Antiquity to Byzantium

Board the ship between 2-3 pm and enjoy a welcome drink with your crew and passengers. Then, set sail for Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece and a main port in eastern Peloponnese. In Nafplion, you can explore Bourtzi, a fortress on a small island near the port, and Palamidi, a hill fort with 999 steps home to a protected habitat. Enjoy dinner on board and arrive late at night, spending the night in port.

Leave your ship early to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for your optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary, and it is reputed for its theater, which is again in use today and is still marveled 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.

Today, drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards another major center 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, followed 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 to explore this remarkable medieval fortified town and the birthplace of one of the most important Greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation. Overnight at sea to Gythion.

Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula, Cape Tenaro, and spectacular Dirou Caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Leaving Gythion, cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular cave, whose entrance remained sealed for about 4.500 years until it was discovered around the 60s. After visiting the cave, 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 who once lived and fought here alive. Dinner onboard and late evening sailing to Pylos. Overnight at sea.

Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town of the southwest Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was the site of several famous naval battles, one of which occurred in 1827 and led to the independence of Greece in 1829. Today, your optional excursion will take you by bus along the coast of Western Peloponnese, crossing the Messenian countryside between Methoni and Koroni. The first stop is Methoni, a charmingly picturesque little town with an imposing Medieval Castle as the central attraction. The 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 protecting the waterways. Visiting the old town in the Castle, discover little gems of architecture that are well preserved. Sip your refreshments at the colorful port and enjoy some free time before you return to the ship for lunch. Late night sailing to Katakolon. Overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival in the port of Katakolon, in Pyrgos, which in ancient times was the natural harbor for Ancient Olympia and in the Middle Ages was the site of the so-called ''Pontikokastro'', or ''Beauvoir'' or ''Bel Vedere'' Castle. Katakolon is the birthplace of Yiannis Latsis, the Greek shipping multi-billionaire tycoon whose paternal home operates today as the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology and its historic lighthouse. Today, your optional excursion takes you by bus to Olympia, one of the ancient world's most famous and important sites. Olympia is 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 stadium, which looks much like it did over 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus; the Philippeion, built to honor the family of Alexander the Great; and the Leonidion, a lodging place for the athletes. Later, visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, which hosts many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in Olympia and an optional visit to the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (provided it is open in the afternoon). Time is leisurely and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth. Overnight at sea.

Morning arrival in Itea, the second largest city of the Municipality of Delphi. Proceeding to Delphi for your optional excursion, pass by the Corinth Canal. 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 traveled here to consult with the oracle. 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, the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and arrival in Corinth. Due to its rich ancient history and the presence of St. Paul the Apostle in the city, some locations worldwide have been named Corinth, overnight in port.

Disembarkation at 7:00 am after breakfast. Bus transfer to Athens airport (for guests flying up to 12:00 noon) and to the center of Athens.