Unesco Heritage Cruise – Elysium | 8 Days

DAY 1:                                 ATHENS (LAVRION PORT) – AT SEA

Embarkation at Lavrion port between 14:30-15:30pm. Enjoy our signature cocktail during your smooth check-in. Welcome cocktails and dinner are followed by the lifetime experience of crossing the impressively narrow and beautiful Corinth Canal. Overnight at sea. (D)

DAY 2:                                 ITEA – DELPHI – AT SEA

Early morning arrival at Itea, the perfect base for exploring Delphi or the enchanting seaside town of Galaxidi, with our optional tours. The ancient sanctuary of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the “navel of the world” from where the Oracle 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. Dinner onboard. Overnight at sea to Kyllini. (B, D)

DAY 3:                                 KYLINI – AT SEA

Morning arrival at Kylini port, our base for exploring Ancient Olympia, another UNESCO World Heritage site of major importance as it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. 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. Late afternoon set sail for Gytheio. Dinner onboard and overnight at sea. (B, D)

DAY 4:                                 GYTHEIO

Wake up at 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 of Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, thus igniting the Trojan War. Explore this relaxing and romantic place or join and optional tour to the stunning fortified settlement of Mystras, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site in our journey. Sitting proudly on mount Taygetos, Mystras served as the capital of the Byzantine settlement of Morea during the 14th and 15th centuries. Lunch is served onboard. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the many traditional fish tavernas in Gytheion. Overnight at port. (B, L)

DAY 5:                                 ELAFONISOS – MONEMVASIA  

In the morning enjoy a swim stop (weather permitting) at the tiny and magical beach of Elafonissos, featuring sand hills and turquoise tropical waters, a NATURA protected habitat. Lunch served onboard. In the afternoon we arrive at the immaculately preserved medieval town of Monemvasia, meaning “the only entrance”. Enjoy a romantic dinner with local cuisine and wine before returning to Elysium for our overnight sail to Nafplion. (B, D)

DAY 6:                                 NAFPLION

After breakfast set out to explore Nafplion and the surrounding area. Take a guided tour to the Ancient City of Mycenae and the ancient sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, both UNESCO World Heritage sites of great historical significance. Upon returning to Nafplion, take time to wander through the picturesque streets of the old town. Overnight at port. (B)

DAY 7:                                 HYDRA

Early in the morning we set sail to 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. It has recently been named by UNESCO “The best-preserved island in the Mediterranean”. Farewell dinner onboard enroute to Lavrion port. (B, D)

DAY 8:                                 ATHENS (LAVRION PORT)

Disembarkation at Lavrion port before 10:00am, after breakfast. End of services. (B)

INCLUDES:

• Accommodation in twin or double cabins with private bath, individually controlled A/C, snuggly all-season duvet, flat screen tv with various channels, music, minibar, personal safe, hair dryer, telephone for internal use, lavish bath products, spa robes and slippers, beach towels
• Buffet breakfast, half-board, welcome cocktail, BBQ, still water and unlimited filter coffee, tea, cookies station
• Room service offered without surcharge
• Daily group wellness sessions with our qualified Wellness Coach
• Occasional themed seminars by visiting masters
• Access to mini gym
• Use of fishing equipment, sanitized snorkelling equipment and water sports equipment
• Free Wi-Fi
• The services of our multilingual Cruise Concierge

EXCLUDES:

• Optional shore excursions or additional land arrangements
• Travel insurance
• Transfers
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Spa treatments
• Boutique purchases
• Medical services
• Water ski & scuba diving
• Passenger personal expenses
• Crew gratuities at passenger discretion
• Laundry and dry-cleaning services
• Items from minibar

ACTIVITIES ON THIS CRUISE:  

RELAXING & FUN: Swimming, snorkelling, water toys, leisurely discovery walks, board games, jacuzzi

ACTIVE: Hiking trails, hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia, water sport and scuba diving (weather permitting)

WELLNESS & FITNESS: Group wellness sessions, spa treatments, gym

EDUCATIONAL: Archaeology seminars with our resident archaeologist, photography walks

EXPERIENTIAL: Greek dances, cooking class on board

CULTURAL: 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, significant archaeological ruins, Byzantine churches, monasteries, museums, medieval towns and villages

NATURE: Spectacular coastline, indigenous flora & fauna, Corinth canal

THINGS TO NOTE:

• Children under 12 years old not permitted
• The carrier reserves the right, at its sole option and discretion and that of the captain of the ship, without liability for damages or refund of any kind, to alter or deviate from the ship’s advertised or ordinary itinerary or route due to weather conditions, force majeure, assistance to other ships in distress, saving of life at sea or other extraordinary conditions. Under such extreme circumstances, passengers are not entitled to any claims or refunds. The carrier will however make every effort that passengers access their port of disembarkation on time for their outwards flights.