Greek Island Cruising (Antiquity to Byzantium)

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Ship Cruise
Uncover the legends of Greece – be it mythological history or famed beaches and villages. Circle a peninsula that’s scattered with groves of olives trees and the icons of ancient history – the famous ancient theatre of Epidaurus; the hilltop citadel of Mycenae, linked with the ‘Illiad’ and King Agamemnon; the home of the Oracle of Delphi in Apollo’s sanctuary...

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • The greek islands attract hundreds of cruise ships during peak season, but we’re the only ones who offer this mainland circuit. and while the cyclades may have the edge when it comes to beaches, this itinerary has a much stronger historical focus.
    • You’ll have an on-board archaeologist with you throughout the trip. they’re the ones who’ll show you around the hilltop citadel of mycenae or zeus’ temple at olympia.
    • This cruise ticks off classical greece’s true highlights (delphi, corinth, olympia etc) but also visits some out-of-the-way spots like katakolon and gythion.
    • Unlike mega liners, which have to moor offshore, the galileo can dock right in the centre of town. in places like pylos and the gorgeous monemvasia, you take one step off the gangplank and you’re surrounded by bars, markets and restaurants. you can hop on and off the boat as you please.
    • Your ship, the m/s galileo, has been recently refurbished in 2016. the interiors are warm and comfortable, and there are three spacious outdoor decks – perfect for reading or catching some sun.

What's this trip about?

    Uncover the legends of Greece – be it mythological history or famed beaches and villages. Circle a peninsula that’s scattered with groves of olives trees and the icons of ancient history – the famous ancient theatre of Epidaurus; the hilltop citadel of Mycenae, linked with the ‘Illiad’ and King Agamemnon; the home of the Oracle of Delphi in Apollo’s sanctuary; Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games and the Temple of Zeus. From aboard the old-world charm of the M/S Galileo, approach impossibly picturesque villages and ports, then moor to dip into the rich blue waters of the Mediterranean. Not only a means to visit the ancients, your ship is also a haven of retreat. Relax in the indoor lounge and elegant dining room on the ship’s main deck, and take in sea views and fresh air from the sundeck and shady outdoor bar. This adventure cruise is the best way to sail into Greek history.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 50 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Greece

Attractions

  • Athens
  • Corinth
  • Delphi
  • Epidaurus
  • Mycenae
  • Olympia

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Embarkation in Athens

Embarkation will take place between 2 and 3 PM. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers before we set sail for Palaia. Overnight at anchor in Palaia.

Day 2 Palaia Epidaurus and Nafplion

We leave our ship early in the morning to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for our optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. It was reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius - and for its theatre, which is once a...

Day 3 Nafplion/Mycenae and Monemvasia

Your optional excursion today will include a short walking tour of Nafplion, drive through the colourful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards Mycenae. The importance of the city, which Homer calls “rich in gold” begins in 1650 B.C and ceases around 11...

Day 4 Gythion

We arrive early morning at Gythion. An optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient Gythion was inhabited during prehistoric times and later the Spartans used it as a port, enlarg...

Day 5 Pylos

Pylos is a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. In 1827 a fleet of Venetians and other city states defeated an Ottoman fleet in one of the most important naval battles in history. This defeat led to the independence of Greece, which...

Day 6 Katakolon/Olympia and Itea

Early morning arrival in Katakolon. We will disembark the ship around 7:00 a.m. in the port town of Katakolo and an optional full day excursion that takes us by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world. Olympia is revered as the...

Day 7 Itea/Delphi and Corinth Canal Crossing

There will be a morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world. We will disembark the ship early this morning and proceed to the ruins complex. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mo...

Day 8 Disembarkation in Athens

Disembarkation will take place after breakfast this morning between 8 and 9am. Make your way to the airport for your onward travels or stay on in Athens and soak up the ancient atmosphere of the city.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,325
Price per day$291
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

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Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
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Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

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Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights,

Transportation & Flights

Small Cruise Ship,

Transportation & flights

Small Cruise Ship
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and covers all countries visited on your itinerary.
Visa requirements
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets exactly and contact us immediately if there are any errors. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time. It is important that you check your government's foreign travel advisories along with the consular website of the country or countries you are travelling to for the most up to date information specific to your nationality and circumstances. Please be aware that not all visa information found online from other sources may be valid while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time. Your booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service or you can apply yourself directly through a consulate. COVID-19 Entry and Exit Requirements Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, please refer to your government's foreign travel advice for the most up to date information.You may also refer to our travel alert page for more info https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/travel-alerts Make sure you are familiar with the current border measures and entry requirements as these are quite complex and changing frequently without notice. Please also ensure you have a travel insurance policy that covers your travels as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses within the country. RETURN TRAVEL Please ensure you stay up to date with any current testing or quarantine requirements for returning to your home country or transiting through other destinations after the completion of your tour. We are able to help facilitate taking a COVID-19 test while on trip. Please ensure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test which will be payable directly to the testing site. Your Intrepid Tour Leader will provide more details at the group meeting as well as assist with booking appointments for all travellers who need to be tested. A visa is not required for Greece for a stay of up to 3 months for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian and EU passport holders. All other nationalities should check their visa requirements with the relevant consulate.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Marina Zea Plateia Alexandras (Alexandras Square) (Closest street) Akth Kountouriotou 1 Athens GREECE
Trip ID
peregrine-PMEB

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