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WINE TASTING CRUISES: WINES OF GREECE

LOCATION

Greece

TRAVEL PERIOD

5 Sep 2025

BOAT

Panorama

DURATION

8 days

PRICE

From €3562.5 / per person

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THE CRUISE

All inclusive cruise hosted by Tim Clarke

Where there is no wine, there is no love." – Euripides (Greek playwright)

An extraordinary journey through Greece’s most renowned wine regions—Nemea, Santorini, Tinos and More—where exceptional wines intertwine with breathtaking landscapes. Delight in exclusive tastings, engage with esteemed winemakers, and explore the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, the timeless charm of the Cyclades, and the rugged beauty of the Peloponnese.

A refined voyage of wine, culture, and discovery awaits.

Wineries on the itinerary
Volacus (Tinos), Vakakis (Samos), Estate Argyros (Santorini), Konstantakis (Milos), Tsimbidi (Monemvasia), Gaia & Semeli (Nemea)

We’ll meet leading winemakers, taste at top wineries, and enjoy dinners paired with a specially chosen selection of wines - each exploring the superb native grape varieties of Greece’s many diverse regions. This exploration will illustrate how the wines of Greece have emerged as some of the most interesting and exciting in the world over the past 25 years, with changes at least as profound as those that have taken place in Chile and New Zealand. Tim Clarke, our expert in fine wine, will guide us through this journey, providing insights into the remarkable transformation of Greek wines. Our onboard chef will design classic and regional fare, matching intense local flavors with the unique and varied wines.

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The Wine Cruise is a celebration of Greece’s timeless allure—the passion of its people, the golden light on sun-kissed hillsides, and secluded coves in crystal-clear seas. We’ll visit serene harbors, explore ancient wonders, and uncover hidden gems.

WINES OF GREECE

GALLERY

DAY BY DAY

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Day 1 | Friday

ATHENS, MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS) - TINOS ISLAND

Marina Zeas, Athens (3-4 PM) to Tinos Island:
Begin as you mean to go on with a welcome glass of sparkling wine while you meet your crew and fellow passengers. Set sail towards Cape Sounion for dinner featuring selected wines from the Ionian Islands. Overnight sailing to Tinos.

Day 2 | Saturday

TINOS ISLAND

Tinos, renowned for its 700+ churches and spiritual significance, is also gaining acclaim for its exceptional wines. We'll visit Volacus Winery, a rising star in Tinos' wine scene, where vines flourish among striking granite boulders. Savor their standout Assyrtiko and Malagousia wines while soaking in breathtaking island views. Afterward, unwind with a refreshing swim stop in a secluded bay (weather permitting). After dinner and a Greek wine tasting experience onboard, featuring both local gems and international varietals as we set sail for Samos. Overnight at sea.

Day 3 | Sunday

SAMOS ISLAND

This morning, we dock in Pythagorion, the historic port named after the legendary mathematician Pythagoras. From here, we venture inland to Vakakis Winery, where age-old traditions blend with modern techniques to craft elegant Samian wines, celebrated for their rich aromas and balance. Lunch awaits in the picturesque village of Platanos, where we’ll pair local wines with fresh, island-inspired flavors in a tranquil setting. Afterward, take time to explore Pythagorion’s charming harbor or unwind by the sea. Tonight’s onboard Greek wine tasting experience showcases the distinctive wines of Chios and Ikaria, islands famed in antiquity for producing some of the Mediterranean’s most coveted wines. Overnight at sea.

Day 4 | Monday

SANTORINI ISLAND

After a refreshing morning swim stop, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as we arrive at Santorini, one of Greece’s most legendary wine regions. Famed for its crisp, mineral-driven Assyrtiko wines, this volcanic island produces some of the most distinctive wines in the world. Our visit takes us to Argyros Winery, home to century-old vines and award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of Santorini’s volcanic soil. Savor a guided wine tasting experience, immersing yourself in the flavors that have made the island’s wines world-famous. Return to the ship for a dinner on board, perfectly paired with Santorini’s finest wines, as we set sail toward Milos. Overnight at sea.

Day 5 | Tuesday

MILOS ISLAND

Start your day with a swim stop in Milos’ crystal-clear waters, where diving straight from the yacht into the Aegean’s turquoise seas is simply irresistible. After drying off, take some time to explore this volcanic island, known for its dramatic coastlines and hidden coves. In the afternoon, we visit Konstantakis Winery, a charming family-run estate where Milos’ unique volcanic terroir shapes elegant, character-filled wines. Enjoy a guided tasting experience, savoring local varieties that embody the island’s rich geological history. Tonight’s dinner on board will feature a specially curated selection of Cretan wines, presented by your expert wine host, Tim Clarke. Overnight at sea.

Day 6 | Wednesday

MONEMVASIA

Monemvasia’s legacy is intertwined with Malvasia wine (also known as Malmsey), once one of Europe’s most sought-after wines. Today, this ancient tradition is being revived at Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi, where we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their exquisite wines, crafted with passion and historical reverence. After a delightful lunch ashore, we set sail toward Nafplion, with a refreshing swim stop along the way (weather permitting). Tonight, savor a gourmet dinner on board, paired with a curated selection of wines from the Peloponnese, a region renowned for its diverse and high-quality varietals. We arrive in Nafplion after dinner, ready for the next chapter of our Greek wine cruise.Overnight in Nafplion.

Nafplio, Nemea wine tour, Agiorgitiko wine, Gaia Winery, Semeli Winery, Greek wine cruise, Variety Cruises, Wine Cruise

Day 7 | Thursday

NAFLPION

This morning, step back in time as we explore Mycenae, one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites, steeped in myth and history. Next, we head to Nemea, Greece’s premier red wine appellation, to visit the pioneering Gaia Winery, renowned for its masterful expressions of Agiorgitiko, the region’s signature red grape. Our wine adventure continues at Semeli Winery, where we’ll savor a tasting of Nemea and Mantineia wines, expertly paired with a winemaker’s lunch, showcasing the rich flavors of the Peloponnese. In the early afternoon, we set sail for Marina Zeas, where tonight’s farewell dinner on board will feature a curated selection of Peloponnesian wines, the perfect toast to an unforgettable Greek wine cruise. Overnight at sea.

A view of a port and a town during sunset

Day 8 | Friday

ATHENS - MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking in Athens at 8 AM. For those extending their journey, we offer an optional Athens tour, blending history, culture, and fine wine. This exclusive experience includes a wine tasting at Kokotos Estate, a boutique winery nestled in the Attica countryside, where elegant Savatiano and Cabernet Sauvignon wines showcase the region’s rich viticultural heritage. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch, before a comfortable transfer to the city center, where you can continue exploring Athens at your own pace. * The Optional Excursion on the final day arrives at the center of Athens in time for flights after 6pm *

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Dates & Rates

Variety Cruises, Wine cruise, Greek wine cruise, wine cruise, wine tasting Greece, Greece vineyard tour, Greek wine regions, Santorini wine tour, Nemea wines, Variety Cruises, wine and travel, small ship cruise Greece, Volacus (Tinos), Vakakis (Samos), Estate Argyros (Santorini), Konstantakis (Milos), Tsimbidi (Monemvasia), Gaia & Semeli (Nemea),Nafplio,Tim Clarke

In case of severe weather conditions our expertly designed routes are adjusted ensuring your safety & comfort by applying our rich marine knowledge, garnered since 1949. Stay flexible – Adventure on.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Tim Liastos, a renowned winemaker in Samos, Greece, showing his vineyard to guests of Variety Cruises

TIM CLARKE – OUR WINE AMBASSADOR

This carefully curated itinerary was designed by wine expert and wine tourism guru, Tim Clarke. Tim accompanies the cruise as our on-board wine guide and expert. With his wife Lynette Arblaster, he cofounded Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours, which they ran together for nearly 30 years. He has also been engaged in winemaking himself, on the island of Samos. We’re sure you’ll find his enthusiasm for Greece and its wines infectious. We know we do. On this specialty cruise, expect Tim to cover the wine scene from the classical age through to the modern era, and to give you an exceptional insight into the country.

SERIFOS: THE NEXT BIG THING AFTER SANTORINI AND TINOS

This beautiful, out of the way island, was one a major wine producer. Two interesting estates are leading a revival here using the island's rare indigenous grape varieties. Serifos promises to be the next big thing in the Cyclades after Santorini and Tinos.

Traditional greek white houses and church in greek islands

TINOS: A CHARMING FISHING PORT IN THE CYCLADES

This religious centre and agricultural island is the antithesis of the busy, neighbouring tourist island of Mykonos. Tinos' church Panagia Megalochari is one of the most visited churches in Greece. People from all over Greece and the world visit it every year to venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and make vows.

BOAT

PANORAMA

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Wherever we sail, we do so with purpose. Our mission is to create life-enriching experiences at sea for our guests, and a better world for us all. We’re transparent about carbon emissions, always aiming to improve our footprint. Our journeys are designed to get you closer to the things that matter: whether that’s an island reachable only by boat, or by ensuring your adventure honours and gives back to local communities. We always have fun at sea, but we do it responsibly.

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Bio of wine ambassador Tim Clarke

Tim Clarke is one of the pioneers of global wine tourism. With his wife Lynette Arblaster, he co-founded Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours, which they ran together for nearly 30 years. At Arblaster & Clarke, Tim was responsible for developing the programme and marketing. Under their ownership, it became the world’s leading wine tours company.
In the early 1980s, Tim worked in wine-retail in London and saw how fascinated people were by Champagne and the many newly emerging wine regions. In 1986, Tim & Lynette invented the concept of the ‘Champagne Weekend’ and then pioneered wine tours around the world. Tim led the first international consumer wine tours to diverse locations around the world including Australia, Sicily, Ribera del Duero, Uruguay, The Republic of Georgia, and Greece. Indeed, Tim was one of the earliest international commentators to take the Greek wine renaissance seriously.

After selling Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours, Tim has been busy with other projects, including making a ‘passito-style’ Muscat wine on the island of Samos, planting a vineyard in Hampshire, and the Wine Routes wine tourism consultancy.
Tim returned to wine tours in 2019 and has developed superb up-to-the minute tours and wine holidays. He is now very happy to be the Wine Ambassador for Variety Cruises.