Cyclades and Crete: Santorini and Chania
The Cyclades under white sails, a sailing cruise 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 southern Aegean and around Crete. From Athens the Star Flyer links the volcanic island of Milos with Crete, Santorini and the Turkish coast at Bodrum. A voyage through striking volcanic landscapes, white cliff bays and ancient sites.
Highlights of the route
- Adamantas on Milos, a volcanic island with more than 70 beaches and the bay of Kleftiko with its white tufa formations, once a pirate refuge
- Chania on Crete with the Venetian harbour and the old town from Venetian and Ottoman times, with the Lefka Ori mountains behind
- Santorini, the volcanic caldera with whitewashed houses and blue domes, one of the world’s most spectacular island landscapes, archaeologically linked to the Atlantis myth
- Bodrum, the ancient Halicarnassus with the Mausoleum that was one of the Seven Wonders, today a lively Turkish marina town
- Amorgos, easternmost of the Cyclades, with the Chozoviotissa monastery built vertically into the rock
- Hydra, the car-free artists’ island in the Saronic Gulf, with donkeys instead of cars
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.
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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Adamantas (Milos)
Adamantas is the main harbour of the Greek Cycladic island of Milos and is considered one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. From here, excursions head to the famous white rocks of Sarakiniko and the colourful fishermen's houses of Klima.
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Chania
The second-largest city on Crete has one of Greece's most picturesque Venetian harbours, complete with a lighthouse dating from 1559. The Ottoman-influenced Splantzia quarter and the covered market reflect its layered history.
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Santorini
Santorini - properly Thira - sits on the rim of an extinct volcanic crater. The white houses of Fira and Oia with their blue domes, the breathtaking view into the caldera and the deep-black volcanic sand of its beaches make this one of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean.
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Bodrum
Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) was the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (the Mausoleum). Today the town is Turkey's most stylish yachting destination, with whitewashed hotels, a Cycladic-feeling old town and the Crusader castle on the harbour.
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Amorgos
Amorgos is the easternmost of the Cyclades and perhaps the most dramatic, its steep mountain flanks plunging straight into a deep blue sea. Pressed into a cliff face 300 metres high, the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa gleams dazzling white above the water; founded in 1088, it is still home to a handful of monks. On the coast below lies the bay of Agia Anna, immortalised by Luc Besson in his 1988 film The Big Blue. High above it all stands the Chora, a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes and old windmills that seems to have forgotten time.
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Hydra
Hydra is one of the few islands in the world without cars - donkeys, muleteers and water taxis are the only forms of transport. The historic harbour town of whitewashed captains' houses was one of the most important trading centres of the Aegean in the 19th century.
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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.
Amorgos
- Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery built into the cliff
- North coast hike
Santorini
- Caldera cruise & Oia
- Volcano hike and hot springs
- Wine tasting
Bodrum
- St Peter's Castle with the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Ancient theatre & the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Hydra
- Car free island town with donkey taxis
- Captains' mansions around the natural harbour
- Coastal walk to quiet swimming coves
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.
