8 Days Harmony Cruise (from/to Athens)

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 1Destinations
• 6Transport

1. 01 May

   Athens

   Stay from
   

   • Greece
   • 7 nights

   Athens takes its name after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who is celebrated by the magnificent Acropolis, which overlooks the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens is today. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is the birthplace of western philosophy, democracy and theater. Up to this date, the Greek capital remains a major worldwide centre of culture, with its historic centre, iconic classical sites and museums filled with ancient Greece artefacts. The Acropolis, crowned by the emblematic Parthenon, has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars were banned from the historic centre, which has become the most striking pedestrian promenade in Europe. In this archeological Park, visitors will witness the contrasting nature of this ancient metropolis being able to visit the New Acropolis Museum, a high-tech modern structure with light and airy exhibition spaces as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archeological museum in Greece built in the 19th century and devoted to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city’s highest points, are used as orientation since they are visible from most places in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is under the Acropolis and stretches almost to Syntagma, home of to the Greek Parliament. For a taste of the hedonistic Athenian lifestyle one should visit Monastiraki, where locals go to eat, drink and mingle. The night time belongs to Psirri, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars, live music venues and exciting nightclubs. Southeast of the city centre, a glorious stretch of coast affords dreamy views over the glistening blue Aegean Sea. Surely few European capitals can claim sandy beaches and clean water for swimming within such easy access. Athens therefore offers the best of both worlds – a fantastic city break as well as a lazy beach holiday. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing and their enthusiasm for life’s pleasurable pursuits is so infectious that even the stiffest traveler will take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed.
2. 01 May

   8 Days Harmony Cruise

   Guided tour
   

   • days 1–8

   Day 1: Athens to Salamina Marina (D)

   Your Greek island sailing adventure begins in Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world with more than 3,400 years of history to explore. Before setting sail, take the morning to wander through the Greek capital - the combined ticket covering the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library, the Roman Agora, the Kerameikos cemetery and the Lyceum of Aristotle is well worth the detour, and the Acropolis Museum offers a wonderful introduction to Athens' story. Stroll the old quarters from Plaka to Psyrri, sip a frappé in a local café, or sample a souvlaki before making your way to the marina at Salamina in the afternoon. There you'll meet your fellow travellers, settle into the gulet Artemis, relax on your private deck with a welcome cocktail, and enjoy dinner on board as the trip gets underway.

   
   

   Day 2: Ancient Epidaurus (B, L)

   Sailing continues toward the small traditional village of Ancient Epidaurus, famed for its wild lemon and orange trees, turquoise sandy beaches, lush greenery and fresh fish. Sunken City and Nisi Beach are among Epidaurus' most popular swimming spots, perfect for a dip in the Aegean Sea or trying one of the many watersports on offer. There's also time to wander the picturesque streets of Ancient Epidaurus, visit its historic ancient amphitheatre, and sample some of the island's best Greek food and cocktails, with lunch served on board and an optional scuba diving excursion available for the more adventurous.

   
   

   Day 3: Poros (B, L)

   Next the gulet sets a course for the small Greek island of Poros, known for its wild lemon trees, turquoise sandy beaches, lush vegetation and the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. Love Bay and Askeli are among the island's favourite beaches, offering plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Aegean Sea and try some watersports. Spend time strolling through the picturesque town of Poros, visit the historic Zoodochos Pighi monastery, and taste some of the island's best Greek dishes and cocktails - an optional Poros cooking class is also available for guests keen to bring a taste of Greece home with them. Lunch is served on board.

   
   

   Day 4: Hydra (B, L)

   Hydra, the island of Greek naval tradition, played an important role in the 1821 War of Independence and still boasts beautiful captains' mansions overlooking the waterfront near its charming old port. Its lively town remains the commercial heart of the island today. Horse-drawn carriages carry visitors on romantic rides through the old town's streets, while the island's landmark cathedral is a must for history lovers. Among Hydra's many beaches, Vlichos is a firm favourite, considered the most beautiful thanks to its pine-fringed setting. The gulet overnights in Hydra, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere of the old town at dusk, enjoy its lively bars and clubs, or even join a beach party, with lunch served on board and an optional donkey ride available.

   
   

   Day 5: Ermioni (B, L)

   On the fifth day the cruise heads to a true gem of the Aegean, the village of Ermioni. With its traditional pebbled lanes lined with welcoming tavernas, Ermioni is full of charm, and its small size makes it easy to explore on foot through its romantic cobbled alleys and narrow passageways. As the afternoon heat rises, relax with a swim in the calm waters or try stand-up paddleboarding in Ermioni's peaceful bay, or linger over a relaxed lunch at a taverna while waiting to admire one of Greece's most beautiful sunsets. Lunch is served on board, and an optional bus tour to nearby Nafplio is available.

   
   

   Day 6: Aegina (B, L, D)

   The gulet drops anchor in the small fishing village of Perdika, on the idyllic eastern shores of the island of Aegina, known for its Temple of Aphaia. Enjoy some of the best seafood in the Saronic Islands, spend the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear waters, and wander around the postcard-perfect bay before heading to the taverna-lined harbour for your final feast on a Greek island, with the Captain's Dinner served this evening. Lunch is on board and an optional visit to the Temple of Aphaia is available.

   
   

   Day 7: Back to Port de Pachi (B)

   After a refreshing morning swim in the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea, the gulet sets course for the final destination of your Greek island sailing adventure. Enjoy the sea breeze and the stunning ocean views while relaxing on board. You'll arrive back in Athens with plenty of time to continue exploring the city, and the crew will be happy to share their favourite local tips and recommendations to help you discover corners of Athens you might not have found otherwise. Lunch is served on board and an optional guided tour of Athens is available.

   
   

   Day 8: Departure Day (B)

   As the gulet returns to Athens, your Harmony Cruise itinerary comes full circle. This is the day to say goodbye to your new friends and the crew who looked after you all week, with departure at around 9am after breakfast. We hope to welcome you back for another Greek island sailing adventure in the future.

   
   

   B = Breakfast | D = Dinner | L = Lunch