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 mythical 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.
CURRENT OFFER: 10% off Early Bird offer on ANCIENT PATHS 2024 when booked before January 15th, 2024
Cruise dates: October 19 & October 26
Saturday – Saturday
We are happy to assist you with land arrangements, accommodations, and transfers in Athens.
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IMPORTANT: Please note itineraries are subject to change depending 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.
Relaxing & Fun:
Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, leisurely discovery walks, board games
Active:
Hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia, scuba diving
Wellness & Fitness:
Group well ess sessions, spa treatments, gym
Experiential:
Cooking class, Greek dances
Cultural:
Significant archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, monasteries, museums, medieval towns and villages, oldest submerged city
Educational:
Archaeology seminar, Photography walk
Nature:
Natura protected habitat, world famous “Navagio” beach, spectacular coastline, Corinth canal
*Please note activities may vary depending on itinerary changes due to weather conditions.
Embarkation at Lavrion between 14:00-15:00. Welcome on board the Elysium and savor our signature cocktail during a smooth check-in. Evening arrival in the Saronic island of Hydra. Enjoy a leisurely walk at one of the most cosmopolitan and equally romantic destinations in Greece. 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.
In the morning we set sail for the Peloponnese, where you will enjoy a swim stop at the stunningly beautiful, sheltered bay of Fokianos, with its white pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. Lunch on board the Elysium. Late afternoon we arrive in the uniquely preserved medieval town of Monemvasia, meaning “the only entrance”. Explore its fairytale-like beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Enjoy a romantic dinner with local cuisine and wine. Overnight in Monemvasia.
In the morning enjoy a swim stop (weather permitted) to the tiny and magical beach of Elafonisos, with sand hills and turquoise tropical waters, a Natura protected habitat. Lunch on board the Elysium. In the afternoon we arrive to the land of the Gods, Gytheio. Gytheio is the site of ancient Cranae, a tiny island where according to legend Paris of Troy and Helen from Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, thus igniting the Trojan War. Explore this relaxing and romantic place. Late at night we set sail to Pylos.
Wake up in the beautiful town of Pylos surrounded by hills, olive groves, and beautiful beaches. According to Ancient history Homer’s Pylos, King Nestor’s city was built. There are several things to do in this town, enjoy the sun while swimming on the beach, reach Palaiokastro Castle and Nestor’s cave with the mesmerizing view, or take an optional tour in the castle of Methoni. Dinner on board the Elysium. Late night departure to Navagio bay.
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 set sail for Zakynthos Island. Enjoy your own free time to visit the authentic villages, discover the famous vibrant town, and explore Zante by night, famous for its wild nightlife. Overnight at port.
Early in the morning we depart for Ithaca, the mythical island of Odysseus. Visit the Archaeological Collection of Stavros, which houses findings from excavations in the wider region of Stavros and northern Ithaca or 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. Enjoy your dinner on board with a chilled glass of wine. Late evening, we depart to Itea.
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.
Disembarkation at Lavrion port after breakfast, until 10:00.