The Divine Cyclades

Arrive in Athens

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will spend the next two nights.
Balance of the day is at leisure.

Athens Sightseeing Tour [duration approx. 4.5hours]  & 
Cape Sounion/Athens [duration approx. 4 hours]

Morning sightseeing tour of Athens, including a visit to the awesome Acropolis, Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Acropolis Museum Drive past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, Panathenian Olympic Stadium, Temple of Zeus, and lots more.

Take a couple of hours break from you Sightseeing to wander around the Plaka.  It is the oldest district in Athens (it is also mentioned as "Gods' district") with outstanding scenery. The moment you start walking on its paved narrow lanes you get the feeling that you travel back in time. In the early afternoon, you will drive down the coast to Cape Sounion dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon. Return to Athens in the early evening.

For dinner, visit Lycavittos hill or one of the numerous roof top restaurants to enjoy the magnificent night view to the Acropolis.

Classical Tour  [day 1 of 4] Athens - Mycenae - Epidaurus

From the classic ancient Olympic Stadium at Olympia to the famous rock-tower monasteries of Meteora and Nauplion, the first capital of modern Greece – you will visit some of the most iconic sites in Greece on this five-day tour from Athens.

Starting from Athens we drive westwards along the scenic coast, until we reach the Corinth Canal with its breathtaking views (Short Stop). The Corinth Canal is a junction of international sea transport and serves ships coming from the western Mediterranean and Adriatic en route to eastern Mediterranean and black seaports and vice-versa. Continue along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf to Epidaurus (Visit). On the headland called “Nesi” at Palaia Epidaurus, the theatre of the ancient city is quite well-preserved, in the shape it acquired during the latter years of its function. Apart from a few rows of seats, the cavea is made of limestone with poros staircases. The theater is marveled for its exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken word from the proscenium or scene to all 12,000 spectators, regardless of their seating. Then depart for Nauplia 1st capital of Greece in 1829 (Short Stop) drive to Mycenae (Visit) “Mycenae ‘Rich in Gold’, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, is the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization.”

Overnight in Nauplion .

Classical Tour  [day 2 of 4] Nauplion - Olympia - Delphi

Olympia the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it sprawls over the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush, green landscape. Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one world-wide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus. Visit the Archaeological Site & the Museum and then drive via Patras to Rion, across the channel to Antirrion on the “State of the Art” new suspended bridge considered to be the longest and most modern in Europe. Arrive in Nafpaktos then continue to Delphi – Overnight in Delphi.

Classical Tour  [day 3 of 4]  Delphi  - Kalambaka

Situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the center of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics, which were held every four years. Visit of the archaeological site and the Museum where one can see among other archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. This incomparable statue is a representative example of the ”severe” Attic style, certainly the work of a major artist.

Depart for KALAMBAKA via Central Greece. Overnight in Kalambaka

Classical Tour [day 4 of 4]  Kalambaka  - Athens

Today we will see one of the most amazing places in Greece - Meteora Monasteries.

Meaning ‘suspended in air’ the name Meteora soon came to encompass the entire rock community of 24 monasteries, the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos There were no steps and the main access to the monasteries was by means of a net that was hitched over a hook and hoisted up by rope and a hand cranked windlass to winch towers overhanging the chasm. Monks descended in the nets or on retractable wooden ladders up to 40m long to the fertile valleys below to grow grapes, corn, and potatoes. Each community developed its own resources and by the end of the 14th century, the Grand Meteoron emerged as the dominant community.

The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage.

Overnight in Athens

Transfer to the port for embarkation - Cape Sounion  

Morning at leisure. Early afternoon transfer to the port for Embarkation at Marina Zeas between 14:00-15:00. Welcome on board the Elysium with warm smiles from our crew and savor our signature cocktail during a smooth check-in. We set sail for the nearby Cape Sounion, home to the “Temple of Poseidon”, for your first refreshing dip in the Aegean waters. Perched at the edge of the cliff, the ancient sanctuary it is one of the most important monuments of the golden age of Athens. Dinner alfresco on board, to experience the mesmerizing sunset. After dinner, lounge at the upper deck with music and drinks, while you watch the flickering lights of the mainland and feel the soothing salty breeze on your face. Overnight at anchor. 

Sifnos - Milos

Morning arrival in the dreamy island of Sifnos, with its traditional white-washed architecture, its famous hiking trails and a sizzling food scene. Hike one of the many “Sifnos trails” or choose an optional excursion to the medieval ancient castle and the most photographed spot of Sifnos, the church of Seven Martyrs.

Explore Apollonia, the picturesque capital, named after the God of light Apollo. Opt for a special Greek cooking lesson experience with lunch at a local home or enjoy your lunch at one of the many local tavernas. Afternoon sailing to the volcanic island of Milos for a swim stop at the iconic Sarakiniko beach with its milky blue waters and spectacular  lunar landscape. Sail on to Kimolos, a true hidden gem, and discover its port Psathi and the surrounding authentic fishing villages. At nearby Goupa, you can see the so called “syrmata”, colorful boat garages carved in the rocks, and if we are lucky, we will encounter the local children playing in the water. Dinner on board the Elysium.

Ios

Sail to Ios island and enjoy a refreshing swim stop at Magganari, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece. Optional excursions to the tomb of Homer, the author of the epic poems Iliad and Odyssey and strolling through the charming “chora” alleys. Lunch on board the Elysium. Afternoon arrival in Santorini island. Choose from an array of optional activities like a winery tour, a guided photography walk and more. In the evening find your perfect, romantic dinner spot, perched at the caldera and experience the world-famous Santorini sunset. Overnight at Santorini.

Santorini - Koufonissi

Wake up in mesmerizing Santorini and choose from the many optional activities, like a visit to the Akrotiri prehistoric excavation site and the Venetian castle, hiking the volcano crater and more. Lunch on board while sailing to unspoiled Schoinousa island for an afternoon swim stop. Sail on to Pano Koufonisi island, to explore the extraordinary sea caves, only accessible by boat. “Koufonisia”, meaning hollow islands, were given this name by pirates, as the huge caves convinced them the islands were in fact hollow. Unwind to the sounds of the sea, as we overnight at Pano Koufonisi port.

Antiparos - Naxos

Sail towards the island of Antiparos, chosen by many celebrities for their low-key vacation. Enjoy a morning swim stop at the uninhabited island of Despotiko next to Antiparos. Alfresco lunch on board the Elysium and afternoon sailing to Naxos island. Explore the town of Naxos or go for one of the many optional excursions, like a visit to Kouros of Apollon, the olive press museum or hiking the Devil’s eye trail. Participate in our exciting Greek dance workshop. Overnight in Naxos port.

Delos - Mykonos

Morning arrival in the island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of unique energy. Optional tour of the archaeological site. Mid-day sailing to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, where we drop anchor at one of its beautiful southern beaches. Lunch on board. In the evening, enjoy a sunset drink at Little Venice, photograph the iconic windmills or simply explore the swirling pathways of the white-washed chora with the many elegant boutiques, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Optional excursions include visits to Paleokastro Monastery, the Maritime Museum or the Agricultural Museum. Overnight in Mykonos to enjoy its famous nightlife.

Serifos - Kythnos

Morning arrival in Serifos, a lesser-known island of distinct Cycladic flair, dotted with windmills, white-washed chapels, pristine beaches and many sites of cultural interest. Optional excursions include a visit to the Venetian Castle, the Monastery of Taxiarches, the Archaeological Museum, the Cave of Koutalas or opt for an immersive Greek pottery workshop. Afternoon sailing to Kythnos island for a swim stop at Kolona Bay beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand. As the sun sets and the stars start to fill the night sky, it’s time for our special farewell beach BBQ. Late night we set sail for Piraeus.

Disembarkation and transfer to the airport 

Disembarkation at Marina Zeas after breakfast, until 10:00
Transfer to the Athens airport for departure