the Cyclades proper to drop anchor at the small, rarely visited and unspoilt island of Anafi, with its single village and a Byzantine monastery built over an imposing ancient temple of Apollo.

Day 6: Onwards to Santorini, where we anchor within the enormous volcanic caldera, one of the most astonishing sights in the Mediterranean. In its glamorous capital, Fira, we visit two museums dedicated to the island’s extraordinary Bronze Age civilisation and enjoy the unforgettable views. 

Day 7: Excursion to the miraculously-preserved Bronze Age town at Akrotiri, the Pompeii of the Aegean, followed by a visit to a traditional winery, and a free afternoon to relax or further explore the many sights of Santorini at leisure.

Day 8: We will cruise around the caldera and the volcanic Kameni islets before spending a relaxing day travelling via Ios to the romantic islets of the Lesser Cyclades.

Day 9: On to Naxos, to walk around the lanes of the medieval town and castle, and out to the famous Portara, the huge marble gateway to a long-lost temple. In the afternoon we head inland to the ancient marble quarries at Flerio, where unfinished 2600-year-old statues lie as if asleep on the ground.

Day 10: South-east to picturesque Katapola on Amorgos where we visit the ancient hilltop city of Minoa, the striking chora, and the Choziovotissa monastery, perilously clinging to a cliff-face overlooking the Aegean.

Day 11: We will explore the stupendous ancient fortifications of Agia Triada before heading east to the tiny islet of Levitha, inhabited by just a single farming family.

Day 12: East to green and fertile Leros for an island tour and an exploration of its fascinating medieval and 19th century architecture.

Day 13: From Pothia, the harbour of Kalymnos, we visit the Early Christian church of “Christ in Jerusalem” with its elaborate mosaics, and the archaeological museum’s extraordinary collection of Classical Greek sculpture, before cruising on to overnight at Pserimos.

Day 14: After a leisurely morning, we return to Kos harbour and travel inland to the grand hillside sanctuary of Asklepios, one of the most famous healing centres of the ancient world. A final chance to shop or snack upon tasty local treats, before our on-board farewell dinner.

Day 15: Transfer to Kos airport.