10-Night Extended Cyclades — Athens to Milos

Day 1 — Athens (Piraeus): Embarkation

Board at Zea Marina, Piraeus — just 30 minutes from Athens International Airport. An afternoon visit to the Acropolis is optional; the Acropolis Museum is world-class. Welcome dinner aboard as the lights of Athens spread across the Attica plain behind you.

Day 2 — Kea (Tzia)

The closest Cycladic island to Athens — a full day's sail brings you to Korissia harbour. Kea is green, well-watered and mostly visited by Athenians; the ancient lion of Kea, carved into the hillside above the island's capital, is one of the best day walks in the Cyclades.

Day 3 — Syros

The capital of the Cyclades — Ermoupoli is an extraordinary Neoclassical city of marble, built on the profits of 19th-century shipping. The Apollo Theatre (a miniature La Scala), the Vaporia neighbourhood mansions and Ano Syros (the Catholic medieval town above) are all remarkable.

Day 4 — Mykonos

Arrive at the Cyclades' most famous island. Explore the windmills, Little Venice and the Chora's legendary lanes. Dinner at Nobu or a beach club at Paradise Beach, depending on preference.

Day 5 — Delos

An early morning crossing to Delos — the sacred island. The entire island is an archaeological park; the mosaic floors, the Temple of Apollo and the view from Mount Kynthos. Return to anchor at Paros for the evening.

Day 6 — Paros: Naousa

The charming village of Naousa — fish lunch in the harbour, wine tasting at Moraitis, and an afternoon at the beach. Paros also has excellent kitesurfing at Pounta Bay.

Day 7 — Naxos

Overnight at Naxos town — the Portara at sunset, local cheese and Kitron liqueur from the market, and dinner at Scirocco restaurant. The largest Cycladic island has more to offer than any other.

Day 8 — Santorini

Sail into the caldera. The Akrotiri excavations in the morning, the beaches of Perissa in the afternoon, and the famous sunset at Oia. Overnight aboard in the caldera.

Day 9 — Folegandros

One of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the Cyclades — the Chora perches dramatically on a cliff above the sea. Almost no cars, superb traditional tavernas and a sense of the Cyclades as they were before mass tourism. Anchor at Karavostasi harbour.

Day 10 — Milos

Perhaps the most dramatically beautiful island in the Cyclades — volcanic geology has created extraordinary rock formations: the white Sarakiniko moonscape, the sea caves of Sykia, the coloured cliffs of Kleftiko. The fishing village of Klima has the most photographed boat garages (syrmata) in Greece. The Venus de Milo was found here in 1820.

Day 11 — Disembarkation

Disembarkation at Milos. A short flight to Athens connects to international routes; alternatively, sail back to Athens (12 hours) for international departures.