8-Night Venice to Athens

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you've seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you'll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

Šibenik's main monument, its Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built of pale-gray Dalmatian stone and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands on a raised piazza close to the seafront promenade. From here a network of narrow, cobbled streets leads through the medieval quarter of tightly packed, terra-cotta–roof houses, and up to the ruins of a 16th-century hilltop fortress. The city has never been a real tourist destination. Before the Croatian war for independence, it was a relatively prosperous industrial center, but when the factories closed, Šibenik sank into an economic depression. However, the cathedral more than warrants a look, and it makes a decent base for visiting the waterfalls of Krka National Park.

Located in the heel of Italy's boot, Monopoli is a Puglia port town that knows how to make a splash. In fact, the Greek words Monos and Polis mean ‘uniquely singular’ - and Monopoli's special blend of part historical, part functional is most definitely that. The city might lack some of the more aesthetic elements of its neighbors, but that only means good things for those who do discover it: far from the tourist route you'll be greeted with medieval churches and castles, white stone buildings (contrasting perfectly with the azure of the sea and sky) and authenticity in buckets. Founded by the Greeks in 500 BC, then taken over by the Romans (and beset by various invaders), Monopoli was - and still is - a thriving port town. Its position in Puglia between the seas made it strategic, while its placement on the Via Traiana (which led all the way to Rome) made it prosperous. The city came under Venetian control in 1484 and much of Monopoli's architecture can be attributed to this period. The charming Old Town is dominated by Castello Carlo V, built in 1552, while the still solid Baroque-Romanesque cathedral, built in 1693, is considered positively modern. Like most of Italy, the food here is as important as religion. As a port town, fish and seafood are deliciously fresh. Do not miss tasting scapece (small fish covered in flour, deep-fried, put in layers with breadcrumbs and saffron, then soaked with vinegar) for a tasty treat that you will find nowhere else in the country.

Upon arriving in Parga, the first sights that greet you are colorful houses on a lush mountain, a white church and a Venetian castle, complete with an antique canon on its walls. Like most other Greek isles and towns, it’s a destination made for beach hopping, sunbathing and aquatic adventures. Make a trek to Acheron River, a stunning scene out of Greek mythology, as it stands as one of the five rivers that legend says leads to the gates of Hades. Explore the Castle of Anthoussa on the hill between Parga and Agia. Various small villages surround Parga, letting you explore the rich history and culture further.

Before heading into the legendary Delphi, you can dock in the charming coastal town of Itea. Feel free to explore Miami Beach (not to be confused with Florida’s), its prestigious Blue Flag beach. The expansive local fields of Amfissa olive trees create a lush, green landscape known as the “sea of olives.” The peak of Mount Parnassus in the distance adds to the sense of wonder in this picturesque scenery made for an impromptu photo shoot.

When you’re ready for some ruins, the Oracle at Delphi awaits. To explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and other ancient remnants, you must climb the slopes of the mountain on a path known as the Sacred Way. It is here you will gaze upon what’s called the navel of the world.

As you stand among the crumbling stones that make up the Athenian Treasury and ancient stadium, you cannot help but get swept back in time. There is a great sense of adventure that makes you feel like a certain iconic archaeologist as you step over stones the ancient Greeks once walked. Panoramic views behind the remaining structures create a richer picture of life before modern times. The surrounding environment creates a harmonious balance between nature and manmade marvels.

Delphi is a place where history and mythology become entangled, where one cannot exist without the other. Everything feels simpler. But that does not make it any less inspiring. It is a privilege to witness these ancient Greek ruins that have stood the test of time.

Before heading into the legendary Delphi, you can dock in the charming coastal town of Itea. Feel free to explore Miami Beach (not to be confused with Florida’s), its prestigious Blue Flag beach. The expansive local fields of Amfissa olive trees create a lush, green landscape known as the “sea of olives.” The peak of Mount Parnassus in the distance adds to the sense of wonder in this picturesque scenery made for an impromptu photo shoot.

When you’re ready for some ruins, the Oracle at Delphi awaits. To explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and other ancient remnants, you must climb the slopes of the mountain on a path known as the Sacred Way. It is here you will gaze upon what’s called the navel of the world.

As you stand among the crumbling stones that make up the Athenian Treasury and ancient stadium, you cannot help but get swept back in time. There is a great sense of adventure that makes you feel like a certain iconic archaeologist as you step over stones the ancient Greeks once walked. Panoramic views behind the remaining structures create a richer picture of life before modern times. The surrounding environment creates a harmonious balance between nature and manmade marvels.

Delphi is a place where history and mythology become entangled, where one cannot exist without the other. Everything feels simpler. But that does not make it any less inspiring. It is a privilege to witness these ancient Greek ruins that have stood the test of time.

Standing at 70 feet wide at sea level, 81 feet wide at its top level, 300 feet tall and only about four miles long, the sheer limestone cliffs of the famous Corinth Canal can only be sailed by smaller ships and boats. The intimate size of our yachts allows us to freely navigate it for an adventurous expedition. Standing on deck as we make our way through the narrow passage, its awe-inspiring perspective will invoke a true sense of exploration.

Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

Standing at 70 feet wide at sea level, 81 feet wide at its top level, 300 feet tall and only about four miles long, the sheer limestone cliffs of the famous Corinth Canal can only be sailed by smaller ships and boats. The intimate size of our yachts allows us to freely navigate it for an adventurous expedition. Standing on deck as we make our way through the narrow passage, its awe-inspiring perspective will invoke a true sense of exploration.

Rising from the turquoise expanse of the sunny Mediterranean, Hydra is the counterpoint of choice for Athenians - who can swap the city chaos for blissful relaxation with an hour’s boat journey. Known for its inspiring celebrity appeal - Leonard Cohen bought a house here in the 60s - Hydra is a pretty island of rising streets, whitewash mansions, and carefree clamour. Located a stone's throw from the Greek mainland, the authorities have resisted the temptation to cash in, meaning Hydra remains an endearing time-warp, which revels in life in the slow lane. With cars and new building developments banned – discover an island of donkeys plodding cobbled streets, and fishing boats undulating gently on the harbour’s waves. 

Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Nafplion. The town's old section, on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, mixes Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture; narrow streets, often just broad flights of stone stairs, climb the slopes beneath the walls of Acronafplia. Tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. The Palamidi fortress—an elegant display of Venetian might from the early 1700s—guards the town. Nafplion deserves at least a leisurely day of your undivided attention, and you may want to spend several days or a week here and use the city as the base from which to explore the many surrounding ancient sights.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Athens has been called the “birthplace of democracy.” Its legacy looms large from atop Acropolis Hill, the pinnacle of ancient Greece. This open air museum is an astonishing repository of once-mighty structures. From its colonnaded Parthenon—built more than 2,600 years ago—revered Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle formulated new ideas of government and debated its role in civic life to captivated audiences. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.