Embark on an 8-day cruise on the Galileo and discover the wonders of Antiquity and Byzantium around the coast of the Peloponnese. Leap back into ancient history to amaze you and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you. With the guidance and knowledge of an experienced lecturer and guide, get to know the famous ancient theater of Epidaurus, the Tomb of Agamemnon, the Mycenae burial complex, and the famous Delphi. Visit historic and picturesque cities such as Nafplion and Monemvasia, Gythion, and Pylos.
Highlights
Explore the ancient healing sanctuary of Epidaurus and marvel at its exceptional acoustics
Discover the remains of the glorious ancient city of Mycenae, including the Lion's Gate and Agamemnon Tomb
Visit Gythion and explore the Dirou Caves
Discover the remarkably preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Monemvasia
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Embarkation is between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink while meeting your crew and other passengers. Then, set sail for Ancient Epidaurus and have dinner on board when you arrive in the evening. Overnight in port.
Leave your ship early to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for your optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. The sanctuary was looted by the Roman general Sulla, by pirates, and later by Goths in 395 AD, and very little remains of it today. The prosperity brought by the Asclepieion enabled the residents of Epidaurus to construct civic monuments, including a huge theater (approximately 300 B.C.) renowned for its symmetry and beauty. Lunch on the ship and afternoon sailing to Nafplion. Overnight in port.
After a short walking tour of Nafplion, drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards Mycenae for an optional excursion. The importance of the city, which Homer calls “rich in gold,” begins in 1650 B.C and ceases around 1100 B.C with the fall of the civilization to which it gives its name. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city, including the Lion’s Gate, the Palace, the so-called Agamemnon Tomb, and the museum. Lunch on the ship and afternoon sailing to Monemvasia. Overnight at sea.
Early morning arrival in Gythion. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula, Cape Tenaro, and the spectacular Dirou Caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient Gythion was inhabited during prehistoric times, and later, the Spartans enlarged the port and used it as their naval base. Leaving Gythion, cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular caves discovered around the 1960s, perhaps among Greece's most important natural sites. After visiting the cave, drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani is at the tip of the Peloponnese, a distinctive area unlike any other in Greece. It is a desolate region of underground lakes, rivers, windswept landscapes, and strangely beautiful towers. Overnight at sea.
Pylos is a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. In 1827, Venetians and other city-states defeated an Ottoman fleet in one of history's most important naval battles. This defeat led to Greece's independence in 1829. During your optional excursion and after stopping to admire the scenery, continue up the road to Nestor's Palace. The remains of the prehistoric Palace occupy a scenic hilltop north of Pylos. The Palace at Pylos belonged to Nestor and was discovered in 1939 by the American archaeologist Carl Blegen. Highlights include the well-preserved royal apartments and a bathtub that archaeologists have speculated belonged to the old king himself. The Palace, with its central courtyard, was originally two stories high and richly decorated with frescoes. Following your visit to the remains of the Palace, make a short trip to the town of Hora, where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artifacts recovered from the site—overnight at sea.
Arrived in the port of Katakolon early in the morning. Disembark around 7:00 a.m., and an optional excursion takes you by bus to Olympia, one of the ancient world's most famous and important sites. Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. From 1875 onward, excavation work revealed the fantastic antiquated treasures that sit today in the marvelous archaeological museum. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the stadium, which looks much like it did over 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus the Philippeion. Visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world. After lunch in Olympia, visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Unlike the main archaeological museum, this building houses statuary and artifacts related to the ancient Olympic Games—time at leisure and travel overland to Patra. Re-board your ship and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth, overnight in port.
Morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world. Disembark the ship early this morning and proceed to the ruins complex. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain. Stay awed as much for the stunning natural beauty surrounding the ruins as for the ancient buildings themselves. In its prime, Delphi was revered for its wealth and reputation, which grew from its location as hosting the most important oracle in the classical world. The oracle could prophesy the future and give advice. Visitors from across the Greek world traveled here to consult with the oracle and responded by offering thanks to Apollo in the form of treasure. Have a half day to walk around the ruins complex and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship and cross the Corinth Canal. Later in the evening, the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and sail to Marina Zea. Overnight in Marina Zea.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$1,9502-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Category C
Lower deck, 1 double or 2 lower beds. Portholes, A/C, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes and en suite bathrooms with shower.
Category B
Lower deck, with double or twin bed options. Portholes, A/C, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes and en suite bathrooms with shower.
Category A
Upper deck, 1 double or 2 lower beds. Portholes, A/C, central music, internal telephone, safe deposit boxes and en suite bathrooms with shower.
Notes
- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.
- Please note that shore excursions are offered at additional costs.
- Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount in Category A. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount in Category A.
- Third person reduction in Category A only is 30%.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
This will be the third trip I have arranged with Adventure Life and I find their customer service and helpfulness to be excellent. Sandra has been very knowledgeable in describing the details of the planned trip as well as the signing up process for the trip. I have and will continue to recommend Adventure Life as the best tour vendor I have had the pleasure to work with. Thank you for your continued excellence.
Linda Haugh
2 months ago
I was given all the information that I asked for and my questions were answered quickly. Very pleasant and knowledgeable agent.
Miriam Weininger
3 months ago
Agent was timely and informative
Amy Jordan
4 months ago
The rep Mary was excellent
Got back to me rightaway w any info requested
Process was easy so far
Thank you
Maryellen Pantaleo
6 months ago
I was on a trip to the UK while arranging another trip for next year. Was able to work with email and a short call to secure our spot on a tall ship cruise. Good company to work with so far.
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