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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, and the Mycenae burial complex, as well as 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
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Athens, Marina Zea | Embark

Embarkation between 2-3 p.m. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Nafplion, the first Capital of modern Greece and the main port of eastern Peloponnese. Nafplion is known for Bourtzi, a fortress built on a small island nearby the port, and Palamidi, the hill fort of ''999 steps'', a protected habitat of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000. Dinner on board and late-night arrival. Overnight in port.​

Day 2: Nafplion | Palaia Epidaurus | Mycenae

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Leave your ship early to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for your optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. 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 in the afternoon, drive through the colorful city and 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. Dinner and evening sailing to Gythion. Overnight at sea.​

Day 3: Gythion

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of the Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani Peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their 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 being discovered around the 1960s. 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 keep the spirit of the warriors who once lived and fought here alive. Dinner onboard and late evening sailing to Pylos. Overnight at sea.

Day 4: Pylos

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town in the SW 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. After stopping to admire the scenery, head up the road to the Palace of King Nestor for your optional excursion. Highlights of the surprisingly intact remains include the well-preserved royal apartments and a bathtub speculated to have belonged to the old king himself. Following your visit, make a short trip to the town of Hora, where the archaeological museum (an optional visit) holds thousands of 3,000-year-old artifacts recovered from the site. Dinner and night sailing to Kalamata, which was also characterized as the "Marseilles of Moria". Overnight at sea.

Day 5: Kalamata

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Morning arrival in Kalamata, worldwide famous for its rich olive oil production, and an optional excursion take you by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world. Olympia is revered as 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 very stadium, which looks much like it did more than 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. Visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, which hosts many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in the town of 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 at leisure and return to the ship for dinner. Evening sailing to Monemvasia. Overnight at sea.​

Day 6: Monemvasia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Morning arrival to Monemvasia, nicknamed "Gibraltar of the East" as it is identical to the rock of Gibraltar, reduced in size. Today, your Cruise Coordinator will help you discover this remarkable medieval fortified town and the birthplace of one of the most important Greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation, with time at leisure to explore the uniquely preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture and experience the beauty of the natural setting. Depart in the afternoon for Isthmia. Dinner on board and overnight at sea.​

Day 7: Isthmia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Early morning arrival to Isthmia, located at the south entry of the Corinth Canal and spreading in the place where the Isthmian Games were held in antiquity. The venue for these important competitions is held every two years in the sacred pine forest on the Isthmus of Corinth. Other parts of the festive program included wrestling, pankration, and pentathlon; expanded to include equestrian competitions and chariot races; and completed to include a competition of music, poetry, and rhetoric. 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. Have lunch and some leisure time before returning by bus to Marina Zea for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Marina Zea​.

Day 8: Athens | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembarkation is at 9:00 a.m. after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

Galileo

Galileo
Public area on the Galileo
Outside deck on the Galileo

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,850

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Category A cabin on the Galileo
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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
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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
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%.
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
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions

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