Greece UNESCO Cruise 7nts on MS Elysium (Fridays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

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8 days from Lavrion, Itea-Delphi, Katakolon (Ancient Olympia), Gytheio (Mystras), Elafonissos - Monemvasia, Nafplion (Mycenae & Epidaurus), Hydra and 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. 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.

Day 2
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 Katakolon.

Day 3
Morning arrival at Katakolon 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 we set sail for Gytheion. Dinner on board and overnight at sea.

Day 4
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 an optional tour of 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 on board. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the many traditional fish tavernas in Gytheion. Overnight at port.

Day 5
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 onboard the Elysium. In the afternoon we arrive at the immaculately preserved medieval town of Monemvasia, meaning “the only entrance”. Explore its fairytale beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Enjoy a romantic dinner with local cuisine and wine before returning to Elysium for our overnight sail to Nafplion.

Day 6
After breakfast set out to explore Nafplion and the surrounding area. Take a guided tour of the Ancient City of Mycenae and the ancient sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, both UNESCO World Heritage sites of great historical significance. Upon return, visit the many museums in Nafplion: the Archaeological Museum, the War Museum, the former site of the first Military School in Greece, or the Komboloi Museum where you may also participate in a workshop to create your own. Enjoy a romantic evening in one of the most elegant cities in Greece. Overnight at port.

Day 7
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 en route to Lavrion port.

Day 8
Disembarkation at Lavrion port before 10:00, after breakfast.

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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.
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