Private Charter Skippered Sailing Holiday in Greece; Saronic Islands
- Vessel: Zorba Cat
- Where: Saronic Islands, Greece
- Duration: 8 days
- Embark: Aegina - 29 June 2024, 18:00
- Disembark: Aegina - 6 July 2024, 09:00
Enjoy exclusive sunshine sailing in Greece as you explore the Saronic Islands under sail with a skippered private charter holiday on catamaran Zorba Cat.
This sailing holiday in Greece is one of pure relaxation and fun for you and your friends and family. This skippered private yacht charter experience allows you to plan your itinerary with the privacy of a fantastic yacht for exclusive use.
Tucked south of Athens in the shelter of the Saronic Gulf, the Saronic Islands are well known for their rich history, ancient ruins, individual personalities, sandy beaches and beautiful clear blue waters. This skippered sailing holiday focuses on a mixture of inhabited and uninhabited islands that make up the Saronic, with a few mainland harbours thrown into the mix, too. With crystal clear warm waters, an abundance of sunshine and true Greek hospitality with plenty of tavernas – a sailing holiday in Greece with the modern catamaran Zorba Cat will certainly leave you longing to return.
- Fully crewed sailing catamaran yacht
- Island hopping & historical exploration
- Great for families & groups
- Eat on board and shoreside Taverna’s
- Suitable for beginners
- Whole boat yacht charter
- Snorkelling & Swimming
- Half Board
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Kit list
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
Your Sailing Area
Saronic Islands, Greece
The Saronic Islands offer a great escape from the tourist rush with a variety of uninhabited islands to explore. In addition to these, there are also four main populated islands – Salamis, Aegina, Agistri and Poros. Sometimes the island of Hydra is also included in the list of the Saronic Islands. If the weather is suitable, Aga and Greg recommend Hydra as one of their favourite places to take guests.
From afternoon anchorages on remote islands perfectly lined with crystal coves for swimming and snorkelling to the very best, tried and tested tavernas on the main islands, there won’t be time to see it all, and you’ll be longing to return before you’ve even stepped foot off the boat. There is something for everyone sailing with Zorba, from relaxing on the sun deck to learning the ropes under the guidance of Greg; the experience really is yours to make.
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Greek Island Highlights
Every Greek island has its unique personality, and although they all offer the best of Greek hospitality, they cater to people of all ages and interests. One place that should be on everyone’s bucket list is the UNESCO heritage site of the ancient theatre in Epidavros. We highly recommend visiting this site. While you’re on this coast, you shouldn’t miss out on the sunken city of Epidavros, which offers an unforgettable snorkelling experience.
We will go on to the island of Aegina and the architectural wonders of the ancient city of Temple of Aphaia, which is impressively built on the hill and is also known as Pistachio Island. The Saronic showpiece has to be Hydra, with its ancient port carefully lined with well-preserved stone houses rising from a chic, history-charged harbour. Known as the jewel of the Saronic, Hydra has no car traffic, so donkeys are the best way to get around!
The Temple of Poseidon sits on the southerly point of mainland Greece and is worth the sail over as it sits towering over the anchorage with an impressive view. The small fishing village of Perdika is where you can find the nicest people in the world, and our secret harbour (with one family-run taverna and no shop) that can fit only seven boats is often voted guests favourite harbour of the trip.
All voyages for Zorba Cat
Zorba Cat
Guest berths: 10 Rig: Sloop
Sail in luxury aboard Zorba Cat through the stunning Greek islands. Enjoy her comfort and style, as well as exceptional service as you relax and indulge in the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.
Zorba Cat is a modern Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60ft catamaran. She has five private cabins for guests: two master aft ensuite cabins, two double forward ensuite cabins and one small double ensuite cabin with a deck ladder entrance. All cabins are complete with modern push-button toilets and wet room-style showers.
With a generous saloon and a well-equipped galley, Zorba Cat was built with charter and guest comfort at the forefront of her design, with full air conditioning throughout. With a dropped transom, easy steps down into the water, nets to lay out on the bow, outdoor seating, and a dining area at the stern, Zorba Cat gives guests the perfect access to that crystal clear Mediterranean sea!
A sailing holiday in Greece with a luxury catamaran is accessible to all ages and abilities. Her simple rig makes her a leisurely sail with winch systems and modern navigation equipment. Unlike some catamarans, she’s a great boat to sail, whether you’re an experienced sailor looking for some sunshine or a novice wanting to try something new.
Her owners and skippers absolutely love what they do, and that’s evident for guests to see and, even better, experience first-hand. They are well-tuned to all abilities and ages, from family charters with young children to groups of friends or voyages for couples and solo travellers. They tailor every trip to suit their guests’ needs, so if you want to sit back, enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine, and enjoy the cuisine of the local tavernas – that’s fine, too!
A sailing holiday on Zorba Cat will certainly leave you with long-lasting memories. She is available to book by the cabin or as a private charter for your friends and family. Every sailing charter is fully crewed, and breakfast and lunch are included in your ticket price.
Read more about to what to expect from Life on Board here >
Deck plan
More about Zorba CatLife on Board
Zorba Cat provides an authentic sailing experience in Greece, discovering hidden anchorages away from tourist-heavy areas, as well as dining in traditional Greek seaside tavernas. Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo traveller, there’s something for everyone with Zorba Cat’s charters. Expect an unforgettable sailing holiday with her!
Authentic Greece
During all of Zorba Cat’s voyages, the main aim is to avoid tourist crowds and instead opt for small harbours or anchorages next to deserted islands. Each day, guests stop for a swim in beautiful bays, some of which are wild, while others have a small taverna serving fresh fish and seafood for lunch, often taken out of the water before their very eyes. Guests have the opportunity to jog or practice yoga in the morning, enjoy organic healthy food on board, and experience a healthy lifestyle close to nature. Friendly locals, as well as delicious food and wine, are common features on all the islands that Zorba Cat visits.
All Zorba Cat voyages offer a perfect balance of relaxation, sightseeing and sailing! Depending on the itinerary, Aga and Greg recommend and organize excursions to historical sites and other places worth visiting.
A Typical Day
After a peaceful night’s rest, you can start your day by indulging in a wholesome breakfast, take a leisurely stroll ashore and savour a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the scenic surroundings.
We usually sail for a few hours each day until we arrive at a stunning bay with a deserted beach. There we have plenty of time to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, exploring the island or bay, and reading books. Together, we prepare a light lunch, and the Greek salad seems to be an ideal choice for a hot day. After lunch, we take some downtime, and maybe even a little siesta or a swim before setting sail again.
Zorba Cat has stand-up paddle-boards, kayaks, a wake-board and snorkel masks for guests to use included in the ticket price.
In the afternoon, we’ll set the sails again to a new location. If you’re interested, you can learn how to steer, tie knots, and pull ropes. Alternatively, you can simply relax and sunbathe on the deck. Before the evening arrives, we will arrive at a new island and dock in a charming little village. There, we will explore the area and enjoy the beautiful sunset, which is rumoured to be even more impressive than the one in Santorini!
In the evenings, our main focus is to unwind and take things slowly. We usually head to a traditional Taverna to sample some amazing local food and delicious Greek wine, while enjoying live music and dancing some Zorba. “No hurry” is our motto for the night.
The menu
The ticket price includes breakfast and lunch, and Aga will be your host and main chef on board Zorba Cat. However, guests are welcome to participate in all aspects of life on board and often assist with food preparation and cooking. Aga plans to go shopping on the first day and would like to invite guests to join her so that everyone’s preferences can be taken into consideration. The evening meals will mostly consist of dishes from Aga & Greg’s favourite Greek tavernas. Local cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood can be purchased at a relatively low cost of about 20€ per person, which includes wine.
Aga and Greg have spent many years exploring this region of Greece, and they believe that to truly experience authentic Greece, guests should have the opportunity to dine in Greek tavernas. If spending a night on a remote anchorage is a priority, dinner will be prepared communally aboard.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Zorba Cat is a custom-built charter catamaran, so all her communal spaces and cabins have been well-considered and are generously proportioned.
There are two primary dining areas on the yacht – one in the spacious open saloon and the other on the deck, where you can enjoy alfresco dining. You’ll find numerous spots to read a book or soak up the sun, both on the decks and across the bow nets. Additionally, the dropped transom is perfect for easy access in and out of the water.
Zorba Cat has two master ensuite cabins and two forward double ensuite cabins.
The Master cabins are at the rear and on either side of the catamaran with oversized standard double beds. In one of the cabins, the bed can be split into two single beds. The ensuite is a modern push-button flush toilet with a wet room-style shower.
On either side at the front of the boat, there are two double ensuite cabins complete with a double bed. The ensuite is a modern push-button flush toilet with a wet room-style shower.
For 10-person private charters only, there is a small double ensuite that can be accessed via a vertical ladder from the deck. This cabin is great for solo travellers and for children to share.
Kit list
Zorba Cat has lots of space for possessions but please be considerate and travel with rigid cases, only in soft bags or wheelie cases that are only hard on one side.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their preferences!
- Light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Flip flips, sandals OR Crocs
- Swimsuits and a swim towel
- Wash towel – micro fibres are great for lightweight and quick-drying
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothesÂ
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring layers in the spring and autumn even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
- Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)Â
- Sunglasses and a sun hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binocularsÂ
- Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
- Swim shoes to ensure you dodge those pesky Greek sea urchins…!
- Cash – EUROS. Greece is still a heavily cash-based society
- Charging cables for personal devices and EU 2pin adaptor for use in cabins (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices during the day by the chart table if needed)
- A good book to read!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
What’s included
- Half board (breakfast, lunch and snacks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
- Full crew plus tuition
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Fishing lines
- Boat toys like SUPs and kayaks, snorkel gear
What’s not included
- Evening meals
- Towels
- Waterproofs
- €350 cash per person on arrival for fuel, water and marina fees
- Any flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel Insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included?
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks are included. Dinner is not included so guests can experience the delicious local cuisine and eat in traditional Taverna's!
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.
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Are there any added extra's?
Each voyage requires taking board cash for fuel, water and marina fees. Please see each voyage/ticket for details. Evening meals are not included.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
2 x master ensuite cabins, 2 x double ensuite cabins, 1 x small double ensuite cabin.
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Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have deck hatches and portholes.
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
5
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Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding and shower towels are included but please bring swimming/beach towels Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
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Is there a hairdryer on board?
Yes, hairdryers are provided on board for guests to use.
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Zorba Cat does not have laundry on board.
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Is there air conditioning onboard?
Yes, in all cabins and living spaces.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What language is spoken onboard?
English/Polish
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Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
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Can I charge my phone?
Yes, all cabins have 220v EU sockets and USB ports.
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What is the currency on board?
Euro's.
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
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How do I get on and off the boat?
ZorbaCat is sometimes at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has dropped transoms with steps and swim ladder so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy. When she's docked, there's a simple gangplank.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No
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Do I need sailing experience?
No experience needed to join this boat.
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Does the boat have any water toys?
Some snorkel gear, 4 x SUPs and 2 x Kayaks, wakeboarding and inflatables.
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Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently, but we recommend ginger tea or ginger biscuits and peppermints on board. It will pass in 24 hours.
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Is there an age limit?
Please check with the office for under 4, but we do require a 1:1 ratio with children. There is no limit for private charters but we recommend that children can swim. No maximum age limit exists as long as guests are fit and mobile.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Aegina
To: Aegina
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
GETTING THERE
AeginaÂ
BY AIR
Flights go direct to Athens International Airport from London Standsted with Ryanair, and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet.
You’ll then need to take a taxi from the airport to Piraeus port and take a ferry to Aegina port, which takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. There are many different ferry options which run throughout the day, please use Ferry Scanner to find timetables. You can pre-book tickets, or it is easy to buy a passenger ferry ticket at the port on the day.
Zorba’s crew can assist you in arranging an airport/hotel transfer to take you to the port and will arrange for a taxi at Aegina port to pick you up and take you to Perdika, where the boat will be moored. This is a lovely island with lots of places to swim and relax before you board your charter.Â
STAY IN ATHENS
Try Athens Starlight Hotel, Attalos Hotel or Emporikon Athens Hotel.