The Secret Greek Islands

Arrive in Athens and transfer to Piraeus to embark Callisto.

Call at the small volcanic island of Folegandros. From the harbor, a narrow road leads to Hora, a charming village that has preserved a portion of the medieval town that preceded it. Enjoy relaxing in this quaint village, built upon a 200-meter cliff, with its smart cafes and delightful tavernas.

Arrive this morning at Amorgos, a seldom visited island in the Cyclades group, whose whitewashed villages are set in a rugged landscape. A tour leads to the 11thcentury Monastery of Khosoviotissa, built in a spectacular setting of precipitous cliffs facing the sea. For over 1,000 years, the monastery has been a place of pilgrimage for worshipers who come to venerate an icon of the Virgin.

Explore the island of Nisyros and its impressive volcano. The drive to the crater provides magnificent views and upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to walk to the caldera. Continue to the charming village of Nikiá, positioned atop the crater, where you’ll have time to stroll through its quaint streets, enjoy time at leisure, or visit its volcanological museum. In the afternoon, sail to Symi, once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John and the coveted object of a succession of invaders. With tiers of beautifully proportioned neoclassical mansions rising above its harbor, today Symi is one of Greece’s most attractive islands.

The rugged volcanic island of Patmos is to the Christian world what Delos was to the ancients: the most sacred island in the Aegean. This is where St. John the Evangelist was banished to during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian and is said to have received the visions of Apocalypse, which later became the Book of Revelation. Peek inside the 11th-century Monastery of the Revelation with its enormous towers, domed roofs, belfries, and battlements. Admire the artistry of the icons, manuscripts, and fine embroideries.

Awake this morning in Chios, the Greek island claiming to be Homer’s birthplace. The island’s volcanic rock formations and deep green valleys forge a landscape of stunning color oppositions and intricate appearances. Visit the 11th-century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. The Monastery sits majestically in a wooded vale and is decorated throughout with exquisite frescoes and mosaics.

Skopelos’s main town is built against a hill rising from the sea. As we explore the island, we will discover some of the most characteristic Aegean architecture— whitewashed cube-shaped houses with blue slate roofs. Scattered around the countryside are numerous little churches preserving beautiful icons from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Explore the picturesque village of Limni, located on the northwest island of Evvia. After spending time in this quaint fishing village with its splendid beaches, continue on an excursion to the Convent of Saint Nicholas. Situated on Mount Kandhili, the views from the convent are excellent. Rebuilt many times since its original foundation, the convent retains a 13th-century tower as well as 16th-century frescoes.

Disembark in Piraeus and transfer to the airport in Athens for your independent return flights home.