fbpx

UNESCO Heritage – An Epic Journey through History

UNESCO Heritage – An Epic Journey through History

From EUR €2,850

Description

This new itinerary is an epic journey that takes you across the mesmerising Corinth Canal to the Peloponnese and 5 out of the 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Greece. A historical cruise that features carefully curated tours guided by our resident archaeologist.
Steeped in awe-inspiring ancient civilization, filled with history, wisdom, myths and passions, the Peloponnese is a captivating destination. A mythical land of Gods and heroes and unsurpassed natural beauty, littered with ancient monuments, monasteries, Byzantine cities, Ottoman, Frankish and Venetian fortresses.
Discover Delphi were the Oracle’s prophecies linger through the centuries, Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games were born, the awe-inspiring Byzantine settlement of Mystras, the magnificent medieval city of Monemvasia, majestic Mycenae and Epidaurus and the enchanting island of Hydra voted by UNESCO “Best preserved island of the Mediterranean.”
This is the stuff of legends, filled with lifetime experiences that will stay with you forever.

Trip Name
UNESCO Heritage - An Epic Journey through History
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Boutique Cruise Ship / Yacht Length: 63.8m Passenger Capacity: 48-58 The Elysium is a 64-metre boutique cruise ship designed to offer an intimate yet vibrant small-ship experience. With just 25 spacious and elegantly decorated cabins, guests enjoy a perfect balance of relaxation, wellness and exploration. Onboard facilities include a Wellness & Sun Deck with jacuzzi, spa suite, mini-gym and a variety of water toys such as glass-bottom kayaks, SUPs and snorkelling equipment. Life aboard is enriched with healthy Mediterranean cuisine, a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and a wide range of activities, from cultural tours and educational workshops to yoga, Pilates and sunset meditation. With a guest-to-crew ratio of 2:1, service is highly personalised, ensuring every detail is tailored for comfort and enjoyment. Whether joining solo, as a couple, with family or friends, the Elysium offers the flexibility to be as active or as relaxed as you wish. Guests can dive into crystal-clear waters directly from the ship, hike a volcano, enjoy a massage in the onboard spa, or simply unwind on deck with a chilled drink under the stars. Dining is mainly al fresco on the Thalassa Deck, complemented by an all-day menu and attentive service, while evening entertainment may include cooking classes, Greek dancing or stargazing. Blending the choice and variety of a larger vessel with the intimacy and charm of a yacht, the Elysium redefines boutique cruising and creates a truly memorable journey through the Greek islands and beyond.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Lavrion
Embarkation at beautiful Lavrion between 14:30-15:30.Lavrion is not only the closest port to Athens international airport, but it also boasts a rich and fascinating history. Begin or end your adventure discovering this picturesque port, once a booming mining town. Situated on a small bay opposite the island of Makronissos, a former exile site for political prisoners, Lavrion still holds a unique charm and offers many sightseeing opportunities. For a more slowpaced visit, the Lavrion Marina is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, lined with charming cafés and fresh seafood tavernas. Enjoy our signature cocktail during your smooth check-in. Welcome cocktails and dinner are followed by the lifetime experience of crossing the impressively narrow and. beautiful Corinth Canal. Overnight at sea.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Itea - Delphi
Early morning arrival at Itea, the perfect base for exploring Delphi or the enchanting seaside town of Galaxidi, with our optional tours. The ancient sanctuary of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known as the “navel of the world” from where the Oracle 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. Dinner onboard. Overnight at sea to Katakolon.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Kylini (Ancient Olympia)
Morning arrival at Kylini port, our base for exploring Ancient Olympia, another UNESCO World Heritage site of major importance as it is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. 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.  Late afternoon we set sail for Gytheion. Dinner onboard and overnight at sea.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Gytheion (Mystras)
Wake up at the “Land of the Gods”, Gytheio. Gytheio is the site of ancient Cranae, a tiny island where according to legend Paris of Troy and Helen of Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, thus igniting the Trojan War. Explore this relaxing and romantic place or join and optional tour to the stunning fortified settlement of Mystras, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site in our journey. Sitting proudly on mount Taygetos, Mystras served as the capital of the Byzantine settlement of Morea during the 14th and 15th centuries. Lunch on board. In the evening enjoy dinner at one of the many traditional fish tavernas in Gytheion. Overnight at port.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Elafonissos - Monemvasia
In the morning enjoy a swim stop (weather permitting) at the tiny and magical beach of Elafonissos, featuring sand hills and turquoise tropical waters, a NATURA protected habitat. Lunch onboard the Elysium. In the afternoon we arrive at the immaculately preserved medieval town of Monemvasia, meaning “the only entrance”. Explore its fairytale beauty and walk its narrow, pebbled alleys. Enjoy a romantic dinner with local cuisine and wine before returning to Elysium for our overnight sail to Nafplion.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Nafplion (Mycenae & Epidaurus)
After breakfast set out to explore Nafplion and the surrounding area. Take a guided tour to the Ancient City of Mycenae and the ancient sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, both UNESCO World Heritage sites of great historical significance. Upon return, visit the many museums in Nafplion: the Archaeological Museum, the War Museum, former site of the first Military School in Greece or the Komboloi Museum where you may also participate in a workshop to create your own. Enjoy a romantic evening at one of the most elegant cities in Greece. Overnight at port.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Hydra
Early in the morning we set sail to 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. It has recently been named by UNESCO “The best preserved island in the Mediterranean”. Farewell dinner onboard en route to Lavrion port.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Athens
Disembarkation at Lavrion port after breakfast, until 10:00.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €2,850Cat C
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €3,250Cat B+
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €3,450Cat B
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €4,100Cat A
03-04-202610-04-2026EUR €4,300Cat A+

Inclusions

    • Relaxing & Fun: Swimming, snorkeling and water toys, leisurely discovery walks, board games, jacuzzi
    • Active: Hiking trails, hiking up the “Rock” of Monemvasia,water sport and scuba diving (weather permitting)
    • Wellness & Fitness: Group wellness sessions, spa treatments, gym
    • Experiential: Greek dances, cooking class on board
    • Cultural: 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, significant archaeological ruins, Byzantine churches, monasteries, museums, medieval towns and villages
    • Educational: Archaeology seminars with our resident archaeologist, photography walk
    • Nature: Spectacular coastline, indigenous flora & fauna, Corinth canal
    • UNESCO SITES: Delphi, Ancient Olympia, Mystras, Mycenae, Epidaurus

Map