Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Elysium. Traverse the Corinth Canal to Greece's Peloponnese and five of its 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This historical cruise offers guided tours led by the resident archaeologist. The Peloponnese, steeped in ancient civilization and teeming with history, myths, and natural beauty, boasts a captivating allure. Uncover legendary destinations like Delphi, Ancient Olympia, Mystras, Monemvasia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the enchanting Hydra Island. These experiences promise a lifetime of cherished memories amidst legendary landscapes and historical sites.
Highlights
Explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, known as the navel of the world
Swim in the turquoise tropical waters of Elafonissos and explore the medieval town of Monemvasia
Discover the romantic and relaxing town of Gytheion, with its rich history
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus in Nafplion
Experience the birthplace of the Olympic Games at Ancient Olympia
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Embarkation is at Lavrion between 14:00 and 15:00. Enjoy the signature cocktail during your smooth check-in. Welcome cocktails and dinner are followed by the lifetime experience of crossing the impressively narrow, beautiful Corinth Canal. Overnight at sea.
Early morning arrival at Itea, the perfect base for exploring Delphi or the enchanting seaside town of Galaxidi, with your optional tours. The ancient sanctuary of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the “navel of the world,” from where the Oracle Pythia gave her prophecies. The romantic and tranquil town of Galaxidi has a rich maritime history and was once one of Greece’s wealthiest ports and shipyards. Beautiful neoclassical architecture and pebble-covered courtyards are immaculately preserved to this day. Dinner is on board. Overnight at sea to Katakolon.
Arrive at Katakolon port, your base for exploring Ancient Olympia, another UNESCO World Heritage site of significant importance, as it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. To this day, the Olympic flame is lit by the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera and passed on by a High Priestess—late in the afternoon, sail for Gytheion—dinner on board and overnight at sea.
Wake up at the "Land of the Gods," Gytheio. Gytheio is the site of ancient Cranae, a tiny island where, according to legend, Paris of Troy and Helen of Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, thus igniting the Trojan War. Explore this relaxing and romantic place or join an optional tour of the stunning fortified settlement of Mystras, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site on your journey. Sitting proudly on Mount Taygetos, Mystras served as the capital of the Byzantine settlement of Morea during the 14th and 15th centuries. Lunch is on board. Enjoy dinner at one of the evening's many traditional fish tavernas in Gytheion. Overnight at port.
In the morning, enjoy a swim stop (weather permitting) at the tiny and magical beach of Elafonissos, featuring sand hills and turquoise tropical waters in a NATURA-protected habitat. Lunch is on board the Elysium. In the afternoon, arrive at Monemvasia's immaculately preserved medieval town, meaning "the only entrance." Explore its fairytale beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Enjoy a romantic dinner with local cuisine and wine before returning to Elysium for your overnight sail to Nafplion.
After breakfast, explore Nafplion and the surrounding area. Take a guided tour to the Ancient City of Mycenae and the ancient sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, both UNESCO World Heritage sites of great historical significance. Upon return, visit the many museums in Nafplion: the Archaeological Museum, the War Museum, the former site of the first military school in Greece, or the Komboloi Museum, where you may also participate in a workshop to create your own. Enjoy a romantic evening in one of the most elegant cities in Greece. Overnight at port.
Early in the morning, sail to the Saronic island of Hydra. Enjoy a leisurely walk at one of Greece's most cosmopolitan and equally romantic destinations. Hydra is an architectural reserve free of motor vehicles and a summer home to many international celebrities. UNESCO has recently named it "the best-preserved island in the Mediterranean." Farewell dinner onboard en route to Lavrion port.
Day 8: Lavrion | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembarkation at Lavrion port after breakfast until 10:00.
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$2,9652-3 travelers
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Cat C
Portholes, 12-14 sq m. Lower deck twin/double beds with plush mattresses, all-season duvets, pillows & flat-screen TV w/ movie channels.
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Cat B
Portholes, 14 sq m. Lower deck twin/double beds with plush mattresses, all-season duvets, pillows & flat-screen TV w/ movie channels.
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Cat B+
Portholes, 15-17 sq m. Lower deck twin/double beds with plush mattresses, all-season duvets, pillows & flat-screen TV w/ movie channels.
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Cat A
Windows, 15-17 sq m. Upper deck twin/double beds with plush mattresses, all-season duvets, pillows & flat-screen TV w/ movie channels.
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Cat A+
Windows, 17-20 sq m. Upper deck twin/double beds with plush mattresses, all-season duvets, pillows & flat-screen TV w/ movie channels.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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.