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
Wellness & Fitness:
Group wellness 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 Ely- sium. 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. Join our optional his- torical tour and opt to hike up to the church of Hagia Sofia, among the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece. The windswept panorama of the Aegean sea from atop the cliff will astound you. Overnight in Monemvasia.
Morning arrival off the coast of southern Laconia at Pavlopetri, one of the oldest submerged cities in the world. The spectacular Unesco Bronze age city is over 5000 years old and visiting this place is no doubt an impressive addition to any true traveler’s journal. The snorkeling over Pavlopetri is simply breathtaking and a memory that you will cherish forever. Just across from Pavlopetri, the tiny Elafonisos is 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.
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 the archaeological sites and museums of ancient Olympia, undoubtedly one of the most significant ancient sanctuaries in the world. Late afternoon we set sail for Zakynthos island. 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.
Morning arrival at the stunning world-famous “Navagio” bay. Also known as “smuggler’s cove, it has repeatedly been voted most beautiful in the world. We enter the bay, a perfect spot for magnificent photos. We remain in the bay for a while and should the authorities allow we take you to the beach by tender or you may jump off the Elysium for a swim. We depart for Ithaca, the mythical island of Odysseus. Lunch onboard. In the evening 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 Ithaca.
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. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at sea.
Early morning arrival in Itea, the perfect base for exploring Delphi or 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.