Set off to discover the remains of Ancient Greece aboard a gulet

DAY 1: Athens (Marina Zea) – Nafplio
Embarkation is scheduled between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM aboard M/S Galileo at Marina Zea (near Piraeus). You will be welcomed by the crew before enjoying a welcome cocktail, an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. While you savour this moment, the captain sets sail for Nafplio, arriving in the late afternoon. This city was the first to be liberated from Turkish occupation in 1822 and became the first true capital of the Greek state in 1829. After your first dinner on board, explore the sunlit old town: the former mosque, ornate fountains, monumental gates, and intricate balconies. Overnight on board.

DAY 2: Nafplio
The day begins with a transfer for an optional excursion to Epidaurus. This ancient site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a religious centre dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Return to the ship for lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon to relax on board or stroll around Nafplio. Dinner and overnight on board.

Optional Excursion: Visit the 4th-century BC theatre, famed for its acoustics, the Temple of Asclepius, the mysterious Tholos, as well as the baths, stadium, and colonnades.

DAY 3: Nafplio – Monemvasia
On your final day in Nafplio, take an optional excursion: a walk through the town followed by a visit to Mycenae. Travel through the Argolis countryside to reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by spectacular Cyclopean walls. Return to the ship for lunch before sailing to Monemvasia. Known as the “Greek Gibraltar,” this unique city features a medieval fortified village perched on a rock and charming cobbled streets. Don’t miss climbing to the citadel for exceptional views of the sea and red-tiled roofs. Dinner on board and overnight at sea.

Optional Excursion: Walk through Nafplio and discover Mycenae, including the Lion Gate, Royal Palace, the Tomb of Agamemnon (an impressive tholos tomb), and the Archaeological Museum.

DAY 4: Gythion
Early morning arrival in Gythion. Today’s optional excursion takes you to the Mani Peninsula and the spectacular Diros Caves. Located along the coast, the Diros Caves are among the most remarkable in Greece. Continue to the village of Areopolis, the historical heart of Mani, where you can spend the afternoon wandering through traditional cafés and local shops. Dinner and overnight at sea.

Optional Excursion: Explore the Diros Caves with their underground lake and millennia-old stalactites, then visit Areopolis, birthplace of the 1821 Greek revolt, and its Church of the Taxiarchs.

DAY 5: Pylos
Disembark in the charming coastal town of Pylos, set in an amphitheatre facing Navarino Bay, famous for the 1827 naval battle marking Greek independence. Begin your optional excursion with a viewpoint over the Ionian Sea, then visit the Palace of Nestor. End the day in the village of Hora, with its peaceful streets, whitewashed houses, and cafés. An ideal spot to soak up the rural charm. Dinner and overnight at sea.

Optional Excursion: Visit the Palace of Nestor, the best-preserved palace in Greece (13th century BC), mentioned by Homer, featuring the throne room, frescoes, storerooms, and the royal bath. In Hora, the Archaeological Museum displays pottery, weapons, and tablets revealing the Mycenaean language.

DAY 6: Katakolon – Olympia
Early morning arrival in Katakolon for a memorable optional excursion to Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in a lush valley, Olympia was inhabited since prehistoric times and became a major centre of Zeus worship from the 10th century BC. Dinner on board and overnight sailing.

Optional Excursion: Explore Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games: visit the ancient stadium, the temples of Hera and Zeus, the Philippeion, and two essential museums; the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the History of the Games. Lunch in town is included.

DAY 7: Itea – Athens (Marina Zea)
Disembark in Itea for an optional excursion to Delphi. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Greece, dedicated to Apollo. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a final afternoon at sea while sailing through the Corinth Canal. For your last evening on board, the captain invites you to the traditional Captain’s Dinner. Late-night sailing to Marina Zea. Overnight on board.

Optional Excursion: At Delphi, explore the Temple of Apollo, the theatre, stadium, and treasures of the ancient Greek cities, then admire the Charioteer and sculpted friezes at the museum, masterpieces of classical art.

DAY 8: Athens (Marina Zea)
Disembark after breakfast between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.