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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ancient Wonders of the Aegean

Ancient Wonders of the Aegean

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Description

Join us aboard the Panorama II for a relaxing and informative voyage to some of the unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites of the Aegean. We have planned our voyage for October to take advantage of the comfortable temperatures and the absence of the high season crowds and, we believe that the itinerary offers the perfect balance between guided excursions and time at leisure to simply wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours. We have also have planned some late departures from port which affords the opportunity to enjoy dining ashore, or an after dinner stroll in some towns which are particularly atmospheric in the evening.

Of course no visit to this wonderful region would be complete without exploring some of the great ancient sites. From our first call in Nafplion choose to visit the famous citadel of Mycanae or Epidaurus and in Delos we will explore the legendary birthplace of Apollo. We have also included a call in Turkey to visit Ephesus, which is rightly one of the most famous Graeco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean and in Chios we will visit the 11th century Monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nea Moni. With a maximum of only 49 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides and, with its wealth of historic sites, dramatic scenery and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean, it will become evident why this region has inspired writers, poets and artists since the time of Homer.

Trip Name
Ancient Wonders of the Aegean
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Sail Cruiser Length: 54 metres Passenger Capacity: 49 Built / refurbished: 1993 / 2008 / 2012 / 2015 Launched in 2004, fully renovated in 2012 and upgraded again in 2015,  the two-masted Panorama II is a 164 foot motor sailer accommodating just 49 guests. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.  All the cabins on board Panorama II are designed for comfort and have a nautical feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 97 to 173 square feet and those located on the Upper and Main Decks are equipped with windows, while those on the Lower Deck have portholes. Cabins either have twin beds or fixed double beds. (Cabins  A1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17). Facilities include en suite bathrooms with showers, cabin TV (for DVD only), mini-fridge, safety deposit box and hairdryer. The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas, a restaurant located on the Lower Deck and the Upper Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. There is also a swimming platform enabling guests to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit and the Upper Deck provides a generous semi covered or sun exposed space with sun loungers and chairs, ideal for relaxation and fantastic views.  Located on the Lower Deck, the indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned seating and offers generous buffet space. The aft area on the Upper Deck provides a generous semicovered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco with wonderful views, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffets stands. The menu is Greek and international, with a focus on local specialties. On each itinerary, we have included the opportunity for you to dine ashore independently allowing you to experience the local flavours.  During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor dining room, as well as the open and inviting deck areas. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, settling into a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views. The swimming platform on Panorama II’s stern enables you to swim off the yacht when weather and anchorage conditions permit. (only applicable for voyages around Greece).  Deck plans vary depending on cruise operator, please check for details.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Panorama II moored in Piraeus. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Nafplion.
Nafplion’s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivalled in Greece. From here we will enjoy a scenic drive through the Argos Plain, once ruled by Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy, to the famous citadel of Mycenae. High above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines, Mycenae is entered by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. Alternatively visit one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret rites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Built into the ground, rather than above it, it is known for its fantastic acoustics, which we will observe during our visit. This afternoon is free to explore picturesque Nafplion and you will be able to dine independently in the town this evening before we sail late tonight.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Delos.
Spend the morning at sea as we cross to Delos, which though the smallest of the Cyclades was once the political and religious centre for the whole of the Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. Explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Santorini.
Arrive over breakfast into the flooded volcanic crater of Santorini, one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular islands. From the sea enjoy a beautiful view of the whitewashed village of Phira, set atop a 1000-foot-high palisade before we drive to Akrotiri which, centuries ago, was inhabited by a sophisticated Bronze Age society. In the 2nd millennium BC, volcanic eruptions shrouded the island in a blanket of pumice and ash, preserving many of Akrotiri’s buildings. Like Pompeii, the houses here still contain pottery and other household items left as they were abandoned, and the narrow streets and broad squares remain much as they did 3,600 years ago. After our tour spend time at the excellent Prehistoric Museum. Choose either to return to the ship for lunch or to dine independently ashore and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Kos.
According to Myth, Kos was the homeland of the Giants. The island has given to the world Hippocrates, father of medicine, Pythagoras, and the 4th century painter Apelles. We will drive the short distance to the Asklepion, the infirmary of Antiquity, which was constructed in the 4th century BC. Among the ruins are part of the Doric Temple of Aesculapius, the altar and the Stoa which housed the famous Hippocrates Medical School. After lunch on board you have the afternoon to explore Kos Town at your own pace, maybe head to the once impregnable Castle of the Knights, the 3rd century BC Agora, see the museum housing fine mosaics or simply relax at one of the cafes in the squares. This evening is free to find a restaurant in town for dinner.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Patmos.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western; it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the Panorama II for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach. This evening is free to find a restaurant ashore for dinner.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Ephesus, Turkey.
From our berth in Kusadasi we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. We will see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. From this theatre, which has a row of seats 30 metres above the orchestra, St Paul used to give his sermons. Enjoy a free afternoon in Kusadasi before we enjoy dinner on board and sail this evening.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Chios.
The birthplace of Homer, Chios remained a significant Aegean island into the Byzantine period. Homer mentions the island by name several times in the Odyssey, calling it ‘paipaloessa’, or craggy, a richly deserved epithet. The island is rich in ancient ruins and this morning we will visit the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in Greece. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon spend a few hours to explore Chios Town independently before we sail in the late afternoon.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Samothrace.
Arrive this morning at the small island of Samothrace. This rarely visited island contains one of the ancient world’s great sites, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods which was the site of important religious ceremonies. We will visit the main archaeological site including the Greek theatre, ruined temples and the ruins of a rotunda, built for Arsinoe and one of the largest circular buildings from ancient Greece. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Thessaloniki to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-10-201813-10-2018£3,595Lower Deck Cabin
04-10-201813-10-2018£3,795Main Deck Cabin
04-10-201813-10-2018£3,595Lower Deck Forward Cabin Sole
04-10-201813-10-2018£4,195Main Deck Cabin Sole
04-10-201813-10-2018£4,195Upper Deck Cabin
04-10-201813-10-2018£3,295Lower Deck Forward Cabin

Inclusions

    • Travel to Delos, which though the smallest of the Cyclades was once the political and religious centre for the whole of the Aegean
    • Discover the flooded volcanic crater of Santorini, one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular islands
    • See Kos. According to Myth, Kos was the homeland of the Giants
    • Visit Patmos. Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western; it was here that St John received his revelation
    • Explore the birthplace of Homer, Chios

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