Ancient Greek History Cruise-Tour

Welcome to Athens International Airport. You’ll be met by our driver who will welcome you and provide a private transfer to your high-end hotel that will put you within an easy walk of the Acropolis while being just steps from many upscale shops. Take time to settle in and then perhaps pick up some gifts, souvenirs, or items you might need for the trip. You might fuel up with strong Greek coffee or relax with a glass of wine at a sidewalk café, immersing yourself in the world of Athens. Rooftop bars are another option for cocktails and more while watching the sun go down.

A private half-day guided tour brings you to some of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. You’ll visit Acropolis hill, topped by the Parthenon and multiple other monuments that have stood here overlooking the city for over 2,500 years. Your expert guide will reveal the storied past behind them before a visit to the Acropolis Museum at its base. It showcases many archaeological treasures uncovered from the hill and a see-through floor for peering down at some remarkable ruins. Transfer to your ship in the port of Lavrio afterward, enjoying a signature cocktail at check-in with departure soon underway to Hydra Island where we’ll overnight.

Sailing toward the Peloponnese, enjoy the first swim stop followed by lunch on board as we cruise to Monemvasia, a unique walled castle town founded by the Byzantines in the 6th century, built on a huge rock that rises from the brilliant blue sea. After stepping into the mystical stone-built settlement, immerse yourself in its medieval atmosphere with cobbled streets lined with historic mansions that are now home to shops, eateries, and boutique hotels. An optional tour can bring you to one of the country’s oldest Byzantine churches, 12th-century Hagia Sofia, which stands at the town’s highest point providing dramatic views of the sea.

Arriving early on the southern coast of Lavonia, soon you’ll be visiting the world’s underwater city, Pavlopetri. Dating to Minoan times, over 5,000 years ago, at this UNESCO World Heritage Site you can even dive or snorkel here to experience a slice of the entire world’s cultural heritage. Just across the water is little Elafonisos Island with its brilliant aquamarine waters and sand dunes. You can jump from the ship and swim to the shore or hitch a ride on one of our tender boats. Once everyone is back on board, we’ll continue cruising to Katakolon while you enjoy lunch and dinner on the ship.

We’ll reach Katakolon’s port early, allowing for a visit to ancient Olympia. An optional excursion reveals the fascinating archaeological site where the Olympic Games first took place and the museum that showcases the finds here. Using the sun’s rays just like they did centuries ago, the Olympic flame is still lit here today in the Temple of Hera. From here, we’ll cruise on to Zakynthos, with a number of activity options along the way, including a horse ride, the exploration of authentic villages, or a swim stop at Vasilikos beach. Enjoy time to visit Zante Town before dinner on the ship this evening.

A highlight on the agenda today, we’ll visit Navagio Beach, more often referred to as Shipwreck Beach due to the rusted bones of a vessel that lie on its white sands, framed by precipitous cliffs and edged by an electric blue sea. You can hop into a tender to reach the beach or swim from the ship to enjoy a dip in the enticing water. We’ll sail on to the mythical island of Odysseus, Ithaca, while you enjoy lunch. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to soak up its many charms, including traditional Ionian architecture with museums, boutiques, taverns, restaurants, and cafes.

Today’s excursions will allow you to delve deeper into the island’s history and spectacular beauty. You might choose to discover the findings from northern Ithaca and the surrounding Stavros region or visit the tranquil Kathara Monastery set high on a mountain providing breathtaking views from above. Once back on board the ship we’ll head to remote Gidaki beach. It can only be reached by boat and is widely regarded as one of the most stunning in the Ioanians, with clear water in a brilliant shade of turquoise. Enjoy dinner as we continue to our next destination with an overnight sail to Itea.

Itea is our gateway for exploring Delphi which sits at the base of Parnassus. You’ll have the option to tour this ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, with your guide revealing interesting insights into its history as you explore the site. Our final visit is to Galaxidi, known for its rich maritime history, boasting picturesque old captains’ mansions, pretty ports, and neoclassical homes. After enjoying a stroll on the waterfront promenade or through the colorful streets with lots of bougainvilleas, head back on board to enjoy a cocktail during our crossing of the Corinth Canal followed by the Farewell Dinner with live entertainment.

This morning we reach the port where it all began with the cruise portion of your journey coming to an end. Enjoy time for goodbyes to new friends made, the captain and crew with disembarkation by 10 am. From here, begin a 2-day journey that will take you to Meteora. A stop will be made at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 brave Spartans heroically faced the Persian forces. Upon arrival to Meteora, join a sunset tour of one of the monasteries and visit the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary before driving to a high perch for a glorious sunset view.

Spend the entire morning exploring Meteora which sits atop a pair of dramatic, nearly sheer vertical peaks. You’ll have the option to tour via a moderately challenging hike or by car. While both of these provide outstanding vantage points for viewing if you can make it on foot, the vistas are truly extraordinary. Either way, you’ll step into the Dark Ages, an era when monks and hermits lived in these isolated retreats. Afterward, a four-to-five-hour drive will bring you to your hotel in Athens, with arrival in the late afternoon. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours.

You’ll have the entire day to explore Athens on your own. Some suggestions include a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, the largest of its kind in the country with more than 11,000 exhibits providing a comprehensive overview of civilization here from prehistory through late antiquity. Don’t miss the Antikythira Device, a 2,000-year-old computer. Other ideas include strolling through the National Garden of Athens and heading to the top of Mount Lycabettus via the funicular train for a commanding view from nearly 750 feet above the city. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to pick up souvenirs too.

With the twelfth day here, it’s time to get your bags packed and ready as our driver will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer to Athens International Airport. Catch a flight to return home or head out on further travels, with many alluring destinations easily reached. Otherwise, we wish you a safe journey wherever you’re headed and hope to see you again on another exciting trip.