Classical Highlights of Greece

A full-day walking tour takes in the ancient wonders on our doorstep, as a local expert introduces the sublime collection of temples – most famously the Parthenon – that comprise the Acropolis, and the extraordinary antiquities now on display in the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included.

This morning we head on foot to Agora – once the city’s market centre, seat of government, mint, trial courts, and site of the best-preserved temple of Hephaistus, as well as the beautifully reconstructed Stoa Attalos, which is now the Agora Museum.

After a light lunch, we proceed to the port of Piraeus to be welcomed aboard M/S Panorama. There is a little time to settle in and get acquainted with our elegant new surroundings before the welcome dinner is served. The ship sails onwards for Epidaurus.

Included Epidaurus Excursion
Early this morning we drive to the ancient site of Epidaurus, renowned throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. Its 4th century BCE theatre is breathtaking and acoustically so perfect that even today 13,000 spectators can view performances without any amplification.

After lunch onboard, M/S Panorama sails on to Nafplion.

Optional Mycenae Excursion
After a short walking tour through the colourful city of Nafplion, we head out into the countryside of Argolis to visit the remains of the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, by legend the city of Agamemnon and one described by Homer as “rich in gold”.

Lunch onboard follows, then M/S Panorama sails to Gythion by way of Monemvasia, with the chance to admire this lost-in-time Byzantine fortress town.

Included Mani Excursion
Mani is Greece at its wildest and most beguiling. Few land tours can access this peninsula immortalised by Patrick Leigh Fermor (and where the writer set up home), but small ships can. Our excursion takes in the natural splendour of Cape Tenaro and the Dirou Caves, along with the charming town of Areopolis.

After lunch onboard, M/S Panorama sails to Pylos this evening.

Optional Pylos Excursion
Pylos is home to some fascinating ruins, including the Palace of Nestor, the best-preserved complex of its kind from the late Bronze Age. The excellent archaeological museum in Chora is particularly strong on Mycenaean history.

After lunch onboard, M/S Panorama sails on to Katakolon overnight.

Optional Olympia Excursion
We drive from Katakolon to Olympia, legendary site of the original, pan-Hellenic Olympic Games and spiritual birthplace of the modern-day spectacular. We visit the ancient stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera, and the excellent museum dedicated to the Olympic Games of antiquity.

Guests on the excursion rejoin M/S Panorama at Patras, and the ship sails on to Itea.

Included Delphi Excursion
Delphi is one of the most sacred sites of the ancient world, and this seat of the oracle set on the slopes of Mount Parnassus retains a distinctly spiritual air. There is time to fully explore the complex of ruins and the adjoining museum.

After lunch, this afternoon M/S Panorama negotiates the Corinth Canal, the narrow channel carved through the isthmus of Corinth, as it sails back to Piraeus.

We disembark M/S Panorama after breakfast and transfer from the port of Athens to the international airport for our flight home.