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Aegina Day Cruise

Aegina is a popular weekend getaway for Athenians because it is a charming Greek island only two hours sail away, seventeen nautical miles distance from Athens shores.   Aegina is famous for its pistachios and has an annual pistachio festival in September.   No visitor should leave without purchasing a souvenir bag of red or green nuts.  In the harbor town, besides strolling and shopping, visit a soap workshop to see how soap is made using organic olive oil.

Outside the harbor, guests are transferred by coach to Aegina’s premier attraction, the 5th century BC  Temple of Aphaia located thirteen kilometers from the port; it is one of the best preserved temples in Greece.  On return guests can may take a casual hike in Paleochora, a picturesque abandoned village peppered with little chapels.

For active passengers, there is swimming at the local beach.   On request, there is biking around the island with a bike guide on road bikes, hybrids or electric bikes.  On request, there are two-man sea kayaks for use in the serene waters of the island.

A tour director leads the group on and off the boat.   If some guests wish to bike, biking guides are provided depending on the size of the group.

YACHT DESCRIPTION

Sail aboard the Apollon, a handcrafted traditional wooden sailing yacht, 25 meters long (or similar yacht).  The yacht has seven cabins with en suite bath, a fully equipped galley and indoor salon.   Guests have use of the cabins and showers during the cruise.  The Apollon’s average speed is ten knots per hour.   The yacht has a crew of four with long sea-faring experience.

PARTICIPATION

Cruises for private groups from May 1 to October 30.

Maximum 40 guests (per yacht).  For groups of more than 40 guests, we offer a second similar traditional yacht to sail regatta style.

CRUISE DURATION

08:30  –  18:30   10 hours (includes two half-hour transfers)

CRUISE ITINERARY

  • 08:30 – 09:00 Transfer guests from central Athens to Alimos Marina
  • 09:00 – 11:00 Sail from Alimos Marina to Aegina harbor
  • 11:00 – 14:00   Explore Aegina island’s points of interest by coach with cruise director as described above in the tour description and highlights or by bike with biking guide.
  • 14:00 – 15:00 Lunch at harbor taverna
  • 15:00 – 16:00 Explore Aegina port town for sight seeing and shopping
  • 16:00 – 18:00 Sail from Aegina to Alimos Marina
  • 18:00 – 18:30 Transfer guests from Alimos Marina to central Athens

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Relax on board a traditional wooden sailing yacht
  • Explore the Temple of Aphaia archaeology site
  • Wander around the abandoned hillside village of Paleochora
  • Eat a variety of pistachio products – nuts, ice cream, liqueurs
  • Learn how organic olive oil soap is made
  • Bike around Aegina island

TAKE NOTE

  • Athens or Aegina island
  • Cruise Director
  • day cruise

WHAT MAKES THIS CRUISE ECO

Sailing on a traditional wooden yacht

 

RESERVE THIS TOUR

Reservations Required.