Archaeological Adventure Cruise

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Detailed itinearry

10 days itinerary

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Detailed 14 Day Itinerary

The adventure begins in Athens where we recommend you spend a few days seeing the historic sites of this dynamic city. We offer 3 to 5 star hotels near the famed Acropolis. Arrangements can also be made for 1 to 8 day land tours to sites in the interior of Greece (Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Sparta, Meteora and more). While in Athens, visit the Plaka, a charming and safe tourist district in the heart of the city full of traditional tavernas (Greek restaurants), unique souvenir & clothing shops and friendly Athenians. Two good tavernas in the Plaka are the Garden of Eden (Vegetarian) and the central Byzantino Taverna. It is generally worth staying a few days in the city to shake off jet lag and to see the major sites: the Acropolis, Parthenon & Odeon, the Agora (ancient marketplace) and the National Archaeological Museum among other attractions. We can arrange transfers, however taxies are the most convenient way to get from the airport to hotels or directly to the yachts.

Day 1

We have a 'sleep over' in Athens the first night. We recommend that 'by the cabin' guests arrive at the marina around 17:00 so as not to waste time that could be better spent in Athens seeing the sites. A briefing is given at Il Fungho Restaurant which includes important general information on the 'day to day' life on the tours and emphasizes safety.

Day 2

The next morning we have an early sail to Aegina Marina Bay on Aegina island (17 miles, 3 hours). Aegina was the home of the first Greek government after the war of independence. The island was the first place to mint coins in Greece and boasts the best pistachio nuts in the world! Arriving at Aegina Marina Bay, guests can take a 30 - 45 minute uphill hike (bus or taxi also possible) to see the famous Temple of Aphaia. Dedicated to the daughter of Leto (-the goddess Aphaia), the temple was built in the Doric order and dates from the early 5th century B.C. It is the best-preserved temple in the Greek islands with several monolithic columns (one piece columns) and it is the only Doric temple with double standing columns (on top of each other). After the excursion up to the temple, crewmates then enjoy a wonderful swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay and a healthy lunch aboard before sailing on to Poros island (18 miles, 3 hours). Poros is one of the most beautiful views from seaward of any Greek island -

Day 3

We are underway early as we motor through the narrow channel between Poros and the majestic Peleponnese coast -another great photo opportunity! We motor past fortified Bourtzi Island (20 minutes away), which protected this narrow channel when the Venetians were in power. After raising sail, we race other yachts to the tranquil splendor of Spathi Island and bay (11 miles 1.5 hours) for lunch and excellent snorkeling over a clear sandy bottom! After lunch, we set sail for the famous island of Hydra (11 miles 1.5 hours) arriving before 15:00 in order to get a good spot along the small and crowded wharfs. Hydra's harbor has become very busy and in the summer months, yachts can raft four deep bow to stern - expect to be boarded! Before exploring this enchanting town, a cool swim can be enjoyed at Hydra's swimming oasis, which features a buoyed/protected swimming area and flat sun bathing levels cut out of the cliff -there is also a cocktail bar! One of the most famous towns in Greece, Hydra offers visitors art exp

Day 4

Program Directors and flotilla boat crews spend the morning provisioning the yachts for the next two days. The plan is to moor under the stars for two nights - if the weather allows. Guests have a free morning and afternoon as the yachts usually leave Hydra town between 14:00--15:00. We suggest a leisurely 30 minute hike south along the coastal stone pathway leading sailors to picturesque Kamini harbor. The view looking out over the tiny fishing cove, the Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese mountains is breathtaking. In exchange for a restaurant lunch ashore, guests aboard Archaeological lead boats are treated to a Beach barbecue for dinner. A great lunch spot in Kamini harbors is Kodylenia's taverna or in Hydra town eat lunch at the Vigla Restaurant, which is situated in the southeast corner of busy Hydra harbor. After a nice lunch and last minute shopping guests sail the yacht/s (12 miles, 2 hours) to the beautiful, secluded shingle beach of Aghios Nicholaus Bay. This is a very popular spot amongst our guests as t

Day 5

The yacht departs Hydra at 06:00 for the long haul out into the Cycladic (circular) islands (80 miles, 9-12 hours - off the beaten course!) and arrives before sunset at the volcanic island of Milos. The destination is Kleftiko - a set of bays surrounded by 150-300 foot cliffs riddled with swim-through sea caves. Upon our arrival, guests help moor the yachts securely for the night, and then snorkel or dinghy through the sea caves. A delicious Italian meal is included and prepared aboard by the crew and Program Director of each boat. The most dramatic night of the tour follows - eating topside under the bright Aegean night sky. The fantastic cliff setting makes this stop one of the highlights of the tour.

Day 6

Most of the day is spent at Kleftiko, swimming/snorkeling or motoring in the dinghy around the cliffs, through grottos and up to the beaches. Of interest are the ancient man made bollards carved into the rock that are scattered throughout these secret caves. Kleftiko's caves were used for shelter and the cliffs as a lookout by pirates and perhaps even the Knights of Saint Johns during the Crusades. At 14:00 or 15:00 the yachts make their way around the island into the volcanic crater to Adamas port (18 miles, 3 hours). Cruising around the island, it is fascinating to observe the volcanic composition of this, the most geologically interesting island on the tour. Guests help moor the yachts to the sea wall and have time to explore the harbor and have a shower. At 18:00-19:00 we jump on the bus up to the town of Tripiti where we visit the ancient Greek amphitheater that the famous and enigmatic Venus of Milos used to adorn. A magical evening meal is enjoyed at Erginas Ouzeri - a restaurant overlooking the huge v

Day 7

After an early provisioning and exploration of the port of Adamas, including the Geological Museum, we sail over the north coast of Milos and make way for the island of Ios (50 miles 8-10 hours). Ios is the resting place of Homer and our halfway stop on the tour. The yachts are moored in the main harbor for two or three nights (depending on the ferry schedule to Santorini). Upon arrival, guests can swim at a wonderful fresh water pool at Ios Camping near the harbor - a great way to freshen up, as the sail can be salty! If you prefer the sea, Ios offers the nicest beaches in the central Aegean - Milopotas and Manganari (Ios' crystal clear water provided the shooting location for the award winning underwater film The Big Blue). If there is a Friday afternoon/evening ferry to Santorini, guests can travel to Santorini and spend two nights in a pre-arranged villa/apartment. Usually the ferry schedule calls for a Saturday ferry to Santorini on the next day, so guests remain in Ios for the night. For dinner, guests

Day 8/9

Crewmembers take a hydrofoil or ferry to the volcanic island of Santorini, rumored to be the lost civilization of Atlantis! Santorini is the most beautiful of all the Greek islands and offers the fantastic entombed Minoan town of Akrotiri, incredible volcanic beaches (Perissa & Kamari), excellent wine tasting at famous vineyards (Boutari & Roussos), great sightseeing and unique shopping at Thira. The real highlight however, is watching the sunset at charming Ioa town. All of the attractions can be seen by rental car, moped, coach tour, taxi or bus. It is recommended to rent new model, small, air-conditioned cars and to stay a night or two in one of our pre-arranged luxurious yet inexpensive villas or hotels. This wonderful excursion is tentatively booked in advance with the Poseidon Charters office at the time of balance payment (we send you digital images and brochures of the accommodations). The final confirmation for rooms, villas and car rentals is made on the first few days of the tour by your Program Di

Day 10

After the crew returns to Ios from Santorini on an early morning ferry, we tack north for a lunch stop and swim at the beautiful natural lagoon and sand bar at Tigania island (20 miles 5 hours). Tagania is nestled in between Paros and Andi Paros islands. After lunch we navigate the famous '14 foot Passage' and head for Paroikia town on the island of Paros (8 miles 1.5 hours). On Paros there are archaeological sites within walking distance of the harbor (a Frankish castle built out of pieces of Greek temples and an ancient graveyard). A must see is the church of 99 doors, a well-known shrine with exceptional architecture, religious icons and marble baptismal chamber. Great bargain shopping is also a highlight at Paros in the painted, pedestrian, 'Plaka' streets. Paros is famous for its 'Ignitis' marble which is the purest and whitest marble in the world. It can be purchased in town. Paros is a large and very interesting island and we recommend that guests take a bus or rental cars/bikes and visit the fashionab

Day 11/12

Sailing north, we visit the best known and most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands, Mykonos (20 miles 5 hours). The yacht/s drops anchor meters off the gorgeous beach of Ornos Bay. With favorable weather the yacht/s remains at Ornos for two nights, as it is the safest anchorage from the North wind. Two nights allows time to relax and swim from the boat, explore the beach and visit the highlights of busy Mykonos town. Neighboring Delos Island is the largest and most important archaeological site in all of Greece. It is accessed by a fishing boat ride from Ornos Bay or by ferry from Mykonos town. At the center of the Cycladic (circular) islands, Delos was the most important center of trade and worship in antiquity. Delos was the mythological birthplace of Artemis (Goddess of chastity and the hunt) and Apollo (God of physical beauty and fine arts). The island was also the commercial center of the Aegean and it has remained in an excellent state of preservation. Walk the Street of the Lions to the Agora (ancient m

Day 13

From Mykonos we sail west to Kea (60 miles 8-10 hours) keeping a watch for dolphins, turtles, tuna and mackerel on the way! Little known, Kea island is surprisingly one of the most interesting places visited on the tour. The yachts Med. Moor at the quaint harbor of Vourkari. One can find the deserted ruins of a Mycenaean temple site 2500 B.C. on a short hike around the bay. Over the rolling hills at Kefala, archaeologists discovered a Neolithic site from 3000 B.C. Watch the sun set over the Aegean from the enchanting 'Chora' or hilltop town Ioulis, built on a summit where the inhabitants were safe from pirate raids. We access Ioulis by taxi or bus. On Kea, the Chora is little changed over the centuries. There are no tourist signs and the locals speak minimal English. An enchanting walk (1.5 hours) through Ioulis and the valley beyond brings you to a special feature - the Petrified Lion. Carved out of slate and 21 feet long the sculpture is the largest example of ancient Greek carving and is dated at 600 B.C.

Day 14

On the last day we cross the Kea channel to Cape Sounion (18 miles 3 hours) on the tip of Attica, where we anchor in the shadow of the famous Temple of Poseidon (444 B.C.). We have lunch, a swim and observe the temple. Back on board we follow the coastline Southwest arriving at our berth at Alimos / Kalamaki Marina on Friday afternoon (29 miles 4 hours). We usually celebrate the end of the trip at Il Fungho Restaurant and sleep aboard Friday night. Disembarkation and farewell is at 09:00 Saturday.

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