Hiking

Embarkation at 2-3pm. This afternoon and evening is all about getting to know your fellow passengers and crew over a welcome dinner and drinks. Be sure to say hello to your hiking and archaeology experts for the week: George, Iro, and Evgenia. Their expertise will make this week one to remember. Evening arrival to Ancient Epidaurus and dinner on board. Ancient Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece

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. Nafplion is the first capital of modern Greece, and the main port of the Eastern Peloponnese. As such, it’s well-connected and a great location to begin our optional tours from. Overnight in port. The ancient ruins of Mycenae visited on a Variety Cruises excursion

After a short morning walking tour of Nafplion, 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. We’ll also take a gentle hike across the surrounding mountain paths which offer wow moments a-plenty. 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 guided walk inside - delving into its winding paths and traditional churches, as well as around its castle. A scenic view of Pylos, a picturesque town in Greece

Gythion was the ancient naval base of the Spartans and our hiking trail today explores an area said to be home to modern descendants of them - the Mani Peninsula. We’ll hike one of the most beautiful areas of it, Cape Tenaron, beginning in Kokkinogia and ending at the Tenaro lighthouse. The latter is the southernmost point of continental Europe. Our route will take about two hours and, despite several rocky sections, is a relatively easy trek with many fascinating pathways. We’ll highlight the areas of historical significance as we walk but expect to see a stunning a Roman floor mosaic, the necromancy grotto of Poseidon which ancient Greeks believed led to the Gate of Hades and stunning views of the open sea. Overnight at sea to Pylos. Aerial view of Pylos town in Greece

Morning arrival into Pylos port - the site of many famous naval battles, the last of which led to Greek independence. Our today’s trail begins at the Cazarma village and ends at the beautiful Polylimnio area with its fairyland waterfalls (if you wish, you can go ahead and jump right in). Overnight sailing to Katakolon. A Variety Cruises excursion group exploring the ancient ruins of Olympia

Keen hikers (oh, that’s all of you!), listen up. Today’s optional excursion is to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a special place for anyone interested in sports, health, and fitness. Here you’ll visit the site of the Temple of Zeus - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - but also get the chance to run in the very spot the first Olympic athletes did, over 2000 years ago. Today’s hike is in the oak forest of Foloi. It’s an easy walk that we’ll take slowly, allowing us to take in the stunning flora and fauna of the area. In the afternoon we will depart to Itea. Overnight at sea. Ruins of Delphi, Greece.

Early morning arrival in Itea, ready for a day of exploration. Our hike today is rich in history and - along with our optional excursion to Delphi, revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world - will help you understand the historical significance of the area. The Kirra trail starts inside the town of Delphi, passes numerous small churches, the village of Chrisso with its Virgin Mary church and the fabulous Focis olive groves, to end at the port of Itea. After the hike return to the ship and cross the Corinth Canal. Later in the evening we sail to Marina Zeas. A view of a port and a town during sunset

We arrive back to Athens to enjoy one last breakfast together before swapping contact details with new friends, disembarking, and setting off on onward journeys.