The Aegean Passage. Piraeus - Piraeus

Welcome aboard

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. Check-in begins in the late afternoon, giving you time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship and meet the crew and fellow guests.

Those arriving earlier can spend some time in Athens before embarkation, whether visiting the Acropolis and its surrounding historic neighbourhoods or enjoying a late lunch in the city.

Evening

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

Running on Waves leaves Piraeus in the evening and begins the first passage across the Aegean towards Syros.

Morning

Wake up at sea as Running on Waves approaches Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.

Arrival is planned for late morning in Ermoupoli, a town whose neoclassical architecture gives it a noticeably different character from the whitewashed villages usually associated with the Cycladic islands.

Afternoon

Explore Ermoupoli on foot, beginning around Miaouli Square and continuing through its narrow streets, cafés and waterfront.

For a different view of the island, head uphill towards Ano Syros, the medieval settlement built above the town. Its narrow lanes, small churches and viewpoints reveal an older side of Syros.

Evening

Return to the ship before departure.

Running on Waves leaves Syros and begins the overnight passage towards Santorini.

Volcanic landscapes and legendary caldera views

Morning

Arrive in Santorini in the morning, entering one of the most distinctive volcanic landscapes in the Mediterranean.

The island surrounds the flooded caldera created by a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, with villages built high along the cliffs above the sea.

Spend the morning exploring Fira, where narrow streets and terraces overlook the caldera, or continue towards the quieter villages of the island.

Afternoon

Visit Oia, known for its cliffside houses, blue-domed churches and views across the caldera, or explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved beneath volcanic material for thousands of years.

Guests looking for a slower afternoon can stay closer to the coast and enjoy the island at their own pace before returning to the ship.

Evening

Running on Waves departs Santorini in the early evening.

The ship begins one of the longer passages of the itinerary, sailing southeast towards Karpathos. With favourable conditions, this section of the route offers an excellent opportunity to spend time under sail.

A remote island preserving authentic Greek traditions

Morning

Spend the morning at sea during the passage towards Karpathos.

Located between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos feels more remote than many of the central Aegean islands and has retained strong local traditions alongside its rugged landscapes.

Afternoon

Arrive around midday and explore the island from the port of Pigadia.

Spend time along the waterfront and in the town, head towards one of the nearby beaches, or discover more of the mountainous landscape that defines much of Karpathos.

The island is also known for villages where traditional architecture, crafts and customs remain an important part of everyday life.

Evening

Return on board for departure.

Running on Waves leaves Karpathos and sets course for Crete.

The charm of Crete’s eastern coastline

Morning

Enjoy another morning at sea while Running on Waves approaches the eastern coast of Crete.

Arrival is planned around midday in Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town built around Lake Voulismeni and overlooking Mirabello Bay.

Afternoon

Walk around the lake and waterfront before exploring the streets, cafés and small shops of the town.

Guests interested in Cretan history can travel further into the region, while those looking for a more relaxed day can stay close to Agios Nikolaos and enjoy the beaches and coastal scenery around Mirabello Bay.

Evening

Return to the ship before Running on Waves continues west along the coast of Crete towards Rethymno.

Venetian heritage and Cretan flavours

Morning

Arrive in Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman influences remain visible throughout the old town.

Begin around the historic harbour before walking through the narrow streets towards the Venetian Fortezza, the large fortress overlooking the town and the Cretan Sea.

Afternoon

Continue exploring the old town, with its stone façades, shaded courtyards and small local shops.

Rethymno is also a good place to discover Cretan cuisine, from local cheeses and olive oil to dishes based on seasonal vegetables, herbs and seafood.

There is time to explore independently before returning to Running on Waves.

Evening

The ship departs Crete and begins the northwestern passage towards the Peloponnese and Monemvasia.

This is another substantial section of the voyage where, depending on conditions, the crew can take advantage of the Aegean winds and spend more time under sail.

A medieval fortress rising from the sea

Morning

Spend the morning at sea before approaching Monemvasia, one of the most atmospheric historic settlements in Greece.

The fortified town occupies a massive rock connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and was an important Byzantine and medieval trading centre.

Afternoon

Enter the old town through its stone gateway and explore the pedestrian streets lined with churches, historic houses and small squares.

Walk through the Lower Town or continue uphill towards the ruins of the Upper Town for wide views across the sea and the surrounding coastline.

Evening

Running on Waves leaves Monemvasia in the early evening for the final passage back towards Athens.

Spend the last evening of the voyage on board as the ship crosses the Aegean towards Piraeus.

Return to Athens

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus in the morning, completing the voyage across the Aegean.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarkation and continue your journey from Athens.