TRULY BOUTIQUE CRUISE
We recommend booking this cruise in advance to avoid disappointment as it is a highly popular cruise. Booking ahead is advisable.
With only 25 elegant cabins, the Elysium can rightfully claim to be truly boutique. You will not miss out on any of the services of a larger ship and still get to feel like you are on a private yacht.
THE ELIXIR BALANCE CONCEPT
Based on our Elixir Balance concept, every ELYSIUM cruise offers many activities options to mix and match and create a tailor-made journey. In addition to the various cultural and experiential activities, throughout the cruise, guests have the opportunity to do yoga, Pilates and meditation sessions, enjoy a massage at our spa or choose among a selection of water toys and water sports options. Our onboard Wellness Coach and our Cruise Concierge will help you put together the best suited plan for you. Exquisite farm-to-table meals, refreshing drinks, cocktails and fine wines will complement the unique boutique cruise experience
ANCIENT PATHS ITINERARY - 8 DAYS PELOPONNESE & IONIAN
Steeped in awe-inspiring ancient civilization, filled with history, wisdom, myths and passions, the route around the Peloponnese, Ithaca and beyond is a captivating journey. The Peloponnese, a mythic land of Gods and heroes and unsurpassed natural beauty. Sprinkled with cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards, beautiful sandy beaches and emerald blue waters. Littered with Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, Ottoman, Frankish and Venetian fortresses.Zakynthos, with its iconic Navagio cove, repeatedly voted best beach in the world. Ithaki, the epic homeland of Odysseus, still as romantic and seductive as ever. The impressive narrow Corinth Canal, it’s crossing plain mesmerizing.
This is the stuff of legends, an experience that will stay with you forever. Combine journeys for a fully immersive experience of Greece.
DAY 1 Lavrion-Hydra ( near Athens )
Embarkation at Lavrion port between 14:00-15:00. Enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail during your check-in. Evening arrival at the Saronic island of Hydra. Hydra is an architectural reserve, free of motor vehicles, and summer home to many international celebrities. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at Hydra.
Day 2 : Fokianos- Monemvasia
In the morning we set sail for the Peloponnese. Swim stop at Fokianos, a beautiful sheltered bay with crystal-clear waters. Lunch on board the Elysium. Late afternoon we arrive in the uniquely preserved medieval town of Monemvasia. Explore its fairytale-like beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Join our optional historical tour and opt to hike up to the church of Hagia Sofia, among the oldest Byzantine churches in Greece. The windswept panorama of the Aegean sea from atop the cliff is mesmerising. Overnight in Monemvasia.
Day 3 : Pavlopetri-Elafonisos
Morning arrival off the coast of southern Laconia at Pavlopetri, one of the oldest submerged cities in the world. Snorkelling or diving at the spectacular UNESCO Bronze age city site is an impressive addition to any true traveler’s journal. Just across from Pavlopetri lies the tiny Elafonisos, a dream of an island, with sand hills and turquoise tropical waters. Swim ashore or let our tender take you to this magical beach, a NATURA protected habitat. Lunch and dinner on board. Overnight at sea.
Day 4: Ancient Olympia-Zakynthos
Early morning arrival at Katakolon port, our base to explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The UNESCO world heritage site of ancient Olympia will transport you to a different era. To this day the Olympic flame is lit from the rays of the sun, at the Temple of Hera and passed on by a high priestess. Take our optional historical tour to visit its archaeological sites and museums. Late afternoon we set sail for Zakynthos. Enjoy a swim at Vasilikos beach, visit the authentic villages in the area or opt for a horse-riding experience before we sail to the main port of Zakynthos. Discover the famous vibrant town, also known as Zante. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at port.
Day 5: Navagio beach-Ithaca
Morning arrival at the stunning world-famous “Navagio” beach. Also known as “smuggler’s” cove, it has repeatedly been voted most beautiful beach in the world. Jump off the Elysium platform into the milky blue waters or let us take you onshore to enjoy the soft white sand beach and have a close-up look of the shipwreck. Lunch on board. Late afternoon we depart for Ithaca, the mythical island of Odysseus. Enjoy a chilled glass of wine or a cocktail next to the waves at the port of Milos, the heart of the nightlife in Ithaca. Overnight at Vathy port in Ithaca.
Day 6: Ithaca-Gidaki
Wake up in Ithaca. Optional excursions to the Archaeological Collection of Stavros, which houses findings from excavations in the wider region of Stavros and northern Ithaca or to the small and peaceful Kathara Monastery high up on a mountain. The views on the way back to Vathy port are staggering. In the afternoon we set sail to Gidaki, a stunning beach with emerald green waters, one of the most beautiful in the Ioanian sea. Late evening departure for Itea. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at sea.
Day 7: Itea-Delphi-Galaxidi
Early morning arrival in Itea, the perfect base for exploring Delphi and the beautiful Galaxidi, with our optional historical tours. The ancient sanctuary of Delphi, dedicated to the God Apollo, was considered the “navel of the world” and from there the Oracle and high priestess Pythia gave her prophecies. The romantic and tranquil town of Galaxidi has a rich maritime history and was once one of Greece’s wealthiest ports and shipyards. Beautiful neoclassical architecture and pebble covered courtyard are immaculately preserved to this day. Return to the Elysium and enjoy a cocktail as you experience the unforgettable crossing of the narrow Corinth Canal. Farewell dinner on board.
Day 8 Lavrion - (near Athens)
Disembarkation at Lavrion port after breakfast, until 10:00.
Please note Lavrion-Hydra port near Athens, transfer from Athens’s airport around 30 to 40 minutes.
IMPORTANT: Please note itineraries are subject to change dependent on weather conditions, difficulties at docking or unforeseen circumstances. This decision will be solely made by the captain based on the safety of the passengers, the crew and the ship.
ACTIVITIES ON THIS CRUISE
Relaxing & Fun: Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, leisurely discovery walks, board games
Active: Horse riding on the beach, hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia, scuba diving
Wellness & fitness: Spa treatments, yoga, pilates, gym
Educational: Archaeology seminar, Photography walk
Experiential: Cooking class with lunch at local home, Greek dance workshop
Cultural: Significant archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, monasteries, museums, medieval towns and villages, oldest submerged city
Nature: Natura protected habitat, world famous “Navagio” beach, spectacular coastline, Corinth canal
