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Home>Arena Voyages>Antiquity to Byzantium

Antiquity to Byzantium

March - April & October - November 2023

8 days from £1,665pp

Please call us to discuss:
01858 438456

Embark on an unforgettable voyage, discovering the most iconic sites of ancient Greece. Explore the likes of Olympia, the Palace of Nestor and the unparalleled ruins of Delphi. Sail the Corinth Canal and experience the delights of the Mani Peninsula.

Be joined by expert historian Eugenia Alexiou
Marvel at the splendour of ancient Delphi
Visit Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games
Stop at beautiful Nafplion to explore magnificent Mycenae
Sail along the Corinth Canal
Enjoy a traditional Greek night on board

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
Travel Options
Dates & Prices

Embark on the ultimate history lesson, sailing around mainland Greece and discovering its most iconic ancient sites. From Ancient Epidaurus to outstanding Delphi, you’ll cruise from bustling coastal towns to quaint fishing villages, visiting the likes of Olympia, the Palace of Nestor and the archaeological site of Mycenae as you go. Venture to the southernmost point of the mainland and explore the beautiful Mani Peninsula, before delving into the spectacular Diros Caves. But that’s not all. You’ll also get to enjoy a traditional Greek night on board our ship, M/S Galileo, and the added expertise of historian, Eugenia Alexiou, too.

Day 1: Athens – Palaia Epidaurus
Today, M/S Galileo awaits us in Athens and we begin embarkation in the afternoon. Make yourself at home in your cabin, then enjoy a welcome drink as you meet your fellow passengers, captain and crew. We’ll set sail for Palaia Epidaurus and spend the night in port.
Day 2: Palaia Epidaurus – Nafplion
Join us on an optional excursion as we leave the ship and drive to Ancient Epidaurus, famous in Greek mythology as being the birthplace of Apollo’s son. What was once considered a healing sanctuary until it was sacked by the Visigoths in 395 AD, now features remarkably-preserved ancient civic monuments. The most renowned of them all is the spectacular Great Theatre of Epidaurus, which is still in use today. We’ll return to the ship for lunch and will continue on our way to Nafplion, where we’ll dock overnight.
Day 3: Nafplion – Mycenae
After breakfast, it’s time to discover the stunningly beautiful town of Nafplion, with its quaint cobbled streets and unending charm. The town’s history dates back to the Trojan War, so you can expect to be mesmerised by medieval castles, ancient walls, Byzantine architecture and Ottoman fountains. For further exploration, our optional excursion will take you on a short walking tour of the town, before driving out into the countryside to Mycenae. We’ll explore this fascinating archaeological site, marvelling at the ancient Lion Gate, the impressive palace and the Agamemnon Tomb. Lunch is served back on the ship, as we make our way towards Monemvassia, ahead of a night at sea.
Day 4: Gythion
We arrive into Gythion this morning, ready to experience a taste of authentic Greece in this beautiful coastal town. Spend time soaking up the culture and charm of the peaceful streets, discovering Byzantine churches, picturesque pirate coves and ancient castle ruins. Alternatively, join us on our optional excursion to the breathtaking Mani Peninsula and Cape Tenaro, the southernmost part of mainland Greece. We’ll venture into the spectacular Diros Caves and end the day with a stroll through the enchanting town of Areopolis, before returning to our ship and spending the night at sea.
Day 5: Pylos
Today we arrive into the sleepy village of Pylos. Don’t be fooled by appearances, though, as this is the site of one of the most important naval battles in Greece’s history, leading to the independence of the state in 1829. You have the option to join us on a visit to the remarkable remains of the Palace of Nestor, with its preserved royal apartments and surviving frescoes. Next, we head to the town of Hora and to the excellent archaeological museum, home to thousands of artefacts recovered from the palace site. Once back on board our ship, we’ll leave dock and sail overnight.
Day 6: Katakolon – Itea
This morning, we arrive bright and early into Katakolon, a town once dominated by a Byzantine fortress. There’s an optional excursion from here to Olympia, the revered birthplace of the Olympic Games, where you can visit the stadium that’s changed little in 2,000 years. Explore the Temple of Hera and the impressive Temple of Zeus, then enjoy some time free time to yourself. We’ll travel overland to Patras, where’s we’ll re-embark our ship and sail to Itea for a night in port.
Day 7: Itea - Transiting the Corinth Canal
The last full day of our cruise sees us enjoying the bright and modern town of Itea. Amble around the large marina, soak up the warm, Greek sun on a Blue Flag beach or indulge in traditional Greek cuisine at a seafront taverna. If you’d prefer to head out on the optional excursion, we’ll be visiting the incredible Delphi, one of Greece’s most famous historical sites. You’ll be given a guided tour around these exquisite ruins and the adjoining museum, learning all about its history as a place of worship to the god, Apollo. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the ship and cross the Corinth Canal, en route to Athens’ Marina Zea. On arrival, we’ll spend the night docked in the port.
Day 8: Athens
Today, it’s sadly time to head home. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, then bid farewell to the captain, crew and ship, before disembarking and setting off on your return journey.

Seven nights’ cruise on a full board basis
Welcome drink and Captain’s Gala dinner
Eight visits included : Athens, Palaia Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Gythion, Pylos, Katakolon and Itea
Locally themed evening
On board entertainment
Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)
Tea, coffee, and water on board
An attentive crew to take care of everything
Port charges
Travel with Eugenia Alexiou, our Expert Guest Lecturer

Join at Ship

For complete flexibility, we offer this cruise as join at ship. We will provide you with times and locations as well as some useful information for you to make your own arrangements to join your cruise.

Alternatively we can do all the arranging for you. We can arrange flights, transfers and overnight hotel accommodation. Please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Dates: 2023

10, 17, 24 , 31 March
07, 14 April
27 October
03, 10,17 November

2023 Prices:

LOW SEASON: (10, 17, 24 March & 03, 10,17 November)

Cat C Lower Deck Twin or Double cabin - £1,665
Cat B Lower Deck, Flexible Beds - £2,155
Cat A Upper Deck, Twin or Double Beds - £2,735

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 50%

HIGH SEASON: 31 March, 07, 14 April, 27 October)

Cat C Lower Deck Twin or Double cabin - £2,199
Cat B Lower Deck, Flexible Beds - £2,769
Cat A Upper Deck, Twin or Double Beds - £3,225

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 50%

All prices listed are per person

To speak to a Holiday Advisor or to book call 01858 438456

For T&Cs view our special offers page

Overview

Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, classic design Mega Yacht as she spreads her white sails through the seas under the name GALILEO, waving her Greek flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 11 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time. Galileo loves to seduce her select 49 guests with her classic lines and wood panelled lounges redefining what yachting was meant to be. Galileo’s experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience.

See more Ship info

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Antiquity to Byzantium

March - April & October - November 2023

8 days from £1,665pp

Your Accommodation

Galileo

Overview

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