ANCIENT PATHS 2023 - PELOPONNESE AND IONIAN

ITINERARY

DAY 1
Embarkation at Lavrion port between 14:00-15:00. Enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail during your check-in. Evening arrival at the Saronic island of Hydra. 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.

DAY 2
In the morning we set sail for the Peloponnese. Swim stop at Fokianos, a beautiful sheltered bay with crystal-clear waters. Lunch on board the Elysium. Late afternoon we arrive in the uniquely preserved medieval town of Monemvasia. Explore its fairytale-like beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Join our optional historical tour and opt to hike up to the church of Hagia Sofia, among the oldest Byzantine churches in Greece. The windswept panorama of the Aegean sea from atop the cliff is mesmerising. Overnight in Monemvasia.

DAY 3
Morning arrival off the coast of southern Laconia at Pavlopetri, one of the oldest submerged cities in the world. Snorkelling or  diving at the spectacular UNESCO Bronze age city site is an impressive addition to any true traveler’s journal. Just across from Pavlopetri lies the tiny Elafonisos, 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.

DAY 4
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 its archaeological sites and museums. Late afternoon we set sail for Zakynthos. 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.

DAY 5
Morning arrival at the stunning world-famous “Navagio” beach. Also known as “smuggler’s” cove, it has repeatedly been voted most beautiful beach in the world. Jump off the Elysium platform into the milky blue waters or let us take you onshore to enjoy the soft white sand beach and have a close-up look of the shipwreck. Lunch on board. Late afternoon we depart for Ithaca, the mythical island of Odysseus. 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 Vathy port in Ithaca.

DAY 6
Wake up in Ithaca. Optional excursions to the Archaeological Collection of Stavros, which houses findings from excavations in the wider region of Stavros and northern Ithaca or to 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. Late evening departure for Itea. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at sea.

DAY 7
Early morning arrival in Itea, the perfect base for exploring Delphi and 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.

DAY 8
Disembarkation at Lavrion port after breakfast, until 10:00.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Accommodation in twin or double cabins with private bath, individually controlled A/C, snuggly all-season duvet, flat screen tv, minibar, personal safe, free wi-fi access, hair dryer, telephone for internal use, lavish bath products, spa robes and slippers, beach towels
• Buffet breakfast, half-board and on some days full-board, welcome cocktail, BBQ, still water and unlimited filter coffee, tea, cookies station
• Room service offered without surcharge
• Group wellness sessions, yoga or Pilates, with our qualified onboard Wellness Coach
• Occasional themed seminars by visiting masters
• Access to mini gym
• Use of fishing equipment, sanitized daily snorkeling equipment and water sports equipment
• Wi-fi access
• All advice by our multilingual Cruise Director & our Wellness Coach

Excluded

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

Relaxing & Fun:
Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, leisurely discovery walks, board games

Active:
Hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia, scuba diving

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