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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$1,9502-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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%.
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 bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
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.