Yoga Retreat. Cyclades - Dodecanese Small Ship Cruise
Travel from Athens to Rhodes aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day yoga journey through the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
The route connects Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Ios, Santorini, Astypalea and Symi, moving from the whitewashed villages and volcanic landscapes of the Cyclades towards the colourful harbours and medieval heritage of the Dodecanese. Along the way, guests discover ancient sanctuaries, quiet beaches, traditional island towns, dramatic caldera views and sheltered Aegean bays.
Daily yoga sessions with a professional instructor become part of the natural rhythm of the voyage. Practices take place on board, surrounded by open water and changing island scenery, with additional sessions in peaceful locations ashore whenever the route and conditions allow. Morning practices prepare the body for walking, swimming and exploration, while slower evening sessions create space to recover and reset.
Between destinations, guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, kayak, windsurf or relax in jacuzzi. Sailing practices and onboard entertainment may also be arranged according to the weather, itinerary and preferences of the group.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and a limited number of guests create a comfortable setting throughout the retreat. This cruise is designed for travellers who want to combine yoga, island-hopping, cultural discovery and time at sea, experiencing a new landscape and atmosphere each day.
Highlights
• Combine yoga and sailing in the Greek Islands – Enjoy an eight-day yoga retreat aboard Running on Waves, with daily guided practices on deck and, when conditions allow, peaceful locations ashore, surrounded by the Aegean Sea.
• Discover the Cyclades’ iconic islands – Explore Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Ios and Santorini, discovering ancient sanctuaries, whitewashed villages, quiet beaches and spectacular volcanic landscapes.
• Experience the quieter beauty of the Dodecanese – Visit Astypalea and Symi, known for their traditional island character, sheltered bays and colourful harbours, while enjoying opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and relaxation between destinations.
Afternoon
Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew, the yoga instructor and the other guests joining the retreat.
Take time to explore the ship’s outdoor decks and onboard facilities. Depending on your arrival time, you can also walk around the marina or spend part of the day discovering Athens before embarkation.
Evening
The voyage begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
The instructor introduces the yoga programme and explains how sessions will be adapted to the sailing schedule, weather conditions and locations visited during the week.
Running on Waves departs Piraeus at approximately 20:00 and begins the overnight passage towards the Cyclades.
Morning
Begin the first full day of the retreat with yoga on deck, followed by breakfast as Running on Waves approaches Delos.
Delos is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sanctuaries and was regarded in ancient mythology as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Day
Go ashore to walk through the remains of the ancient city. Temples, houses, marketplaces and surviving mosaics turn the island into an open-air archaeological landscape.
Day
After leaving Delos, continue to nearby Mykonos. Explore the whitewashed streets of Chora, walk past the island’s windmills and continue towards Little Venice and the Church of Panagia Paraportiani.
Evening
Spend the evening discovering Mykonos at your own pace or return to the ship for a quieter practice on deck.
Dinner is served on board according to the cruise programme before Running on Waves continues towards Paros.
Morning
Begin the day with yoga on deck, followed by breakfast overlooking the island’s coastline.
Paros combines whitewashed towns, sandy beaches and traditional villages surrounded by hills, olive trees and aromatic herbs.
Day
Go ashore to explore the island independently or join an optional excursion.
Spend time in Parikia, the island’s capital and main harbour, or visit Naoussa, where narrow streets lead towards a small Venetian port lined with fishing boats and waterfront restaurants.
Another option is to explore inland villages such as Lefkes, known for traditional Cycladic houses, shaded lanes and views across the surrounding landscape.
There may also be time for swimming, snorkelling or relaxing on board before the evening practice.
Evening
As Running on Waves remains near Paros overnight, guests have time to experience the island after sunset.
Join a calming yoga session, enjoy dinner on board or spend part of the evening walking through the illuminated harbour streets. The ship is scheduled to depart in the early hours of the following morning.
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Ios. A morning yoga practice on deck is followed by breakfast with views of the island’s dry hills, whitewashed villages and rocky coastline.
Although Ios is widely associated with nightlife, the island also offers quiet beaches, traditional paths and a slower side that suits the retreat’s rhythm.
Day
Go ashore to explore Chora, a hillside settlement of narrow lanes, small squares, churches and white houses rising above the harbour.
Walk towards one of the viewpoints above the town, spend time beside the water or find a quieter coastal setting for swimming and relaxation.
When the schedule and conditions allow, part of the day may also be used for a yoga practice ashore, away from the busier harbour areas.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a restorative evening session.
The ship leaves Ios and continues south towards Santorini.
Morning
Begin the day with yoga as Running on Waves approaches the volcanic cliffs of Santorini.
Breakfast is served on board with views of the caldera, where white settlements rise above dark rock walls created by the island’s volcanic history.
Day
Go ashore to explore Santorini independently or join an optional guided excursion.
Walk through Fira, continue towards the cliffside villages or visit Oia for views across the caldera. Other possibilities include the archaeological site of Akrotiri, volcanic beaches or a local vineyard.
The contrast between open sea, volcanic rock and whitewashed architecture creates a distinctive setting for mindful walking, photography and time away from the ship.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and an evening yoga practice focused on recovery after the day ashore.
The ship begins its passage east towards Astypalea, leaving the Cyclades and entering the Dodecanese.
Morning
Wake near Astypalea, an island whose two sections are connected by a narrow strip of land, giving it a distinctive butterfly-like shape.
Begin the day with yoga on deck before breakfast and the journey ashore.
Day
Explore Chora, where white houses climb towards the Venetian Querini Castle above the town. A line of traditional windmills marks the route between the harbour and the upper settlement.
Away from Chora, Astypalea offers quiet coves, rocky landscapes and less-developed beaches suited to swimming and unhurried exploration.
The island marks a transition between the architectural character of the Cyclades and the landscapes of the Dodecanese.
Evening
Return to the ship for dinner and a slower yoga practice as the light changes across the harbour.
Running on Waves continues towards Symi.
Morning
Spend the early part of the morning at sea, with yoga on deck followed by breakfast.
The approach reveals one of the most recognisable harbours in the Dodecanese, surrounded by tiers of colourful neoclassical houses.
Day
Go ashore in Gialos and walk along the waterfront, through the narrow streets behind the harbour and towards viewpoints overlooking the town.
Depending on the excursion programme, guests may also visit the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis or spend time swimming in one of the island’s sheltered bays.
The long stay provides space for independent exploration as well as a final yoga session ashore or on deck.
Evening
Gather for the farewell dinner and the final evening practice of the retreat.
Running on Waves remains in Symi overnight, allowing guests to walk around the harbour after the day visitors have departed.
Morning
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew, the instructor and the guests who have shared the journey from Athens.
Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests remaining in Rhodes can continue towards the island’s Medieval Old Town, where fortified walls, cobbled streets and the Palace of the Grand Master preserve the city’s layered history.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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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 Offer on Yoga Retreat. Cyclades - Dodecanese
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
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