Attica Sailing

Athens’ best kept secret is the Attica Peninsula, the terrain which surrounds Athens on all sides.  Few tourists explore the eastern region which is blessed with an abundance of natural assets – mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches, forests, caves and flat plains.  The area is also full of cultural riches, fine foods, award winning wineries and a trove of historical sites where Greek mythology flourished.

The four-day Attica Sailing cruise hugs the Attica coastline heading eastward to Sounion, home of the magnificent Temple of Poseidon.  Other historical sites include the Lavrio silver mines where ancient Athens derived its wealth, Makronissos island known by all contemporary Greeks as a post World War II history scene of exile for dissidents and Marathon where the famed battle occurred in 490 BC, and the Temple of Artemis at Vravrona where young Athenian girls of the “bear cult”  learned to become women.

Culturally, the cruise visits the Vravrona museum and the Lavrio mineral museum, plus wineries.  Attica is famous since antiquity for its wines and modern wine makers there have harnessed the latest technologies to produce stellar varieties, including the indigenous Savatiano.

For activities in nature, cruise guests have ample swimming and snorkeling opportunities, including at Sounion and the Petali islands.  Bike rides are also available to Sounion National Park and in Marathon.

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.    Four cabins have double beds with an upper berth and the fifth has double bed two upper berths.  Two cabins have two double beds.  The Apollon’s average speed is ten knots per hour.   The yacht has a crew of four with long sea-faring experience.   The yacht’s chef makes all meals on board which feature the healthy Mediterranean cuisine with Greek food at its centerpiece.

CRUISE ITINERARY

DAY 1   Overnight Lavrio:  Sail from Alimos Marina to Sounio.  Swim in Sounio Bay.  Visit Temple of Poseidon. Sail Sounion to Lavrio

DAY 2   Overnight Porto Rafti

Hike in Sounio National Park.  Visit Lavrio Silver Mines.  Wine tasting, Attica wines.  Sail to historical but abandoned Makronisos island.  Sail to Porto Rafti, passing the waters where the Brittanic lies underwater.

DAY 3  Overnight Petali islands

Sea kayak to Raftopoula islet and climb up to the ancient Roman statue.  Swim and snorkel in Porto Rafti’s bay.  Visit the Temple of Artemis.   Bike or by vehicle to Attica wineries.   Sail to Petali islands

DAY 4   Marathon, transfer to AthensSwim, snorkel and fish off Petali islands.  Explore Marathon’s battlefield and museums and the Tomb.  Vehicle transfer to Athens.

CRUISE INCLUSIONS

• Yachts accommodating up to 12 adults, or 16 persons with young children over age 12 years.
• Captain and three 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.
• Hybrid bicycles, helmets, water bottles upon request.
• Snorkeling gear, fishing gear and bait, sea kayaks.
• Entry fees to archaeology sites and museums.
• Wine tastings
• Meals on board
• VAT

PARTISIPATION
Cruises for private groups from May 1 to October 31.

Minimum  10 guests.   Maximum  16   (per yacht).  For groups of more than 16 guests, we offer a second similar traditional yacht to sail regatta style.

 

CRUISE MAP