Early Bird 20% Discount
19 June 2027 - 26 June 2027
8 days / 7 nights

Travel from Athens across the Southern Aegean aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day sailing journey combining celebrated Greek islands with quieter, less-visited destinations.

The route connects Milos, Folegandros, Santorini, Astypalea, Ios and Serifos, moving between volcanic coastlines, cliffside settlements, whitewashed villages and clear-water bays. It brings together internationally known landscapes with islands where life continues at a slower pace, creating space for both major sightseeing and time away from the busiest routes.

Each destination reveals a different side of the Aegean. Discover the colourful volcanic geology of Milos, the dramatic hilltop Chora of Folegandros, Santorini’s caldera and the butterfly-shaped landscapes of Astypalea. Ios combines lively island culture with quiet beaches, while Serifos completes the route with rugged terrain, traditional settlements and an extensive coastline.

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, entertainment and karaoke, adapted to the weather, sailing schedule and preferences of the guests. Optional diving and guided shore 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 the distinctive atmosphere of every stop.

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 swimming stops, watersports and onboard activities will be organised during the week. Running on Waves is scheduled to leave Piraeus at approximately 20:00, beginning the overnight passage towards Milos.

Estimated time of arrival:
Estimated time of departure: 19.06.2027 20:00

Volcanic landscapes and hidden bays

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Milos, an island shaped by volcanic activity and known for its colourful cliffs, unusual rock formations and varied coastline.

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

Day

Possible highlights include Sarakiniko, where smooth white rock formations create an almost lunar landscape, and the fishing villages of Klima and Mandrakia, known for their colourful boat houses beside the water.

The island’s coastline also includes sea caves, sheltered coves and places such as Kleftiko that are best approached from the sea. Depending on the anchorage and weather, there may be time for swimming, snorkelling or exploring the surrounding water by kayak.

Evening

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

Watch the colours of the volcanic coastline change in the evening light as the ship leaves Milos and continues towards Folegandros.

Estimated time of arrival: 20.06.2027 12:00
Estimated time of departure: 20.06.2027 06:00

Cliffside villages and a quieter Cycladic rhythm

Morning

Begin the day near Folegandros, a small mountainous island with a rugged coastline and a more restrained atmosphere than many of its Cycladic neighbours.

Breakfast is served on board before guests go ashore to explore the island.

Day

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

Those looking for a more active route can follow the uphill path towards the Church of Panagia for panoramic views across the Aegean. Other possibilities include a visit to Agali or one of the island’s less-developed beaches, reached by road, walking path or local boat.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner or spend part of the evening in Chora, when the squares fill with tables and the island’s cafés and tavernas become the centre of local life.

The ship later continues towards Santorini.

Estimated time of arrival: 21.06.2027 12:00
Estimated time of departure: 21.06.2027 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 appears above the water as a wall of dark volcanic rock crowned by white settlements.

Day

It's time to explore the island independently or join an optional excursion.

Walk through Fira or visit Oia for views across the caldera. Other possibilities include traditional inland villages, volcanic beaches, local vineyards or a viewpoint overlooking the islands created by Santorini’s ancient eruptions.

Evening

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

Spend the evening on deck watching the illuminated settlements above the caldera before the voyage continues east towards Astypalea.

Estimated time of arrival: 22.06.2027 14:00
Estimated time of departure: 22.06.2027 20:00

The Butterfly of the Aegean

Morning

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

After breakfast, go ashore to discover an island that combines Cycladic-looking architecture with a quieter Dodecanese identity.

Day

Explore Chora, where white houses descend from the Venetian Querini Castle towards the sea. Traditional windmills mark the route through the upper town, while narrow lanes lead between small churches, cafés and viewpoints.

There may also be time to visit one of the island’s beaches or swim in a sheltered bay. Astypalea’s varied coastline and clear water make it 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: 23.06.2027 10:00
Estimated time of departure: 23.06.2027 20:00

Whitewashed streets and clear-water beaches

Morning

Begin the day as Running on Waves approaches Ios, an island in the heart of the Cyclades.

Although Ios is widely known for its nightlife, it also has a quieter side shaped by traditional villages, hilltop churches and beaches away from the busiest parts of the island.

Day

Go ashore to explore Chora, where white houses, small squares and churches rise above the harbour. Walk through its narrow lanes or continue uphill towards Panagia Gremiotissa for views across the surrounding islands.

Guests looking for time beside the sea can visit Mylopotas or one of the more secluded beaches around the coastline. Depending on the ship’s 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.

As Running on Waves leaves Ios, relax on deck while the ship begins its north-western passage towards Serifos.

Estimated time of arrival: 24.06.2027 09:00
Estimated time of departure: 24.06.2027 20:00

Wild landscapes and the final island day

Morning

Wake near Serifos, one of the less-developed islands of the western Cyclades.

After breakfast, go ashore to explore its rugged landscape, traditional settlements and extensive coastline.

Day

Visit Chora, built across a steep hillside above the port. Its whitewashed lanes climb towards the remains of the Venetian castle, with wide views over the island and the Aegean.

Serifos is also known for its beaches and mining heritage. Possible stops include Psili Ammos, Ganema or Vagia, while the former mining area around Mega Livadi reveals a different part of the island’s history.

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 back towards Athens.

Estimated time of arrival: 25.06.2027 10:00
Estimated time of departure: 25.06.2027 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: 26.06.2027 08:00
Estimated time of departure:

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.
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