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Antiquity to Byzantium

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.

Your Tour Includes

  • 7 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
  • Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)
  • An attentive crew to take care of everything
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Itinerary

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.

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Palaia Epidaurus

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.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Palaia Epidaurus

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.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Nafplion

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.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Gythion

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.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Pylos

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.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Katakolon

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.

Includes Breakfast

Includes Lunch

Includes Dinner

Included Highlights

Itea

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.

Includes Breakfast


Accommodation

You will stay for seven nights aboard Galileo.