Call our experts: 0208 324 3117 Mon – Fri: 09:00 to 18:00 / Sat: 09:30 to 17:00
The truth is that it’s actually long past time to re-evaluate Greek wines. Forget Greek taverna wine, we’re talking about the Premier Cru of Hellenic wines. Cuvees that you never see, simply because they never leave Greece. (Greek connoisseurs drink them all). Bottles that, if you can find them in a wine shop, cost upwards of 30 or 40 euro.
Don’t take our word for it because the man who has put this cruise together, the palate that has selected the wineries, the wines, the wine-pairings at supper and the vintages, is none other than Tim Clarke. Tim is rightly a legend when it comes to Greek wines. A true guru of Hellenic viticulture, Tim and his wife Lynette Arblaster have been champions of ‘oenology’ of Greek winemaking on both the mainland and the islands for more than 30 years.
On this tutored cruise Tim will cover Greek winemaking from the classical age through to the present day. He will take you to wine estates for tastings and lunch. He will discuss differences between soils on the islands and the mainland, and the grape varieties which thrive there. He will identify the differentiating factors of wine production and how that has changed.
Return flights from the UK & In-destination transfers
7 Night Cruise on Board M/S Panorama on a Full-board Basis & Daily Wine & History tours
2 Night stay in COCO-MAT Athens BC Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day By Day
Itinerary
Departure Dates
& Prices
Tim Clarke Our Wine Expert
Wonders of ancient Athens
Volcanic Santorini and Akrotiri
Medieval Monemvasia
Gaia winery at Ancient Nemea
A full-on wine day at Samos
To embark on this journey of exploration, you need to be prepared for the fact that every day you will taste multiple wines. There will be tastings in the morning, tastings over lunch, tastings most afternoons and paired tastings with food at dinner. Tim has also worked with our master chef to ensure the food matches the wines he has chosen to offer.
Daily sunshine is virtually guaranteed in the Greek Isles. The season runs from April to late October with temperatures ranging from the low to mid 20s in early and late season up to the high 30s in late June through August. Winds are predictable with moderate to fresh winds (force 2-5) in the afternoon.
Tim Clarke is one of the pioneers of wine tours around the world. With his wife Lynette Arblaster, he co-founded Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours, which they ran together for 30 years. At A&C, Tim was responsible for the programme and marketing. Under their ownership it became the world’s leading wine tours company.
In the early 1980s, Tim had worked in wine retail in London and saw first hand how fascinated people were by Champagne and the many newly emerging wine regions. In 1986 Tim & Lynette invented the concept of the ‘Champagne Weekend’ and went on to pioneer Wine Tours around the world. Tim led the first international consumer wine tours to places as diverse as Australia, Sicily, Ribera del Duero, Uruguay, The Republic of Georgia and Greece.
Having sold Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours some years ago, Tim has been busy with other projects,
These include a WINE PROJECT in Greece making a ‘passito-style’ Muscat wine on the island of Samos, planting a vineyard in Hampshire and the WINEROUTES wine tourism consultancy.
Starting from 2022, Tim took up a role with Variety Cruises of Athens as Wine Ambassador developing Wine Cruises and in the future a Greek Wine Tours prorgramme, Wine Cruises elsewhere in the Mediterranean and other special interest cruise ideas.
From discussions on wine history to hands-on tastings, the program is designed to deepen your appreciation for Greek wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveller, you’ll find this immersive experience both enlightening and enjoyable.
Your Greek wine adventure includes visits to some of the country’s most renowned wineries, each offering
unique wines and rich traditions.
Cabins
24 Ocean View
Guests
49
Crew
16-18
Length / Breadth
54m/173ft – 12m/39ft
Introducing the “Panorama,” a splendid three-masted motorsailer designed to offer luxury accommodations for up to 49 passengers in its 24 well-appointed cabins. Launched in 1993 and having undergone comprehensive rebuilds in 2001, this vessel saw a significant renovation in 2014. The upgrades enhanced the Upper Deck cabins and lounge, alongside the Main Deck cabin en suite bathrooms and lounge, ensuring unparalleled comfort and elegance.
With a storied history of navigating multiple Atlantic Ocean crossings, the Panorama has charted courses from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Tunis. Now, it embarks on voyages through the serene waters of Greece and the captivating regions of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, offering guests the pinnacle of accommodation, comfort, and safety for an extraordinary sailing adventure.
Lower Deck
1 Double Bed or 2 Twin Beds
(11-11.5 sq.m. / 119-124 sq.ft.)
The Category C cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equiped bathrooms are finished with marble.
Lower Deck
2 Lower Beds
(11.5-12 sq.m. / 124-130 sq.ft.)
The Category B cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have portholes. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equiped bathrooms are finished with marble or corian.
Upper Deck or Main Deck
2 Lower Beds or 1 Double Bed Cabin
(11.5-12.5 sq.m. / 124-135 sq.ft.)
The Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck or on the Main Deck and have large windows enabling a breathtaking view or the areas you are cruising in. The cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equiped bathrooms are finished with marble or corian.
Stay in the heart of Athens
Location is everything when it comes to exploring a foreign city and we have chosen the COCO-MAT Hotel as much for its central position as it creature comforts.
In brief we’ve talking five-star comfort in a brilliant location. In detail
In detail, it’s situated a few steps away from all the major attractions in the city of Athens and with unobstructed Acropolis view is the tight spot to discover, enjoy and be part of the cultural vibe that the city of Athens embodies.
As such you’ll find yourself within a 500m stroll of all the famous places to go and see in Athens such as the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora, Syntagma and of course Acropolis itself.
It’s the perfect place to grab an early breakfast and you can get to the hot-spots before the tourists and be first in the queue.
In the afternoon shop in the flea market at Monastiraki and end the evening with dinner in one of the many traditional taverna restaurants in the Plaka district.
Facilities
Location is everything when it comes to exploring a foreign city and we have chosen the Emporikon Hotel as much for its central position as its creature comforts. In brief we’re talking four star comfort in a brilliant location. In detail it’s situated half way between the Acropolis and Omonia Square.
As such you’ll find yourself within 500m stroll of all the famous places to go and see in Athens such as the Roman Agora, Syntagma and Hadrian’s Arch – and, of course, the Acropolis itself. It’s the perfect place to grab an early breakfast and you can get the hot-spots before the tourists and be first in the queue. As it is also well located for the little back streets where you can find the hidden bars and eateries the locals use, you can also be first for lunch. In the afternoon shop in the flea market as Monastraki and end the evening with dinner in one of many traditional taverna restaurants in the Plaka district. You’re guaranteed a big day and a short walk home.
| Deparure Dates | Category C | Special Offers | Category B | Special Offers | Category A | Special Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/09/2025 | £5,182 | £5,661 | £6,182 | |||
| Single use | £5,436 | £8,219 | £10,284 | |||
| 3rd person | £4,122 |
| Deparure Dates | Category C | Special Offers | Category B | Special Offers | Category A | Special Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/09/2025 | £4,130 | £4,609 | £5,130 | |||
| Single use | £4,130 | £6,913 | £8,978 | |||
| 3rd person | N/A | £3,226 | N/A | |||
| Port charges | £317 | £317 | £317 |
Flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester or Bristol
All local transfers
2 nights at COCO-MAT Athens BC hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
Accommodation on board M/S Panorama for 7 nights in your chosen grade of cabin with private SH/WC & air conditioning, mini fridge and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.
Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local themed party evening , fun BBQ on the beach or on deck (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
Daily Wine & History tours
Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.
Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment, sea kayak and stand up paddle boards (subject to availability).
Professional English speaking Cruise Director and Wine Expert Tim Clarke on board.
Port charges
Below, flight times are indicative and subject to availability. You will be advised exact flight details at the time of booking.
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London Luton
Bristol
Manchester
All local transfers are included in your package.
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Your flight inclusive holiday with us is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed and the full package is ATOL protected. We have been trading since 1995 so you can book with total confidence. |
