A voyage through history dedicated to the Golden Age of Greek civilization and beyond, this cruise comes complete with a guest lecturer, Eugenia Alexiou. Eugenia has a Master’s degree in Byzantine Art, is an expert historian and, as a graduate of the Athens’ Tour Guide Academy, is the perfect tutor through all the classical sites and sights we visit. This journey to off-the-beaten track locales in the Peloponnese peninsula is a masterclass on the journey through classical antiquity and the Roman conquest, ending with the transition to the Christian empire of Byzantium.
A crossroads in time and space. Transit the amazing engineering feat that is the Corinth Canal, cut though solid rock in the 1880’s to join the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. Under Periander in the 6th century BC, the ancients cut out a slipway that allowed ships to be dragged overland, but it took a lot of muscle power. The canal finally opened in 1893 after 11 years of digging. Six kilometers long, it slices through cliffs 90 m high and is a perennial favorite with sightseers.
Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus... Enjoy guest lectures aboard and be part of small-group excursions to crowd-free sites, whilst in the company of like-minded travelers. Spring and Fall in Greece is the perfect time to unravel the wonders of Antiquity and the Byzantine Empire around the fascinating Peloponnese coast.
The crowds at the temples and ruins were very minimal, in fact we often were the only visitors which made for a much more pleasant visit. I would highly recommend going on the off season trips for this reason. What made our visits even better were the very knowledgeable cruise director and even more knowledgeable tour guide...
Join us - and your fellow explorers - at Marina Zea in Athens for a welcome drink. Today we start our adventure. Be sure to say hello to your archaeology expert for the week, Evgenia. Her expertise will make this week one to remember. Evening arrival to Ancient Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece and dinner on board. Overnight in port.
In the morning we’ll visit Ancient Epidaurus and start along the trail of the Asclepius Temple. We climb circling the Temple of Apollo, passing the St. Anne church, the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite and the ancient cistern. Passing through eons-old olive tree groves we end up walking down to the famous ancient theater. After lunch on board we will start sailing to Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, and the main port of the Eastern Peloponnese. Overnight in port.
After a short morning walking tour of Nafplion, the f we’ll drive through the stunning Argolis countryside to another major centre of Greek civilization: Mycenae. This ancient city is home to the Lion’s Gate, Cyclopean Walls, the Agamemnon Tomb, and more. Enjoy lunch on ship and afternoon sailing to Monemvasia, a mediaeval Byzantine town. Yet the special vantage point from sea is met with an equal measure of character when explored on foot. Nicknamed the Gibraltar of the East, explore the preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture of the town that was the birthplace of one of the most important Greek poets, Giannis Ritsos. We’ll take a walk inside - delving into its winding paths and traditional churches, as well as around its castle. Overnight at sea.
Arrive early in Gythion. Join an optional tour to the Mani Peninsula, including Cape Tenaro and the stunning Dirou Caves, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Explore ancient Gythion, once a key Spartan naval base, then visit the caves—one of Greece’s most remarkable natural wonders. Continue to Areopolis for a short walk through this charming town. Mani, with its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes, offers a unique glimpse into southern Greece. Overnight at sea to Pylos.
Morning arrival into Pylos port - a charming seaside town with a rich history, including the pivotal 1827 naval battle that led to Greek independence. On an optional excursion, visit the ruins of Nestor’s Palace, a Mycenaean-era site with royal apartments and ancient frescoes. Then stop in Hora to explore an impressive archaeological museum showcasing artifacts from the palace. Overnight at sea.
Early morning arrival in Katakolon. An optional excursion takes you to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to the Temple of Zeus—once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Walk through the ancient stadium, explore temples, and visit the acclaimed archaeological museum. After lunch in Olympia, visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games. Continue overland to Patra to rejoin the ship. Overnight in port at Itea.
Morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of ancient Greece’s most sacred sites. Built into the mountainside, Delphi was home to the famous oracle of Apollo and once drew visitors from across the Greek world. Explore the dramatic ruins and visit the nearby museum. Return to the ship to cross the Corinth Canal. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Marina Zea.
In case of severe weather conditions our expertly designed routes are adjusted ensuring your safety & comfort by applying our rich marine knowledge, garnered since 1949. Stay flexible – Adventure on.