Sailing the Ancient Peloponnese Cruise

Your journey through Greek history begins with your arrival into Athens International Airport, where our private driver will transfer you to the ship at Marina Zeas, with embarkation from 2 to 3 p.m. Enjoy a welcome drink and introductions to your fellow passengers and the crew you’ll be traveling with before you set sail for old Epidaurus, the site of the ancient city. You’ll arrive in the evening, with dinner served on the ship, providing more time to mingle while getting to know your fellow cruisers or relax while taking advantage of the comfortable facilities on board.

You’ll have the opportunity to disembark the ship and join an optional excursion this morning to ancient Epidaurus, one of the most popular healing centers in the Greek world and the reputed birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius. Witness the temple of Asklepios and one of the most well-preserved theaters dating from the 3rd-century with incredible beauty and symmetry. It’s also remarkable for its acoustics, ideal for the music competitions and plays held on the ancient stage, including some written by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus. Performances still take place on it today. After returning to the ship, you’ll sail to Nafplion, your overnight destination.

This morning you’ll follow our expert guide for a short walking tour through Nafplion, one of the most photogenic towns in the Argolis region. Afterward, drive through the city with its grand neoclassical mansions and magnificent Venetian fort, continuing through the picturesque Argolis countryside to Mycenae, mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as the home of Helen of Troy and a place “rich in gold.” The most important and most prosperous palatial center of the Late Bronze Age, you’ll get to marvel at ruins like the Lion Gate, ancient tombs, and the Cyclopean walls. Back on the ship, sail to Monemvasia, cruising overnight to Gythion.

Reaching ancient Gythion this morning, inhabited since prehistoric times, an optional excursion will bring you to discover many delights. That includes the Mani Peninsula, Cape Tenaro, and the awe-inspiring stalagmites and stalactites in the Dirou Caves, one of the country’s most important natural sites. After crossing the scenic peninsula to Diros, you’ll explore the cave and then head to Areopolis nearby, quickly exploring the town. The surrounding region is desolate yet unique and bizarrely beautiful, with underground rivers and lakes, so you’ll want to have your camera ready. Once you’ve returned to the ship, you’ll spend the night at sea while sailing to Pylos.

Waking up in the postcard-perfect seaside town of Pylos, enjoy the scenery before taking an optional excursion to visit Nestor’s Palace. One of the most well-preserved Mycenaean structures, the two-story building was featured in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. While it was destroyed in the 15th-century, the primary structure can still be seen, including the royal apartments and even a bathtub that’s believed to have belonged to the king. From there, you’ll make a short trip to explore an outstanding archaeological museum in Hora that displays thousands of artifacts uncovered from the site. Then, return to the ship, sailing overnight to Katakolon.

From Katakolon, travel by bus early this morning for an optional excursion to Olympia. One of the ancient world’s most famous sites, this is where the first Olympic Games were held in honor of Zeus. Explore the UNESCO-listed site, which includes remnants of the stadium that once hosted the competitions, the 5th-century Temple of Zeus, and the Philippeion, where the competing athletes were accommodated. Visit the Olympic Museum, and after lunch, explore the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity which showcases artifacts related to the ancient games. After reboarding the ship, sail to Itea in the Gulf of Corinth.

This morning, join us for an optional excursion to Delphi. Set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, it’s home to striking natural beauty and ancient ruins, revered by the Greeks as the center of the ancient world. You’ll have a half-day to explore the museum and complex with ruins of iconic monuments like the Temple of Apollo and hippodrome, which once hosted ancient Pythian Games events. The 4th-century BC theater, constructed from local limestone, is just above, providing audiences with a stunning view of the sanctuary below. After reboarding the ship, cross the engineering marvel known as the Corinth Canal before reaching Marina Zeas.

This morning your 8-day, 7-night cruise from Antiquity to Byzantium comes to an end. Breakfast will be served early with disembarkation between 8 and 9 a.m., providing time to fuel up for further travels and goodbyes to your fellow passengers, many of whom have probably become friends. When it’s time to leave, you’ll take private transfer to the airport in Athens. If you’d like to stay longer and explore the city or combine this trip with another one of our unforgettable adventures, reach out to our travel experts who will be happy to help.