Athens and its “classic surroundings”

Arrive in Athens

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will spend the next two nights. 
Balance of the day is at leisure.

Athens Sightseeing Tour [duration approx. 4.5hours]  & 
Cape Sounion/Athens [duration approx. 4 hours]

Morning sightseeing tour of Athens, including a visit to the awesome Acropolis, Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Acropolis Museum Drive past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, Panathenian Olympic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, and lots more.

Take a couple of hours break from you Sightseeing to wander around the Plaka.  It is the oldest district in Athens (it is also mentioned as "Gods' district") with outstanding scenery. The moment you start walking on its paved narrow lanes you get the feeling that you travel back in time. In the early afternoon, you will drive down the coast to Cape Sounion dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon. Return to Athens in the early evening.

For dinner, visit Lycavittos hill or one of the numerous roof top restaurants to enjoy the magnificent night view to the Acropolis.

Mycenae &  Epidaurus  [duration approx. 10 hours]

Drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf to MYCENAE (Visit). Mycenae ‘Rich in Gold’, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, is the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization.

Then through ARGOS on to NAUPLIA 1st capital of Greece in 1829 – After lunch depart to EPIDAURUS (Visit)

On the headland called “Nesi” at Palaia Epidaurus, the theatre of the ancient city is quite well-preserved, in the shape it acquired during the latter years of its function. Apart from a few rows of seats, the cavea is made of limestone with poros staircases. Until now, nine cunei with eighteen rows of seats have been excavated, which originally could accommodate about 2000 spectators. All the benches and thrones of the theatre carry inscriptions with the names of the donors while implying a direct relationship of the monument with the cult of Dionysus.

The theater is marveled for its exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken word from the proscenium or scene to all 12,000 spectators, regardless of their seating.

Delphi & Arachova Tour [duration approx. 10 hours]

Drive through LEVADIA and ARACHOVA (famous for its bright multicolored carpets) arrive in DELPHI.

At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the center of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics, which were held every four years.

Between the sixth and fourth centuries BC, the Delphic oracle, which was regarded as the most trustworthy, was at its peak. It was delivered by the Pythia, the priestess, and interpreted by the priests of Apollo. Cities, rulers and ordinary individuals alike consulted the oracle, expressing their gratitude with great gifts and spreading its fame around the world. The oracle was thought to have existed since the dawn of time. Indeed, it was believed to have successfully predicted events related to the cataclysm of Deukalion, the Argonaut’s expedition and the Trojan War.

Visit of the archaeological site and the Museum where one can see among other archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. This incomparable statue is a representative example of the ”severe” Attic style, certainly the work of a major artist.

Saronic Gulf Islands Cruise [duration approx. 12 hours]

Take a day cruise from Athens to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina for a relaxing day on the sea. With all your transport, transfers and buffet lunch organized, you can sit back and enjoy your leisurely day cruise with free time on each island to explore.

7:45am Transfer by motorcoach from Athens to Flisvos Port and embark on the cruise ship.

8:15am Sail for the island of HYDRA a favorite of the international Jet-set – Hydra is the beloved muse of painters, craftsmen, and photographers. Its unique architecture, crystal clear waters, splendid craft & jewel shops, folk art and the island’s traditional means of transport – the donkey, make it one of the last examples of “living Mediterranean history”. In Hydra you have time at leisure for strolling, shopping, or swimming.

Shortly after departure, our multi-lingual 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. This will also be an opportunity for you to get answers to any questions you might have, as our trained staff is there to ensure that you will have a most wonderful day.

In the early afternoon sail for the island of AEGINA, passing through the narrow strait separating the Peloponnesian coast from the island of  POROS.  Aegina, is known for its rich history, inspiring pistachio grove landscapes, Aegina Port’s lively fish market and colorful floating fruit and vegetable marketplace as well as picturesque seaside villages such as St. Marina with its taverns, traditional shops and beautiful golden beaches. During our call at one of the ports you may choose to visit the majestic 5th century BC temple of the Goddess Aphaia (Optional Tour) which is regarded as the best-preserved ancient temple of Greece offering a magnificent view of the whole Saronic Gulf.

Lunch is served on board.

Sailing to POROS  the smallest of the three islands- Poros Town rests in a narrow strait between Poros Island and the Peloponnese, quietly nestled in the embrace of deep green pine forests and mildly scented lemon groves. A climb to the town’s magnificent bell tower offers an unforgettable view.

And if you think that the day ends here….. you are mistaken!

A “Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers and dancers in original costumes form all of Greece who, together with our Officers, Hostesses will entertain and animate you up to the final moment as the ship docks in Piraeus.

7.15pm  Arrival at Flisvos Port and transfer to Athens.

The order in which we shall visit the islands is either Poros – Hydra – Aegina or Aegina – Poros – Hydra which does not change the duration of stay on any of the islands.

Departure

Arrangements terminate with breakfast at the hotel and check out.