Embark on a captivating voyage through the cradle of Western civilization, where myth, history, and archaeology converge. This enriching itinerary through the Peloponnese Peninsula is guided by renowned guest lecturer Eugenia Alexiou, an expert historian with a Master’s degree in Byzantine Art and a graduate of the Athens Tour Guide Academy. With her insight, guests will explore iconic landmarks from classical antiquity, through the Roman era, and into the rise of Byzantium—all in one immersive journey to Greece’s cultural heartland.
Day 1 – Athens – Ancient Epidaurus
Embarkation between 2:00–3:00 PM at Marina Zea. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Set sail for Ancient Epidaurus. Arrive in the evening and dine onboard.
Overnight in port.
Day 2 – Ancient Epidaurus (optional excursion) – Nafplion
This morning, take an optional excursion to Ancient Epidaurus, once famed as a healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius. Though much has been lost over time due to looting and invasion, the magnificent 4th-century BC theatre remains, celebrated for its perfect acoustics and classical proportions. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Nafplion in the afternoon.
Overnight in port.
Day 3 – Nafplion / Mycenae (optional excursion) – Monemvasia
After a short walking tour of charming Nafplion, drive through the scenic Argolis countryside to Mycenae for an optional excursion. Explore the ancient city described by Homer as “rich in gold”—from the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s Tomb and the archaeological museum. Lunch onboard followed by an afternoon cruise to the medieval town of Monemvasia.
Overnight at sea.
Day 4 – Gythion (optional excursion)
Arrive early in Gythion, once the naval base of ancient Sparta. Optional excursion to the dramatic Mani Peninsula, including a visit to the spectacular Diros Caves—filled with stalactites and stalagmites—and the traditional stone-built town of Areopolis. The wild, rugged beauty of Mani offers a glimpse into a unique and atmospheric corner of Greece.
Overnight at sea.
Day 5 – Pylos (optional excursion)
Dock in picturesque Pylos, site of the decisive 1827 naval battle that paved the way for Greek independence. Join an optional excursion to nearby Nestor’s Palace, a remarkably well-preserved Mycenaean complex dating to the 13th century BC. Visit the royal apartments, storerooms, and the famous bathtub believed to belong to King Nestor. Continue to Hora to explore its archaeological museum with artifacts from the palace site.
Overnight at sea.
Day 6 – Katakolon / Olympia (optional excursion) – Itea
Early morning arrival in Katakolon. Disembark for an optional excursion to ancient Olympia, the sacred birthplace of the Olympic Games and a major sanctuary of Zeus. Explore the Temple of Hera, the Stadium, the Philippeion, and the Olympia Archaeological Museum. After lunch in the nearby modern town, visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Travel overland to Patras and rejoin the ship for your evening sailing to Itea.
Overnight in port.
Day 7 – Itea / Delphi (optional excursion) – Corinth Canal – Marina Zea
Take an optional morning excursion to Delphi, once home to the revered Oracle of Apollo and considered the center of the ancient world. Walk the sacred path, admire the Temple of Apollo, and visit the museum with its impressive classical treasures. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon transit through the Corinth Canal. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner as we sail back to Marina Zea.
Overnight in Marina Zea.
Day 8 – Marina Zea
Disembark after breakfast between 8:30–9:00 AM.
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
- Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, and Captain’s Dinner.
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
- English-Speaking Cruise Escort
Food & Drink
Cruise is based on Half-board basis and include Buffet breakfast and one meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Greek night Evening, fun BBQ, weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner. Also include complimentary Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
Highlights of the cruise
Our journey around the Peloponnese was like stepping into the pages of ancient history. We explored iconic temples and archaeological sites that we had only read about in books — but this time, we were there in person, with time to take it all in.
One of the biggest advantages of travelling during the off-season was the absence of crowds. In many locations, we were the only visitors, creating a calm, immersive atmosphere that’s hard to find in peak months. It made each site feel more personal and meaningful.
What truly elevated the experience, however, was the exceptional team on board. The cruise director was warm and well-organized, and the expert tour guide brought each destination to life with deep knowledge and passion for Greek history.
Corinth Canal Crossing
A crossroads in time and space. Transit the amazing engineering feat that is the Corinth Canal, cut though solid rock in the 1880’s to join the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. Under Periander in the 6th century BC, the ancients cut out a slipway that allowed ships to be dragged overland, but it took a lot of muscle power. The canal finally opened in 1893 after 11 years of digging. Six kilometers long, it slices through cliffs 90 m high and is a perennial favorite with sightseers.
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites Await
Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus... Enjoy guest lectures aboard and be part of small-group excursions to crowd-free sites, whilst in the company of like-minded travelers. Spring and Fall in Greece is the perfect time to unravel the wonders of Antiquity and the Byzantine Empire around the fascinating Peloponnese coast.
Departure Dates 2025
March 21, 28
April 4, 11, 18
Oct 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
Departure Dates 2026
March 20, 27
April 3, 10
Oct 23, 30
Nov 6, 13
