Embark at 9:00 AM in Kos. After a briefing, unpacking, and settling into the yacht, we sail to the volcanic island of Nisyros. Around noon we stop in a quiet bay for lunch and a swim before continuing onward. Nisyros, free from mass tourism due to limited transport access, offers a charming traditional harbor town full of photogenic scenes. The volcano remains officially active, though it hasn’t erupted since 1888; visitors can hike around its lunar-like crater, where the smell of sulphur lingers. During the day, a rental car will be arranged so you’re ready for an early morning trip to the volcano. After docking and enjoying our daily “anchor beer,” we’ll dine together at a small family-run taverna by the harbor.

Miles: 22.5

Duration: 4.5 hours

Tilos is a green, eco-conscious island with just the right amount of charm to make you want to linger. The island is famous for its medieval ghost village, Mikro Chorio, perched on the hillside, where abandoned houses echo with the past and goats act as unofficial tour guides. Bonus trivia: dwarf elephants once roamed here. Yes, you read that right. History, wildlife, and a perfect swimming bay make Tilos a quiet, restorative stop.

Miles: 18

Duration: 3.5 hours

Next up is Chalki, a tiny island that’s basically Greek island life distilled. Pastel neoclassical houses cluster around the harbor, fishermen mend nets at the water’s edge, and the pace is slow enough that you start to forget what day it is. We want to arrive in Chalki on time to find a space at their tiny town dock. Many of our passengers say that Chalki was one of their highlights, not only because of its picture-perfect pastel houses, but also for enjoying the little things in life… Wandering around without specific destination, enjoy a delicious freddo cappuccino and meze dinner until late, or swim in the beautiful blue bay around the corner.

Miles: 18

Duration: 3.5 hours

From Chalki we head to the delicate charm of Symi Town, a harbor that’s one of the prettiest in all of Greece. Pastel mansions climb the hills like an Aegean painting, their reflections shimmering in the water. While it has some similarities to the architecture you’ve seen in Chalki, Symi is more lively with all of its restaurants and bars around the horseshoe-shaped port. After we let all of you wander of in town, we reunite later for a dinner that will most certainly include Symi shrimp. Lively as Symi is, we won’t expect you to be back on the boat and in bed before midnight – this is the place to go out for some late night drinks if you’re up for it.

Miles: 31

Duration: 6 hours

Sail to Hayıtbükü – a lovely sandy beach; a little village and farmland as the backdrop. The key feature here is “Ogun’s Place” – an off-beat little establishment, right on the beachfront. It’s a restaurant, bar, hangout spot all rolled into one. We’re welcome to use their beach beds, wifi, showers and generally feel like visiting family (we pretty much are, after all these years). The main character is Ogun himself – the larger-than-life, exuberant proprietor. He bounces around from table to table with his characteristic Ogun laugh; smiles are always infectious, and Ogun’s Place reflects his contagiously positive energy. Ogun’s sister, Semra is responsible for the very unusual array of home-cooked food which they are also famous for. Married to a French guy, imagine the combo of French and Turkish cuisine… yum!!!

Miles: 18

Duration: 3.5 hours