Voyage to the Land of Gods & Heroes
A voyage from Bari to Athens aboard Sea Cloud II with Guest Speaker Dr Steve Kershaw
- 21 June 2022
Join us aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud II for a relaxing and informative voyage from Puglia to Athens and discover 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, Byzantine cities, Medieval towns and Venetian fortresses. Beyond these fascinating sites, there is also beautiful mountainous scenery and charming harbours.
We will visit some of the Ancient World’s most fascinating sites including ancient Butrint in Albania, Olympia, the principal shrine of Zeus and Hera and the site of the original Olympic Games and Epidaurus, one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites. In addition to these we visit the equally interesting Byzantine town of Mystras, a Medieval ghost town set on a cliff overlooking the site of ancient Sparta. Our penultimate port of call is the town of Nafplio, one of the most beautiful towns on mainland Greece.
With a maximum of only 94 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides and, with its wealth of historic sites, dramatic scenery and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean, it will become evident why this region has inspired writers, poets and artists since the time of Homer. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply the joy of travelling under sail and experiencing new places, our voyage has something for everyone.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Sea Cloud II
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,000 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Bari, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to Sea Cloud II and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Vlore for Apollonia, Albania.
Arrive at lunchtime in Albania and the port of Vlore. This afternoon we drive to nearby Apollonia, the ancient city of Illyria. Set on rolling hills the city reached its zenith around the 4th to 3rd centuries BC when it is believed the population numbered over 70,000. See the city council building with its surviving facade, the library, triumphal arch, theatre, Byzantine monastery and temple of Artemis.
Day 3 Sarande for Butrint.
After breakfast we will discover the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century BC theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Return to Sea Cloud II for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon under sail.
Day 4 Preveza, Greece.
Our first call in Greece will be at Preveza, situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Amvrakikos. Our tour will take us to the ruins of the ancient city of Nikopolis. It was built in 31 BC by Octavian (later Emperor Augustus) to commemorate defeating Marc Antony and Cleopatra in the naval Battle of Actium. The scale of this vast site is breathtaking. We will explore the Roman and Byzantine walls, churches and theatre before also spending some time in the excellent museum. Continue on to the picture perfect town of Parga where we will have some time to explore the charming old quarter or enjoy a swim before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon will be at leisure to relax on board or discover the pretty yacht lined harbour town and nearby beaches.
Day 5 Katakolon for Olympia.
Spend the morning sailing to the Peloponnese arriving at the port of Katakolon, our base for our afternoon excursion to 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.
Day 6 Kalamata.
After a morning cruising we arrive in Kalamata at lunchtime. Our destination today is Mystras, a remarkably intact Byzantine hillside town that once housed a population of 20,000 people. 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. According to tradition, this is where Constantine XII stepped when he was crowned king. 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. Before returning to the vessel, refreshments will be served at the picturesque taverna located just beneath the site offering sweeping views over the local terrain.
Day 7 Monemvasia.
This is a magical place. A massive rock rises dramatically out of the sea and on top there is a fortress. However, the real attraction is the Medieval town with its narrow cobbled streets and winding stairways which lead to a warren of stone houses with walled gardens and courtyards, and the main square dominated by an old cannon and the cathedral. On an afternoon walking tour we will visit the town followed by some free time.
Day 8 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. This morning you can choose to visit either Epidaurus or Nemea. Situated on the slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing, the city was filled with curative spas and baths. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Alternatively enjoy 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 bath house and the stadium before spending time in the small but excellent on site museum. Nemea is also famous for its red wines and we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Return to Nafplio for a free afternoon wandering the twisting labyrinthine streets.
Day 9 Athens to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Combined Voyage - Malta to Athens, 13th to 29th June 2022 It is possible to combine this voyage with ‘La Dolce Vita’ which sails from Malta to Bari. Details for the combined voyage can be viewed here. |
Dates and Prices
21 to 29 June 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Category E Deluxe double | £5795 | £5395 |
Category D Deluxe double | £6095 | £5695 |
Category C Deluxe double | £6495 | £6095 |
Category B Junior Suite | £6895 | £6495 |
Category A Luxury Owner's Suite | £7985 | £7585 |
Category F Stateroom for sole use | £6995 | £6595 |
Category E Deluxe double for sole use | £7985 | £7585 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSC2210622
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 8 nights aboard Sea Cloud II on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Combined Voyage - Malta to Athens, 13th to 29th June 2022 It is possible to combine this voyage with ‘La Dolce Vita’ which sails from Malta to Bari. Details for the combined voyage can be viewed here. |
Sea Cloud II
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,000 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.
Travelling with You
-
Dr Steve Kershaw
Dr Steve Kershaw is a tutor in Classics for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society (ex- NADFAS), and lectures for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Early Medieval: 300 - 1250 and The Classical World and Classical Revivals courses. His publications include The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato’s Ideal State, Barbarians: Rebellion and Resistance to Rome, and Mythologica (a children’s book on the Greek myths). Steve is the author and tutor for Oxford University’s online courses in Greek Mythology, The Fall of Rome, and Minoans and Mycenaeans. In 2016 he appeared as an Expert Contributor to The History Channel’s ‘Barbarians Rising’ series, and he has travelled widely in the world of the Greeks and Romans, both physically and intellectually. Steve is also an honors graduate of the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, and is regarded as one of the finest jazz double bass players in the UK.
Dr Steve Kershaw will be on the following tour dates: 21 to 29 June 2022
Tour Extensions
-
-
If you would like to spend some time in Athens after disembarking Sea Cloud II we are offering the opportunity to join our two night extension.
Acropolis, Athens
The Itinerary
Day 1 Athens.
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a trip along the coast to Cape Sounion to see the majestic Temple of Poseidon sitting atop a craggy rock overlooking the sea. Enjoy a local lunch before transferring to the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel (or similar) for a two night stay.
Day 2 Athens.
Today is free to explore independently before we meet this evening for dinner.
Day 3 Athens to London.
After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
29 June to 1 July 2022 Category Price Twin £595 Single £895 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, lunch on day 1,dinner on day 2, tours as described, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
-
Also of Interest
Passage through Antiquity
A voyage of discovery visiting Cyprus, Israel, Egypt & Jordan aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker David Price-Williams
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Limassol / Haifa / Ashdod / Suez Canal / Cairo / Luxor / Aqaba / Wadi Rum / Petra / Madaba / Dead Sea / Amman
Passage through the Levant
Spend Christmas discovering the wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Ernie Rea
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Antalya / Limassol / Haifa / Ashdod / Suez Canal / Cairo / Luxor / Aqaba
La Dolce Vita & Land of Gods & Heroes
A voyage from Malta to Athens aboard Sea Cloud II with Guest Speaker Dr Steve Kershaw
Sea Cloud II
Sea Cloud II
Itinerary at a glance
- Malta / Agrigento / Syracuse / Taormina / Crotone / Taranto /Otranto / Monopoli / Bari / Apollonia / Butrint / Preveza / Olympia / Kalamata / Monemvasia / Nafplio / Athens
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000