The Aegean Passage. Piraeus to Piraeus Cruise
A voyage created for guests who want to experience the Mediterranean not only through its islands, but from the sea itself.
This itinerary combines some of the Aegean’s best-known destinations with longer passages between ports, giving Running on Waves more opportunities to sail whenever weather and wind conditions allow. The route moves from the Cyclades towards the more remote island of Karpathos, continues along the northern coast of Crete and returns to Athens via historic Monemvasia.
Days ashore are balanced with time at sea, where guests can relax on deck, watch the crew work with the sails and experience the rhythm of travelling aboard a tall ship. As always, the exact sailing programme depends on weather conditions.
Highlights
• Sail the Aegean aboard a tall ship – Journey on an eight-day round-trip voyage from Piraeus, Athens, combining island visits with longer passages that offer opportunities to sail under wind power when conditions allow.
• Discover the Cyclades and beyond – Explore the Aegean’s distinctive island landscapes, travel towards remote Karpathos and follow Crete’s northern coast before visiting historic Monemvasia on the return to Athens.
• Experience life at sea – Balance time ashore with relaxing days aboard Running on Waves, watching the crew handle the sails, enjoying the open decks and experiencing the timeless rhythm of traditional sailing.
Afternoon
Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. Check-in begins in the late afternoon, giving you time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship and meet the crew and fellow guests.
Those arriving earlier can spend some time in Athens before embarkation, whether visiting the Acropolis and its surrounding historic neighbourhoods or enjoying a late lunch in the city.
Evening
The voyage begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
Running on Waves leaves Piraeus in the evening and begins the first passage across the Aegean towards Syros.
Morning
Wake up at sea as Running on Waves approaches Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.
Arrival is planned for late morning in Ermoupoli, a town whose neoclassical architecture gives it a noticeably different character from the whitewashed villages usually associated with the Cycladic islands.
Afternoon
Explore Ermoupoli on foot, beginning around Miaouli Square and continuing through its narrow streets, cafés and waterfront.
For a different view of the island, head uphill towards Ano Syros, the medieval settlement built above the town. Its narrow lanes, small churches and viewpoints reveal an older side of Syros.
Evening
Return to the ship before departure.
Running on Waves leaves Syros and begins the overnight passage towards Santorini.
Morning
Arrive in Santorini in the morning, entering one of the most distinctive volcanic landscapes in the Mediterranean.
The island surrounds the flooded caldera created by a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, with villages built high along the cliffs above the sea.
Spend the morning exploring Fira, where narrow streets and terraces overlook the caldera, or continue towards the quieter villages of the island.
Afternoon
Visit Oia, known for its cliffside houses, blue-domed churches and views across the caldera, or explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved beneath volcanic material for thousands of years.
Guests looking for a slower afternoon can stay closer to the coast and enjoy the island at their own pace before returning to the ship.
Evening
Running on Waves departs Santorini in the early evening.
The ship begins one of the longer passages of the itinerary, sailing southeast towards Karpathos. With favourable conditions, this section of the route offers an excellent opportunity to spend time under sail.
Morning
Spend the morning at sea during the passage towards Karpathos.
Located between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos feels more remote than many of the central Aegean islands and has retained strong local traditions alongside its rugged landscapes.
Afternoon
Arrive around midday and explore the island from the port of Pigadia.
Spend time along the waterfront and in the town, head towards one of the nearby beaches, or discover more of the mountainous landscape that defines much of Karpathos.
The island is also known for villages where traditional architecture, crafts and customs remain an important part of everyday life.
Evening
Return on board for departure.
Running on Waves leaves Karpathos and sets course for Crete.
Morning
Enjoy another morning at sea while Running on Waves approaches the eastern coast of Crete.
Arrival is planned around midday in Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town built around Lake Voulismeni and overlooking Mirabello Bay.
Afternoon
Walk around the lake and waterfront before exploring the streets, cafés and small shops of the town.
Guests interested in Cretan history can travel further into the region, while those looking for a more relaxed day can stay close to Agios Nikolaos and enjoy the beaches and coastal scenery around Mirabello Bay.
Evening
Return to the ship before Running on Waves continues west along the coast of Crete towards Rethymno.
Morning
Arrive in Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman influences remain visible throughout the old town.
Begin around the historic harbour before walking through the narrow streets towards the Venetian Fortezza, the large fortress overlooking the town and the Cretan Sea.
Afternoon
Continue exploring the old town, with its stone façades, shaded courtyards and small local shops.
Rethymno is also a good place to discover Cretan cuisine, from local cheeses and olive oil to dishes based on seasonal vegetables, herbs and seafood.
There is time to explore independently before returning to Running on Waves.
Evening
The ship departs Crete and begins the northwestern passage towards the Peloponnese and Monemvasia.
This is another substantial section of the voyage where, depending on conditions, the crew can take advantage of the Aegean winds and spend more time under sail.
Morning
Spend the morning at sea before approaching Monemvasia, one of the most atmospheric historic settlements in Greece.
The fortified town occupies a massive rock connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and was an important Byzantine and medieval trading centre.
Afternoon
Enter the old town through its stone gateway and explore the pedestrian streets lined with churches, historic houses and small squares.
Walk through the Lower Town or continue uphill towards the ruins of the Upper Town for wide views across the sea and the surrounding coastline.
Evening
Running on Waves leaves Monemvasia in the early evening for the final passage back towards Athens.
Spend the last evening of the voyage on board as the ship crosses the Aegean towards Piraeus.
Morning
Running on Waves arrives in Piraeus in the morning, completing the voyage across the Aegean.
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarkation and continue your journey from Athens.
Itineraries are subject to change.
|
Book now |
Tween Deck Cabin. From
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 The Aegean Passage
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
Our Associates Include
