The Aegean Passage. Piraeus to Piraeus Cruise

date_range
8 days from

£2415 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Sail the Aegean aboard a tall ship – Journey on an eight-day round-trip voyage from Piraeus, Athens, combining island visits with longer passages that offer opportunities to sail under wind power when conditions allow.
  • Discover the Cyclades and beyond – Explore the Aegean’s distinctive island landscapes, travel towards remote Karpathos and follow Crete’s northern coast before visiting historic Monemvasia on the return to Athens.
  • Experience life at sea – Balance time ashore with relaxing days aboard Running on Waves, watching the crew handle the sails, enjoying the open decks and experiencing the timeless rhythm of traditional sailing.

Highlights

  • Sail the Aegean aboard a tall ship – Journey on an eight-day round-trip voyage from Piraeus, Athens, combining island visits with longer passages that offer opportunities to sail under wind power when conditions allow.
  • Discover the Cyclades and beyond – Explore the Aegean’s distinctive island landscapes, travel towards remote Karpathos and follow Crete’s northern coast before visiting historic Monemvasia on the return to Athens.
  • Experience life at sea – Balance time ashore with relaxing days aboard Running on Waves, watching the crew handle the sails, enjoying the open decks and experiencing the timeless rhythm of traditional sailing.
Capacity: 42
Feture image for The Aegean Passage. Piraeus to Piraeus Cruise

A voyage created for guests who want to experience the Mediterranean not only through its islands, but from the sea itself.

This itinerary combines some of the Aegean’s best-known destinations with longer passages between ports, giving Running on Waves more opportunities to sail whenever weather and wind conditions allow. The route moves from the Cyclades towards the more remote island of Karpathos, continues along the northern coast of Crete and returns to Athens via historic Monemvasia.

Days ashore are balanced with time at sea, where guests can relax on deck, watch the crew work with the sails and experience the rhythm of travelling aboard a tall ship. As always, the exact sailing programme depends on weather conditions.

  • Sail the Aegean aboard a tall ship – Journey on an eight-day round-trip voyage from Piraeus, Athens, combining island visits with longer passages that offer opportunities to sail under wind power when conditions allow.
  • Discover the Cyclades and beyond – Explore the Aegean’s distinctive island landscapes, travel towards remote Karpathos and follow Crete’s northern coast before visiting historic Monemvasia on the return to Athens.
  • Experience life at sea – Balance time ashore with relaxing days aboard Running on Waves, watching the crew handle the sails, enjoying the open decks and experiencing the timeless rhythm of traditional sailing.

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

17 June, 2028 to 24 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 £336 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 £336 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

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. Check-in begins in the late afternoon, giving you time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship and meet the crew and fellow guests.

Those arriving earlier can spend some time in Athens before embarkation, whether visiting the Acropolis and its surrounding historic neighbourhoods or enjoying a late lunch in the city.

Evening

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

Running on Waves leaves Piraeus in the evening and begins the first passage across the Aegean towards Syros.

Day 2 Syros

Morning

Wake up at sea as Running on Waves approaches Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.

Arrival is planned for late morning in Ermoupoli, a town whose neoclassical architecture gives it a noticeably different character from the whitewashed villages usually associated with the Cycladic islands.

Afternoon

Explore Ermoupoli on foot, beginning around Miaouli Square and continuing through its narrow streets, cafés and waterfront.

For a different view of the island, head uphill towards Ano Syros, the medieval settlement built above the town. Its narrow lanes, small churches and viewpoints reveal an older side of Syros.

Evening

Return to the ship before departure.

Running on Waves leaves Syros and begins the overnight passage towards Santorini.

Day 3 Santorini

Morning

Arrive in Santorini in the morning, entering one of the most distinctive volcanic landscapes in the Mediterranean.

The island surrounds the flooded caldera created by a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, with villages built high along the cliffs above the sea.

Spend the morning exploring Fira, where narrow streets and terraces overlook the caldera, or continue towards the quieter villages of the island.

Afternoon

Visit Oia, known for its cliffside houses, blue-domed churches and views across the caldera, or explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved beneath volcanic material for thousands of years.

Guests looking for a slower afternoon can stay closer to the coast and enjoy the island at their own pace before returning to the ship.

Evening

Running on Waves departs Santorini in the early evening.

The ship begins one of the longer passages of the itinerary, sailing southeast towards Karpathos. With favourable conditions, this section of the route offers an excellent opportunity to spend time under sail.

Day 4 Karpathos

Morning

Spend the morning at sea during the passage towards Karpathos.

Located between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos feels more remote than many of the central Aegean islands and has retained strong local traditions alongside its rugged landscapes.

Afternoon

Arrive around midday and explore the island from the port of Pigadia.

Spend time along the waterfront and in the town, head towards one of the nearby beaches, or discover more of the mountainous landscape that defines much of Karpathos.

The island is also known for villages where traditional architecture, crafts and customs remain an important part of everyday life.

Evening

Return on board for departure.

Running on Waves leaves Karpathos and sets course for Crete.

Day 5 Crete

Morning

Enjoy another morning at sea while Running on Waves approaches the eastern coast of Crete.

Arrival is planned around midday in Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town built around Lake Voulismeni and overlooking Mirabello Bay.

Afternoon

Walk around the lake and waterfront before exploring the streets, cafés and small shops of the town.

Guests interested in Cretan history can travel further into the region, while those looking for a more relaxed day can stay close to Agios Nikolaos and enjoy the beaches and coastal scenery around Mirabello Bay.

Evening

Return to the ship before Running on Waves continues west along the coast of Crete towards Rethymno.

Day 6 Rethymno

Morning

Arrive in Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman influences remain visible throughout the old town.

Begin around the historic harbour before walking through the narrow streets towards the Venetian Fortezza, the large fortress overlooking the town and the Cretan Sea.

Afternoon

Continue exploring the old town, with its stone façades, shaded courtyards and small local shops.

Rethymno is also a good place to discover Cretan cuisine, from local cheeses and olive oil to dishes based on seasonal vegetables, herbs and seafood.

There is time to explore independently before returning to Running on Waves.

Evening

The ship departs Crete and begins the northwestern passage towards the Peloponnese and Monemvasia.

This is another substantial section of the voyage where, depending on conditions, the crew can take advantage of the Aegean winds and spend more time under sail.

Day 7 Monemvasia

Morning

Spend the morning at sea before approaching Monemvasia, one of the most atmospheric historic settlements in Greece.

The fortified town occupies a massive rock connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and was an important Byzantine and medieval trading centre.

Afternoon

Enter the old town through its stone gateway and explore the pedestrian streets lined with churches, historic houses and small squares.

Walk through the Lower Town or continue uphill towards the ruins of the Upper Town for wide views across the sea and the surrounding coastline.

Evening

Running on Waves leaves Monemvasia in the early evening for the final passage back towards Athens.

Spend the last evening of the voyage on board as the ship crosses the Aegean towards Piraeus.

Day 8 Piraeus

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus in the morning, completing the voyage across the Aegean.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarkation and continue your journey from Athens.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Day 1 Piraeus

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. Check-in begins in the late afternoon, giving you time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship and meet the crew and fellow guests.

Those arriving earlier can spend some time in Athens before embarkation, whether visiting the Acropolis and its surrounding historic neighbourhoods or enjoying a late lunch in the city.

Evening

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

Running on Waves leaves Piraeus in the evening and begins the first passage across the Aegean towards Syros.

Day 2 Syros

Morning

Wake up at sea as Running on Waves approaches Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.

Arrival is planned for late morning in Ermoupoli, a town whose neoclassical architecture gives it a noticeably different character from the whitewashed villages usually associated with the Cycladic islands.

Afternoon

Explore Ermoupoli on foot, beginning around Miaouli Square and continuing through its narrow streets, cafés and waterfront.

For a different view of the island, head uphill towards Ano Syros, the medieval settlement built above the town. Its narrow lanes, small churches and viewpoints reveal an older side of Syros.

Evening

Return to the ship before departure.

Running on Waves leaves Syros and begins the overnight passage towards Santorini.

Day 3 Santorini

Morning

Arrive in Santorini in the morning, entering one of the most distinctive volcanic landscapes in the Mediterranean.

The island surrounds the flooded caldera created by a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, with villages built high along the cliffs above the sea.

Spend the morning exploring Fira, where narrow streets and terraces overlook the caldera, or continue towards the quieter villages of the island.

Afternoon

Visit Oia, known for its cliffside houses, blue-domed churches and views across the caldera, or explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved beneath volcanic material for thousands of years.

Guests looking for a slower afternoon can stay closer to the coast and enjoy the island at their own pace before returning to the ship.

Evening

Running on Waves departs Santorini in the early evening.

The ship begins one of the longer passages of the itinerary, sailing southeast towards Karpathos. With favourable conditions, this section of the route offers an excellent opportunity to spend time under sail.

Day 4 Karpathos

Morning

Spend the morning at sea during the passage towards Karpathos.

Located between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos feels more remote than many of the central Aegean islands and has retained strong local traditions alongside its rugged landscapes.

Afternoon

Arrive around midday and explore the island from the port of Pigadia.

Spend time along the waterfront and in the town, head towards one of the nearby beaches, or discover more of the mountainous landscape that defines much of Karpathos.

The island is also known for villages where traditional architecture, crafts and customs remain an important part of everyday life.

Evening

Return on board for departure.

Running on Waves leaves Karpathos and sets course for Crete.

Day 5 Crete

Morning

Enjoy another morning at sea while Running on Waves approaches the eastern coast of Crete.

Arrival is planned around midday in Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town built around Lake Voulismeni and overlooking Mirabello Bay.

Afternoon

Walk around the lake and waterfront before exploring the streets, cafés and small shops of the town.

Guests interested in Cretan history can travel further into the region, while those looking for a more relaxed day can stay close to Agios Nikolaos and enjoy the beaches and coastal scenery around Mirabello Bay.

Evening

Return to the ship before Running on Waves continues west along the coast of Crete towards Rethymno.

Day 6 Rethymno

Morning

Arrive in Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman influences remain visible throughout the old town.

Begin around the historic harbour before walking through the narrow streets towards the Venetian Fortezza, the large fortress overlooking the town and the Cretan Sea.

Afternoon

Continue exploring the old town, with its stone façades, shaded courtyards and small local shops.

Rethymno is also a good place to discover Cretan cuisine, from local cheeses and olive oil to dishes based on seasonal vegetables, herbs and seafood.

There is time to explore independently before returning to Running on Waves.

Evening

The ship departs Crete and begins the northwestern passage towards the Peloponnese and Monemvasia.

This is another substantial section of the voyage where, depending on conditions, the crew can take advantage of the Aegean winds and spend more time under sail.

Day 7 Monemvasia

Morning

Spend the morning at sea before approaching Monemvasia, one of the most atmospheric historic settlements in Greece.

The fortified town occupies a massive rock connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and was an important Byzantine and medieval trading centre.

Afternoon

Enter the old town through its stone gateway and explore the pedestrian streets lined with churches, historic houses and small squares.

Walk through the Lower Town or continue uphill towards the ruins of the Upper Town for wide views across the sea and the surrounding coastline.

Evening

Running on Waves leaves Monemvasia in the early evening for the final passage back towards Athens.

Spend the last evening of the voyage on board as the ship crosses the Aegean towards Piraeus.

Day 8 Piraeus

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus in the morning, completing the voyage across the Aegean.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarkation and continue your journey from Athens.

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
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Itinerary
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Ship

8 days from £2415 GBP pp

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