5 Day Cruise

The beauty of a five day cruise leaving from Athens is that it provides enough time to reach the shores of the Peloponnese peninsula, home of some of Greece’s most legendary antiquities.  An overnight in Epidavros puts you at the jumping off point to tour the 3rd century BC Epidavros Theatre, an official World Heritage Site.  In the ancient world there were over 200 holistic healing centers focusing on mind, body, spirit.   The largest center, Epidavros, has a magnificent outdoor theater seating 13,000 that was used for spiritual healing.  Today Greeks flock to its drama festival performed purely for entertainment.

The yacht also docks overnight at Aegina where you visit the second most important archaeological site on the cruise, the Temple of Aphaia whose earliest structures are from the 6th century BC.   Lying atop a hill surrounded by refreshing pine trees with stunning views of the Saronic Gulf, the Temple is a premier destination for history and ancient architecture buffs.  Aegina is famous as the pistachio island whose annual festival showcases all things pistachio.

Of all the ports of call on this cruise, Poros’ harbor town is probably the prettiest with pastel houses clinging to the hillside.  The island is hugely popular with yachtsmen because of its amazingly large sheltered bay. The harbor marina accommodates several hundred yachts at a time and you are apt to see seafarers from many nationalities frequenting the harbor cafes, tavernas and shops.

The cruise’s most tranquil destination is Agistri island, only 14 square kilometers, with lovely secluded coves for overnight anchoring. What Agistri lacks in nightlife is more than made up by its natural assets, including ten pristine beaches, pine forests with hiking and biking trails, clean, pristine sea waters for snorkeling and swimming. Agistri is also known for its exceptional fresh fish tavernas.

CRUISE ITINERARY

DAY 1   Overnight Agistri

• 08:00   Transfer from central Athens by vehicle to the yacht’s home port, Alimos Marina, 20 minutes drive.  see map on right
• Boarding upon arrival.   Mandatory safety lesson.   Get settled into your cabin.
• 09:00  Departure.   Enjoy a welcome beverage as we set sail to little Agistri island, a 2.50 hour journey.   Peace and quiet the first day on this tranquil island with hiking and biking paths in the forests and of course, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking and fishing options.

DAY 2   Overnight Epidavros

Sail to Epidavros harbor for an exciting shore excursion to Epidavros Theatre to witness its impeccable acoustics.  Option to bike to the Theatre (13km) or vehicle transfer.

DAY 3  Overnight Poros

Morning sail to Methana where the boat docks for several hours to give you a chance to experience Methana’s famous hot sulphur healing springs.  Afternoon sail to Poros and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the harbor marina.   Option for evening Greek cooking class.

DAY 4  Overnight Aegina

Spend the day on Poros with lots of activities.  Two organized beaches with a variety of sea sports.  Footpaths for hikes.  Weaving lessons from the only traditional weaver in the Argo Saronic region.  Afternoon sail to Aegina.

DAY 5   Return to Athens

• Spend the day on Aegina island with so many activities choices.   Visit the Cool Soap workshop to learn how organic olive oil soap is made.  Tour the impressive Temple of Aphaia.  Bike a loop around the island.  Option for ceramics classes from a traditional potter who learned from his father.
• 14:00   depart Aegina
• 18:00   return to Alimos Marina.  Transfer to central Athens by vehicle

CRUISE INCLUSIONS

• Yachts are available accommodating from 2 to 12 adults, or 16 persons with young children over age 12 years.  Captain and 2 crew, licensed and certified by all international sea faring regulatory agencies.
• Cruise Director handling all logistics
• All required safety equipment such as life rafts, life jackets, motorized tenders, satellite beacon devices, emergency communication devices, fire prevention/extinguishing equipment, emergency pumps and other essential sea faring devices.
• Vehicle transfer from central Athens to/from Alimos Marina
• Bed linens
• Towels for showers and the beach
• Water and snacks all day
• Snorkeling gear, fishing gear and bait
• Hybrid bicycles, helmets, water bottles

CRUISE EXCLUSIONS

• All meals,  Full galley available to take care of your own food needs.  Or engage company cook to make menu, shop for food, prepare dishes and after meal clean up.
• Coffee, wine, beer, alcohol, soft beverages — all available for sale on the boat

CRUISE NOTES

Bring swim wear, a hat, sun glasses and sun screen  For bikers, wear appropriate shoes.

On the yacht rubber soled footwear only, or barefoot.