Elixir Cruise
Ancient Paths
Description
Steeped in awe-inspiring ancient civilization, filled with history, wisdom, myths and passions, the route around the Peloponnese, Ithaca and beyond is a captivating journey.
The Peloponnese, a mythic land of Gods and heroes and unsurpassed natural beauty. Sprinkled with cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards, beautiful sandy beaches and emerald blue waters. Littered with Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, Ottoman, Frankish and Venetian fortresses.
Zakynthos, with its iconic Navagio cove, repeatedly voted best beach in the world.
Ithaca, the epic homeland of Odysseus, still as romantic and seductive as ever.
The impressive narrow Corinth Canal, it’s crossing plain mesmerizing.
This is the stuff of legends, an experience that will stay with you forever.
Itinerary
( 8 days )Your tour’s schedule in detail:
Embarkation at Marina Zea 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 the port of Hydra.
In the morning we set sail for the Peloponnese, where you will enjoy a swim stop at the 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. 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.
Morning arrival off the coast of southern Laconia at Pavlopetri, one of the oldest submerged cities in the world. Snorkeling or even 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.
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 port.
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.
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 Ionian sea. Late evening departure for Itea. Dinner on board the Elysium and overnight at sea.
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.
Disembarkation at Marina Zeas after breakfast, until 10:00.
Departure / Return location
ATHENS
Cruise departs :
Embarkation at Marina Zeas between 14:00-15:00.
Cruise returns :
Disembarkation at Marina Zeas after breakfast, until 10:00
Departure days in 2022:
March 26, April 9 & 30, June 11 , July 23, August 27, October 1 &15
Wear
Dress cruise casual anytime during the day. Be sure to pack plenty of swimwear and a sweater for cooler evenings. Think about the shore excursions you’ll be taking and pack accordingly, including comfy walking shoes.
Your vessel :
ACTIVITIES ON THIS CRUISE
Relaxing & Fun:
Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, cocktail lounging, leisurely discovery walks, board games
Active:
Horse riding on the beach, hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia, scuba diving
Wellness & Fitness:
Yoga, pilates, meditation sessions, spa treatments, aquarobics, gym
Experiential:
Cooking class with lunch at local home, Greek dance workshop
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
Included
- Accommodation in twin or double cabins with private bath, individually controlled A/C, snuggly all season duvet, pillow menu, flat screen tv with various channels, music, minibar, personal safe, 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, beach BBQ, still water and unlimited filter coffee, tea, cookies station
- Room service offered without surcharge.
- All advice and group yoga, pilates, aquarobics, meditation sessions with our qualified Wellness Coach
- Occasional themed seminars by visiting masters
- Access to mini gym
- Use of fishing equipment, sanitized snorkeling equipment and water sports equipment
- Wi-fi access
- All advice by our multilingual Cruise Concierge
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks
- Optional shore excursions or additional land arrangements.
- Spa treatments
- Boutique purchases
- Medical services
- Water ski & scuba diving
- Passenger personal expenses
- Crew gratuities at passenger discretion
- Hair and nail services
- Laundry and dry-cleaning services
Important to read before booking :
PAYMENT TERMS
25% deposit upon confirmation of booking
75% balance of payment no less than 60 days prior to embarkation date
CANCELLATION POLICY
15% penalty for cancellation from 120-90 days prior to departure date
25% penalty for cancellation from 89-60 days prior to departure date
50% penalty for cancellation from 59-30 days prior to departure date
100% penalty for cancellation from 29-00 days prior to departure date
In response to changing travel conditions due to Covid19, we are committed to offering our customers flexibility during these challenging times. We will offer full refund or future cruise credit to passengers in the event of the following:
- Greece imposing entry restrictions for certain nationalities
- Greece or the country of origin imposing Covid19 quarantine measures
- The country of origin imposing quarantine measures to their nationals upon their return from Greece
ADDITIONAL TERMS
- All onboard charges are in Euros.
- Children between the ages of 10-15 receive a 50% discount on the cruise fare, exclusive of port taxes.
- The Company does not accept reservations for children under 10 years old (except on scheduled family cruises).
- Solo travelers/single supplement :Solo travelers are welcome on the cruise, as the Elysium offers many activities and facilities suitable for all types of travelers. Single supplement is set at a reduced 50% over current fares. In addition, the Elysium has a single cabin/no single supplement reserved on priority basis.
- Cruise itinerary changes : The carrier reserves the right, at its sole option and discretion and that of the Captain of the ship, without liability for damages or refund of any kind, to alter or deviate from the ship's advertised or ordinary itinerary or route due to weather conditions, force majeure, assistance to other ships in distress, saving of life at sea or other extraordinary conditions. Under such extreme circumstances, passengers are not entitled to any claims or refunds. The carrier will however make every effort that passengers access their port of disembarkation on time for their outwards flights.
