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Antiquity to Byzantium – Cruise through the Golden Age of Greek Civilization

Antiquity to Byzantium – Cruise through the Golden Age of Greek Civilization

From EUR €1,650

Description

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. NB The Corinth Canal is currently closed during the winter so this cruise won’t be able to transit the canal. Kindly note that free bus transfers will be offered to all guests from Corinth to Athens and reverse.

Trip Name
Antiquity to Byzantium - Cruise through the Golden Age of Greek Civilization
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Length: 47 metres Passenger Capacity: 49 (in 24 cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 Imagine a place far from home that feels just like home, where the borders are delineated by the golden shores of the sea; and home is wherever the anchors drop. Imagine 157 feet of comfort, old style beauty, and safety classified by the latest International “Safety of Life at Sea” (SOLAS) standards. Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, classic design Mega Yacht as she spreads her white sails through the seas under the name GALILEO, waving her Greek flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 11 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time. Galileo loves to seduce her select 49 guests with her classic lines and wood paneled lounges redefining what yachting was meant to be. A spacious lounge with ample space, dining areas decorated with warm colors, rich library and two decks for sunbathing, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers are just some of the elements that define her essence. 360° views of unobstructed ocean are your eyes’ canvas painted with ocean blue and deep green mountains. Embrace freedom as the Galileo sets her white sails seduced by the clear winds of the sea. Mingle with likeminded travelers in` our public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself in our ample deck space, or retreat to one of our 25 ocean view cabin-sanctuaries all offering windows or portholes connecting you with mother nature’s wonders. Galileo’s experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience. Home at Sea Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge - Bar, Indoor Restaurant, Audiovisual in Lounge, Mini library, Beach Towels, Snorkeling equipment, Kayak, Board Games, Wi-Fi Comfort Zone Large portholes: upper deck cabins, Portholes: lower deck cabins, Triple Occupancy cabins: Category A, Flat-Screen TV, Mini Safe, Mini Fridge, Individually controlled A/C, En suite bathroom with shower, Hairdryers, Telephone for internal use, Central music

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 - MARINA ZEA – NAFPLION
Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Nafplion, the first Capital of modern Greece and main port of eastern Peloponnese. Nafplion is known for Bourtzi, a fortress built on a small island nearby the port, and Palamidi, the hill fort of ''999 steps'', which is a protected habitat of European Ecological Network Natura 2000. Dinner on board and late night arrival. Overnight in port.
Day 2 - DAY 2 - NAFPLION (PALAIA EPIDAURUS OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
We leave our ship early in the morning to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for our optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary and it is reputed for its theater, which is once again in use today and is still marvelled for its exceptional acoustics from the stage to any of its 15,000 seats. Lunch onboard and afternoon at leisure to discover the greater Nafplion area. Overnight in port.
Day 3 - DAY 3 - NAFPLION (MYCENAE OPTIONAL EXCURSION) – MONEMVASIA
Today, we will drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards another major centre of Greek civilization, Mycenae, for an optional excursion. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city including the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Palace, the Agamemnon Tomb and the museum following by a short guided walk in the historical center of Nafplion. Lunch on board and sailing towards Monemvasia. Early evening arrival and time at leisure for exploring this remarkable medieval fortified town and birthplace of one of the most important greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation. Overnight at sea to Gythion.
Day 4 - DAY 4 - GYTHION (DIROU CAVES OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular cave, the entrance of which remained sealed for about 4.500 years until being discovered around the 60s. After visiting the cave, we will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani, which is at the tip of the Peloponnese, is a distinctive area and desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers, which keeps the spirit of the warriors once lived and fought here alive. Dinner onboard and late evening sailing to Pylos. Overnight at sea
Day 5 - DAY 5 - PYLOS (METHONI / KORONI OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town of the SW Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was site of several famous naval battles, one of which, occurred in 1827, led to the independence of Greece, in 1829. Today, our optional excursion takes us by bus along the coast of Western Peloponnese crossing the Messenian countryside between Methoni and Koroni. First stop in Methoni which is a charmingly picturesque little town with the imposing Medieval Castle being the central attraction. Next destination is Koroni, once a Venetian naval fortress. This delightful town, clustered on a hillside, has narrow, cobbled streets and stairways leading up to a Venetian castle protected the waterways. Visiting the old town in the Castle we will discover little gems of architecture being well preserved. Sip your refreshment at the colorful port and enjoy some free time before we return to the ship for lunch. Late night sailing to Katakolon. Overnight at sea.
Day 6 - DAY 6 - KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Early morning arrival in port of Katakolon, in Pyrgos, which in ancient times was the natural harbour for Ancient Olympia and in the Middle Ages was the site of the so called ''Pontikokastro'', or ''Beauvoir'' or ''Bel Vedere'' Castle. Katakolon is also known for being the birthplace of Yiannis Latsis, the Greek shipping multi-billionaire tycoon, who's paternal home operates today as Museum of Ancient Greek Technology as well as its historical lighthouse. Today, our optional excursion takes us by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world. Olympia is revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the very stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, built to honour the family of Alexander the Great, and the Leonidion, lodging place for the athletes. We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, hosting many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in the town of Olympia and optional visit to the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (provided it is open in the afternoon). Time at leisure and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth. Overnight at sea.
Day 7 - DAY 7 - ITEA (DELPHI OPTIONAL EXCURSION) – CORINTH
Morning arrival in Itea, the second largest city of the Municipality of Delphi. Proceeding to Delphi for our optional excursion. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain and the panoramic views are truly inspiring. Delphi was revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world and visitors from across the Greek world travelled here to consult with the oracle. We will walk around the ruins complex including the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Castalian Spring and the Gymnasium and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship for lunch and afternoon sailing. Later in the evening Captain’s Farewell Dinner and arrival in Corinth. Due to its rich ancient history as well as to the presence of St. Paul the Apostle in the city, some locations all over the world have been named Corinth. Overnight in port.
Day 8 - DAY 8 – CORINTH TO ATHENS
Disembarkation at 7:00 am after breakfast. Bus transfer to ATH airport (for guests flying up to 12:00 noon) and to the center of Athens -exact place t.b.a. (for guests with post cruise arrangements). [Bus transfer service is included in the cruise fares]
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-03-202528-03-2025EUR €1,650Category C
21-03-202528-03-2025EUR €2,200Category B
21-03-202528-03-2025EUR €2,850Category A
28-03-202504-04-2025EUR €1,650Category C
28-03-202504-04-2025EUR €2,200Category B
28-03-202504-04-2025EUR €2,850Category A
04-04-202511-04-2025EUR €2,200Category C
04-04-202511-04-2025EUR €2,850Category B
04-04-202511-04-2025EUR €3,350Category A
11-04-202518-04-2025EUR €2,850Category B
11-04-202518-04-2025EUR €3,350Category A
11-04-202518-04-2025EUR €2,200Category C
18-04-202525-04-2025EUR €2,200Category C
18-04-202525-04-2025EUR €2,850Category B
18-04-202525-04-2025EUR €3,350Category A
24-10-202531-10-2025EUR €2,200Category C
24-10-202531-10-2025EUR €2,850Category B
24-10-202531-10-2025EUR €3,350Category A
31-10-202507-11-2025EUR €1,650Category C
31-10-202507-11-2025EUR €2,200Category B
31-10-202507-11-2025EUR €2,850Category A
07-11-202514-11-2025EUR €1,650Category C
07-11-202514-11-2025EUR €2,200Category B
07-11-202514-11-2025EUR €2,850Category A
14-11-202521-11-2025EUR €1,650Category C
14-11-202521-11-2025EUR €2,200Category B
14-11-202521-11-2025EUR €2,850Category A
20-03-202627-03-2026EUR €1,700Category C
20-03-202627-03-2026EUR €2,250Category B
20-03-202627-03-2026EUR €2,950Category A
27-03-202603-04-2026EUR €1,700Category C
27-03-202603-04-2026EUR €2,250Category B
27-03-202603-04-2026EUR €2,950Category A
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €2,250Category C
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €2,900Category B
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €3,400Category A
10-04-202617-04-2026EUR €2,250Category C
10-04-202617-04-2026EUR €2,900Category B
10-04-202617-04-2026EUR €3,400Category A
17-04-202624-04-2026EUR €2,250Category C
17-04-202624-04-2026EUR €2,900Category B
17-04-202624-04-2026EUR €3,400Category A
23-10-202630-10-2026EUR €2,250Category C
23-10-202630-10-2026EUR €2,900Category B
23-10-202630-10-2026EUR €3,400Category A
30-10-202606-11-2026EUR €1,700Category C
30-10-202606-11-2026EUR €2,250Category B
30-10-202606-11-2026EUR €2,950Category A
06-11-202613-11-2026EUR €1,700Category C
06-11-202613-11-2026EUR €2,250Category B
06-11-202613-11-2026EUR €2,950Category A
13-11-202620-11-2026EUR €1,700Category C
13-11-202620-11-2026EUR €2,250Category B
13-11-202620-11-2026EUR €2,950Category A

Inclusions

    • Visit Nafplion: Explore the historic town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, known for its picturesque setting, Bourtzi fortress on a small island, and the Palamidi hill fort with its 999 steps.
    • Optional Excursions to Ancient Epidaurus and Mycenae: Take optional excursions to Ancient Epidaurus, famous for its theater with exceptional acoustics, and Mycenae, a major center of Greek civilization, where you can see the Lion's Gate, Cyclopean walls, and Agamemnon's Tomb.
    • Discover Monemvasia: Explore the medieval fortified town of Monemvasia, birthplace of the renowned Greek poet Giannis Ritsos. Marvel at its well-preserved architecture and immerse yourself in its rich history.
    • Diros Caves and Mani Peninsula: Embark on an optional excursion to the spectacular Diros Caves, an underground wonder with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Journey through the rugged and desolate Mani Peninsula, known for its windswept landscapes and historic towers.
    • Olympia and Delphi Excursions: Take optional excursions to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and Delphi, renowned for its ancient oracle. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Olympia Museum, and enjoy panoramic views of Delphi's mountainous setting.

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