Discover the magic of the Greek Islands on the Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise, a 7-night / 8-day small ship sailing adventure from Athens. Cruise aboard the elegant M/S Galileo or M/S Panorama and explore the most iconic destinations in the Aegean Sea — including Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, Paros, Folegandros and Poliegos.
This unforgettable Cyclades small ship cruise combines relaxation, cultural discovery, swimming in turquoise bays, UNESCO heritage sites, and authentic Greek island experiences.
Perfect for couples, families, solo travellers and cultural explorers seeking an intimate alternative to large cruise ships.
This is one of the most popular Greek island small cruise itineraries for travellers seeking both famous destinations and hidden gems.
Guaranteed Departures:
Every Friday from April 2026 until October 2027.
Boats:
Single Supplement:
3rd Adult Reduction (Category A): 30%
Port Charges: £283 (additional)
Sailing aboard the M/S Galileo is a highlight of this Cyclades cruise.
This is a true boutique cruise experience in Greece, offering comfort and authenticity.
Category A – Upper Deck
From £3,300 per person
Category B – Lower Deck (Flexible Beds)
From £2,750 per person
Category C – Lower Deck (Twin/Double)
From £2,250 per person
Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
At Eco Travel Shop, we specialize in:
We curate high-quality Cyclades small ship cruises designed for authentic exploration with comfort and style.
The M/Y Galileo is a boutique small cruise yacht operated by Variety Cruises, offering intimate voyages in the Greek islands and other Mediterranean destinations. Designed to provide a balance of comfort and authenticity, the vessel caters to travelers seeking a relaxed, yacht-style experience distinct from large-ship cruising.
Note: In instances of extreme weather conditions, our carefully crafted routes are modified to ensure your safety and comfort, utilizing our extensive nautical expertise, built since 1949. Remain adaptable – Embrace adventure.
Aboard the small ship cruises there are no recreational facilities for children and reservations for those under the age of five are not allowed. Taking that into consideration please note that children onboard are their parents’ sole responsibility.
Board the lovely Galileo gulet at Marina Zeas in Athens during the late afternoon. Settle in and enjoy a welcome drink as you prepare for your adventure. The journey opens with a sail towards Poros, a delightful island celebrated for its lush pine-covered hills and serene beaches. Wander along the picturesque harbor and relish the calming Greek ambiance.
Highlight: Welcome aboard drink with stunning vista views.
Begin your morning at Poliegos, an uninhabited island featuring crystal-clear waters and secluded coves. After a refreshing swim and some leisure time, we sail towards Folegandros, a hidden treasure with breathtaking cliffs and a charming main town, Chora.
Highlight: Wander through the cobblestone streets of Chora and take in the sunset vistas from its elevated vantage point.
Today we embark on a journey to the renowned island of Santorini, celebrated for its striking whitewashed structures and stunning caldera vistas. Wander through the charming towns of Fira and Oia, indulge in local wine tastings, and admire the extraordinary volcanic terrain. As twilight descends, partake in the legendary Santorini sunset with delightful refreshments on deck. This evening, embrace the chance to showcase your dancing talents at our vibrant Greek Night. Overnight stay in Santorini.
Highlight: Witnessing the sunset in Oia, regarded as one of the most photographed sunsets across the globe.
Start your day with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters off Antiparos, a serene island that feels like a hidden gem. By afternoon, make your way to Paros, celebrated for its charming villages such as Naoussa and its lively nightlife. In Paros, wander through the bustling port city of Parikia and the picturesque village of Naoussa in the north. As evening falls, savor a delightful dinner at a tavern with a stunning view of the sunset. Enjoy your overnight stay in Paros.
Highlight: Discover the remnants of the Venetian castle in Naoussa.
Set sail for Delos, a significant archaeological gem of Greece. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delos is celebrated as the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. After delving into its ancient ruins, proceed to the lively island of Mykonos, renowned for its exciting nightlife, luxurious boutiques, and iconic windmills.
Highlight: Discover the sacred island of Delos and its historical wonders.
Next on our voyage is Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. This charming island is celebrated for its neoclassical buildings and lively harbor town, Ermoupoli. Explore its elegant Apollo Theater, browse in unique boutique shops, and indulge in traditional Greek delicacies like loukoumi.
Highlight: Explore Ermoupoli’s main square and admire the Church of Agios Nikolaos.
Thursday: Kythnos – Athens (Marina Zeas)
On your last full day, make a stop at Kythnos, celebrated for its thermal springs and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a rejuvenating swim or wander through the island's picturesque paths before heading back to Athens in the evening.
Highlight: Farewell dinner on board as you navigate back to Marina Zeas.
Breakfast will be served and disembarkation is scheduled between 8.30 and 9am. However, this is not truly farewell. We trust your cabin companions have transformed into friends you will continue to connect with. As for us, we hope this is merely a temporary goodbye and that we will welcome you on another one of our cruises soon.
Travel light by utilizing soft luggage designed to slide under the bed since cabin space can be tight. We recommend packing casual attire such as shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, a warmer layer for cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, beach sandals, a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. In Greece, it is important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites—women should opt for skirts or dresses (no pants or shorts), and sleeveless tops or swimwear are prohibited. Towels and bed linens will be provided on board.
This was just the vacation of a lifetime! The islands were absolutely breathtaking and each had its own magic charm. The sea was unbelievably clear & blue like I’d seen only on movies. One evening, as the sun was setting over the ancient ruins, it honestly bought me to tears. The guides were top notch, knew their stuff and you could tell how passionate they are about their history. Every moment on this cruise was soaking in culture, love & myth... Can’t wait to bring my kids next time - hoping there’s gonna be a 'next' soon!
Wow, just wow! I can't beleive how stunning the greek islands are. From the moment I steped onto the cruise ship, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable adventure. The views were like a beautiful painting came to life! The people I met onboard were so nice, they truly felt like family after few days. Snorkeling in the crystal blue waters was AMAZING!!! I fell in love with all the rich culture and the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine - beyond tasty. Everything felt so timeless, yet perfect for soul searching! Just incredible!!! I'm definitely going back :)
The cruise through the Cyclades was more breathtaking than I'd imagine. Every island had its unique charm and hidden gems. We swam in crystal-clear waters and indulged in fantastic local cuisines; totally lived up to my Greek foodie dream. The hosts were genuinely accommodating and our tour guide was super passionate, sharing riveting history of the places we visited. While the wifi on board was weak, which is expected on a ship, it didn’t matter much as we were busy soaking up the beauty all around. Overall, an unforgettable adventure & cant wait to go back someday!
On our intimate vessels, you will discover refined dining areas, generous sun decks, and cozy lounges. Pools are not available, as it is typical for our guests to enjoy swimming off the ships or accessing hidden beaches via tender. Your cruise itinerary includes either breakfast plus lunch or dinner, or all meals. Dining occurs at designated times with adaptable seating arrangements. A limited laundry service is offered at an additional charge on our smaller ships. Shore excursions are available for an extra fee. Both the M/Y Pegasos and the M/Y Variety Voyager feature a compact wellness suite offering massages and various beauty treatments. For sports enthusiasts: swimming from the ships is encouraged, as well as snorkeling, kayaking, and canoeing. In select locations, diving excursions can be arranged.
The majority of shore excursions are excluded from cruise fares so please verify the cruise details and are accessible in line with the cruise timetable and visiting ports. Information is provided in your cabin and additionally shared daily by the onboard Cruise Coordinator. Shore excursions depend on both shore and weather conditions and require a minimum number of participants.
Each cabin boasts its own elegantly designed bathroom complete with shower facilities. They are all equipped with air conditioning, central music systems, and telephones for communication within the ship. Every cabin comes with a hairdryer for convenience. Additionally, the majority of our vessels feature televisions or flat-screen televisions, safes, mini-refrigerators, and DVD players. For further information, please check the Our Ships section.