2026 GREEK WINE CRUISE

As ‘Wine Ambassador’ for Variety Cruises, I’m very pleased to announce the latest of our new Wine Cruises of Greece.

2026 makes it exactly 30 years since the first ever Wine Cruise of Greece, organised just at the moment when Greek wine was being turned round. That was the first of Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours extraordinary and wonderful wine cruises…. And it was on a Variety Cruises’ ship too. We’ll see how Greece has re-emerged over these 30 years to give us some of the most interesting and exciting wines in the world.

The changes have been at least as profound as those that have taken place in Australia. Many may be surprised by this, forgetting, or not knowing, that from classical times right up until the early C18th, Greek Wines were among the best and most expensive in the world. The revival is fascinating, with both modern winemaking and many echoes of the past. The spirit remains true to Greece’s core values as a great wine country of the ‘Historic World’.

Wine Cruise of Greece

A small ship wine cruise is a way of experiencing a country like no other. As well as the top level receptions at wine domaines with superb tastings, we’ll enjoy leisurely lunches and dinners with a selected array of the top wines of Greece. These will include local specialities and are served on board on the open aft deck. Our ship, Panorama has a huge swimming pool – the Aegean Sea! and we’ll stop as often as we can and in remote and beautiful spots we know for the chance to swim in the turquoise sea.

So, please do join us on a wonderful small ship wine cruise to exquisite corners of the Aegean on mega-yacht Panorama as we sail from wine island to wine island calling in at historic ports in the wine trade. Along the way, we’ll taste at the top wineries, meet many of the leading winemakers in Greece and enjoy a stunning array of Greece’s top wines.

WINE CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Navplio, one of the most attractive towns in Greece and its main capital during the War of Independence. From here we visit Mycenae and the wine region of Nemea, where we’ll taste great red wines from Nemea and white wines from Mantinia.

Monemvasia, the “Gibraltar of the Eastern Mediterranean”, once a city of over 40,000 inhabitants when it produced the most expensive wines in the world. The lower medieval town has been painstakingly rebuilt and fine wines are being made here again.

Santorini Famous as the probable site of Atlantis, Santorini is a volcanic island whose centre, ‘the Caldera’ was blown away in a massive eruption. We visit the island of Thera and moor up in the Caldera where views are quite breathtaking. The wines, largely from grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri & Aidani, known jokingly as “The A Team”, must count as a highlight of the tour.

Samos, an Eastern Aegean island with mountains covered in aromatic pine forests with terraced vineyards that are the original home of the delicious Muscat grape. We have a comprehensive look at the island’s wines.

Syros Back in the Cyclades, Syros is the Capital of the Cyclades, and Syros town, with stately neo-classical buildings, wide streets, opera house and large square, it feels like a real place, not a tourist centre. The winemaking here is undergoing a renaissance.

AEGEAN WINE CRUISE ITINERARY

28 August – 4 September 2025

FRIDAY DEPARTURE · 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

ATHENS – POROS – NAVPLIO – MONEMVASIA – SANTORINI – SAMOS – NAXOS – SYROS – ATHENS

DAY 1 FRIDAY DEPART ATHENS

Join the Panorama in Marina Zeas, Athens (2-3 PM):

Step aboard and let the journey begin with a sparkling welcome drink as you meet your fellow travellers and crew. As the sun sets, sail toward the charming island of Poros and enjoy your first dinner, perfectly paired with hand-picked Ionian Sea wines.

Overnight in Poros.

DAY 2 SATURDAY NAFPLIO for Nemea Wine Tour

Morning arrival into the attractive city of Navplio, dominated by its massive Venetian fortifications.

Arrive in the charming seaside town of Nafplio, dominated by its massive Venetian fortifications.

Begin the day with a guided visit to the site of Mycenae nearby. Continue to the heart of the Peloponnese wine country, arriving in Nemea, renowned since antiquity for its ‘black’ wines. We’ll taste great examples, plus fine whites from Mantinaia, just to the south and from Santorini. made from the noble Agiorgitiko grape. We have an exclusive tastings at Gaia Wines, celebrated for their ground-breaking wines, superb reds reds and elegant whites. After this we enjoy lunch at Semeli Winery, perfectly paired with their finest wines.

After this there will be free time in Navplio in the evening, which is one of the most attractive towns in Mainland Greece and was the first capital of Modern Greece. In the evening, dinner is served on board, featuring carefully selected wines, as the ship sets sail for a overnight journey along the Arcadian coast. Overnight at sea.

DAY 3 SUNDAY MONEMVASIA WINE TOUR

Our Wine Cruise arrives off Monemvasia, probably the most beautiful medieval town in Greece. Monemvasia’s great wealth in the Middle Ages came from its wines, which we know as ‘Malvasia’ or ‘Malmsey’. These great wines are now being produced once again as ‘Liastos’ or ‘Monemvasia-Malvasia PDO’.
This morning, we’ll have a fascinating tasting of the wines of Monemvasia Winery made from the region’s excellent autochthonous (unique local) grape varieties, such as Monemvasios and Kidonitsa.
There’s free time for lunch in one of the many good restaurants around the harbour or in the old town.
In the afternoon, visit the old town, climb the rock to the ruined Venetian castle, known as “the Castro”, swim at one of the nearby beaches or swim points or just relax.
Dinner is on board Panorama, featuring a range of the best wines from Laconia.

We set sail around midnight, so there time’s to go ashore again in the evening.

DAY 4 MONDAY SANTORINI

Today we arrive in dramatic Santorini. After a swim stop and relaxed BBQ lunch on deck, Panorama sails in the dramatic Caldera of Santorini.

Santorini is one of the real hotspots for Greek wine, and we will on the local grape varieties including Assyrtiko. These include both dry wines and the extraordinary, wonderful Vin Santo. We explore the island’s world-famous volcanic vineyards with a private tasting at Sigalas Winery and last the crisp, extreme mineral-driven wines that are unlike anywhere else on earth. Sigalas was one of the first Santorini wineries to make stunning wines from the island’s. Assyrtiko grapes.

Return onboard for a wine-paired dinner before sailing toward Samos. Overnight at Sea.

Dinner features the food and wine of Crete.

DAY 5 TUESDAY

SAMOS WINE TOUR

Arrive in the charming harbour of Pythagorion on the island of Samos in the Eastern Aegean. Samos is famous for its wines made from Muscat, the ‘Muscat blanc a petit grains’, which originated in this area.
Our morning visit is to the family owned winery Vakakis. Tim Clarke made sweet Liastos (Passito) wine here in 2017, 2018 and 2019 from Muscat grapes, sundried in the traditional Greek way. The tastings then, will be right up to the minute. We’ll taste the range of wines from Niko Vakakis, the most important private firm – dry and sweet Muscats plus blends a a good red, with much of the Muscat sourced from organic mountain vineyards 3000 feet above sea level.
We’ll then have a relaxing lunch in the vineyard village of Platanos at the top restaurant on the island. This will feature a tasting of Samos wines in a variety of styles from the cooperative and several of the emerging wineries. Hopefully, we’ll be joined by Efmorphia Kostaki, the most exciting small grower on Samos. We won’t set sail until early evening, so you have plenty of time to relax in the fishing charming harbor of Pythagorion,
Visit Vakakis Winery, a boutique estate showcasing the expressive aromatic character of Samian wines. Continue to the mountain village of Platanos for a leisurely lunch in one of the two most awarded restaurants in the Eastern Aegean. it’s run by old friends of mine and lunch will be served with an exceptional array of Samian wines.

Return to the ship for an afternoon swim or relaxed exploration of the port.

Tonight’s dinner on board features exceptional wines from Chios and Ikaria, islands renowned for winemaking since antiquity. Hopefully dinner will feature a large fish or a local speciality, Tuna, which is often caught in the deep waters off Samos.Late evening departure for Naxos. Overnight at sea.

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY NAXOS

Arrive in Naxos in the morning and start your tour exploring its charming villages, with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and glimpses of local life and Cycladic traditions.

Mountainous Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades has been spotted as having enormous wine potential. Other islands are short of grapes, very short of water and have too much tourism eating up the land; not Naxos….

In the foothills of Naxos’ mountainous interior, we visit the rising star Tranampelos Winery. This is a family-run estate and here you’ll taste the distinctive wines of Naxos, paired with a selection of local delicacies. Here we’ll learn about the island’s rare indigenous grape varieties, including Potamisi, the latest Greek grape to excite winemakers and consumers.  We tasted it on last year’s cruise and were stunned. So this year we’re heading there to visit the top producer.

After the visit, we’ll have time to explore charming ‘higgledy-piggledy’ old Naxos town, which will be a sharp contrast to Ermoupouli on Syros, the beautiful and vibrant Capital City of the Cyclades Islands that we visit next.

Return to the port and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as we set sail toward Syros.  Arrive in the late afternoon at Ermoupouli, the cosmopolitan heart of the Cyclades. In the evening, savour an included dinner at a local taverna, where traditional flavours are enhanced by the warmth of the island’s hospitality. After dinner, the night is yours to wander around the elegant town. Overnight at Syros.

DAY 7 SYROS WINE TOUR

Begin the day with a leisurely walking tour of Syros, exploring its elegant neoclassical architecture, bustling squares, and charming marble streets. Afterwards, visit the charming Ousyra Winery for a final tasting, savouring the island’s signature wines and learning about the revival of winemaking traditions on Syros.  Return to the ship for a relaxed lunch on board before setting sail back towards Marina Zeas,

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner on board, celebrating the journey with delicious food, exceptional wines, and the memories of a week exploring Greece’s islands and vineyards.

DAY 8 FRIDAY ATHENS
Marina Zeas. Disembarkation after breakfast between 8:30 – 9am. Own onward transport, our tour manager will assist.

OR: EXCUSION & TRANSFER
An interesting Athens tour with a visit to the ancient Agrora and wine visit to the excellent Kokotos Estate in Attica.

There will be time for lunch in the Flea Market / Monastraki area of Athens (which we will arrange at a favourite restaurant here).

A late afternoon transfer to Athens airport, or to a hotel in the city centre is also included.

SMALL SHIP - Panorama

Discover the world by sea at 10 knots per hour, sailing from one island or seashore to another aboard the Panorama.
Her sleek lines and ample deck space redeﬁne what cruising is meant to be. She has a spacious lounge, an on deck dining area, an outdoor bar, shaded areas and deck sun loungers that offers unobstructed 360º views of the sea and islands we pass.
There is a swimming platform at the stern, which we intend to use as often as possible.
The cabins are modern and comfortable. On the whole they could be described as rather small for a cruise ship but very large for a yacht. The cabins on top deck are considerably larger. Panorama’s crew trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and the chef is primed to offer a special array of regional dishes to accompany the superb wines which will be served. She can carry 40 guests, who on a such a wine cruise as this, will be like-minded travellers

NOTES & SPECIAL CONDITIONS
please NOTE: SOME Cabins have changed from this layout

CABIN PRICES

Spring Offer: – 25% OFF or No single supplement for solo travellers. Offer is valid for bookings made until 31st May 2026.

Category A
Main or Upper Deck. Twin or Double beds.

With windows. 11.5 12.5 sq.m. / 124-135 sq.ft.

Price: €4462 per person (inc 25% off). (Approx. £3885)

Category B
Lower Deck. Twin or Double beds (Triple Cabins available).

With portholes. 11.5-12 sq.m. / 124-130 sq.ft.

Price: €4012.5 per person (inc 25% off). (Approx. £3495).

Category C
Lower Deck. Twin or Double beds.

With portholes. 11-11.5 sq.m. / 119-124 sq.ft.

Price: €3600 per person (inc 25% off). (approx £3135).

Port Charges: £230

Tim Clarke – The Wine Guide
The itinerary was designed by wine expert and wine tourism guru, and Variety Cruise Wine Ambassador, Tim Clarke. Tim accompanies the cruise as the Wine Guide.
Tim Clarke and his wife Lynette Arblaster founded and ran for many years the world’s leading wine tours operator and worked closely with Variety Cruises for over 20 years. .
Tim has followed and commented on Greek wine for many years, leading many wine tours and wine cruises here. He has since made the ultra-traditional ‘Liastos’ Muscat several times on the island of Samos. You will find his enthusiasm for Greece and its wines infectious. Besides commenting on the wines you will taste, he will cover the wine scene through from classical age to modern era, and give you a special insight into the country.

The Optional Excursion on the final day arrives at Athens Airport in time for flights after 18.00.

Note re price:
The price includes wine tastings on ship and specially selected wines with all meals, escorted excursions with wine tastings and three meals ahore, all port charges, and allowance for the recent large increase in the cost of fuel.

TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK

Initial enquiries to Variety Cruises https://www.varietycruises.com/cruises/limited-collection-wines-of-greece

There are various packages available via local agents.

UK Bookings – Call Seafarer Cruises (ATOL licenced & bonded).

Tel: 0208 324 3117 Email: Info@SeafarerCruises.co.uk

Web: https://www.seafarercruises.com/cruises/mega-yacht/greek-wine-cruise/

US Bookings – Call Variety Cruises USA

Tel: 800-319-7776 US (Toll Free NY time) Email: Infousa@Varietycruises.com

Greece – Call Variety Cruises Head Office

Tel: 00 30 210 6919191 Email: Info@VarietyCruises.com Web: Variety Cruises.com

Note:

In many cases the journeys between ports are reasonably short so the ship will be in harbour or at a mooring for part or much of the night, but there will be some sailing at night.
Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the Vessel’s Captain in case of adverse weather conditions:
– winds of 6/7 beaufort or more, depending on the vessel.
– on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port.
– or in case of other extraordinary conditions.
Wine visits are subject to confirmation and subject to change in the event of regulations changing or in the event of weather conditions disrupting the cruise itinerary. Details such as swim stops, will be entirely at the Captain’s discretion.
Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for flights after midday.

2026 GREEK WINE CRUISE

As ‘Wine Ambassador’ for Variety Cruises, I’m very pleased to announce the latest of our new Wine Cruises of Greece.

Wine Cruise of Greece