7 DAYS CRUISE IN THE SARONIC GULF

7 DAYS CRUISE IN THE SARONIC GOLF

EPIDAVROS, HYDRA, SPETSES, MONEMVASIA, NAFPLION, PORTO HELI, DOKOS-POROS-AEGINA-ATHENS

First Day:

ATTICA AND THE SARONIC GULF
Suggested Cruises & Maps

7 DAYS CRUISE IN THE SARONIC GOLF

EPIDAVROS, HYDRA, SPETSES, MONEMVASIA, NAFPLION, PORTO HELI, DOKOS-POROS-AEGINA-ATHENS

First Day:

You will leave the harbor early after having a leisurely breakfast. After cruising 17 miles in the Saronic Gulf you will anchor in the south bay of Angistry, a small, tranquil island. Here, you can swim, snorkle and enjoy a relaxing lunch. After one and half-hours, you will reach Epidavros harbor, a small, charming village. From here, you can visit the ancient theatre at Epidavros (about 30 minutes by taxi). During summer, ancient Greek plays are performed regularly during the Epidavros Festival, and, even if you don't understand the language, you will appreciate the perfect acoustics in this ancient Greek theatre. We can arrange for your tickets to see a famous ancient Greek drama. You can also visit the museum and the sanctuary of Asclepious, which was a religious center for curing the sick and infirm.

Second Day:

The next morning you will arrive at Poros, anchoring on the northern coast of the island. Relax, swim, and have lunch. In the afternoon, you will sail to Hydra. This is the place with some of the best yachts in the Mediterranean. Hydra is a picturesque and beautiful island renowned for its maritime tradition and its contribution to the War of Independence. Hydra's architecture is splendid and strict zoning restrictions ensure that it looks now, as it did almost a hundred years ago. During the 1960's Hydra was a fashionable artists colony and, today, many art galleries dot the main town. There you will discover fine art, ceramics and an amazing exhibition of doorknockers. Cars are not allowed on the island so donkeys prevail.

Third Day:

You can spend the next morning at Ermioni, swimming or relaxing. It is only 10 miles

motoring from Hydra. If you wish, there is enough time to visit the town and the small, wooded peninsula. In the afternoon, after sailing 10 miles, you will reach Spetses, a beautifully green island covered with pine trees.

Bright-colored bougainvilleas decorate white-washed garden walls which enclose the pebbled yards of the island's mansions. Charming horse-drawn carriages provide taxi service around the island, as cars are not allowed on the cobbled streets.

Fourth Day:

On your way to Monemvasia you will anchor for lunch at Kiparissi Bay. Here, a dramatic landscape leading to a beautiful village demonstrates the great extent of isolation experienced by many communities in the eastern Pelonponnese until recent years. The village has a narrow foothold between the mountains and the sea. It was reachable only by sea, foot or mule, but can now be approached by descending a breathtaking, mountain track. In the afternoon you will arrive at Monemvassia, one of the marvels of Greece. Being one of the last strongholds to fall to invaders, it features an imposing fortress. The climb from the lower town to the fortress at the top of the rock is not particularly taxing. It should, however, be avoided in summer under mid-day sun. At the peak, you will be rewarded by the utterly unforgettable church of Aghia Sophia, as well as by spectacular views of the sea.

Fifth Day:

On your way to Nafplion you may anchor for lunch in Fokiakis bay in the eastern Peloponnese, or off the beautiful sandy beaches of Tolo, a small fishing village.

Nafplion was the first capital of independent Greece. It is dominated by the Venetian

citadel, Palamidi, a perfectly perserved example of Venetian military architecture. Shops and tavernas are nestled in the narrow streets.

Sixth Day:

You may anchor in Porto Heli for lunch. There is a natural, landlocked bay with crystal waters and ideal conditions for water sports.

Later, drop anchor in the bay surrounding Dokos island for swimming or relaxing.

In the afternoon, you will sail to Poros harbor. This island is very green with woods,

and the town is built on a volcanic penisula which separates it from the Peloponnese

by a narrow, shallow channel. Arriving in Poros in the late afternnon via the east entrance of the bay is an impressive experience. The picturesque Zoodohos Pigi (source of life) monastery is worth a visit.

Seventh Day:

On the last day of your cruise you will stop for a morning swim and relaxation in Perdika, a port of Aegina island. You can hire a taxi and visit the temple of Aphaia (6th century BC). The temple is an example of one the most perfectly designed classical temples in Greece. Aegina is also famous for its pottery and pistachio nuts.

In the afternoon, after an hour of motoring, you will return to Athens. Your cruise will have ended, but you will disembark with wonderful memories of an extraordinary journey between sea, sun and history.