7-day Antiquity to Byzantium cruise

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An archeology and history-themed cruise with an expert guest lecturer.

A spectacular circumnavigation of the historic Peloponnese (Peloponnesos) & continental Greece from Athens on board the 51 passenger motor sailer "Galileo".

Experience a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting, along with an exciting voyage of discovery, unravelling the wonders of Antiquity and Byzantium around the coast of the Peloponnese. Each day you will discover a new port of call, a leap back into ancient history to amaze you and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you.

7-day autumn & spring cruise in Greece itinerary

 

Years 2024-2025

DayPorts / Cruise Program
Fri.Marina Zea, Piraeus(Athens)
Embarkation between 14:00-15:00. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers.
Ancient Epidaurus
Evening arrival and dinner on board.
Sat.Ancient Epidaurus
We leave our ship early in the morning to drive to Ancient Epidaurus (optional excursion).
Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. It was reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius and for its theater, which is once again in use today. The prosperity brought by the Asclepieion enabled the residents of Epidavros to construct civic monuments, including a huge theater (approximately 300 B.C.) renowned for its symmetry and beauty.
Lunch on ship and afternoon sailing to Nafplion. Overnight at the port of Nafplion.
Sun.Nafplion
After a short walking tour of Nafplion, drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards Mycenae (optional shore 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 name. Visit the remains of the ancient glorious city including the Lion’s Gate, the Palace, the so called Agamemnon Tomb and the museum.
Monemvasia (Malvasia)
Lunch on ship and afternoon sailing to Monemvassia. Overnight sailing to Gythion.
Mon.Gytheion
Early morning arrival to Gythion.
Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro plus the Deros Caves:
Ancient Gytheion was inhabited during prehistoric times and later the Spartans enlarging the natural harbour they made Gythion their naval base.
Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach the spectacular Deros caves, discovered around the 60's, which are perhaps among the most important natural sites of Greece.
After visiting the cave we will 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 area in Greece.
Overnight at sea to Pylos.
Tue.Pylos
Pylos is a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. In 1827 a fleet of Venetians and other city states defeated an Ottoman fleet in one of the most important naval battles in history.
After stopping to admire the scenery, we will continue up the road to Nestor’s Palace (optional excursion). The remains of this prehistoric palace occupy a scenic hilltop setting north of Pylos. 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 our visit to the remains of the palace, we will make the short trip to the town of Hora of Pylos, where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artifacts recovered from the site.
Overnight sailing to Katakolon.
Wed.Katakolon, Olympia
Early morning arrival in Katakolon.
We will disembark the ship around 7am in the port town of Katakolo and travel by bus (optional tour) to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world, revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2000 years ago. You will also explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, lodging place for the athletes who participated in the games.
We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world.
Following lunch in the town of Olympia, we'll visit the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Unlike the main archaeological museum, this building houses statuary and a host of artifacts specifically related to the ancient Olympic Games.
Patra
After having time at leisure we will travel overland to Patras on the north coast of the peninsula, where we will re-board our ship and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth.
Overnight at Itea.
Thu.Itea, Delphi
Early morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world:
unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain. First time visitors are awed as much for the stunning natural beauty that surrounds the ruins as for the ancient buildings themselves. In its prime, Delphi was revered for its wealth and reputation, hosting the most important oracle in the classical world. We will have a half day to walk around the ruins complex and visit the adjoining museum.
Return to the ship and crossing of the Corinth Canal.
Marina Zea
Later in the evening we arrive at Marina Zea, where we spend the night.
Fri.Marina Zea, Piraeus(Athens)
Disembarkation after breakfast.
Variety Cruises reserves the right at its sole option and discretion and that of the Captain of the ship, without liability for damages or refund of any kind, to alter or deviate from the ship's advertised or ordinary itinerary or route, either this is caused by weather conditions reaching Beaufort 6-7, Force Majeure, assisting other ships in distress, saving of life at sea or other extraordinary conditions.
Such does not entitle passengers for any claims or refunds.
Variety Cruises will, however, ensure that passengers access their port or disembarkation on time for their outwards flights.

Information on "Marina Zeas" on the map of Piraeus port.

7-day cruise sailling dates & ships

  • Year 2024

  • Year 2025

    • Cruise departures operated by the ‘Galileo’ motor sailer cruise vessel

      • March 21, 28
      • April 4, 11, 18
      • October 24, 31
      • November 7, 14

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