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The towering ruins of the Acropolis rise over Athens

Antiquity to Byzantium

Athens to Athens - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Galileo
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Embark on an 8-day cruise on the Galileo and discover the wonders of Antiquity and Byzantium around the coast of the Peloponnese. Leap back into ancient history to amaze you and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you. With the guidance and knowledge of an experienced lecturer and guide, get to know the famous ancient theater of Epidaurus, the Tomb of Agamemnon, the Mycenae burial complex, and the famous Delphi. Visit historic and picturesque cities such as Nafplion and Monemvasia, Gythion, and Pylos.
The ruins of AthensVisit ancient Delphi on IteaHistoric NafplionAn ancient highlight - the amphitheatre of EpidaurusThe towering ruins of the Acropolis rise over Athens
Highlights
  • Explore the ancient healing sanctuary of Epidaurus and marvel at its exceptional acoustics
  • Discover the remains of the glorious ancient city of Mycenae, including the Lion's Gate and Agamemnon Tomb
  • Visit Gythion and explore the Dirou Caves
  • Discover the remarkably preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Monemvasia
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Athens | Ancient Epidaurus | Embark

Embarkation is between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink while meeting your crew and other passengers. Then, set sail for Ancient Epidaurus and have dinner on board when you arrive in the evening. Overnight in port.​

Day 2: Ancient Epidaurus | Nafplion

Leave your ship early to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for your optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. The sanctuary was looted by the Roman general Sulla, by pirates, and later by Goths in 395 AD, and very little remains of it today. The prosperity brought by the Asclepieion enabled the residents of Epidaurus to construct civic monuments, including a huge theater (approximately 300 B.C.) renowned for its symmetry and beauty. Lunch on the ship and afternoon sailing to Nafplion. Overnight in port.

Day 3: Nafplion | Monemvasia

After a short walking tour of Nafplion, drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards Mycenae for an optional excursion. The importance of the city, which Homer calls “rich in gold,” begins in 1650 B.C and ceases around 1100 B.C with the fall of the civilization to which it gives its name. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city, including the Lion’s Gate, the Palace, the so-called Agamemnon Tomb, and the museum. Lunch on the ship and afternoon sailing to Monemvasia. Overnight at sea.

Day 4: Gythion

Early morning arrival in Gythion. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula, Cape Tenaro, and the spectacular Dirou Caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient Gythion was inhabited during prehistoric times, and later, the Spartans enlarged the port and used it as their naval base. Leaving Gythion, cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular caves discovered around the 1960s, perhaps among Greece's most important natural sites. After visiting the cave, drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani is at the tip of the Peloponnese, a distinctive area unlike any other in Greece. It is a desolate region of underground lakes, rivers, windswept landscapes, and strangely beautiful towers. Overnight at sea.

Day 5: Pylos

Pylos is a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. In 1827, Venetians and other city-states defeated an Ottoman fleet in one of history's most important naval battles. This defeat led to Greece's independence in 1829. During your optional excursion and after stopping to admire the scenery, continue up the road to Nestor's Palace. The remains of the prehistoric Palace occupy a scenic hilltop north of Pylos. The Palace at Pylos belonged to Nestor and was discovered in 1939 by the American archaeologist Carl Blegen. Highlights include the well-preserved royal apartments and a bathtub that archaeologists have speculated belonged to the old king himself. The Palace, with its central courtyard, was originally two stories high and richly decorated with frescoes. Following your visit to the remains of the Palace, make a short trip to the town of Hora, where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artifacts recovered from the site—overnight at sea.

Day 6: Katakolon | Itea

Arrived in the port of Katakolon early in the morning. Disembark around 7:00 a.m., and an 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. From 1875 onward, excavation work revealed the fantastic antiquated treasures that sit today in the marvelous archaeological museum. 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. Visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world. After lunch in Olympia, visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Unlike the main archaeological museum, this building houses statuary and artifacts related to the ancient Olympic Games—time at leisure and travel overland to Patra. Re-board your ship and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth, overnight in port.

Day 7: Itea | Corinth Canal | Marina Zea

Morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world. Disembark the ship early this morning and proceed to the ruins complex. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain. Stay awed as much for the stunning natural beauty surrounding the ruins as for the ancient buildings themselves. In its prime, Delphi was revered for its wealth and reputation, which grew from its location as hosting the most important oracle in the classical world. The oracle could prophesy the future and give advice. Visitors from across the Greek world traveled here to consult with the oracle and responded by offering thanks to Apollo in the form of treasure. Have a half day to walk around the ruins complex and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship and cross the Corinth Canal. Later in the evening, the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and sail to Marina Zea. Overnight in Marina Zea.

Day 8: Marina Zea | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembarkation at 8:30 - 9 am after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

Galileo

Galileo
Public area on the Galileo
Outside deck on the Galileo

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Small Group Offer 2024/2025 23513
Book now and save up to 50% and receive onboard credits per person when booking a minimum of 6-8 passengers in 3-4 double cabins (depending on the cruise program). A deposit of 35% is required upon confirmation. The balance is to be settled 60 days before sailing. This promotion is subject to availability and applies to select departures only. Valid for new bookings, not combinable with any existing or future offers, and capacity-controlled. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Code: 2024-25 S.G. Offers
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Per person starting at
$1,950 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Category A cabin on the Galileo
Category C
Lower deck, 1 double or 2 lower beds. Portholes, A/C, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes and en suite bathrooms with shower.
Category B cabin on the Galileo
Category B
Lower deck, with double or twin bed options. Portholes, A/C, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes and en suite bathrooms with shower.
Category A cabin on the Galileo
Category A
Upper deck, 1 double or 2 lower beds. Portholes, A/C, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes and en suite bathrooms with shower.

Notes

- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.
- Please note that shore excursions are offered at additional costs.
- Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount in Category A. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount in Category A.
- Third person reduction in Category A only is 30%.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day
  • Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
  • English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
  • Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, and Captain’s Dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port Fees
  • Wifi
  • Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned in inclusions)
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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