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Aegean Antiquities

Aegean Antiquities

From £3,495 GBP

Description

September in the Aegean is the perfect time for visiting some of the unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites. We have planned our voyage with the objective of keeping our distance from the main ports and exploring some of the lesser visited islands where 3000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet at a time of year when the absence of high summer crowds will contribute towards making this a memorable journey. We will explore some truly fascinating sites including sacred Delos, the 11th century monastery of Nea Moni and the famous citadel of Mycenae and Epidaurus. 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.

We have devised our itinerary to allow ample time to wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek island gems such as Fourni, Nisyros and Sifnos. For those who wish to swim in the intensely blue Aegean there will be time at leisure to explore the local beaches on some islands. In addition we have ensured there is some daytime cruising through magnificent scenery and have scheduled in some late departures from ports, allowing for the opportunity to dine ashore independently and enjoy the evening atmosphere of the delightful harbour towns.

Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply the joy of cruising aboard a private yacht and experiencing new places and islands in this beautiful region, our island hopping voyage has something for everyone.

Trip Name
Aegean Antiquities
Days
11
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 - Delos & Syros.
This morning we visit 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. Sail during lunch to Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th century created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. Overlooking Ermoupoli stands the hill-top Ano Syros, the original Medieval district with narrow lanes and white washed houses.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 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 either relax and explore Chios Town independently or join a tour to the south of the island where we visit the beautifully preserved 14th century fortress village of Mesta and the elaborately decorated houses of Pirgi enjoying time to wander through their maze like streets. Tonight is free to enjoy dinner ashore.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Kusadasi for 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 returning to the vessel for dinner and to set sail back to Greece.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Icaria & Fourni, Greece.
According to Greek myth, Icaria was created when Icarus crashed into the sea after flying too close to the sun. Today it is one of the least developed but visually dramatic Greek islands with beautiful coves, deep valleys and hidden beaches. On a morning scenic drive we will explore the villages and discover why the islanders here have a longer life expectancy than anywhere else in Europe. The island is also revered as the birthplace of Dionysus, the God of wine and we plan to visit one of the local vineyards. Enjoy lunch on board as we sail to one of the best kept secret islands in the Aegean, Fourni. Once a haven for pirates who enjoyed the island’s remote setting and little changed for centuries, it has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to walk up from the harbour to the charming main square or maybe enjoy a drink in a cafe and watch island life. Alternatively walk to one of the nearby beaches for a swim. This evening is free to enjoy dinner ashore in one of the local restaurants.
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 and evening at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala.
Day 7 - Day 7 - 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.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Nisyros & Tilos.
Arrive this morning in the pretty port town of Mandraki on the small island of Nisyros. You may wish to enjoy a relaxing morning wandering through the village and climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spilanior or visit the archaeological museum. Alternatively join the drive to the Polyvotis Volcano named after the Titan imprisoned under the rock of Nisyros during the battle with the gods. Here we will learn more of the legends and have the chance to walk into the caldera. Over lunch sail to the timeless island of Tilos which has yet to find its way onto the pages of tour operator’s brochures and so retains its traditional atmosphere. See Livadia, a lively little town and Megalo Chorio, its tiny capital, rich in Crusader castles. There is a beach nearby for those who prefer to relax or enjoy a swim. Tonight you are free to dine in one of the harbour-side restaurants.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Sifnos.
Spend the morning at sea as we cruise across the Aegean arriving at the little known island of Sifnos over lunch. This corner of the Cyclades is far from the welltrodden tracks of the big ships and you will be greeted by traditional white houses, picturesque churches and narrow lanes and alleys. Our tour will include Apollonia, the island’s tiny capital, the Virysianni Monastery and the villages of Kastro and Artemos both delightful places to wander and admire the traditional architecture.
Day 10 - Day 10 - 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 before we sail this evening.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Athens to London.
Disembark this morning and after a panoramic drive of Athens transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-08-201804-09-2018£3,995Main Deck Cabin
25-08-201804-09-2018£3,795Lower Deck Forward Cabin Sole
25-08-201804-09-2018£4,395Upper Deck Cabin
25-08-201804-09-2018£3,495Lower Deck Forward Cabin
25-08-201804-09-2018£4,395Main Deck Cabin Sole
25-08-201804-09-2018£3,795Lower Deck Cabin
04-09-201814-09-2018£3,795Lower Deck Cabin
04-09-201814-09-2018£3,995Main Deck Cabin
04-09-201814-09-2018£4,395Main Deck Cabin Sole
04-09-201814-09-2018£3,795Lower Deck Forward Cabin Sole
04-09-201814-09-2018£4,395Upper Deck Cabin
04-09-201814-09-2018£3,495Lower Deck Forward Cabin

Inclusions

    • Visit Delos
    • the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis
    • Visit the 11th century Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Discover Icaria which, according to Greek myth, was created when Icarus crashed into the sea after flying too close to the sun
    • Explore Kos, which according to Myth, was the homeland of the Giants

Map