How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Thanos was professional and friendly.  Everything you would expect from an Explore tour leader.  Some people in the group were eager for more information than he provided, but I think the nature of the weather meant that we couldn't stick to a specific plan and had to play it by ear a bit.  Peter was lovely and provided us with absolutely delicious food on board.  Better than some of the restaurants, which is saying something because they were lovely too.  Vangelis was a brilliant captain who made us feel safe, even when we were travelling in the strong winds on the first 2 days.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Forget about diets
Take:
ear plugs (snores and noise/music through the night).
sea-sickness tablets.  I considered myself to be a good sailor and have never felt or been sea sick until this holiday!  It was apparently unusually windy!
something for swimming, a beach towel (2 towels for the cabin are provided), 1 set of day wear (vest top and shorts), small PJs some walking sandals and things to wear at night.  That's all.  
a lightweight sleeping bag for sleeping on the deck - I was too cold in a sheet sleeping bag.
insect repellant.
paper books rather than Kindle, there's no escape from splashes.
Unless you're really fussy about snorkels, masks and fins, don't bother taking them.  There are plenty on the boat."

Do you have anything else to add?

If you are a bit claustrophobic or taller/larger than average, I wouldn't recommend this holiday due to the cosiness of the cabin space!  I am 5'6" and couldn't stand up in the main section of our cabin.  We had to shower and get dressed in shifts.Dive off the boat before breakfast - a great way to wake up.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Thanos showed us all the legendary Greek hospitality.We were very well cared for.The talks he gave when we visited various sites,churches,etc were extremely interesting and varied from classical Greek mythology to present day scandals!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Take hand luggage only!Space on board very limited!Just relax!

Do you have anything else to add?

I loved being on this boat.Will consider going for a second time.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Very  good,  very  experienced

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Take  snorkelling  gear and  sleep on  deck

Do you have anything else to add?

Thanos  needs  much  thicker  sun matresses!!!!  and some  snorkelling  support  vests for  the less confident swimmers!

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his homeland.  Kept us all organised!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Some overnight stops at ports can be a little noisy, so if you're thinking of sleeping on deck take some earplugs with you.  Don't even think about your diet as there is no way you will return home without a few extra pounds!  

Do you have anything else to add?

Perhaps the itinerary could be altered so that the last night is spent in Marmari to avoid the taxi ride back from Karystos the following morning in order to catch the ferry back to the mainland.  The second night could also be spent somewhere rather than Karystos, as three nights in this port was probably too much (I know that several members of the group stated that the small village of Panagia had been their favourite stop, with Karystos probably the least favourite).

Really enjoyed the trip, a really relaxing holiday. The Crew looked after us really well and the meals on the boat were fantastic. Plenty of swimming opportunities and stopped in some really pretty villages, even saw the tree where olympic laurels come from. (GC - 23rd June 11)

This was the most amazing chilling holiday of my life. By midweek I had to ask what day it was. The sunrise and sunset experiences were awesome. Sleeping under the stars at night for a week was out of this world, booking to repeat the trip as due to unforeseen weather and being stranded on Kythnos island, the change of itinery was awesome, we went to Sifnos by ferry for a day trip, Athens and the historical Delphi temple of Appolo and the Delphi Museum.

Explore never let you down. Consumed lots of alcohol, danced Greek style with our crew and it was a life changing experience. I travelled on my own, at no time did it feel lonely. (GC -8th January 2000)

This was the most amazing holiday and everything I hoped for.  

We arrived at the boat and were immediately made to feel at home. Everything was taken care of, including amazing 3 course lunches. The crew made sure that we relaxed from the instant we arrived.   We travelled along the coast during the day to see some beautiful villages and then moored up for the night. This meant that days were spent sunbathing and swimming off the boat and then the evening ashore eating at some lovely restaurants.  In future, I would advise people not to bother taking any luggage except a swim suit as that is all you need -well, during the day anyway! And to take plenty of books.  I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone that needs to take time out and recharge, or just fancies a bit of sun! (GC -3rd September 2011)

I can't recommend this highly enough. If you want a week of total R&R then this is the trip to do. The biggest decision is 'do I swim from the boat or the beach'?

Thanos is enthusiastic, knowlegable and a fantastic tour leader. Peter's food is fabulous - you *will* gain weight. Vangelis the captain is a pipe smoking cool dude. A wonderful week that I'd love to do again. (GC -3rd September 2011)

the highlight of the trip was being able to totally relax surrounded by beautiful scenery.  The food on board was absolutely delicious and this was complimented by the ability to go ashore on an evening and sample local cuisine.  Remember to take your own snorkle, (and goggles) there are plenty of fish to see. (GC -31st July 2011)

What a fantastic week! If you want total relaxation, good company, amazing sea swimming, great food and wine with a little light exercise and culture thrown in then book a week on the Isidora, a traditional Greek caique. The owner, Peter (who doubled as chef and has to be held to account for the extra weight we all put on with his fantastic cooking) and his son-in-law Thanos (chief tour guide and assistant skipper) plus the skipper, Vangelis, made us welcome from the first moment we set foot on the island. We could not have felt better cared for - thank you all so much.  I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to get away from it all for a few days. (GC - 23rd July 2011)

Did this trip in Sept 2010, thought it was OK but nothing special.  Boat was adequate, but a bit small for sunbathing, and dining was inside.  Evia itself, is a bit boring, found the towns were rather nondescript.  On the plus side, great bunch of people, and pretty relaxing.  If you are thinking of doing a cruise, would recommend the Turkish Blue Cruise, the Gullet I was on was much larger than the caique, with a large outdoor dining area, and more room for sunbathing and lounging around. Also the Turkish coast and towns were much more picturesque and interesting, with some great beaches and snorkelling.  Also most dinners were included and the food was great.. ( GC - 4th September 2010)

Very relaxing holiday. Would recommend it. Perhaps a little more walking activity would have been good. Too much time spent at Krytos town. Would like to see flight options from other UK airports: too much focus on the group flight from London. I saved over £300 on the price you quoted for the group flight by booking my own from Manchester - this wasn't offered as an option by you when I phoned. (GC- 9th July 2011)

A very relaxing week away, take a good book, a good pair of sun glasses, your swimwear, and away you go! Beautiful scenery, great food, wonderful crew, I loved it, and would go back at the drop of a hat, enjoy! (GC - 20th June 2009)

A very laid back way to chill out between on the go tours. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise with Thanos, the boss, Peter the cook and the boat captain.(Sorry - forgotten his name ) They were all great hosts. This area of Greece is very beautiful and unspoiled. The villages and people were friendly. The water was warm and great for swimming. The Greek food was something to experience and the cold Mythos beer thirst quenching.  Thanks for a great holiday.(GC -9th April 2010)

The perfect holiday if you want to just chill and totally disconnect from life for a week! The only major decisions that need to be made are where to lie and read, and what to eat and drink, the rest is done for you! A fantastically run trip by Thanos and his crew. He has an amazing passion for his island of Evia and oozes enthusiasm every day, imparting an incredible knowledge of local history and culture. Loved the tour of the venetian Castello Rosso where Thanos suprised us by producing bottles of local cherry drink and cake! On the last night as we were thinking our holiday was all over, Thanos announced a trip to the local vineyard for wine tasting and a delightful meal in the mountains! Came home very relaxed. I would consider repeating the trip in the future when I need to re-charge my batteries! Go on, get booking, you know you deserve it!!! (GC 24th July 2010)