DETAILS
This program begins with an overnight in historic Athens on Syntagma Square and a rooftop welcome overlooking the Acropolis. Following a morning of optional activities and a sumptuous Greek lunch at one of Athens’ top restaurants, travelers embark the Emerald Azzurra in Piraeus for a 7-night private charter. The ship’s intimate size and speed allows access to smaller harbors, unhurried excursions ashore, and a circumnavigation of the Peloponnese culminating with a transit of the Corinth Canal back to Athens.
.
- Pricing from
- $10,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
-
days 1-2
Depart U.S./Overnight flight to Athens, Greece
Arrive Athens; transfer to 5-star hotel in upmarket Kolonaki District steps from Syntagma Square; welcome orientation and rooftop reception with views of Acropolis.
-
day 3
Athens/ Piraeus
First lecture after breakfast; AM visit to private Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art or Benaki Museum of Greek Culture; beautiful views over Greek lunch at Dionysos Zonars; embark ship in Piraeus; Captain’s welcome reception and dinner this evening.
-
day 4
Nafplion
Full day visit to UNESCO sites of Mycenae, where Schliemann unearthed the reputed mask of Agamemnon and Epidaurus with asclepeion and marvelous acoustics of 4th c. theater; PM walking tour and free time in colorful seaport town of Nafplion beneath the Venetian Palamidi castle.
-
day 5
Gythion
Morning lecture; AM visits to UNESCO site of Mystras, well preserved medieval walled town, and legendary Sparta; PM cruise in small boats through stalagmites and stalactites in Diros Caves, centuries-old shelter and place of worship.
-
day 6
Kalamata
Morning lecture; AM visit UNESCO site of ancient Messene, classical city-state re-founded in 369 BC, with ongoing excavations and restoration projects and an onsite museum displaying their finds; PM cruising and swimming.
-
day 7
Pylos
Full day in Pylos; special behind-the-scenes morning visit to Nestor’s Palace, best preserved Bronze Age palace on Greek mainland; PM visit to Methoni Castle, among the largest Mediterranean or Pylos Archeological Museum; free time to explore Pylos’ picturesque historic center.
-
day 8
Katakalon/ Olympia
Morning visit to UNESCO site of Olympia, iconic site of the ancient Olympic Games, with temples, stadium, sanctuary, stoa, and museum; partake in a foot race on the Olympic Track; PM cruising the Gulf of Corinth.
-
day 9
Itea (Delphi)/ Corinth Canal
Morning lecture; AM dock at Itea and climb to UNESCO ruins of Delphi, where the Oracle’s pronouncements were sought for centuries; PM cruise through dramatic Corinth Canal; Captain’s farewell reception and dinner on board.
-
day 10
Athens / Return to U.S.
Disembark for flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans