Discover the many facets of Greece on this exciting 8-day cruise, sailing through the Cyclades on the way to the Peloponnese. Visit Pylos, a historical fortress city. Due to its exposed location on the “little finger” of the Peloponnese, it has witnessed a high number of dramatic sea battles. In the Bay of Navarino, Spartans fought against Athenians, Ottomans clashed with Venetians, and in 1827, the Allies faced the Turkish fleet. Explore Hydra, where the past meets modern art, rustic charm, and effortless style in a way that is truly unique. Scout around the Cyclades, jutting out of the deep waters of the Aegean like rocks that have been cast out into the sea by a giant. When you set eyes on this stunning paradise of radiant white-washed houses and blue domes, it is hard not to fall in love.
Highlights
Join an incredible expedition to the archaeological sites of Messene
Discover Monemvasia and taste some of their famous olive oil
Visit Mykonos Island which seems to have sprung out of a picture book
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilization existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566 between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.
Board the Sea Cloud and attend dinner as the ship sets sail.
Pylos, an attractive fishing village with a beautiful marina and some nearby beaches, is situated in a picturesque location in the Bay of Navarino. There has been a settlement here since ancient times and it has always been of great strategic importance. The Neo Kastro fortress was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and this former lookout point for enemy fleets is now the best place to catch a fantastic view. In 1952, the ruins of a Mycenaean palace were discovered near Pylos. Though it is debatable whether the imposing Nestor's Palace really belonged to the legendary King from Homer's Iliad, the former multi-story building is certainly impressive.
The little town of Monemvasia nestles closely against a rock that lies just off the coast. This impregnable fortress was an important trading center in Byzantine times. Today it is a retreat for wealthy Athenians who spend their weekends here. Behind its walls you can discover the beautifully restored lower town, where you simply want to drift along the tranquil narrow lanes. This picturesque little town on a rock transports you back in time to the romantic Middle Ages, when it was exceptionally modern and lively.
In Hydra's small northern capital which shares the same name as the island, houses crowd the slope up to the castle ruins above the harbor entrance like a cubist painting. The whole town is listed as a historic monument and there are no cars, only fishing boats and donkey carts. This 'bare rock in the sea' (almost all trees were chopped down and used to build ships) once produced proud sailors and admirals. The thunder of the canons had long ceased when Sophia Loren came to the island and made it famous with the film 'Boy on a Dolphin'. Canadian singer Leonard Cohen was also one of many artists who lived on Hydra during the sixties. Nowadays, wealthy Athenians come to relax on the island, which lies just 40 miles from the capital in the Saronic Gulf, and where property prices are the highest in Greece and luxury yachts roll gently in the harbor.
Mykonos, with its houses like sugar cubes with blue shutters, balconies adorned with flowers, blue-domed churches and windmills, is perhaps the most famous of the Cyclades Islands and seems to have sprung out of a picture book. We have to thank Aristoteles Onassis and his international jet-set friends for rediscovering the island in the mid-1950s and developing it into the favorite destination of the rich and famous. In Mykonos town you can happily lose yourself in the labyrinth of white-washed lanes. Fishing boats bob up and down in the port. Upmarket restaurants, rustic tavernas, and classy bars and clubs invite you to stay a while. From the promenade you have a spectacular view over the sea.
Although the capital of the Cyclades is situated on the tranquil and traditional island of Syros, outside of the town this seems the most remote island of them all. Ermoupoli, one of the most beautiful island towns in Greece, was built majestically on two hills. Its architecture is exceptional and the numerous monumental neo-classical buildings give the impression of a large, elegant town. Passing over the hill, the spaciousness and vastness transform into a maze of lanes and give a medieval impression.
Day 8: Piraeus, Greece | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Piraeus Port in the morning and disembark after breakfast for your continued independent journeys.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 5
These approx. 9.5 m2/102 sq ft cabins with their upper and lower single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) once accommodated the ship’s officers, and their original features exude a romantic charm. These cabins can be ventilated with fresh air both day and night as the cabin door leads directly to the Promenade Deck beneath the bridge.
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Category 4
These cabins are each approx. 10.5 m2/113 sq ft and located on the Promenade Deck. They are furnished similarly to Cat. 3 cabins.
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Category 3
Located on the Promenade Deck, each of these outside cabins also features panorama windows, a marble bathroom with a fitted shower and a substantially sized wardrobe. They are approx.
12.5 m2/135 sq ft in size with two single beds (each 80 cm x
200 cm).
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Category 2
Each of these cabins features a marble bathroom with a fitted shower, two single beds (each 80 cm x 200 cm) which can be placed together, a substantially sized wardrobe and additional built-in storage space. Their location on the Captain’s and Lido Deck and their design, featuring two panorama windows, mean these approx. 13.5 m2/145 sq ft cabins feel extremely bright.
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Category 1
These two double-bed cabins are located on the Captain’s
and Lido Deck and feature unique corner panorama windows. Approx. 13 m2/140 sq ft in size, they offer a substantial wardrobe, a double bed with two mattresses (each 80 cm x 200 cm) and a spacious, elegant bathroom with a fitted shower.
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Category C
Warm and bright tones dominate these approx. 18-20 m2/198-215 sq ft deluxe outside cabins fitted with a double bed (160 cm x 200 cm) The cabins feature a modern elegance, generous storage space and a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom.
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Category B
Main Deck. Portholes, two single beds or king bed with two separate mattresses, one or two chairs, nightstand, decorative marble fireplace, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with shower or tub.
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Category A
Main Deck. Portholes, large double bed, two armchairs, antique nightstands, table or antique secretary, decorative marble fireplace, desk, walk-in closet, safe, A/C, private bath with tub and portholes.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.