7-Night Cyclades Classic — Mykonos to Santorini

Day 1 — Mykonos: Embarkation

Board in Mykonos — the most cosmopolitan island in the Cyclades. An afternoon exploring the famous windmills, Little Venice and the labyrinthine lanes of the Chora. Dinner at Nobu or Scorpios (book months in advance in summer). The evening scene is legendary.

Day 2 — Delos

An early morning crossing to the uninhabited island of Delos — one of the most sacred sites in the ancient Greek world, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. No one may sleep on Delos; it is entirely devoted to archaeology. The mosaic of the House of Dionysus, the Terrace of the Lions and the views from the summit of Mount Kynthos are extraordinary. Return to Mykonos for a second night.

Day 3 — Paros & Naousa

A morning sail southwest to Paros — anchor at Naousa, a beautiful fishing village of white houses and bougainvillea around a tiny harbour. The Venetian castle ruins at the harbour entrance, the local white wine (Moraitis Winery is 5 minutes away) and the famous windmill beach at Santa Maria are the highlights.

Day 4 — Naxos

The largest Cycladic island — anchor in the main town below the enormous unfinished Apollo Kouros (archaic statue) at the harbour entrance. The Portara (Temple of Apollo) at sunset is one of the iconic images of the Aegean. Naxos produces superb local cheese, potatoes, kitron liqueur and some of the best meat in the islands.

Day 5 — Ios

A lively island with a beautiful white Chora and a reputation for one of the best beach scenes in Greece. Mylopotas Beach is long, sandy and sheltered; Manganari on the southern coast is quieter and accessible only by sea. Anchor in the main bay for the afternoon and evening.

Day 6 — Santorini: Arrival

Sail into the caldera — one of the most spectacular arrivals in yachting. The cliff wall of the ancient volcano rises 300 metres above the water; the white villages of Oia and Fira perch on the rim. Anchor inside the caldera or moor at Ammoudi Bay below Oia. The sunset from Oia is the most photographed moment in the Greek islands.

Day 7 — Santorini: Full Day

A full day to explore: the archaeological site of Akrotiri (the 'Minoan Pompeii'), the black sand beaches of Perissa and Périvolos, the wine estates of Domaine Sigalas and Estate Argyros, and the extraordinary views from the caldera rim. Farewell dinner at Selene in Pyrgos.

Day 8 — Disembarkation

Disembarkation at Santorini (Fira port). Santorini International Airport is 10 minutes from the main port; flights to Athens take 45 minutes.