Greece – 7N/8D – The Golden Age

DAY 1. ATHENS
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure.

DAY 2. ATHENS GUIDED CITY TOUR
Morning sightseeing tour of Athens. The striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant structures is what you will enjoy during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, and National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis museum (closed on Monday’s), a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 3. ARGOLIDA – ANCIENT OLYMPIA
Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. (Dinner)

DAY 4. DELPHI
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi. Overnight. (Dinner)

DAY 5. METEORA – KALAMBAKA
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Overnight. (Dinner)

DAY 6. KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida’s Monument). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

DAY 7 ATHENS – ONE DAY CRUISE
At 8:00am the ship sails for the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. (Pick up from your Hotel will be earlier) Shortly after departure, our guides and hostesses will invite you to assemble in one of the Lounges, in order to give you all necessary information concerning the ship, the cruise program as well as the islands. Within 2 hours, we will arrive to the island of Poros, the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most enchanting view of Poros Town. Your time at leisure in Poros will be about 60 minutes. Immediately upon the ships departure from Poros, lunch will be served for passengers who have the first sitting. As we sail towards Hydra the remaining guests relax in the Ship’s Lounge or enjoy the sun and beautiful panoramic view from one of our spacious decks.
An hour and 15 minutes later, we enter the port of Hydra, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. As soon as you disembark, it’s all there… the small narrow stone-paved streets waiting to be explored on foot or by the island’s traditional “vehicle” – the saddled donkey… captivating walks along the old seaside promenade.. crystal clear waters… radiant traditional fine-craft shops.. The beauty of Hydra will conquer you forever! You will have about 2 hours to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra and while returning back on board you will receive a homecoming welcome. The tables will be set for the second sitting giving you an opportunity to taste the gastronomic creations of our Chef.
Time will fly quickly….and after a two hour trip we shall arrive to our last port of call, the island of Aegina.
AEGINA is the largest of the three islands. Time will fly quickly….and after a two hour trip we shall arrive to our last port of call, the island of Aegina. AEGINA is the largest of the three islands. Apart from its harbor there are numerous interesting sites to discover on the island and therefore we propose 2 optional tours….
In Aegina you can enjoy a walk or horse-carriage ride around the town or relax in one of the harbor’s charming waterfront coffee shops. And if you think that the day ends here….. you are mistaken!
The highlight of your cruise still awaits!
A “Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers and dancers in original costumes form all of Greece who, together with our Officers, Hostesses and the ever amusing Jeannot will entertain and animate you up to the final moment as the ship docks in Piraeus at approximately 19:30 hours.

DAY 8. Departure transfer pending your flight by private taxi.

DAY 1. ATHENS
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure.

DAY 2. ATHENS GUIDED CITY TOUR
Morning sightseeing tour of Athens. The striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant structures is what you will enjoy during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, and National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis museum (closed on Monday’s), a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 3. ARGOLIDA – ANCIENT OLYMPIA
Leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop), drive on to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. (Dinner)

DAY 4. DELPHI
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi. Overnight. (Dinner)

DAY 5. METEORA – KALAMBAKA
In the morning visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town stated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Overnight. (Dinner)

DAY 6. KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see across the road the Leonida’s Monument). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

DAY 7 ATHENS – ONE DAY CRUISE
At 8:00am the ship sails for the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. (Pick up from your Hotel will be earlier) Shortly after departure, our guides and hostesses will invite you to assemble in one of the Lounges, in order to give you all necessary information concerning the ship, the cruise program as well as the islands. Within 2 hours, we will arrive to the island of Poros, the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most enchanting view of Poros Town. Your time at leisure in Poros will be about 60 minutes. Immediately upon the ships departure from Poros, lunch will be served for passengers who have the first sitting. As we sail towards Hydra the remaining guests relax in the Ship’s Lounge or enjoy the sun and beautiful panoramic view from one of our spacious decks.
An hour and 15 minutes later, we enter the port of Hydra, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. As soon as you disembark, it’s all there… the small narrow stone-paved streets waiting to be explored on foot or by the island’s traditional “vehicle” – the saddled donkey… captivating walks along the old seaside promenade.. crystal clear waters… radiant traditional fine-craft shops.. The beauty of Hydra will conquer you forever! You will have about 2 hours to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra and while returning back on board you will receive a homecoming welcome. The tables will be set for the second sitting giving you an opportunity to taste the gastronomic creations of our Chef.
Time will fly quickly….and after a two hour trip we shall arrive to our last port of call, the island of Aegina.
AEGINA is the largest of the three islands. Time will fly quickly….and after a two hour trip we shall arrive to our last port of call, the island of Aegina. AEGINA is the largest of the three islands. Apart from its harbor there are numerous interesting sites to discover on the island and therefore we propose 2 optional tours….
In Aegina you can enjoy a walk or horse-carriage ride around the town or relax in one of the harbor’s charming waterfront coffee shops. And if you think that the day ends here….. you are mistaken!
The highlight of your cruise still awaits!
A “Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers and dancers in original costumes form all of Greece who, together with our Officers, Hostesses and the ever amusing Jeannot will entertain and animate you up to the final moment as the ship docks in Piraeus at approximately 19:30 hours.

DAY 8. Departure transfer pending your flight by private taxi.