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A unique sailing adventure that will travel you through Greece’s thousands of years of history and major UNESCO Worldwide Heritage sites! Join us on board and let us sail you through the Mediterranean crystal clear waters to some of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites.
Our professional guides will travel you back to time and give you a deep insight of the Ancient Greek history. You will have the chance to visit some major UNESCO Heritage sites, such as the Acropolis with the Parthenon, Ancient Mycenae with its cyclopean walls and the Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus. At the same time you will enjoy a fantastic weekly sailing holiday, visit some of the renowned Greek islands, enjoy swimming and snorkelling, even hiking or cycling on the islands and of course, taste the delicious local cuisine and meet the locals!
If you are a history aficionado, but you also love sailing, this is the perfect trip for you! It perfectly combines leisure at sea and water activities with a profound journey throughout Greece’s history and civilization. Take your friends or family and come aboard for an unforgettable experience!
Itinerary
Athens – Aegina island (Archaeological site of Kolona & Temple of Aphaea)
Welcome aboard! On the first day, you will embark our yacht, which will be your vacation home for the next week. You will take a boat tour with all the necessary instructions you need to know and you can settle in your cabins. We will then sail to our first destination, Aegina Island, famous for its pistachios (approx. 2.5hrs sailing journey, 18 nm). Aegina was the first (temporary) capital of the newly founded Greek state in 1827, this is why you will find many neoclassical buildings while you walk around its narrow streets. Upon arrival in Aegina, we’ll take an exciting inland tour and explore some of its hidden gems!
We will first visit the Temple of Apollo at the archaeological site of Kolona, which lies at a walking distance from the port. There we will also find the Archaeological Museum, the first one to have ever been built in Greece (in 1829). We will afterwards drive inland and visit the temple of Aphaea (dating back to 500 BC), located on a pine – clad hill at the northeast side of the island. What is of great interest is the fact that the temple forms an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called “holy triangle” of the antiquity. Next stop is the island’s Mystras and also former capital of the island, Paleachora.
We will follow the hiking trails to explore this abandoned “ghost town” with its numerous byzantine churches and enjoy the panoramic views over the Saronic Gulf. Our last visit for today includes the impressive Monastery of Saint Nektarios, one of the biggest of the Balkans. In the evening, we will return back to Aegina town and you will have free time to walk through its narrow streets or alongside the picturesque port and enjoy dinner at one of the seaside restaurants.
Tip: do not forget to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables from the floating groceries (traditional boats in the port selling fruits & vegetables).
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Aegina – Korfos (Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth castle)
After enjoying breakfast on board, we will set sails to the small port of Korfos (2 hrs sailing, 14 nm), located in the southeastern part of Corinthia (Peloponnese peninsula). This will be our yacht’s base, so we can explore today the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, one of the major cities in the antiquity and an important trade center.
On a high monolithic rock, overlooking the ancient city of Corinth, lies the impressive Acrocorinth castle, which we’ll visit next. It was the Acropolis of the ancient cities and one of the most important fortification works all around Greece. The views from the castle over the Corinthian gulf are captivating! Undoubtedly, we cannot leave Corinth, without visiting the striking Corinth canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll return back to Korfos and you will have the rest of the day free to relax, enjoy a swim, if the weather is good and dinner in one of the seaside restaurants.
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Korfos – Epidaurus (Ancient Epidaurus & Ancient Mycenae)
Today, after breakfast on board, we will sail towards the port of Epidaurus (approx 1.5 hrs sailing, 9 nm). Upon arrival in Palaia (=old) Epidaurus, you will be transferred to the archaeological site of Epidaurus, lying just 20 min away. This is where peacefully lies the Sanctuary of the god-physician Asclepius, the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world and a UNESCO Worldwide Heritage site. Besides the sanctuary of Asclepius, we’ll also visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the greatest monuments of Ancient Greece, the finest and most renowned of its kind, perfectly combining acoustics with elegance and symmetrical proportions.
Only 40 minutes away lies the archaeological site of Mycenae, also protected as a UNESCO Heritage site. It was the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. First sung by Homer in his epics, the fortified citadel with its cyclopean walls is nested over the fertile plain of Argolis, offering also wonderful panoramic views! Later in the afternoon, we’ll return back to Epidaurus port. You will have the evening free for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Epidaurus – Methana – Poros island
Today it will be a more relaxing day, free of archaeological sites, yet very interesting! After breakfast, we’ll set sail for the island of Poros (approx. 3.5 hrs sailing, 23 nm). On our way there, we will make a stop at the volcanic peninsula of Methana.
The more than thirty volcanoes that rise into the sky in peculiar formations give Methana its distinctive and unique appearance. The charming image of the spa town is the first thing you will see when we reach the port and, subject to its operating hours, you may be able to visit the thermal baths. After lunch, we will continue towards Poros island.
Once we enter Poros harbor, you cannot help but sigh at the scenic view of the little town that rises amphitheatrically over two hills and admire the historic Clock tower and the pastel colored buildings lining the harbor front. Free evening to explore the town, walk alongside the port and dinner at one of the seaside fish restaurants.
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Poros – Ermioni, visit Nafplio town & Palamidi castle
In the morning, after we enjoy breakfast on board, we will sail away to the quaint coastal small town of Ermioni, at the south of the Peloponnese peninsula (approx. 3 hrs sailing, 21nm). From there, we will board our private vehicle and drive to one of the most picturesque and romantic towns all around Greece, Nafplio (1:15 hrs away), where we will spend our day.
Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state, after Aegina island, but the history of the city traces back to the prehistoric era. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman springs and Venetian or neoclassical buildings captivate the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty. A walk around the narrow paved streets of the Old Town is like a trip to the past. But what is even more impressive is the Venetian castle of Palamidi, overlooking the town of Nafplio and the 913 steps connecting it with the town.
You will have free time to walk around the city, visit the chic boutique shops, have lunch at one of the seaside restaurants and enjoy a cup of coffee, staring at the unique “Bourtzi” island castle. In the evening, we will be back in Ermioni.
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Ermioni – Hydra island
In the morning, after we enjoy breakfast on board, we will sail to Hydra island (approx. 1.5 hrs sailing, 10 nm). Once we get there, you are free to explore the car-free island of Hydra, whose only transport is mules, foot or boat. It is an elegant artist’s colony and gives a sense of magic and romantic touch. You can wander in the art shops, handmade jewelry stores and clothing boutiques or take a gentle hike inland and upward, ascending to the Prophet Elias monastery.
The island is a paradise for hiking lovers and naturalists and its diverse natural environment and rich history and tradition make Hydra a unique destination you will love. The sailing boat is at your entire disposal if you simply want to relax on board or enjoy swimming in one of the island’s rocky beaches!
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Hydra – Athens
This is the last morning of our sailing adventure, so you have some time in the entire morning free to relax or take a last walk alongside the picturesque port of Hydra. Depending on the weather, we can optionally make a stop during our trip back to Athens for a swim! Approximate sailing journey is 6 hrs (37 nm).
Overnight in Cabin on board the sailing yacht
Check out – Acropolis archaeological site & museum
In the morning, by 9:30am – 10:00am, you will have to check out from the boat. You will be transferred to the city center and you will have the chance to explore the city where democracy was born. A 3.5 – 4 hrs guided tour will take you up to the sacred hill of the Acropolis and the Parthenon and then to the Acropolis museum. A walk around the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka afterwards will compliment your last day. You can have lunch at one of the local restaurants, before you check in at your hotel (or head to the airport for departures).
End of Trip
Upon agreement.
Sailboat with skipper and tour leader, All meals as indicated on the trip notes (6 breakfasts), Entrance fees in all the archaeological sites (Temple of Aphaea, Archaeological site of Kolona,Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Palamidi fortress, archaeological site of Acropolis, Acropolis museum), Guided tour by professional historical guide on the sites, All necessary ground transfers, Snorkeling equipment, Port taxes, petrol ,all electricity and water port costs, Bed linen and towels, Cleaning fee, VAT.
International airfares, Travel insurance, Any meals not included above, Optional activities that are not included in the day-to-day itinerary, Transfer to/from the marina, Other expenses of personal nature and tips.
Fulfillment of participation document, prepayment of participation fee, physical and mental health.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.
Suitable for ages: 8-80 years.
What participants should have with them: Hat and sun protection, Swimming suit and beach towel, Windproof jacket.
