Day 1: Rhodes

With its international airport, harbours, well-stocked shops and restaurants, tavernas and clubs, Rhodes has always been a good port from which to start or end a cruise. The yacht harbour is a stones throw from the old city walls built by the Knights of St. John. Behind these huge fortifications the ‘Old Town’ is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and exploration is strongly recommended.

Visit old town and spend a relaxing afternoon in Rhodes.

Day 2: Rhodes to Symi Bay, then Symi Port

Discovering Symi is like finding an exotic plant in the desert. The muted blue, amber, cream and rose coloured houses have been built one upon another up the steep sides of the inlet like a child’s building block version of a town. The harbour is a totally natural feature and Symi was once famous for shipbuilding and sponge-diving. Today, the harbour is lined with a fine selection of restaurants and tavernas and one can walk over the hill and past the old windmills to the deep inlet of Pethi Harbour, or rent a motocycle or taxi to explore further.

Day 3: Symi to Nisyros

Sail for Nisyros in the late morning, arriving in Pali Harbour for lunch. Swim and relax in idyllic surroundings before taking a tender ride ashore to explore what is a distinctly Greek island, quite a bit more of the beaten track as compared to Symi. Here, the main attraction for visitors is the volcano. Hiring a car, you can drive right down to the rim of the crater and then descend to the crater floor, and shroud yourself in sulfurous mist in what is often described as a “moonscape”. The Spa of Loutra also draws plenty of visitors, although most go to witness the grand architecture of the buildings rather than take a dip in the hot spring waters. Later in the day, move into the island's main port of Mandraki and enjoy a night out in authentic Greek style!

Day 4: Nisyros to Kos

After the breakfast and a swim, sail for the Greek island of Kos. Today you will explore the western part of the island, and when you on your way from Kalymnos you will have plenty of time to discover Kos and its eastern part.

So, Kos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese. It is synonymous with the forefather of modern medicine, Hippocrates who was born here in 460 BC and went on to teach many disciples the philosophy and science of medicine.

Besides the main town of the island that you will visit on Day 6, there are several cute villages that you can today. One of them is Kefalos - the first capital of Kos island. Kefalos lies on the slopes of a hill. Top sites of this place are the Folklore Museum displaying the rural way of life of the past, the ruins of Agios Stefanos - a Christian Basilica, and of course, the view at the picturesque islet located opposite of the village.

For a more authentic experience you can go deeper inland and visit Zia, a beautiful little place located in the mountains. It will take approximately 45 minutes to get there by taxi. Amazing views to the island and authentic atmosphere are guaranteed as mass tourism isn’t very developed yet here.

Day 5 Kos to Kalymnos

Kalymnos is a rocky and rugged-looking island. It is famous for its beautiful anchorages such as the fjord-like inlet, “Vathy”, and “Emborios".

The southern harbour, Vlichadia, offers the option of visiting the "Sea World Museum Valsamidis” — where a treasure trove of findings from the sea are on display, entertaining kids and adults alike.

Kalymnos was a major sponge fishing center and still bares traces of those times with some very stately homes dating from the era. While visiting Pothia, Kalymnos' main harbour, be sure to visit the private museum, "Neoklasiko Museum”. Fascinating, and beautifully presented, here you will be taken on a half-hour journey through the history and folkloric traditions of the Kalymnians.

Overnight in Kalymnos with dinner ashore in the village of Vathy — the taverna, "Aigaio Pelagos” is a good place for trying local seafood dishes.

Day 6: Kalymnos to Kos

You’re back to Kos. This time you have a unique chance to visit Asclepeion, Hippocrates' centre for healing. Understandably, this is the best archaeological site on the island, and we recommend that you take in a short visit to appreciate one of the Western world’s first true hospitals and medical schools. The other main attractions on the island are the large Knights’ fortress, the Kos Archaeological Museum, the Hippocrates Cultural Centre, and the Roman Odeon, which is just 10 minutes’ walk from the harbour.

There are many different choices for dining out tonight, so try one of the traditional-style tavernas on the waterfront, and round off the evening with a walk through Kos' bazaar. Overnight in Kos Harbour.

Day 7: Kos to Tilos

Enjoy morning sail to Tilos, one of few islands in the Dodecanese that have managed to escape the crowds of tourists. That is why it remains authentic and gives a feeling as if you’re far away from all that noise and rush of the modern world.

Drop the anchor in the harbour at Livadia. There is much to see and do ashore, including a bus ride to the abandoned town of Megaro Horio - a pretty and peaceful village which is now experiencing a revival due to the return of expat Greeks to the island. Even though it’s a quiet place in general, the harbour area is wonderfully busy and bustling, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours enjoying cool drinks at a seaside cafe or wandering the streets in search of souvenirs.

Dine in one of the real Greek seaside fish restaurants or go back onboard and enjoy culinary journey prepared by your personal chef.

Day 8: Embarkation at Rhodes after breakfast