Cyclades and Dodecanese: Symi and Monemvasia
The stirring tall-ship experience aboard the Star Flyer
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Aegean from/to Athens (Piraeus)
Seven nights under white sails through the south-eastern Aegean. From Athens the Star Flyer sails to the Lycian coast of southern Turkey at Fethiye, on to the Dodecanese island of Symi, the Cyclades and the Peloponnesian fortress town of Monemvasia. A voyage of ancient sites, Byzantine castles and the “Butterfly Valley” bay of Fethiye.
Highlights of the route
- Fethiye on the Turkish Lycian coast with the “Butterfly Valley” (Kelebekler Vadisi) and Lycian rock tombs
- Symi, one of the most beautiful Greek island towns, with neoclassical architecture in pastel-coloured houses
- Astypalea, the “butterfly of the Aegean” with a Venetian castle above the Chora
- Sifnos, an unspoilt Cycladic island with more than 200 chapels
- Monemvasia on the Peloponnese, a Byzantine fortress town on a rock in the sea, the “Gibraltar of the East”
Life on board
The Star Flyer is a classic fully rigged ship with four masts and 16 sails, 170 guests, sporty and unhurried in atmosphere, no dress code, open seating and two pools. Guests are welcome to climb the rigging with the crew or take the helm.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Athens (Piraeus)
7 nights
Athens (Piraeus)
How the route could go:
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Athens (Piraeus) · Embarkation
Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, Europe's oldest major city. The Acropolis with the Parthenon has towered over the city for 2,500 years - surrounded by a lively café culture and one of the finest fish markets in the Aegean.
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Fethiye
This Turkish port on the Lycian coast stands on the remains of ancient Telmessos and is known for its rock-cut Lycian royal tombs. The ghost town of Kayaköy and the turquoise lagoon of Ölüdeniz lie within easy reach of the harbour.
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Symi
Symi surprises with one of the most beautiful harbours in the Aegean: step by step, neoclassical houses in ochre, terracotta and garnet climb up the hill. The island belongs to the Dodecanese and is accessible from Rhodes. The Panormitis monastery in the south is an important Orthodox pilgrimage destination.
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Astypalea
Astypalea is an island of the Dodecanese group in the eastern Aegean, shaped like a butterfly with two halves joined by a narrow isthmus. The whitewashed houses of the Chora and the 13th-century Venetian Querini castle give it a distinctly Cycladic feel.
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Sifnos
In the western Cyclades of the Greek Aegean, the island of Sifnos is known for its pottery tradition, whitewashed churches and traditional cuisine. Hiking trails connect old watchtowers and hidden coves.
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Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a Byzantine rock-fortress town linked to the mainland by a single causeway. The medieval lower town with its vaulted lanes, Orthodox churches and views over the Ionian Sea is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Greece.
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Athens (Piraeus) · Disembarkation
The route of a sailing voyage may change without giving rise to mutual claims.
Shore Excursions
Selected highlights at the ports on this route. Water sports – kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, windsurfing – are complimentary directly from the ship. Shore excursions are bookable on board.
Symi
- Neoclassical harbour staircase
- Panormitis Monastery in the south
Destination
Star Flyer
Star Flyer was in 1991 the first ship of the Star Clippers fleet - proof that commercial sailing cruises need not be nostalgia. Four-masted barquentine, 16 sails, 166 guests: travel under sail without compromising on comfort.
In the Aegean and along the Turkish coast, Star Flyer shows what she was built for: sailing between islands that have drawn seafarers since antiquity.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner Suite
Double bed and sitting area, minibar and bathtub. Note: low ceiling and steps at the entrance.
Category 1
Two single beds convertible to a double, minibar, bathtub and direct deck access.
Category 2
Double bed or two beds convertible to a double, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Category 3
Double bed or two beds convertible to a double, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom. Cabins on the Clipper Deck are slightly smaller than those on the Commodore Deck.
Category 4
Double bed or two beds convertible to a double, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Category 5
Raised double bed or two beds convertible to a double, some cabins with a third berth, shower bathroom.
Category 6
Bunk beds, shower bathroom.
Deck plan · Star Flyer
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innenkabine, Kat. VI | € 2.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Innen-/Aussenkabine, Kat. V | € 2.995 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine, Kat. IV | € 3.265 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine, Kat. III | € 3.440 | Available | Enquire |
| Aussenkabine, Kat. II | € 3.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Aussenkabine, Kat. I | € 4.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Aussenkabine, Eigner Kabine | € 5.230 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Cabin in booked cabin category
- Full board
- Beverages with meals: tap water in carafes, coffee and tea, and juices (breakfast only)
- Water sports (except diving)
- Port fees
- Regular cabin cleaning
Not included
- Onboard beverages
- Shore excursions
- Travel to/from ship
- All alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, cocktails and coffee/tea creations outside regular meal times
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, etc.
- Travel cancellation insurance and additional travel/health insurance
- Gratuities (voluntary - recommended 10 EUR per person per day)
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 2.750 p.p.
How many guests sail on the Star Flyer?
A maximum of 166 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
