Antiquity to Byzantium

Overview

A Greek cruise in and out of past devoted to the ancient civilization that dominated this region. This historical cruise to locations in the Peloponnese is a journey through antiquity, the Roman conquest, and the empire of Byzantium. There’s also a chance to traverse the relatively ‘modern’ Corinth Canal, which joined the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea in the 1880s.

7 Nights / 8 Days

Route: Marina Zea – Palaia Epidaurus – Nafplion – Mycenae – Monemvasia – Gythion - Pylos - Olympia (Katakolon) – Delphi (Itea) – Corinth Canal Crossing – Marina Zea

Ship Name: Panorama, Galileo
Departure Days: Fridays between 20 March and 13 November
Embarkation: Marina Zeas (Piraeus, Athens)
Embarkation Time: Between 2pm and 3pm
Disembarkation: Marina Zea
Disembarkation Time: 9am, after breakfast

Our Greek cruises offer:
• Comfortable cabins and deck areas
• A/C, mini bar and safe in cabins
• All meals cooked by the on board chef
• Indoor dining area
• Outdoor lounge – bar
• Sun beds and beach towels
• Swimming platform

Itinerary

Route: Athens – Gyhtion – Delphi – Athens

Day 1: Marina Zeas (Piraeus, Athens)
Embarkation is between 2pm and 3pm. Relax with a welcome drink a before sailing for Palaia Epidaurus. Enjoy dinner on board and overnight in Palaia Epidaurus.

Day 2: Palaia Epidaurus – Santorini
Early in the morning there’s an optional excursion to Ancient Epidaurus, which was known in ancient times as a healing sanctuary and was reputed to be the birthplace of Asclepius. It’s also famous for its theatre, which is still in use today. We will take the lunch on ship and spend the afternoon sailing to Nafplion. Overnight at port.

Day 3: Nafplion – Mycenae – Monemvasia
Start the day with a short walking tour of the colourful Peloponnese town of Nafplion. After, there’s an optional excursion driving through the beautiful Argolis countryside to Mycenae, where you can see the Palace, Agamemnon’s Tomb and the museum among other ancients gems. Back on board we will take our lunch before sailing to Monemvasia for some leisure time. Overnight sailing to Gythion.

Day 4: Gythion
In the early hours we arrive at Gythion. There’s an optional excursion to the Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, which include visiting the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites of the Dirou Caves. Later we will drive for a stroll in the nearby town Areopolis. At the tip of the Peloponnese, Mani is a distinctive area unlike any other area in Greece. Overnight at sea to Pylos.

Day 5: Pylos
At the southwest corner of the Peloponnese is Pylos, a picture-perfect town nestled by the sea. From here, you can take an optional excursion up to the remains of the prehistoric Nestor’s Palace, which sits atop a hill north of Pylos. Afterwards, we will take the short trip to the town of Hora where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artefacts recovered from the site. Overnight sailing to Katakolon.

Day 6: Olympia (Katakolon)
In the morning we will arrive at Katakolon. At 7am there is an optional excusion by bus to Olympia, one of the most important sites in the ancient world and the birthplace of the Olympic Games.  You can explore the Temple of Hera and the magnificent temple of Zeus the Philippeion, where the athletes who participated in the games lodged. Later we will visit the Olympia Museum. After the lunch in the town of Olympia, we’ll visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. After some leisure time, we will travel overland to Patras on the north coast of the peninsula, where we will meet our ship and depart for Itea. Overnight at Itea.

Day 7: Delphi (Itea) – Corinth Canal Crossing
From Itea, there’s an optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world. Delphi was renowned for its wealth, which grew from it hosting one of the most important oracles in the classical world. You will have half a day to walk around the ancient ruins and visit the adjoining museum. On returning to the ship, we will cross the Corinth Canal. Then in the evening we sail to Marina Zea where we overnight.

Day 8: Marina Zea
Enjoy breakfast before disembarkation from 8am to 9am.

 

Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of the Vessel’s Captain in case of adverse weather conditions – winds of 6/7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel- on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds, but we guarantee that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.

Accommodation

Dates and Prices

• Cat A:
- M/S Panorama: Main and Upper Deck, Twin or double beds,
- M/S Galileo: Upper Deck, Twin or double beds (Triple cabins available)
• Cat B:
- M/S Panorama: Lower deck, twin, double or triple beds,
- M/S Galileo: Lower Deck, Flexible beds
• Cat C:
- M/S Panorama: Lower Deck, Twin or double beds,
- M/S Galileo: Lower Deck, Twin or double beds
• Cruise fares mentioned are per person in double occupancy.
• Flights and transfers aren’t included. Can be arranged on request.
• Single Supplement is 50%.
• 3rd Person discount for Cat A for M/S Galileo or Cat B M/S Panorama 30%.
• Children 7-10 years old discount in triple cabin w/2 adults in Cat A 50%.
• Children 11-16 years old discount in triple cabin w/2 adults in Cat A 35%.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Half-board: Buffet breakfast and two meal daily.
• Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting).
• One night Captain’s Dinner.
• All day drinking free water, regular (filter) coffee and tea.
• Crew services.
• Use of equipment on board (Flippers, snorkel and fishing tackle etc.).
• Yacht insurance (We advise you to take out individual travel insurance).
• English-Speaking Cruise Escort.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Prices exclude Port Charges  £208 / 245€.
• Alcoholic & soft beverages. These can be purchased from the bar on board.
• Optional land tours and entrance fees to historical places and museums.
• Flights and Airport Transfers.
• Wi-Fi (available at charge).
• Crew tips.

Highlights

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