The Peloponnese is home to an extraordinary collection of great archaeological sites with tangible traces of the many civilisations which have at one point over the course of history called this region home including classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities and Ottoman and Venetian fortresses. The peninsula is of course also the setting for numerous myths and legends which will be brought to life by our local guides who will travel with us aboard the 50-passenger MS Monet for the duration of the cruise, adding an extra dimension to all we see and experience.
The Peloponnese was where Hercules fought the Nemean lion, the legendary Spartan warriors battled and where Paris of Troy eloped with Helen. Beyond these fascinating sites, there is also beautiful mountainous scenery, mysterious caves, vast gorges, charming villages and superb beaches. Our fascinating cruise begins with a transit of the Corinth Canal which, whilst only built in the 19th century was conceived as long ago as the 7th century BC. It is only possible to transit the canal on a small ship like the MS Monet and the experience offers a wonderful start to our cruise.
We have designed our eleven night itinerary to include many of the fascinating sites in the region combined with ample time at leisure to wander the picturesque lanes and harbours of some of Greece’s most delightful spots including Kefalonia’s delightful harbourside villages of Fiskardo and Assos, the fishing town of Gythio on the Mani Peninsula and the beautiful city of Nafplio. Amongst the many ancient world highlights of our voyage are our visits to the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, the sacred site of Delphi, the ruins of Olympia, the famous citadel of Mycenae, the renowned theatre at Epidaurus and the Byzantine hillside town of Mystras.
Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply the joy of cruising aboard a small ship and experiencing new places and islands in this beautiful region, our voyage has something for everyone.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet in Piraeus for embarkation. Over dinner we will sail the short distance to Aegina where we moor overnight.
Day 2 Aegina & Corinth Canal.
Spend the morning in Aegina which, from 1827 to 1829, served as the temporary capital of the newly formed Greek state. Here we see the Temple of Aphaia, built in 480BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena, before spending time exploring the narrow alleys and Neoclassical buildings of the harbour town. Sail over lunch and be on deck later this afternoon as we navigate the narrow Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like the MS Monet which can now make this journey. We will moor in Corinth this evening.
Day 3 Corinth.
Corinth flourished under both Greek and Roman rule due to its significant location on the Isthmus of Corinth which controlled trade routes as well as being home to the naval power which took colonies in Syracuse and Corfu. It has also been closely linked to St Paul who lived here for a number of years and is known through his letters to the Christian community. On a morning tour we explore the site of Ancient Corinth seeing the Temple of Aphrodite, the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the marketplace, and the Roman Forum. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising to Itea where we arrive in the early evening and moor overnight.
Day 4 Itea for Delphi.
The port of Itea is our gateway to the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5,000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. This afternoon is free to relax on board, take a stroll in Itea or maybe visit one of the nearby beaches.
Day 5 Kefalonia.
Arrive this morning into Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands. From our berth in Argostoli we have a choice of excursions. On a half day tour we will drive to the famous lighthouse of Agioi Theodori, the remarkable Venetian castle of Saint George and the 16th century Monastery of Agios Gerasimos. St Gerasimos is the patron saint of Cephalonia, and his relic is kept in the monastery, in a silver urn. Near to the monastery we find the Robala vineyards. Wines have been grown here since the 12th century and we will learn about the processes and enjoy a tasting before we return to the ship. The afternoon is free to explore the town of Argostoli. Alternatively, a full day tour will drive to the north of the island, passing the famous Myrtos beach as we drive to the village of Assos. With just 100 residents it is one of the most charming spots on the island. Built on a small peninsula, the town is dominated by the ruins of a 16th century Venetian castle. After time to wander the streets viewing the traditional architecture, pretty harbour and pebbled beaches we continue to the small port of Fiskardo which curves serenely beside coral-blue waters, gazing out towards Ithaki. Thanks to its colourful crop of Venetian villas, spared from earthquake damage because they rest on a sturdy bed of flat rock, Fiskardo is home to upscale restaurants built around the small harbour where yachts jostle for space to dock. After lunch in the port and some free time to explore we return to the MS Monet.
Day 6 Katakolon for Olympia.
Pastoral and lush, Olympia’s plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. This afternoon is free to explore Katakolon at your own pace and we sail late for anyone wishing to spend an evening ashore.
Day 7 Pylos.
This morning we will call into the home of Nestor, the wise king of Pylos who fought for the Greeks at Troy and advised Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, on how best to deal with the evil suitors chasing his mother, Penelope. From our berth in Navarino Bay, we will drive through the enchanting countryside to Methoni, one of the most impressive Medieval fortresses in Greece. The Venetians built Methoni on the Ionian Sea and Koroni on the Gulf of Messenia in the 13th century to safeguard their newly acquired Greek Empire. Also visit the castle of Neokastro which today houses the Centre for Underwater Archaeological Studies. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 8 Gythio.
Arrive this morning at the picturesque port of Gythio from where we have a choice of tours. Perhaps head inland to Mystras, a remarkably intact Byzantine hillside town that once housed a population of 20,000. Here we visit the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where the two-headed eagle which is the symbol of the Palaeologos Dynasty is carved into a plaque on the floor. Strolling through the narrow lanes of the dead city, we will also visit the Church of Agia Sophia, the Palace of the Despots and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes. Alternatively, join a scenic drive to the Mani Peninsula visiting the villages and enjoying the wonderful views along the coast. Visit Aeropoli, named after Ares, the God of War, for its role in the War of Independence. Here we find tower houses, constructed with field stones, that are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterise many Greek villages. The afternoon is free to explore Gythio at your own pace, maybe take a walk on the promenade, visit the lighthouse or people watch from a waterfront taverna.
Day 9 Kapsali, Kythira.
Situated between the Peloponnese and Crete, the island of Kythira was, according to mythology, the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. On our morning tour we hope to see expanses of wildflowers while driving through the countryside. See the Medieval village of Mylopotamo where we will visit the little church, the abandoned castle and enjoy some local delicacies in the town square. In Katolivadi we will visit the Byzantine museum which houses a collection of Byzantine and Post Byzantine art including murals from the Early Christianic years to the Post Byzantine, works of religious painting and objects of religious rituals. In Livadi we will see the Great English stone bridge built during English rule before ending in the capital of Chora where we explore the Venetian castle, old mansions and enjoy the traditional architecture. The afternoon is free to explore Kapsali at your own pace or maybe take a swim from the beach.
Day 10 Nafplio.
Looking out across the translucent water of the bay towards the Arcadian Mountains, Nafplio’s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivalled in Greece. On a full day tour we visit the famous citadel of Mycenae which is located high above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines and accessed by way of the Lion Gate. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. An archaeological briefing within the Treasury of Atreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights. We also visit one Greece’s most renowned ancient sites, Epidaurus, which situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret rites curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret sites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Still used for special performances, the theatre is in an admirable state of preservation. As we moor overnight you may take the chance for an after dinner stroll.
Day 11 Nafplio.
From the port we take a scenic drive through the Argos Plain to Nemea, the site of a religious sanctuary which hosted the pan-Hellenic athletic games every two years from 573 BC until 271 BC. The mythical origin of the Games is sometimes ascribed to Hercules who, after his first labour in which he had to kill the Nemean lion living in the caves of Mount Tritos above the site, established the athletic games in honour of his father, Zeus. Nemea was not a town or settlement but a venue where festivities were held during the games and our tour will include the Temple of Zeus, the bathhouse and the stadium before spending time in the small but excellent onsite museum. Nemea is also famous for its red wines and we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Nafplio to wander the twisting labyrinthine streets and admire the Venetian and Turkish architecture of this charming town.
Day 12 Athens to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
25 May to 5 June 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck | £5195 | £4995 |
C Twin/Double with windows on Parisien/Lumiere Deck | £5595 | £5395 |
B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6095 | £5895 |
A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | £6695 | £6495 |
D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisien Deck for sole use | £6695 | £6495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO250526
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.
Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Folegandros / Sifnos / Syros / Fourni / Samos / Kusadasi / Patmos / Lipsi / leros / Nisyros / Symi / Rhodes
Aegean & Adriatic Odyssey
A voyage between Athens & Split aboard the MS Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Corinth Canal / Itea / Argostoli / Preveza / Sarande / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Kotor / Dubrovnik / Korcula / Brac / Split
Hidden Greece
An eight-night escorted tour to Greek Macedonia & beyond
Itinerary at a glance
- Thessaloniki / Philippi & Kavala / Pella / Vergina / Naoussa / Meteora / Ioannina / Zagorochoria / Vikos Gorge
Halcyon Days on Aegean Islands
A voyage between Athens & Istanbul aboard the 50-passenger MS Monet
Itinerary at a glance
- Athens / Naxos / Chios / Skopelos / Meteora / Thessaloniki / Samothrace / Thassos / Limnos / Cannakale / Istanbul
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000