From Antiquity to Byzantium

Leave the ship early in the morning to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for an optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. The sanctuary was looted by the Roman general Sulla, by pirates, and later by Goths in 395 AD and very little remains of it today. The prosperity brought by the Asclepieion enabled the residents of Epidaurus to construct civic monuments, including a huge theater (approximately 300 B.C.) renowned for its symmetry and beauty. Lunch on board the ship and afternoon sailing to Nafplion. Overnight in port.

After a short walking tour of Nafplion, drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards Mycenae for an optional 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 glorious ancient city including the Lion’s Gate, the Palace, the so-called Agamemnon Tomb and the museum. Lunch on board the ship and afternoon sailing to Monemvasia. Overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival in Gythion. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient Gythion was inhabited during prehistoric times and later the Spartans enlarged the port and used it as their naval base. Leaving Gythion cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular caves, discovered around the 60s, which are perhaps among the most important natural sites of Greece. After visiting the cave, drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani, which is at the tip of the Peloponnese, is a distinctive area unlike any other area in Greece. A desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers that is strangely beautiful. Overnight at sea.

Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was the site of several famous naval battles, one of which occurred in 1827 and led to the independence of Greece in 1829. Today’s optional excursion continues up the road to Nestor’s Palace. The remains of the prehistoric Palace occupy a scenic hilltop setting north of Pylos. The palace at Pylos belonged to Nestor and was discovered in 1939 by the American archaeologist Carl Blegen. 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 a visit to the remains of the palace, make the short trip to the town of Hora where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artifacts recovered from the site. Overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival in the port of Katakolon. Disembark around 7:00 a.m. and an optional excursion takes you by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world. Olympia is revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. From 1875 onward excavation work revealed the fantastic treasures from antiquity that sit today in the marvelous archaeological museum. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. Also explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus the Philippeion. Later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world. Following lunch in the town of Olympia, visit the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Unlike the main archaeological museum, this building houses statuary and artifacts specifically related to the ancient Olympic Games. Time at leisure and travel overland to Patra. Re-board the ship and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth. Overnight in port.

Morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world. Disembark the ship early this morning and proceed to the ruins complex. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain. Stay 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, attributes which grew from the site’s location as hosting the most important oracle in the classical world. The oracle had the ability to prophecy the future and give advice. Visitors from across the Greek world traveled here to consult with the oracle and responded by offering thanks to Apollo in the form of treasure. There will be a half day to walk around the ruins complex and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship and cross the Corinth Canal. Later in the evening Captain’s Farewell Dinner and sail to Marina Zea. Overnight in Marina Zea.

NOTE: In the event that the Corinth Canal is closed, the ship will dock in Corinth and passengers will be transferred by Bus from Corinth to Athens on Day 8.

Disembarkation betweem 8.30am-9am after breakfast.

• Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
• Full-board onboard M/S Galileo: 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 available all day.
• Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
• English-Speaking Cruise Escort.

• International air fares
• Beverages (except those mentioned above)
• Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (additional cost). Shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders
• Crew tips (approx. EUR13-15 per person per day for distribution among all crew members)
• Wi-Fi (available at a charge)
• Personal expenses
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• Porterage
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above