Published on Aug, 2018
We booked this trip through our Thomas Cook rep. It included 'jeep safari' drive through the mountains which went off road and was lots of fun, covering us in lots of dirty road dust! Including stops at various points up the mountains to take in the amazing views of the scenery, great photo opportunities and a sight not to be missed! Saw some crazy big red ants too.... then we took the jeeps down to the harbour where we got on our boat, 'The Joly Sailor' (with one 'L'!) this was a lovely relaxing sail across the gorgeous Agean Sea. We stopped for a swim break in the crystal clear turquoise waters, warm gorgeous sea, such fun! They supplied floats and life jackets for those who wanted, whereas the thrill seekers were able to jump off any deck of the boat into the sea! You can choose to sunbathe on the upper decks on comfy loungers, (remember your towel though as the plastic gets super hot) or you can sit downstairs in the shaded area where we were given our lunch. Lunch was lovely, it consisted of a chicken in breadcrumb piece (like a big chicken nugget) spaghetti pasta and salad, plus their lovely bread. Then we had watermelon for dessert. when we got to Cleopatra Island, we were given tickets and helped through the turnstiles. It was very busy here. The children had to go in separately from the adults. But our guide helped us through with no issues. Obviously the actual beach is cordoned off as it is a protected site - the sand was apparanlty brought over from Egypt by Marc Anthony for Cleopatra! If you wish you can go and visit the ancient ruins that are on the island, or you can stay at the beach area, where wooden rickety sunbeds are supplied. You can rent cushions if you want but only here for an hour and half and not on the sun lounger the whole time so not worth it. Expensive to buy food/drink on the island. We brought ours from our boat. The area around the beach is dusty and rocky but this time they have changed the access into the sea by adding a wooden decking area and steps that lead into the sea. (Last time we came 2 years ago, you got to the sea by climbing down the rocks so it's a bit easier now.) The sea is crystal clear and warm, absolutely lovely to bathe in. We had a lovely time here. However, you can see hundreds of people coming onto the island the entire time and it's only a small island so it becomes very busy and crowded, as does the sea, which is a shame. But still a lovely place to come and see, take in the history and the story of the island. We have now been here 4 times and would come again!
