Ancient Greece Return Cruise 7nts on MS Elysium (Fridays)
- Activity Level: 1
- Comfort: 5
- Departs From: Lavrio
- Location: Greek Islands, Peloponnese and Ionian
- Duration: 8 days (Fri-Fri)
- Availability: FRIDAYS, May & Oct
- Activity Level: 1
- Comfort: 5
- Departs From: Lavrio
- Location: Greek Islands, Peloponnese and Ionian
- Duration: 8 days (Fri-Fri)
- Availability: FRIDAYS, May & Oct
Highlights
- Relaxing & Fun: Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, leisurely discovery walks, and board games.
- Active: Hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia.
- Wellness & fitness: Group wellness sessions, spa treatments, gym.
- Educational: Archaeology seminar, Photography walk.
- Cultural: Significant archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, monasteries, museums, medieval towns, and villages.
- Nature: Natura protected habitat, world-famous “Navagio” beach, spectacular coastline, Corinth canal.
Lavrion, Hydra, Fokianos-Monemvasia, Pavlopetri-Elafonisos, Ancient Olympia-Zakynthos, Navagio Beach, Gidaki, Itea-Delphi-Galaxidi and back to Lavrion
Fabulous round-trip Greek Island Cruise on our gorgeous new ship, Elysium
Experience the best of old and new, with ancient sites paired with brand new luxury accommodation
Suitable for couples and small groups, or charter the whole ship
Less than 50 passengers
Itinerary
==================================================ITINERARY:
Lavrion, Hydra, Fokianos-Monemvasia, Pavlopetri-Elafonisos, Ancient Olympia-Zakynthos, Navagio Beach, Gidaki, Itea-Delphi-Galaxidi and back to Lavrion
Included: VAT, Fuel Surcharge, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Beach BBQ, Half-Board Meal Plan, Snacks, Special Dinner, Fishing, Kayaks, Snorkel Gear, Stand Up Paddleboard, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, WiFi internet, Yoga.
Required Extras: Port Fees (245-290 EUR per trip).
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer (70 EUR), Hotel Transfer, Local Transfers, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Land Excursions, Laundry / Pressing Services, Massage, Spa.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
Embarkation at Lavrion between 14:00-15:00. Welcome on board the Elysium and savor our signature cocktail during a smooth check-in. Evening arrival in 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. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at Hydra.
Day 2
In the morning we set sail for the Peloponnese, where you will enjoy a swim stop at the stunningly beautiful, sheltered bay of Fokianos, with its white pebble beach and crystal-clear waters. Lunch on board the Elysium. Late afternoon we arrive in the uniquely preserved medieval town of Monemvasia, meaning “the only entrance”. Explore its fairytale-like beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Enjoy a romantic dinner with local cuisine and wine. Overnight in Monemvasia.
Day 3
Morning arrival off the coast of southern Laconia at Pavlopetri, one of the oldest submerged cities in the world. The spectacular Unesco Bronze Age city is over 5000 years old and visiting this place is no doubt an impressive addition to any true traveler’s journal. The snorkeling over Pavlopetri is simply breathtaking and a memory that you will cherish forever. Just across from Pavlopetri, the tiny Elafonisos is 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 the archaeological sites and museums of ancient Olympia, undoubtedly one of the most significant ancient sanctuaries in the world. Late afternoon we set sail for Zakynthos Island.
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 the port.
Day 5
Morning arrival at the stunning world-famous “Navagio” beach. Also known as “Smuggler’s Cove, it has repeatedly been voted the 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 at the shipwreck. Lunch on board. Late afternoon we set sail for Zakynthos Island. Enjoy your own free time to visit the authentic villages, discover the famous vibrant town, and explore Zante by night, famous for its
wild nightlife. Overnight at port.
Day 6
Wake up in Visit the Archaeological Collection of Stavros, which houses findings from excavations in the wider region of Stavros and northern Ithaca, or 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, which is one of the most beautiful in the Ioanian sea. Enjoy your dinner on board with a chilled glass of wine. 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 before 10:00, after breakfast.
Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. The exact route and sites visited are subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics and are at the Captain's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our specific FAQ pages here:
Before You Go - General Croatia Info (general info for all travellers)
Croatia Cruise FAQ - General Cruise Info (for all small ship Croatia cruises)
Croatia Island Hopping Tour FAQ - General Info (packages combining hotels, ferries and transfers)
Before Your Private Charter - General Yacht and Gulet Charter Info (private charters)
Click here to see how the booking process works: https://www.discovercroatia.com.au/booking-process-how-to-book/
How far in advance do I need to book?
Cruises: For our weekly small ship cruises with guaranteed departures we suggest you book as soon as your plans are in motion. All cruises are extremely popular especially during peak season, which is June, July, August, September and these dates can be booked out up to a year in advance, especially September. One-way cruises are particularly sought-after and tend to sell out first, so please speak to us first to ensure your cruise choice is available before booking any flight arrangements.
Escorted Tours: Escorted Group Tours with guaranteed departures are also best booked as early as possible to ensure your place on the tour, as spaces are limited to a set number of passengers. Once the tour is full that departure is closed for new bookings.
Island Hopping, Self-Drive, Self-Guided Cycling/Hiking and Independent or Private Tours: Independent tours are available most days of the week at any time of year, so if you're booking late these are a great option. They can also start or finish on any day of the week, so can be a great alternative to the cruises (that mostly depart only on Saturdays). You can check out our Island Hopper Tours and our active tours for some examples. If you can't find what you are looking for please make an enquiry on any of our tours and let us know what you need. We love creating custom tours with our clients.
What do the different ship categories mean?
Please see our Ship Descriptions page here, for all the information on Ship Categories, Deck and Cabin Descriptions.
What is half-board? What meals are included?
Half-board (HB): This means that 2 meals a day are usually provided, mostly it will be breakfast and lunch on cruises, and breakfast and dinner on escorted tours. Each cruise or tour will have meals listed on the daily itinerary, so that you will know exactly which meals are included. Some lunches or dinners are swapped occasionally, so that you may enjoy a wonderful gourmet experience with your fellow travellers, such as a Captain's Dinner on a cruise, or a wine-tasting and lunch on an escorted tour. For the remainder of your meals you will be able to dine anywhere you choose and you will be responsible for the cost of those meals. Your Cruise or Tour Director will be happy to recommend a good value and trusted eatery nearby at every location, or you can explore on your own.
Bed and Breakfast (BB): This means that only breakfast is included in your holiday. Most of our Independent Tours include breakfast only, so that you are not beholden to going back to your hotel for lunch or dinner as you are going to be exploring on your own. We think that flexibility with lunch and dinner gives you the best option for exploring Croatia and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.
Full-board (FB) is occasionally offered on cruises as an optional extra, but we do not recommend you take the full-board option unless you are really sure about it. A lot of the joy of the cruise and tour experiences is to dine in local restaurants, 'konobas' (traditional pubs) and bars, so that you can meet the people who live and work there. Why come all the way to Croatia only to eat on-board for every meal? There are so many fabulous (and even some famous!) eateries. Get out there and taste them!
What type of transport is used on the Island Hopper Tours? Local ferries and vehicle transfers
Local ferries: Local ferries are used between the mainland and the islands where possible. Most of these ferries are fast ferries (high speed catamarans). Our Island Hopper Tours include all ferry tickets, as well as delivery of the ferry tickets to your hotel, when we come to pick you up to take you to the ferry port. In some towns, where some hotels are in the pedestrian zone close to the ferry port (like Hvar), then you will be met at the ferry and directed to your hotel, with luggage assistance if required. If your hotel is outside the pedestrian zone you will be met at the ferry and taken to your transfer vehicle, with luggage assistance if required.
Transfers: Most Island Hoppers have private airport transfers included, and private transfers to/from the ferry ports on the islands. Some transfers will be shared transfers if there are others going to the exact same hotel at the same time and it is a short distance.
How fit do I need to be for my holiday?
Relaxation/cultural cruises and tours: On-board your cruise ship, you will need to be able to negotiate gangways and stairs and be able to step from ship to ship as the cruise ships are moored next to each other sideways and sometimes you need to step across to the next ship. You will be walking mostly on the cobblestone streets through the iconic cities and towns of the region. The excursions are best-suited to those who are capable of walking on uneven surfaces as many old cities and towns have limited totally flat surfaces that can accommodate wheelchairs or walking-frames. Please contact us to ask about your specific circumstances, as we are happy to help plan for your needs as best we can. Assistance will be provided on cruise ships to help you navigate getting on and off, but there are a few limitations. Please ask.
Cycling tours: Although almost completely flat this cycle tour is graded easy to moderate as the daily distance ranges between approximately 15-50 km. You will be biking mostly on the dedicated cycle paths alongside canals, rivers and through the iconic cities and towns of the region. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as it is flat and predominantly traffic-free and you also have the option of skipping the cycling and relaxing on board.
What happens if I can't attend an excursion?
It is possible to relax at your hotel, on the tour bus or on the boat at any time.
What happens if I can't cycle or hike a stage on an active holiday?
For cycling cruises: If you don't want to cycle it is possible to relax on the boat as it moves to the next port of call.
For cycling and hiking tours: If you don't want to (or can't due to illness or injury) cycle, hike or walk a stage, then we will make arrangements to have you transferred to the next stop on your itinerary so that you can continue with your holiday. Prices for transfers vary widely, so pricing will be provided on an 'as needed' basis only.
What equipment do I need?
Relaxation/excursion cruises and tours: You will need comfortable walking shoes, clothes for relaxing, your swimming costume, and a sunhat. Most cruises are fairly relaxed and casual clothing is fine for all meals, though you may want to take one nice outfit depending on where you wish to dine onshore.
Cycling cruises and tours: You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
If you have any questions, just give us a call or email:
Call us or WhatsApp: +612-9212-1507
Email us: [email protected]
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