Authentic Greece. Northern Cyclades Small Ship Cruise

date_range
8 days from

£2415 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Explore the history and mythology of the Cyclades – Visit the sacred island of Delos, discover the ancient landmarks of Kea and Naxos, and learn about Greek history, mythology and geography through onboard talks and guided shore experiences.
  • Discover traditional island culture and architecture – Explore Syros’ neoclassical elegance, Mykonos’ historic streets and Amorgos’ dramatic mountain scenery, including the spectacular Hozoviotissa Monastery.
  • Enjoy authentic island experiences aboard a tall ship – Visit Kythnos for its thermal springs, pottery traditions and beautiful Kolona Bay, while enjoying opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing activities between destinations.

Highlights

  • Explore the history and mythology of the Cyclades – Visit the sacred island of Delos, discover the ancient landmarks of Kea and Naxos, and learn about Greek history, mythology and geography through onboard talks and guided shore experiences.
  • Discover traditional island culture and architecture – Explore Syros’ neoclassical elegance, Mykonos’ historic streets and Amorgos’ dramatic mountain scenery, including the spectacular Hozoviotissa Monastery.
  • Enjoy authentic island experiences aboard a tall ship – Visit Kythnos for its thermal springs, pottery traditions and beautiful Kolona Bay, while enjoying opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing activities between destinations.
Capacity: 42
Feture image for Authentic Greece. Northern Cyclades Small Ship Cruise

Travel from Athens through the Northern Cyclades aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day journey focused on Greek history, culture, art and geography.

The route connects Kea, Syros, Delos, Mykonos, Amorgos, Naxos and Kythnos, combining celebrated archaeological landmarks with islands that preserve a quieter and more traditional side of the Cyclades. Guests move between ancient sanctuaries, neoclassical towns, mountain monasteries, Venetian quarters, thermal springs and clear-water bays.

The Authentic Greece programme places additional emphasis on the stories behind each destination. Port talks introduce the history, mythology, architecture and geography of the islands before guests explore them ashore, connecting the landscapes of modern Greece with the ancient cultures that continue to influence it.

Between destinations, guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, kayak, windsurf or use the water slide. The onboard programme may also include sail handling, knot-tying workshops, mast climbing, master classes and evening entertainment, depending on the weather and sailing schedule.

Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks, Jacuzzi and a limited number of guests create a relaxed base for the journey. This cruise is suited to travellers who want to experience the Cyclades through archaeology, local traditions, island landscapes and life aboard a tall ship, rather than moving only between the region’s best-known resorts.

  • Explore the history and mythology of the Cyclades – Visit the sacred island of Delos, discover the ancient landmarks of Kea and Naxos, and learn about Greek history, mythology and geography through onboard talks and guided shore experiences.
  • Discover traditional island culture and architecture – Explore Syros’ neoclassical elegance, Mykonos’ historic streets and Amorgos’ dramatic mountain scenery, including the spectacular Hozoviotissa Monastery.
  • Enjoy authentic island experiences aboard a tall ship – Visit Kythnos for its thermal springs, pottery traditions and beautiful Kolona Bay, while enjoying opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing activities between destinations.

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

12 June, 2027 to 19 June, 2027 on Running On Waves
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Tween Deck Cabin. From
£2599 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes £304 GBP pp)
Tween Deck Cabin. From
11–12m² King or triple beds available Nautical decor, Gobelin tapestry Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or families
Main Deck Suite. From
£5125 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes £304 GBP pp)
Main Deck Suite. From
14–20m² King beds, Mediterranean interiors Direct access to open decks Mosaic entry, teak flooring, redwood furniture
03 June, 2028 to 10 June, 2028 on Running On Waves
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Tween Deck Cabin. From
£2415 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes £304 GBP pp)
Tween Deck Cabin. From
11–12m² King or triple beds available Nautical decor, Gobelin tapestry Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or families
Main Deck Suite. From
£5125 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes £304 GBP pp)
Main Deck Suite. From
14–20m² King beds, Mediterranean interiors Direct access to open decks Mosaic entry, teak flooring, redwood furniture
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 Piraeus/Athens

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and the other guests joining the voyage.

Guests arriving earlier can begin their exploration of Greek history with a visit to the Acropolis, the ancient heart of Athens. Walk among landmarks such as the Parthenon and look across the modern city from the hill that became one of the defining symbols of classical Greece.

Evening

The voyage begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.

The crew introduces the route and the Authentic Greece programme, explaining how the port talks and cultural activities will accompany the island visits throughout the week.

Running on Waves leaves Athens and begins its passage towards Kea.

Day 2 Kea

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Kea, also known as Tzia. Its landscape differs from the stereotypical dry Cycladic scenery, with valleys, springs and areas of oak woodland spread across the island.

After breakfast, go ashore to discover Kea’s natural and archaeological landmarks.

Day

Explore Ioulida, the island’s hilltop capital, where stone lanes wind between traditional houses and small squares. Guests can walk through the town or experience its narrow streets by donkey, following a long-standing local form of transport.

Continue towards the Lion of Kea, an ancient stone sculpture resting beside one of the island’s historic paths. Other highlights include the Royal Oak Forest, the ruins of Ancient Karthea and the island’s numerous freshwater springs.

Kea’s surrounding waters are also associated with several internationally known shipwrecks, adding another layer to the island’s maritime history.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck.

The ship leaves Kea and continues deeper into the Cyclades towards Syros.

Day 3 Syros

Morning

Wake in the heart of the Aegean as Running on Waves approaches Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.

After breakfast, go ashore to explore an island where Cycladic and Venetian influences meet in the same landscape.

Day

Begin in Ermoupoli, a harbour town distinguished by neoclassical mansions, marble squares and monumental public buildings. Walk through Miaouli Square, explore the streets around the waterfront and continue towards the elegant Vaporia district.

Higher above the harbour lies Ano Syros, a medieval settlement of narrow lanes, stairways and Catholic churches. From here, the view extends across Ermoupoli and the surrounding Aegean.

The day reveals a side of the Cyclades that feels more urban and architecturally layered than the familiar whitewashed island villages.

Evening

Return to the ship for dinner or spend part of the evening ashore, exploring the harbour after sunset.

Running on Waves later continues towards Delos and Mykonos.

Day 4 Delos & Mykonos

Morning

Begin the day near Delos, one of the most important archaeological sanctuaries of the ancient Greek world.

According to mythology, the island was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today, temples, marketplaces, theatres, private houses and surviving mosaics form an extensive archaeological landscape with no modern town built over it.

Day

Go ashore to explore the ancient sanctuary and walk through the remains of a city that once attracted pilgrims and merchants from across the Mediterranean.

Day

After leaving Delos, Running on Waves continues to nearby Mykonos.

Explore Chora’s whitewashed lanes, the windmills, Little Venice and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. The afternoon offers a sharp contrast with the stillness of Delos, replacing ancient ruins with lively streets, boutiques, cafés and waterfront terraces.

Evening

Spend the evening discovering Mykonos independently or return to the ship for dinner and a quieter night on deck.

Running on Waves departs for the longer passage towards Amorgos.

Day 5 Amorgos

Morning

Wake near Amorgos, a quiet and mountainous island known for its minimalist Cycladic architecture, dramatic coast and strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

After breakfast, prepare for one of the most active days of the journey.

Day

Explore Chora, where white houses, windmills and small churches are arranged beneath a Venetian castle.

Guests looking for a more challenging route can follow the path to the 11th-century Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, built directly into the face of a steep cliff above the Aegean. The approach involves a demanding climb, rewarded by wide views of the sea and the monastery’s extraordinary setting.

Amorgos is also known for mysterious caves, rocky walking trails and secluded beaches. Depending on the programme and conditions, there may be time for swimming or exploring part of the coastline from the water.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a slower evening after the day’s walking.

The ship leaves Amorgos and continues towards Naxos.

Day 6 Naxos

Morning

Wake near Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades.

Breakfast is served on board before a day exploring an island that combines long beaches and fertile countryside with mountain villages, ancient monuments and a historic harbour town.

Day

Go ashore in Naxos Town, also known as Chora. Walk along the waterfront and continue through the old streets towards the Venetian castle district.

Near the harbour stands the Portara, the monumental marble gateway of an unfinished ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. Its position on a small islet makes it one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.

Optional exploration may continue inland towards traditional villages, ancient marble statues or producers of local cheese, olive oil, wine and the citrus liqueur known as kitron.

Guests preferring time near the sea can visit one of the island’s beaches or return to the ship for swimming and watersports.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner.

Spend the evening looking back towards the lights of Chora before the ship continues west towards Kythnos.

Day 7 Kythnos

Morning

The final full day begins near Kythnos, an island known for its simple villages, extensive coastline and long traditions connected with pottery and thermal water.

After breakfast, go ashore or remain near one of the island’s sheltered bays, depending on the day’s programme.

Day

Discover Loutra, associated with Greece’s first thermal spa, where naturally warm springs emerge close to the sea.

Kythnos is also home to one of the Aegean’s rare open-air Mesolithic settlements and preserves a long-standing pottery-making tradition. Guests can explore its villages, stone lanes and small workshops while learning more about everyday island life beyond the major Cycladic destinations.

There may also be time for swimming near Kolona Beach, a narrow strip of sand separating two bays. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and other watersports can be used when conditions allow.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner.

Spend the final evening on deck as the ship leaves Kythnos and begins its last passage towards Athens.

Day 8 Piraeus/Athens

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew and the guests who have shared the journey.

Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests staying in Athens can continue exploring the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the museums and the historic neighbourhoods of the city.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Day 1 Piraeus/Athens

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and the other guests joining the voyage.

Guests arriving earlier can begin their exploration of Greek history with a visit to the Acropolis, the ancient heart of Athens. Walk among landmarks such as the Parthenon and look across the modern city from the hill that became one of the defining symbols of classical Greece.

Evening

The voyage begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.

The crew introduces the route and the Authentic Greece programme, explaining how the port talks and cultural activities will accompany the island visits throughout the week.

Running on Waves leaves Athens and begins its passage towards Kea.

Day 2 Kea

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Kea, also known as Tzia. Its landscape differs from the stereotypical dry Cycladic scenery, with valleys, springs and areas of oak woodland spread across the island.

After breakfast, go ashore to discover Kea’s natural and archaeological landmarks.

Day

Explore Ioulida, the island’s hilltop capital, where stone lanes wind between traditional houses and small squares. Guests can walk through the town or experience its narrow streets by donkey, following a long-standing local form of transport.

Continue towards the Lion of Kea, an ancient stone sculpture resting beside one of the island’s historic paths. Other highlights include the Royal Oak Forest, the ruins of Ancient Karthea and the island’s numerous freshwater springs.

Kea’s surrounding waters are also associated with several internationally known shipwrecks, adding another layer to the island’s maritime history.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and time on deck.

The ship leaves Kea and continues deeper into the Cyclades towards Syros.

Day 3 Syros

Morning

Wake in the heart of the Aegean as Running on Waves approaches Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.

After breakfast, go ashore to explore an island where Cycladic and Venetian influences meet in the same landscape.

Day

Begin in Ermoupoli, a harbour town distinguished by neoclassical mansions, marble squares and monumental public buildings. Walk through Miaouli Square, explore the streets around the waterfront and continue towards the elegant Vaporia district.

Higher above the harbour lies Ano Syros, a medieval settlement of narrow lanes, stairways and Catholic churches. From here, the view extends across Ermoupoli and the surrounding Aegean.

The day reveals a side of the Cyclades that feels more urban and architecturally layered than the familiar whitewashed island villages.

Evening

Return to the ship for dinner or spend part of the evening ashore, exploring the harbour after sunset.

Running on Waves later continues towards Delos and Mykonos.

Day 4 Delos & Mykonos

Morning

Begin the day near Delos, one of the most important archaeological sanctuaries of the ancient Greek world.

According to mythology, the island was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today, temples, marketplaces, theatres, private houses and surviving mosaics form an extensive archaeological landscape with no modern town built over it.

Day

Go ashore to explore the ancient sanctuary and walk through the remains of a city that once attracted pilgrims and merchants from across the Mediterranean.

Day

After leaving Delos, Running on Waves continues to nearby Mykonos.

Explore Chora’s whitewashed lanes, the windmills, Little Venice and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. The afternoon offers a sharp contrast with the stillness of Delos, replacing ancient ruins with lively streets, boutiques, cafés and waterfront terraces.

Evening

Spend the evening discovering Mykonos independently or return to the ship for dinner and a quieter night on deck.

Running on Waves departs for the longer passage towards Amorgos.

Day 5 Amorgos

Morning

Wake near Amorgos, a quiet and mountainous island known for its minimalist Cycladic architecture, dramatic coast and strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

After breakfast, prepare for one of the most active days of the journey.

Day

Explore Chora, where white houses, windmills and small churches are arranged beneath a Venetian castle.

Guests looking for a more challenging route can follow the path to the 11th-century Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, built directly into the face of a steep cliff above the Aegean. The approach involves a demanding climb, rewarded by wide views of the sea and the monastery’s extraordinary setting.

Amorgos is also known for mysterious caves, rocky walking trails and secluded beaches. Depending on the programme and conditions, there may be time for swimming or exploring part of the coastline from the water.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a slower evening after the day’s walking.

The ship leaves Amorgos and continues towards Naxos.

Day 6 Naxos

Morning

Wake near Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades.

Breakfast is served on board before a day exploring an island that combines long beaches and fertile countryside with mountain villages, ancient monuments and a historic harbour town.

Day

Go ashore in Naxos Town, also known as Chora. Walk along the waterfront and continue through the old streets towards the Venetian castle district.

Near the harbour stands the Portara, the monumental marble gateway of an unfinished ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. Its position on a small islet makes it one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.

Optional exploration may continue inland towards traditional villages, ancient marble statues or producers of local cheese, olive oil, wine and the citrus liqueur known as kitron.

Guests preferring time near the sea can visit one of the island’s beaches or return to the ship for swimming and watersports.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner.

Spend the evening looking back towards the lights of Chora before the ship continues west towards Kythnos.

Day 7 Kythnos

Morning

The final full day begins near Kythnos, an island known for its simple villages, extensive coastline and long traditions connected with pottery and thermal water.

After breakfast, go ashore or remain near one of the island’s sheltered bays, depending on the day’s programme.

Day

Discover Loutra, associated with Greece’s first thermal spa, where naturally warm springs emerge close to the sea.

Kythnos is also home to one of the Aegean’s rare open-air Mesolithic settlements and preserves a long-standing pottery-making tradition. Guests can explore its villages, stone lanes and small workshops while learning more about everyday island life beyond the major Cycladic destinations.

There may also be time for swimming near Kolona Beach, a narrow strip of sand separating two bays. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and other watersports can be used when conditions allow.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner.

Spend the final evening on deck as the ship leaves Kythnos and begins its last passage towards Athens.

Day 8 Piraeus/Athens

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew and the guests who have shared the journey.

Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests staying in Athens can continue exploring the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the museums and the historic neighbourhoods of the city.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Itinerary also available in reverse
Running On Waves
Vessel Type: Three-Mast Sailing Vessel, Barquentine Length: 64 metres Passenger Capacity: 42 Running On Waves is one of the biggest sailing yachts in the world. According to SOLAS convention,…

Running On Waves

Vessel Type: Three-Mast Sailing Vessel, Barquentine

Length: 64 metres

Passenger Capacity: 42

Running On Waves is one of the biggest sailing yachts in the world. According to SOLAS convention, the highest safety standards are maintained on board a vessel of this class, the same as would apply to a cruise liner carrying thousands of passengers. “Running on Waves” operates under the flag of Malta.

The ship was conceived to combine maneuverability of a sport yacht, the highest standards of comfort and decor, and a shallow draft that allows calling at small marinas inaccessible even to many a big yacht, let alone cruise liners. The unmatched draft of 3.2 metres was made possible owing to a brilliant idea to use lead ballast. The uniqueness of a number of technological solutions confirmed by the US Patent Department.

Every guest of ours enjoys 15,5 square metres of available open teakwood deck space, that is three times more than aboard most expensive cruise ships and would befit a most prestigious private mega-yacht.

The policy of the Company is to always keep the boat in a mint condition. That is why, despite her tender age, we do profound refitting every winter, so that in Spring she welcomes you in full glamour of perfection.

Sails are our main driving power, thus we boast unbeatably low level of fuel consumption, on average 75 l per hour only, which is about 10 times lower than on a motor boat of a comparable size.

Premium comfort notwithstanding, RUNNING ON WAVES is nothing close to a floating hotel or a museum on water, she is a supercharged windship, and with favourable wind can run at 16 – 17 knots under sail. The ship’s superbly efficient ratio of sailing surface to displacement 2 sw.m/t makes her one of the fastest sailboats of old and new times.

To make sailing comfortable at any sea conditions, cutting-edge technologies were used, such as pitch-killing stabilizers, while sophisticatedly calculated mass distribution prevents the hull oscillation frequency from resonating with the frequency, which affects human vestibular system. There are desalinators on board which account for the unlimited supply of fresh water. Air–conditioning throughout the vessel makes you feel a sheikh even in hottest days of Mediterranean summer. Our state-of-the-art hydraulic ramp at the stern of the vessel allows for a direct access to water for swimming and water sports.

Sun Deck

Primary feature — a spacious deck for sunbathing with 16 chaise lounge chairs, which are accessible at any time absolutely free of charge. Additionally, the ship has a large area of covered surfaces, creating vast shaded zones on open decks, which allow for an enjoyable cruise while being protected from the sun. A fresh water Jacuzzi-swimming pool, accommodating six people, is located in the fore of the ship. In the aft of the ship, navigation equipment is behind the command bridge, followed by the massage center and the lounge area. A tour of the command bridge can be arranged at passenger’s request. One may enjoy professional massage services in the massage parlor, followed by some downtime on a small sofa in the lounge area.

Main Deck

The restaurant located on the Main deck is ready to please the ship’s guests with delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine. A fantastic Ocean Bar, located in front of the restaurant in the central part of the deck, offers refreshing drinks and exotic cocktails. You can enjoy your breakfast seated on comfortable sofas located in the cockpit, aft of the ship. Smoking is not prohibited in this zone. An observation deck in the fore of the ship is above the bowsprit, creating the feeling of flying over the water! Mini-suites and Premium cabins are located on the main deck. Size of the cabins vary from 16m2 to 20m2 (172ft2 – 215ft2).

Tween Deck

Passenger cabins occupy most of the tween deck. Crew cabins, companion cabins for the crew and the galley are also located on the tween deck. Fully equipped Water sports center with access to a hydraulic ramp is located in the stern. The stern can be opened up and lowered onto the water, transforming into a diving deck for water sports and recreation. Standard cabins and economy class cabins are located on the tween deck. Cabin sizes vary from 11m2 to 12m2 (118ft2 – 129ft2).

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Cabin layout for Running On Waves
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

8 days from £2415 GBP pp

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