Early Bird 30% Discount
28 August 2027 - 4 September 2027
8 days / 7 nights

Travel from Athens through the Southern Aegean aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day sailing journey connecting world-famous islands with quieter, less-visited destinations.

The route brings together Milos, Folegandros, Santorini, Astypalea, Ios and Serifos, moving between volcanic coastlines, cliffside settlements, whitewashed villages and clear-water bays. Each island has its own character, from the mineral-coloured landscapes of Milos and the dramatic caldera of Santorini to the slower rhythm of Folegandros and the rugged scenery of Serifos. The cruise follows the same Southern Cyclades route as the earlier 2027 departure, with this sailing scheduled for 28 August to 4 September.

Between island visits, guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, kayak, windsurf or relax in the Jacuzzi. The onboard programme may also include sail practices, shows, animation activities and karaoke, adapted to the weather, sailing schedule and preferences of the guests. Diving services and guided bus excursions can be arranged for an additional charge.

Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and a limited number of guests create a comfortable base throughout the journey. This cruise is designed for travellers who want to combine island-hopping, swimming, sailing and cultural exploration, with enough time to experience both the celebrated and quieter sides of the Southern Aegean.

Welcome aboard

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and the other guests joining the voyage.

Take time to explore the ship’s open decks, lounge areas and onboard facilities. Guests arriving earlier can spend part of the day in Athens or walk around the marinas and waterfront of Piraeus before embarkation.

Evening

The journey begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.

The crew introduces the itinerary and explains how shore visits, watersports and onboard activities will be organised during the week. Running on Waves then leaves Athens and begins the passage towards Milos.

Estimated time of arrival:
Estimated time of departure: 28 Aug 2027 20:00

Volcanic landscapes and hidden bays

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Milos, an island shaped by its volcanic past and known for colourful cliffs, unusual rock formations and a coastline filled with beaches and sheltered coves.

After breakfast, go ashore to explore independently or join an optional excursion around the island.

Day

Possible highlights include Sarakiniko, where smooth white formations create an almost lunar landscape, and the colourful fishing villages of Klima or Mandrakia.

The island’s coastline also includes caves and remote bays that are best appreciated from the water. Depending on the anchorage and sea conditions, spend time swimming, snorkelling or exploring the coast by kayak.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a relaxed evening on deck.

Estimated time of arrival: 29 Aug 2027 12:00
Estimated time of departure: 30 Aug 2027 06:00

Cliffside villages and a quieter Cycladic rhythm

Morning

Begin the day near Folegandros, a small island of rugged hills, traditional settlements and steep coastal landscapes.

Breakfast is served on board before going ashore to explore one of the quieter destinations on the route.

Day

Visit Chora, built dramatically close to the edge of a high cliff. Walk through cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, interconnected squares and the historic Kastro district.

Guests looking for a more active route can follow the uphill path towards the Church of Panagia for wide views across the Aegean. Other possibilities include the traditional village of Ano Meria, coastal walking trails or time at one of the island’s clear-water beaches.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner or spend part of the evening ashore.

After sunset, Chora’s small squares and tavernas reveal the relaxed atmosphere that distinguishes Folegandros from the busier Cycladic islands.

Estimated time of arrival: 30 Aug 2027 12:00
Estimated time of departure: 31 Aug 2027 06:00

The caldera and volcanic coast

Morning

Spend the first part of the day sailing through the Southern Aegean as Running on Waves approaches Santorini.

The island gradually rises above the water as a wall of dark volcanic rock crowned by white settlements.

Day

Go ashore to explore independently or join an optional guided excursion.

Walk through Fira, continue towards Oia or visit one of the traditional inland villages. Other possibilities include the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a local vineyard or one of the island’s red- and black-sand volcanic beaches.

The cliffs, caldera and settlements above the sea create one of the most distinctive landscapes of the voyage.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner as the ship leaves Santorini.

Spend the evening on deck watching the lights appear above the caldera before the voyage continues east towards Astypalea.

Estimated time of arrival: 31 Aug 2027 14:00
Estimated time of departure: 31 Aug 2027 20:00

The Butterfly of the Aegean

Morning

Wake near Astypalea, whose two sections are joined by a narrow strip of land, creating the island’s distinctive butterfly-like shape.

After breakfast, go ashore to discover a destination that combines Cycladic-looking architecture with the traditions of the Dodecanese.

Day

Explore Chora, where white houses descend from the Venetian Querini Castle towards the sea. A line of traditional windmills marks the route through the upper town, while narrow lanes lead towards small churches, cafés and viewpoints.

There may also be time to visit one of the island’s beaches or swim in a sheltered bay. The clear water and varied coastline are well suited to snorkelling, kayaking and relaxed exploration from the ship whenever conditions allow.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a quiet evening on board.

As the ship leaves Astypalea, the route turns west again towards the Cyclades and the island of Ios.

Estimated time of arrival: 1 Sep 2027 10:00
Estimated time of departure: 1 Sep 2027 20:00

Whitewashed streets and clear-water beaches

Morning

Begin the day as Running on Waves approaches Ios, an island known for both its lively atmosphere and its quieter landscapes.

After breakfast, go ashore to explore Chora and the surrounding coastline.

Day

Walk through Chora, where white houses, small squares, traditional windmills and numerous churches rise above the harbour. Continue uphill towards Panagia Gremiotissa for views across the town and the Aegean.

Guests looking for time beside the sea can visit Mylopotas or one of the island’s less-developed beaches. Depending on the anchorage, swimming, snorkelling and watersports may also be available directly from Running on Waves.

Evening

Return to the ship for dinner or spend part of the evening ashore.

Running on Waves later leaves Ios and begins its passage towards Serifos.

Estimated time of arrival: 2 Sep 2027 09:00
Estimated time of departure: 2 Sep 2027 20:00

Rugged landscapes and the final island day

Morning

Wake near Serifos, an island of bare hills, traditional settlements and an extensive coastline.

After breakfast, go ashore for the final full day of island exploration.

Day

Visit Chora, built across a steep hillside above the harbour of Livadi. Its whitewashed lanes climb towards the remains of the castle, offering wide views across the island and neighbouring Cyclades.

Serifos is also known for its beaches and mining heritage. Possible stops include Psili Ammos, Ganema, Vagia or the former mining area around Mega Livadi.

There may be time for a final swim, snorkelling session or kayak trip before returning to the ship.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner.

Spend the final evening on deck as the ship leaves Serifos and begins its overnight passage towards Athens.

Estimated time of arrival: 3 Sep 2027 10:00
Estimated time of departure: 3 Sep 2027 20:00

End of the voyage

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew and the guests who have shared the journey.

Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests remaining in Athens can continue towards the historic centre, visit the Acropolis or extend their journey through mainland Greece.

Estimated time of arrival: 4 Sep 2027 08:00
Estimated time of departure:

Time at sea and in port

Day 00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
At sea (53%) In port (47%) Outside the cruise

YOUR EARLY BOOKING BENEFITS:

30% off the cabin fare if booked more than 9 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;

20% off the cabin fare if booked 9 to 6 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;

10% off the cabin fare if booked 6 to 3 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise.

Please note that the above discounts do not have direct force. They can be revoked or renewed again depending on bokking situation. Please refer to your booking confirmation to see if a discount applies. 

  • Full board

  • Coffee/ tea and still water, crackers free during the day at the bar counter

  • Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling

  • Entertainments on board: show and animation programs, sails practices, karaoke (activities are indicative and  may differ from cruise to cruise, depending on weather, cruise schedule, cruise program, cruise itinerary, guests' preferences, etc)

  • SAT TV in the cabins

  • Jacuzzi

  • Cocktails, alcohol and drinks in the bar
  • Diving equipment and diving instructor services, underwater group tours
  • Bus excursions with invited guide
  • Laundry services
  • Air tickets, transfer and visa cost
  • Service charge (tips) (on passengers decision)

  • 2 adults +1 child 8-12 years, discount for children (in Economy class) - 100% off
  • 2 adults +1 child 12-18 years, discount for children (in Economy class) - 50% off
  • 1 adult + 1 child 8-12 years, discount for children (in Standard & Premium class) - 50% off
  • 1 adult + 1 child 12-18 years, discount for children (in Standard & Premium class) - 25% off

Notice: For safety reasons children are allowed on board starting from the age of 8. Children under 8 may be allowed on board by special permission of the Company.

* Please note that the quoted timing (arrival /departure time to/from the islands, as well as some ports) is indicative and may slightly change due to weather conditions and especially for the sake of better provisioning of all the activities and benefits of the cruise.
We Value Your Privacy
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies.