The beauty of a yachting vacation is the freedom to stay longer or leave earlier - this is your expedition! Board our luxury Gulet for a week-long journey in the North Dodecanese Islands, hosted by an Art In Voyage team member and a crew of 5. Along the way, marvel at the incredible diversity of the lesser-known (and less crowded) North Dodecanese Greek islands, befriend the welcoming locals and discover the beauty of each of our destinations, unique in their own way. Uncover the magic of each town and village along the way, swim in some of the most pristine spots of the Mediterranean, indulge in Chef-prepared meals onboard and onshore, and sip on your favorite cocktail as we sail from sunset to sunset.
Come and join us as we uncover the magic of Greece's lesser-known North Dodecanese Islands.
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Welcome to Kos, an island with a very mild climate and fertile lands is especially well known for the Asclepion and as the famed birthplace of Hippocrates, “the Father of Medical Sciences”. On arrival, you are greeted by our team and whisked away to your luxury Gulet. Settle and relax with a cocktail in your hands before we set sail toward Leros. There, we arrive at the port dominated by a huge crusader castle and six windmills gracing the hilltop. Spreading upwards from the port is the area known as Platanos, the social hub of the island, which sits astride the saddle of the hill and merges with the picturesque fishing harbor of Pandeli on the other side. Our first dinner is set on board, and guests are encouraged to enjoy after-dinner cocktails on the island.
After a lovely breakfast on board, guests are welcome to stroll the streets of Platanos before we set sail to local coves for what will become a daily tradition during this sailing: Swimming in local coves. After lunch on board, we set sail toward Patmos Patmos is not a large island but is one of the best-known. It was here that St. John completed the last part of The Apocalypse of John and this is why Patmos is sometimes called “The Jerusalem of the Aegean.” The Monastery of St. John’s towers above the capital, Chora, and actually the island seems to breathe faith and devotion. According to mythology, Patmos was a gift from Zeus to his daughter Artemis, the goddess of hunting and young women. Tonight, cocktails and dinner are set in town and paired with some fantastic Greek wines.
After breakfast, we take a stroll in town and pay a visit to the Monastery of St John. An immense 11th-century monastery-cum-fortress that has remained active, of which a section is open to visitors. The entrance courtyard leads into a sumptuously frescoed chapel, fronted by marble columns removed from an ancient temple. Upstairs, the museum housing church treasures display the original edict establishing the monastery, signed by the Byzantine emperor in 1088. For lunch, we are invited by a local Chef at his farm-to-table restaurant, encouraging guests to participate in the making of authentic cuisine. Later this afternoon, we head to another cove for swimming before setting sail for Arki. We enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner on board.
Arki and Marathi, just north of Patmos, are the most peaceful islets in the Dodecanese chain. Arki is probably one of the least visited islands in Greece, with a permanent population of only 40 people who make a living from farming, goat breeding, and fishing. With its beautiful and very picturesque harbor, Arki constitutes a paradise for yachts in the summer. We enjoy lunch on the small island of Marathi, another isolated paradise inhabited by two families only. Expect an eclectic mix of sailors, artists, and the occasional backpacker. Here, there are neither cars nor motorbikes – just a feeling of calm. Bring along books and bathing suits, and leave chaos well behind. Dinner is served on board
By now, guests have noticed a slowdown in long-distance sailing and instead, smaller hops between unique and incredible islands boasting crystal clear waters. Lipsi (known locally as Lipsos) is a small group of islets near Patmos. There are plenty of tavernas, cafés, and shops in the village. Small churches and monasteries are scattered around the island. The beaches of Platis or Giolos are glorious with crystal green waters. On the island, the Church of the Catopanaghia, constructed in the 7th century, deserves a visit, along with the Church of Panopanaghia dating from the 15th century. Throughout the day, we enjoy stops in small coves, visits to local villages, picnic on the beach, and a lovely sunset dinner on board.
After breakfast, we make our way to Kalymnos. The sailing of 2 hours takes us to Vathi town, which lies at the end of the deep fjord of Vathi and is a charming little place for our traditional daily swim stop. The island is known as “The Sponge Fishers’ Island”. The scenery is wild and dramatic with high rocky mountains plunging down to the sea making it a terrific spot for those who like to mountain-climb. The island also boasts lovely un-crowded beaches and bays. On the western side of the island lie the villages of Myrties and Massouri and the much quieter hamlets of Arginondas, Skalia, and Emporios. On the northeast coast is the wild and beautiful bay of Palionisou where it feels as if life has stood still for a very long time. After cocktails in town, we enjoy dinner on board, looking at the quiet life on the island slowly coming to a rest..until the next day.
Slowly but surely, after breakfast and the traditional morning swim in a local cove, we make our way toward Kos. Lunch is served on board during the smooth and short sailing. Since guests have not had a chance to explore this island before, we have put together a private fun, and engaging walking tour with a local, uncovering its history reflected in architecture. The whitewashed stone houses with the bright colored shutters and the flat roofs which connect with the narrow cobbled paths lead to distinctive features from Ottoman architecture like Muslim mosques and marble fountains, as well as several Venetian buildings. Sunset cocktails and dinner are served onshore at one of our favorite eateries in Kos, celebrating new friendships and a glorious journey through some of the lesser-known Greek islands.
This morning, you are transferred to the airport where you catch a connecting flight home. Have not had enough? Why not uncover the magic of Turkey with Bodrum only a ferry ride away? Or make your way to Istanbul for a true feast of the senses.
We have been traveling with AIV exclusively for years. We love the no-hassle logistics of their curated trips. Mikael’s itineraries are always a blast and never disappoint.
I would recommend AIV journeys over and over again! The attention to detail that begins with the ease of booking, amazing hosts and chefs, first-rate accommodations, superb logistical planning, top choices in excursions, activities, and dining are why we will keep going to AIV for dream vacations! Oh, the little surprises along the way are the cherry on top for me!
Art in Voyage’s Cook Nice Greece trip was beyond my wildest dreams. From the pick-up at the ferry to our final goodbyes. The coordination of events, meals, excursions, the villa, just everything was spot on and impeccable. The exquisite meals and the cooking portion of this trip were amazing. Chef Fonzo not only knows how to cook amazing food but knows how to teach even novices some basic cooking techniques unique to the country of Greece! His friendly demeanor and true culinary skills are second to none. Our host Karen Brown was there for anything we needed or wanted 24/7! Mykonos is not to be missed, the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea were amazing, the shopping in Mykonos town and Little Venice were wonderful. Art in Voyage truly understands how to travel in style and luxury with ease !! Thank you!
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $750 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $750 per person administrative fee.
