Antiquity to Byzantium on M/S Galileo on board Galileo

Program info

S/C Galileo is a 3 masted sail cruiser in the famous ports of Greece and around the world.

AN ARCHEOLOGY AND HISTORY-THEMED CRUISE WITH AN EXPERT GUEST
LECTURER
A voyage through history dedicated to the Golden Age of Greek civilization and beyond, this cruise comes complete with a guest lecturer, Eugenia Alexiou.
Eugenia has a Master’s degree in Byzantine Art, is an expert historian, and, as a graduate of the Athens’ Tour Guide Academy, is the perfect tutor through all the classical sites and sights we visit. This journey to off-the-beaten track locales in the Peloponnese peninsula is a masterclass on the journey through classical antiquity and the Roman conquest, ending with the transition to the Christian empire of Byzantium.

Day 1 • ATHENS (Marina Zeas ) - NAFPLION
Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Nafplion, the first Capital of modern Greece and the main port of eastern Peloponnese. Nafplion is known for Bourtzi, a fortress built on a small island nearby the port, and Palamidi, the hill fort of ''999 steps'', which is a protected habitat of European Ecological Network Natura 2000. Dinner on board and late-night arrival. Overnight in port

Day 2 • NAFPLION (PALAI EPIDAURUS optional excursion)
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 and it is reputed for its theater, which is once again in use today and is still marveled for its exceptional acoustics from the stage to any of its 15,000 seats. Lunch onboard and afternoon at leisure to discover the greater Nafplion area. Overnight in port

Day 3 • NAFPLION - MYCENAE (Optional excursion) - MONEMVASIA
Today, we will drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards another major centre of Greek civilization, Mycenae, for an optional excursion. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city including the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Palace, the Agamemnon Tomb, and the museum , followed by a short guided walk in the historical center of Nafplion. Lunch on board and sailing towards Monemvasia. Early evening arrival and time at leisure for exploring this remarkable medieval fortified town and the birthplace of one of the most important Greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation.
Overnight at sea to Gythion

Day 4 • GYTHION (DIROU CAVES Optional excursion)
Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular cave, the entrance of which remained sealed for about 4.500 years until being discovered around the 60s. After visiting the cave, we will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani, which is at the tip of the Peloponnese, is a distinctive area and desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers, which keeps
the spirit of the warriors who once lived and fought here alive. Dinner onboard and late evening sailing
to Pylos. Overnight at sea

Day 5 • PYLOS (METHONI/KORONI Optional excursion)
Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town of the SW Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was the site of several famous naval battles, one of which, occurred in 1827, and led to the independence of Greece, in 1829. Today, our optional excursion takes us by bus along the coast of Western Peloponnese crossing the Messenian countryside between Methoni and Koroni. First stop in Methoni which is a charmingly picturesque little town with the imposing Medieval Castle being the central attraction. Next destination is Koroni, once a Venetian naval fortress. This delightful town, clustered on a hillside, has narrow, cobbled streets and stairways leading up to a Venetian castle protected by the waterways. Visiting the old town in the Castle we will discover little gems of architecture being well preserved. Sip your refreshments at the colorful port and enjoy some free time before we return to the ship for lunch. Late night sailing to Katakolon.
Overnight at sea.

Day 6 • KATAKOLON - OLYMPIA (Optional excursion)
Early morning arrival in the port of Katakolon, in Pyrgos, which in ancient times was the natural harbor for Ancient Olympia and in the Middle Ages was the site of the so-called ''Pontikokastro'', or ''Beauvoir'' or ''Bel Vedere'' Castle. Katakolon is also known for being the birthplace of Yiannis Latsis, the Greek shipping multi-billionaire tycoon, whose paternal home operates today as the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology as well as its historical lighthouse. Today, our optional excursion takes us by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world. Olympia is revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the very stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, built to honor the family of Alexander the Great, and the Leonidion, a lodging place for the athletes. We later visited the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, hosting many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in the town of Olympia and an optional visit to the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (provided it is open in the afternoon). Time at leisure and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth.
Overnight at sea.

Day 7 • ITEA - DELPHI(Optional excursion) -CORINTH
Morning arrival in Itea, the second largest city of the Municipality of Delphi. Proceeding to Delphi for our optional excursion, we will pass by the Corinth Canal. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain and the panoramic views are truly inspiring. Delphi was revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world and visitors from across the Greek world traveled here to consult with the oracle. We will walk around the ruins complex including the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Castalian Spring, and the Gymnasium, and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship for lunch and afternoon sailing. Later in the evening Captain’s Farewell Dinner and arrival in Corinth. Due to its rich ancient history as well as
to the presence of St. Paul the Apostle in the city, some locations all over the world have been named Corinth. Overnight in port.

Day 8: ATHENS (Marina Zeas)
Disembarkation after breakfast.

Other notices

RATES INCLUDE:
• Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
• Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail
• Greek night Evening,
• Captain’s Dinner.
• Regular (filter) coffee, tea, and drinking water free all day.
• Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).
• English-Speaking Cruise Escort

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
• Port taxes
• Drinks served in the bar
• Optional shore excursions
• Personal expenses
• Domestic or international airfare
• Transfers to/from the ship
• Cancellation/trip interruption insurance or any other items of personal nature
• Wi-Fi (available at a charge)

BOOKING:
Bookings are on request and need to be confirmed.
Deposit of 30 % of the cruise fare per person is required within 7 days of booking. Deposit is non-refundable.
Final payment is required 70 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS:
The following annulment fees shall arise in the event of cancellation:
40% of the tour price for cancellation 70 - 61 days prior to commencement of travel
50% of the tour price for cancellation 60 - 51 days prior to commencement of travel
60% of the tour price for cancellation 50 - 31 days prior to commencement of travel
100% of the tour price for cancellation 30 - 0days prior to commencement of travel