Greece to Italy Sailing Cruise
Travel from Corfu to Olbia aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day voyage connecting the Ionian Islands with Sicily, the Aeolian archipelago, the Bay of Naples and Sardinia.
The journey begins among the green landscapes and clear waters of Paxi and Antipaxi before crossing to Italy. From there, the route follows some of the country’s most distinctive coastlines through Taormina, Lipari, Stromboli and Capri, ending in Olbia on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. Along the way, guests experience volcanic islands, ancient towns, dramatic cliffs, sheltered bays and views across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Each destination introduces a different side of the Mediterranean. Taormina combines Sicilian streets with an ancient theatre overlooking the coast, while Lipari and Stromboli reveal the volcanic character of the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands. Capri brings together steep cliffs, sea caves and the landscapes of the Bay of Naples, before Sardinia completes the voyage with granite shores and emerald-coloured water.
Between destinations, guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, kayak, windsurf or use the water slide. The onboard programme may also include sail handling, knot-tying workshops, mast climbing, master classes, shows and karaoke, depending on the weather and sailing schedule.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks, internet access, jacuzzi and a limited number of guests create a comfortable base throughout the journey. This cruise is designed for travellers who want to combine island-hopping, Italian coastal culture, swimming and life aboard a tall ship.
Afternoon
Arrive in Corfu and make your way to the port to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and the other guests joining the voyage.
Take time to explore the ship’s outdoor decks, lounge areas and onboard facilities. Depending on your arrival time, walk through Corfu Old Town before embarkation, discovering its narrow streets, shaded squares and Venetian fortifications.
Evening
The journey begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
The crew introduces the itinerary and explains how shore visits, swimming stops and onboard activities will be organised during the week. Running on Waves then leaves Corfu and begins the short passage towards Paxi and Antipaxi.
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Antipaxi, a small island known for vineyards, secluded beaches and exceptionally clear turquoise water.
After breakfast, spend the first half of the day swimming, snorkelling or kayaking near the island’s pale shores. Depending on the anchorage and sea conditions, guests can enter the water directly from the ship, use the water slide or relax on deck surrounded by one of the quietest landscapes of the Ionian Sea.
Day
Running on Waves later continues towards neighbouring Paxi, an island covered with olive groves and surrounded by white cliffs, sea caves and sheltered bays.
Go ashore to explore one of the island’s harbour settlements. Gaios, the main town, lies behind two green islets and offers a compact waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas and traditional houses.
Spend time walking through the narrow streets, browsing local shops or relaxing beside the harbour before returning to the ship.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner as the ship leaves Paxi and begins its longer passage from Greece towards Sicily.
Spend the day crossing the Ionian Sea towards Sicily and experience the atmosphere of life aboard a traditional tall ship.
Explore the working side of Running on Waves during a tour of the ship, including the Bridge and Engine Room. Join the crew for marine activities such as sailor’s knot lessons, mast climbing, sail setting and an introduction to celestial navigation. Depending on sailing conditions, guests may also have an opportunity to take the wheel under the supervision of the Captain or Officers.
Between activities, relax in the jacuzzi, find a quiet place on deck and enjoy uninterrupted views of the open sea.
Morning
Spend the morning sailing along the eastern coast of Sicily as Running on Waves approaches Taormina.
Breakfast is served on board with views of the coastline and, in clear weather, Mount Etna rising in the distance.
Day
Running on Waves arrives at approximately 12:00, giving guests the afternoon to explore Taormina.
Perched around 200 metres above the sea, the town offers wide views across the Sicilian coast and towards Etna. Walk along Corso Umberto, through stone gateways and lively squares, or visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.
There is also time to explore local shops, stop at a café or enjoy the panoramic terraces overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Evening
Dinner is served on board as Running on Waves leaves Taormina and continues north towards the Aeolian Islands.
Morning
After breakfast, go ashore to explore the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Walk through the old town, where narrow streets lead between small shops, cafés and restaurants serving Sicilian cuisine.
Continue towards the hilltop castle and archaeological area above the harbour. The local museum presents finds from the Greek and Roman periods and tells the story of the Aeolian Islands’ long maritime history.
Day
There is time to explore Lipari’s waterfront, visit the historic centre or walk towards viewpoints overlooking the island and surrounding sea.
Evening
The ship makes a scenic passage near Stromboli, an active volcano rising directly from the sea.
Watch the island’s dark slopes and black-sand coastline from the deck. Volcanic activity may sometimes be visible, although any observation depends on weather, visibility and current safety conditions.
Morning
Spend the morning at sea as Running on Waves approaches Capri.
The ship reveales the island’s steep cliffs and the distinctive rock formations rising from the surrounding water.
Day
Go ashore to explore Capri at your own pace.
Visit the Gardens of Augustus, where terraces overlook Marina Piccola and the famous Faraglioni rock formations. Continue towards the historic Charterhouse of San Giacomo or explore the elegant lanes and viewpoints around Capri Town.
Guests looking for a more active route can walk uphill towards Villa Jovis, the remains of the Roman residence where Emperor Tiberius once stayed away from Rome.
Evening
Dinner is served on board as the ship leaves Capri and begins the longer passage across the Tyrrhenian Sea towards Sardinia.
Enjoy a full day aboard Running on Waves as the ship continues from Capri towards Sardinia.
The passage offers time to experience tall-ship sailing at a slower pace. Take part in the crew’s marine activities, practise maritime knots, learn more about navigation and sail handling or join a supervised mast-climbing session. When conditions allow, guests may also be invited to help steer the ship.
The rest of the day is free for relaxing in the Jacuzzi, spending time on deck and enjoying the final open-sea passage before arrival in Olbia.
Running on Waves arrives in Olbia, on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia.
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew and the guests who have shared the voyage.
Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests staying longer can explore Olbia’s historic centre, continue towards the beaches of north-eastern Sardinia or extend the journey along the Costa Smeralda.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Tween Deck Cabin. From
Main Deck Suite. From
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Main Deck Suite. From
Additional charges:
Port Taxes: €395 EUR
Vessel Type: Three-Mast Sailing Vessel, Barquentine
Length: 64 metres
Passenger Capacity: 42
Running on Waves is a majestic three-mast barquentine and one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, offering a rare blend of authentic sailing adventure and five-star luxury. At 64 metres in length and carrying just 42 guests, she delivers a truly exclusive yachting experience. With her sleek silhouette and full sail performance reaching up to 17 knots, she brings the romance of the sea to life while maintaining ultra-low emissions. Guests are treated to personalised service from a dedicated crew of 21, ensuring every detail is handled with care and elegance. Her small size allows access to hidden harbours and intimate marinas that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
Life on board is designed for indulgence and discovery. From sunbathing on the spacious Sun Deck to sipping cocktails at the Ocean Bar or relaxing in the Jacuzzi Pool at the bow, every space invites relaxation. Cabins feature refined nautical interiors, marble-finished bathrooms, and modern comforts such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and underwater camera feeds. Whether you’re dining on Mediterranean cuisine, unwinding in the massage lounge, or watching the horizon from the observation point above the bowsprit, Running on Waves is more than a voyage—it’s a celebration of freedom, beauty, and the art of slow travel.
Special Offers on Greece to Italy Sailing Cruise
30% off the cabin fare if booked more than 9 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;
20% off the cabin fare if booked 9 to 6 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;
10% off the cabin fare if booked 6 to 3 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise.
Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Full board
• Complimentary coffee, tea, still water and crackers available at the bar counter throughout the day
• Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling
• Entertainment on board: sailing practices, yoga classes, karaoke
• SAT TV in the cabins
• Jacuzzi, Internet
Exclusions
• Cocktails, alcohol and soft drinks in the bar
• Diving equipment rental, diving instructor services, and underwater group tours
• Water skis, wakeboards etc.
• Instructors for windsurfing and diving
• Bus excursions with invited guide
• Laundry services
• Air tickets, transfer and visa cost
• Service charge (tips) is € 14 per guest per day (on guests’ decision)
• Port fees
Small Ship Cruise
Highlights
• Discover the volcanic islands of Italy – Explore Sicily’s Taormina and the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Stromboli, known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient heritage and spectacular views across the Tyrrhenian Sea.• Experience the beauty of the Mediterranean coast – Visit the green Ionian islands of Paxi and Antipaxi, discover Capri’s towering cliffs and sea caves, and enjoy opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking in sheltered bays.
• Sail from Corfu to Sardinia aboard a tall ship – Journey through Greece and Italy aboard Running on Waves, combining island-hopping and coastal exploration with full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and onboard sailing activities, before arriving in Olbia on Sardinia’s scenic north-eastern coast.
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