Northern Aegean and Sporades: Istanbul and Skopelos
The Eastern Mediterranean, the stirring tall-ship experience aboard the Star Flyer
Interested in this voyage?
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Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus)
Seven nights under white sails through the northern and central Aegean. From Istanbul on the Bosphorus, the Star Flyer sails through the Dardanelles along the Turkish and northern Greek coast, past the autonomous monastic peninsula of Mount Athos, into the Sporades and back via Athens. A voyage through Byzantine monasteries, ancient sites and the crossing from Asia to Europe.
Highlights of the route
- Istanbul, the only city on two continents, with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace
- Dikili as a gateway to the ancient city of Pergamon with the Trajaneum and Asclepieion
- Myrina on Limnos, the larger northern Aegean island, with a Venetian fortress and volcanic hinterland
- Ouranoupoli on the Chalkidiki peninsula, gateway to the autonomous monastic republic of Mount Athos (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with 20 Byzantine monasteries clinging to steep cliffs
- Skopelos, with dense pine forests, white monasteries on steep cliffs and filming locations from “Mamma Mia!”
- Poros in the Saronic Gulf, just off the Peloponnese, with its clock tower as a landmark
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
Istanbul
7 nights
Athens (Piraeus)
How the route could go:
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Istanbul · Embarkation
Istanbul is the only city in the world that lies on two continents. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar concentrate more world history than any other city on the Bosphorus.
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Dikili
Dikili is a port town on the Aegean coast of Turkey's Izmir province and the closest landing for the ancient ruined city of Pergamon. The Acropolis of Pergamon with its steep Hellenistic theatre and the site of the Zeus Altar now exhibited in Berlin lie around 30 kilometres inland.
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Myrina (Limnos)
Myrina is the capital of the Greek island of Limnos in the northern Aegean near the Turkish coast. It lies at the foot of a massive 13th-century Venetian fortress that towers over the town on a rocky peninsula and serves in summer as a popular vantage point for sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
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Ouranoupoli
Ouranoupoli is the northernmost village of the Greek Athos peninsula in Central Macedonia on the Singitic Gulf. The harbour is the starting point for boat trips along the Holy Mountain, whose 20 Orthodox monasteries are inaccessible to women; men need a diamonitirion visa to enter and stay overnight in the autonomous monastic republic.
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Skopelos
In the Northern Sporades of the Greek Aegean, the forested island of Skopelos became internationally famous through the film Mamma Mia! Pine forests, whitewashed monasteries and hidden coves define the island.
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Poros
Only a narrow channel separates Poros from the Peloponnese, so close that the lemon groves of Galatas seem to scent the air across the water. The island is really two: rocky Sphairia and green, pine-clad Kalauria. Above the little town rises the white clock tower, the emblem of Poros, from which the view sweeps across the rooftops and the anchorage. In the heights lie the remains of the sanctuary of Poseidon, where legend says the orator Demosthenes once sought refuge.
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Athens (Piraeus) · Disembarkation
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.
The route of a sailing voyage may change without giving rise to mutual claims.
Shore Excursions
Water sports – kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, windsurfing – are complimentary directly from the ship at every anchorage. Details on available shore excursions for each port of call are listed in the route overview above.
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.
