Greece: Peloponnese & Saronic Islands PLUS: from/to Athens

Individual journey to Athens (Marina Zeas/Piraeus for Thalassa resp. Marina Alimos/Palaia Faliro for Erato). Check-in on the ship is possible from 2 pm onwards. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Athens.

In the morning we make a crossing over to the island of Poros. Before we reach the island’s main port, we enjoy a swimming stop where we have the chance to dive into the sea directly from the ship. In the afternoon and starting from the island’s capital of Poros, we almost completely circumnavigate the island. In ancient times, Poros was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. Shortly before the end of the tour we arrive at Russian Bay, a sandy beach with turquoise blue waters, the perfect place for a relaxing swim! Back in the enchanting harbour of Poros, with its with its iconic clock tower soaring above the rest of the town, we end our eventful day in an authentic Greek atmosphere.

After breakfast, a small car ferry will take you from Poros to Galatas in the Pelopennese. From here, the bike tour will lead you for the most part along the sea and through fertile agricultural land towards the small coastal town of Ermioni. Here the Thalassa will await you for lunch on board and a leisurely afternoon crossing to Porto Heli. If the weather permits, we can enjoy an extended swimming stop along the way. Overnight stay in Porto Heli.

In the morning we make a short crossing over to the island of Spetses with a long swimming break in a picturesque bay along the way. Before enjoying lunch on board there is some time to explore the charming old town of Spetses on foot. The island of Spetses got its name from the Venetians, who names it “Isola della spezie”, the island of herbs. The aromatic scent of wild herbs accompanies us during our afternoon bike ride along the almost traffic-free panoramic road that circles the entire island. Almost throughout the entire ride we are treated to beautiful views of the turquoise sea. At one of the spectacular beaches, we enjoy a longer break for a swim and a coffee. Afterwards we explore the old harbour of Spetses by bike before returning to the ship.

After a two-hour morning crossing, we reach the island of Hydra. Since ancient times, donkeys have been the only means of transport on this uniquely wonderous island, which during the Middle Ages came into great wealth thanks to seafaring. After the Greek War of Independence between 1821 and 1830, the island fell into a slumber of more than a hundred years. It was not until Hydra became the filming location for the 1957 film “Boy on a Dolphin”, starring the memorable Sofia Loren, that the island was given new life and became an artists’ mecca. After exploring the port of Hydra on foot, we continue on to the Methana peninsula. The volcanic origin of the peninsula is immediately noticeable thanks to the smell of sulphur and the iridescent colours of the rocks. The peninsula is characterized by more than 30 volcanoes, a number of which are still active, and sulphurous thermal springs, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. In the late afternoon we enjoy a panoramic round trip with a pleasant coffee break in the enchanting fishing port of Vathy. Overnight stay in Methana.

After breakfast we make another round trip on Methana with plenty of incredible views along the way. In the afternoon, we sail to the island of Aegina, well known beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. In the old town of Aegina, there are plenty of pistachio products to purchase as well as numerous small boutiques lining the lively shopping streets. Should you not wish to walk through the town, you can also opt for a bike ride along the coast to the fishing village of Perdika. Overnight stay in Aegina town.

The island of Aegina is famous even beyond the borders of Greece for its excellent pistachios. Today’s bike tour takes you up to the sanctuary of the goddess Aphaia. The beautifully preserved temple towers sit high up above the blue sea, the only place on the island from where the Aegean Sea can be seen on both sides. On the ride back you will cycle through the center of the island passing the great monastery of Saint Nektarios to Aegina city where the ship awaits. We’ll then sail back to Piraeus and round off our exciting Greek cruise with a final, celebrative evening on board.

After breakfast on board it is time to disembark to return home or to extend your holiday a few days longer in Athens.