Cabine Deluxe
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
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À travers cet itinéraire d’exception, PONANT vous invite à profiter d’une merveilleuse parenthèse à la découverte des trésors culturels et naturels des Cyclades et du Dodécanèse. Depuis Athènes, embarquez à bord du Jacques-Cartier pour une croisière de 8 jours au cœur des plus belles îles grecques de la mer Égée, qui combleront vos envies de baignades avec leurs eaux turquoise paradisiaques.
Vous découvrirez Patmos, connue sous le nom de « Jérusalem de la mer Égée ». Cette île du Dodécanèse où saint Jean aurait écrit L’Apocalypse offre des paysages uniques mêlant plages de sable blanc et anses rocheuses.
Après une escale sur la petite île de Symi, qui ne manquera pas de vous éblouir par sa beauté discrète et ses maisons néoclassiques à l’italienne, vous ferez cap vers les Cyclades. Amorgos ou l’île du Grand Bleu comme on la surnomme, est un joyau brut. Vous admirerez ses paysages volcaniques et montagneux qui s’engouffrent dans les eaux cristallines qui la bordent.
Le Jacques-Cartier abordera ensuite l’archipel de Santorin au cours d’une incroyable navigation au pied de sa caldeira formée lors d’une éruption autour de 1600 av. J.-C. En haut de ces falaises qui tombent à la verticale dans la mer, sont bâtis de sublimes villages bancs comme Thera et Oia.
Vous ferez ensuite escale sur l’authentique et pittoresque Folégandros avant de rejoindre Délos, île minuscule de l’archipel des Cyclades. Selon la mythologie, c’est ici qu’Apollon serait né. Véritable musée à ciel ouvert, Délos offre un témoignage unique sur les civilisations qui se sont succédé dans le monde égéen.
Viendra ensuite Mykonos, ses plages, ses moulins, et Alefkandra, son quartier typique aux maisons construites à fleur d’eau. Le Jacques-Cartier fera une dernière escale sur l’île d’Hydra, célèbre pour son incomparable lumière, avant de se diriger vers la capitale grecque.
Votre croisière s’achèvera à Athènes, ville mythique dominée par l’Acropole et ses monuments qui forment le plus extraordinaire ensemble architectural et artistique légué par la Grèce antique au reste du monde.
Ref : AABA45US - X050722
Une croisière au cœur de la mer Égée à la découverte des îles grecques. Sites classés Unesco : l’Acropole d’Athènes (port d’embarquement), l’île sacrée de Délos, le monastère de saint...
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Pour plus de sérénité, PONANT organise votre voyage en avant ou en après croisière. Ce package est compris dans le tarif de votre croisière.
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Pour plus de sérénité, PONANT sélectionne des vols et assure la prise en charge de vos transferts pour votre voyage ainsi que les visites à terre avant et après le débarquement .
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Diane Harris Cline
Diane Cline is an Associate Professor of History at George Washington University, where she teaches courses on the archaeology, history, and culture of the ancient Greek civilization. Her current research investigates the social networks through which innovative ideas could flow in ancient Greece. She has studied the social networks of Alexander the Great, Pericles, Socrates, and the vase painters of ancient Athens. Diane holds a B.A. from Stanford in Classics and a Ph.D. from Princeton in the Program in Classical Archaeology and lived in Athens for three years as a member of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens while studying Greek inscriptions for her dissertation. She has won two Fulbright awards for Greece, thirty years apart, most recently in 2019 on the island of Crete at the University of Rethymno. Diane has published two books, The Treasures of the Parthenon (Oxford 1995) and The Greeks: An Illustrated History (Washington DC 2016). She has served as an expert for Smithsonian Journeys in the Mediterranean since 2001, including the Aegean, Adriatic, and the Black Seas.
Language spoken: English
Peter Bobrowsky
Peter Bobrowsky is a professional archaeologist and geologist with 40 years of experience working as a consultant, scholar, teacher, and researcher across the globe. An accomplished author (some 500 publications) and award-winning scientist, Dr. Bobrowsky has visited over 110 countries and worked on all continents during his career. His multidisciplinary field work ranges from Copper Eskimo sites in the Canadian High Arctic, Archaic sites in the upper Mississippi Valley, Mesolithic to Roman age sites around the Mediterranean, and World Heritage sites such as Machu Picchu and Petra.
A popular global public speaker for the past 25 years, he remains a much sought after and well-liked lecturer for the Smithsonian since 2004. His multi-disciplinary background and extensive travel contribute to his unique, informative, and enthusiastic speaking style. A born extrovert with an easy-going manner, Peter strives to understand and explain the crucial links between a diverse and dynamically changing Earth and the evolution of changing societies through history.
Language spoken: English
Join Dr. Bobrowsky on this incredible opportunity to experience the unique sights, sounds, and rich cultural heritage of Greece in this custom transect voyage of the southern Aegean Sea.
Sous réserve de désistement en cas de force majeure
Tenue idéale pour la vie à bord :
Durant les journées passées à bord, il vous est conseillé de porter des vêtements confortables ou des tenues décontractées. L’ensemble du navire étant climatisé, un pull fin, une veste légère ou un châle peuvent vous être nécessaires. Pour vos déplacements dans les espaces publics et sur les ponts du navire, privilégiez des chaussures légères mais confortables.
Soirée informelle :
Le soir, il vous est conseillé de porter une tenue de ville élégante, en particulier lors des dîners dans nos restaurants où le port de short et tee-shirt n’est pas autorisé.
Pour les femmes :
Pour les hommes :
Soirée des officiers :
En fonction de l’itinéraire et du programme de votre croisière, une Soirée des Officiers sur le thème « Soirée Blanche » pourra être organisée. Par conséquent, nous vous incitons à prévoir pour l’occasion une tenue de ville élégante blanche (à défaut noire et blanche).
Soirée de gala :
Lors de nos croisières, deux soirées de gala sont organisées à bord. Aussi, nous vous recommandons de prévoir une ou deux tenues plus formelles.
Pour les femmes :
Pour les hommes :
BOUTIQUE :
Une boutique est ouverte durant les moments de navigation proposant une large gamme de tenues, bijoux, maroquinerie et de nombreux accessoires.
Nous vous informons qu’un service de blanchisserie (nettoyage - repassage) existe à bord, mais il n’est pas en mesure de vous proposer un nettoyage à sec. Pour des raisons de sécurité, votre cabine n’est pas équipée d’un fer à repasser.
ACCESSOIRES :
SOINS – SANTÉ :
TENUES À BORD :
PRÉCAUTIONS :
Dans le sac qui ne vous quittera pas, pensez à emporter les médicaments dont vous avez besoin, et éventuellement un petit nécessaire de toilette et de rechange (en cas de retard dans la livraison de votre bagage par la compagnie aérienne). Assurez-vous d’avoir toujours avec vous les documents de voyage dont vous pourriez avoir besoin : voucher d’hôtel, voucher de croisière, billets de vol retour… Ne les laissez jamais dans vos bagages enregistrés en soute.
Toutes nos cabines disposent d’un coffre. Nous vous recommandons de ne pas descendre à terre avec vos bijoux de valeur.
Activités PONANT
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Sous réserve de désistement en cas de force majeure
Embarquement 5/07/2022 de 16:00 à 17:00
Départ 5/07/2022 à 19:00
La capitale grecque se situe au bord du golfe Saronique, dans l’est du pays. Elle porte un nom pluriel par référence aux premiers villages entourant l’Acropole. Vous serez sûrement envoûté par ce plateau rocheux aux monuments inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco. En contrebas, vous aurez l’occasion de visiter l’un des quartiers les plus vivants d’Athènes : Plaka. Il vous révélera un enchevêtrement de ruelles colorées qui embaument la moussaka et les crevettes à l’ail en soirée. Le musée national archéologique et le musée d’art cycladique font également partie des principales attractions de la ville et permettent de découvrir l’éblouissant passé culturel d’Athènes.
Arrivée 6/07/2022 en milieu de journée
Départ 6/07/2022 en début de soirée
Patmos représente une escale mythique du Dodécanèse : elle est l’île d’accueil de saint Jean, auteur « présumé » du dernier livre de la Bible. La grotte de l’Apocalypse et le monastère de saint Jean lui sont consacrés. Vous découvrirez ces lieux inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco au sommet d’une colline plantée de vignes et de vergers. Sur le rivage, les anses cristallines de Kambos et de Lampi offrent des escales balnéaires de toute beauté.
Arrivée 7/07/2022 en début de matinée
Départ 7/07/2022 en milieu d'après-midi
Ravissante escale du Dodécanèse, Symi se situe au nord-ouest de Rhodes. Cette île aux forêts de cyprès, aux vignobles et aux champs d’oliviers possède une capitale du même nom, aussi colorée que la nature environnante. Vous ne résisterez sans doute pas au charme du quartier portuaire de Gialos : ses quais sont bordés de pittoresques maisons aux façades multicolores. Pour découvrir la ville haute, vous pourrez longer la route en voiture ou gravir à pied les 500 marches de la rampe de Kali Strata. Cette seconde option vous offrira de superbes points de vue sur la côte, qui recèle tout un éventail de criques aux eaux turquoise.
Arrivée 8/07/2022 en début de matinée
Départ 8/07/2022 en fin d'après-midi
Ce n’est pas par hasard si l’île Amorgos a été choisie comme un des lieux de tournage du film Le Grand Bleu de Luc Besson. Vous aussi succombez au charme de l’île au fur et à mesure que votre navire s’en approche… Cette île, la plus orientale des Cyclades, est remarquable pour ses criques rocheuses aux eaux limpides et ses petits villages préservés. Cette escale sera l’occasion pour vous de visiter un des plus jolis villages des Cyclades, Chora, aux ruelles pavées et aux maisons blanchies à la chaux dominées par un château. Églises byzantines, moulins à vent et cours fleuries viennent compléter ce tableau typique de la Grèce immuable.
Arrivée 9/07/2022
Départ 9/07/2022
La navigation dans les eaux de la caldeira de Santorin est saisissante. Le gigantisme de ce décor unique, la majesté des hautes falaises entourant cet ancien cratère envahi par les flots au IIe millénaire avant J.-C. est un moment fort de la croisière. Les dégradés de couleur des roches volcaniques, blanches, grises, rouges, le bleu de la mer Égée, les villages perchés immaculés constituent un spectacle unique et merveilleux.
Arrivée 9/07/2022 en milieu de journée
Départ 9/07/2022 en soirée
Folégandros est un trésor caché de l’archipel des Cyclades. Vous aborderez cette île montagneuse au sud-est de la Grèce continentale. Sa ville principale Chora vous fascinera sans aucun doute par ses maisons blanches et bleues construites sur un plateau escarpé en surplomb. Vous pourrez vous avancer au bord des belvédères, pour admirer le panorama s’ouvrant sur la mer Égée et le port de Karavostasi. La jetée de ce dernier conduit à une agréable plage, dont vous apprécierez certainement l’eau turquoise. Sur les hauteurs, le village d’Ano Meria, entouré de cultures en terrasses, offre un magnifique panorama sur la mer.
Arrivée 10/07/2022 en début de matinée
Départ 10/07/2022 en milieu de journée
Cette escale mythique des Cyclades s’élève au sud-ouest de Mykonos, et on ne peut y accéder que par la mer. L’aspect solennel de cette antique terre sacrée ne manquera pas de vous frapper dès votre arrivée. Vous constaterez certainement avec émotion que son site archéologique inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco ne couvre pas moins de la moitié de l’île. Du portique d’Antigone à la terrasse des Lions aux animaux sculptés dans le marbre blanc, vous irez de découverte en découverte, avec la mer Égée à l’horizon. À flanc de colline, les gradins du théâtre vous feront profiter d’un panorama particulièrement étendu sur le littoral.
Arrivée 10/07/2022 en début d'après-midi
Départ 10/07/2022 en fin de soirée
Surnommée « la petite Venise », Mykonos est célèbre pour son quartier Alefkandra aux maisons construites à fleur d’eau. Leurs loggias multicolores symbolisent cette escale des Cyclades, au même titre que les pélicans et les moulins à vent. Vous pourrez vous approcher des oiseaux sur les quais du vieux port, tandis que vous verrez les ailes des moulins tournoyer sur la colline. Dans les rues pavées du centre piétonnier, des bougainvillées fleurissent les maisons aux façades immaculées. Le littoral entraperçu au détour des ruelles vous incitera sans aucun doute à rejoindre les plages de l’île, les plus tranquilles se situant sur la côte nord.
Arrivée 11/07/2022 en milieu de journée
Départ 11/07/2022 en soirée
Cette insolite escale des îles Saroniques se situe à l’est du Péloponnèse. Elle est dépourvue de circulation automobile. Nommée d’après l’île, la ville portuaire d’Hydra s’étage sur les versants d’une baie montagneuse. Vous serez peut-être étonné par ses demeures en pierres apparentes. Elles font partie des traditions, de même que les caïques multicolores amarrés le long des quais. Plus loin sur le rivage, vous aurez l’occasion de découvrir le Musée des archives historiques de la ville, ainsi que les collections du Musée d’histoire nationale d’Athènes exposées dans l’élégante villa Koundouriotis.
Arrivée 12/07/2022 en début de matinée
Débarquement 12/07/2022 à 07:00
La capitale grecque se situe au bord du golfe Saronique, dans l’est du pays. Elle porte un nom pluriel par référence aux premiers villages entourant l’Acropole. Vous serez sûrement envoûté par ce plateau rocheux aux monuments inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco. En contrebas, vous aurez l’occasion de visiter l’un des quartiers les plus vivants d’Athènes : Plaka. Il vous révélera un enchevêtrement de ruelles colorées qui embaument la moussaka et les crevettes à l’ail en soirée. Le musée national archéologique et le musée d’art cycladique font également partie des principales attractions de la ville et permettent de découvrir l’éblouissant passé culturel d’Athènes.
It was to this rugged island of Patmos that St. John the Evangelist was banished during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, and it is here that he is said to have received the visions of the Apocalypse that later became the Book of Revelation.
Today, Patmos’s landscape is dominated by the fortress-like Monastery of St. John, built in the 11th century at the summit of a hill. As you explore this sacred place you will discover a veritable museum of Byzantine art — countless frescoes, precious icons, gold and silver liturgical objects, rare manuscripts and antiquities.
After the opulence of the monastery, a short drive takes you to the very different site of the Apocalypse Cave, which John made his home during his exile. Here you can see the resting place outlined in beaten silver where St John laid his head every night. Next to this bed of rock is the spot where John's disciple Prochoros sat as he transcribed the visions John dictated to him.
Inclus
Named for the wife of Poseidon and said to be the birthplace of the three graces, Symi was an important part of the Roman and Byzantine empires. It was occupied by the Knights of St. John in 1373, and reached its greatest prominence under the Ottoman Empire, when shipbuilding and sponge-diving made the island quite prosperous. Enjoy an informal walk through town with your guide.
Inclus
Relatively untouched by tourism, Amorgos evokes an earlier, simpler world. This excursion focuses on that simpler life by visiting two villages that continue local traditions in much the same way their families have done for generations
Arrive first at the village of Lagada, nestled among gently rolling hills on the northern end of the island. The cultivation of olives and the production of olive oil has been the primary economic activity of this region from before history. On a guided walk through the olive groves, you will learn how local growers tend their crops as well as about the importance of the olive in many aspects of Mediterranean life. Your walk ends with a demonstration of a traditional village olive press.
Your visit to Lagada is followed by a short drive north to Tholaria, a small village overlooking Aegiali Bay. Here you are welcome to explore the layout and functioning of a traditional Cylcadic private home — its cellar and wooden oven as well as the main residence. Attached to the house is a distillery for essential oils produced from herbs grown in Amorgos. Herbal medicine has been a part of Greek life since the ancients, and a local herbalist will explain the properties of the various herbs and their oils and how they are distilled.
Before departing Tholaria to return to the ship, gather on the outdoor terrace, which offers unlimited views of the sea and surrounding mountains, to enjoy a sampling of treats including olives, local cheeses, olive pies, local wine, raki, and local sweets.
Inclus
Relatively untouched by tourism, Amorgos evokes an earlier, simpler world. This excursion focuses on the main attractions of the island — the Monastery of Hozoviotissa and Chora, the capital town.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Monastery was founded in 1088 and contains rare icons and manuscripts, which the monks who greet you will be delighted to explain while serving a sampling of the local sweet, loukoumi. But for most visitors it is the monastery itself, built into the side of a steep cliff and seemingly suspended some 900 feet above the sea below, that is the most vivid memory. The views both during your climb to the entrance and from within the monastery are spectacular.
Continuing your tour, you will reach Chora, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades. A leisurely stroll among the whitewashed houses, small churches, and windmills that line the streets, perhaps pausing for a taste of ouzo and local sweets, leads to three small museums. The Ecclesiastical Museum contains relics and remembrances of prominent clergy, including Archbishop Christodoulos, for whom it is named. The nearby Cultural/Folklore Museum provides a glimpse into the daily life of earlier times. And the Archaeological Museum has a collection of finds from excavations of three ancient cities, some of which date to the Bronze Age.
Inclus
Call at the small volcanic island of Folegandros. Take a shuttle to Hora, the charming capital of the island, and enjoy relaxing in this quaint village, built upon a 650-foot cliff, with its smart cafes and delightful tavernas.
Inclus
The island of Delos was sacred to the ancient Greeks — the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to countless shrines and temples. Today, it is a veritable open-air museum.
Your walking tour of this sprawling site begins directly from the pier, as you follow your guide through a maze of fallen columns, sections of the mosaics which once adorned the houses of the rich, a stadium, tiers of seats from a theater abandoned long ago and much more. Atop a small hill is the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena Cynthiens, dating from the 3rd century BC. From this vantage point, you overlook the entire site and get a sense of the grandeur of the city when it was the center of the Delian League.
Among the notable remains you will encounter is the Sanctuary of Apollo, also known as the “Temple of the Athenians," where you will see the altars and votive offerings presented by Athenians to the god so important to their civic life. You will also discover the Terrace of the Lions, among the best-preserved monuments on Delos, where five marble lions stand at the ready to protect the town as they gaze to the east, waiting for the sun to rise.
Finally, you will visit the Theater District, the most luxurious district of the ancient city with the mansions pretentiously named the homes “of Dionysus" and “of Cleopatra," among others. This is where the mosaics that adorned the floors of these great houses, as well as the streets and shops of ancient Delos will suggest the wealth of this once bustling city.
Inclus
Its white cubic houses, characteristic windmills, and numerous chapels make Mykonos the quintessential Cycladic island. Formerly a quiet fishing town, Mykonos is now a sophisticated island resort with smart cafes and boutiques. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to soak in all this dazzling town has to offer.
Inclus
Although it was 'discovered' in the 1950s and has been a retreat for Greek and international celebrities from Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis to Leonard Cohen, Hydra maintains its traditional character — in large part, because no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.
Your guided tour of Hydra's landmarks begins with the Historical Archives Museum, housed in an elegant mansion and containing manuscripts, paintings, rare books and photographs that detail the long and distinguished maritime and military history of the island and its inhabitants.
As your walk continues, you will stop at the Church of the Dormitian, which serves as Hydra's cathedral. The church boasts a 3-story bell tower made entirely of marble and houses icons and other offerings from the wealthy seafarers of the island, including one chandelier that is said to have been stolen from Louis XIV.
A short uphill climb brings you to the Koundouriotis Mansion, a splendid example of the traditional architecture of Hydra. Built in 1780 by Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various items from the National Historical Museum of Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewelry, fine embroideries, pottery and wood-carvings. The opulent interior also displays the heirlooms of this wealthy ship owner and his family.
Your exploration of this special island ends with a leisurely stroll back to the port. Be sure to pause along the way to enjoy a coffee and sample Hydra's local sweet amygdaloto at a cafe on the promenade.
Inclus
PONANT have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
Not included:
Notes:
Conférencier
À bord de votre navire, un conférencier francophone vous propose un éclairage culturel et historique pour approfondir votre connaissance de la destination : origine des traditions locales, histoire des sites emblématiques, évocation de personnages célèbres et des grandes épopées historiques…. Lors de conférences à bord ou de vos sorties à terre, cet expert vous accompagnera tout au long de votre croisière PONANT pour partager avec vous son précieux savoir.
Nos prestations complémentaires
Athens is the birthplace of democracy and philosophy and home to the most enduring symbol of classical civilisation—the Parthenon. Join this specially designed programme to explore the incomparably rich legacy of this amazing city.
Day 1 – Athens, Greece
Arrive at Athens International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Grande Bretagne. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travellers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Athens | Embark
After breakfast at the hotel, your first visit will be at the New Acropolis Museum, opened to the public in 2009 and designed to house and showcase all of the artifacts found on the Acropolis since archaeological work at the site began. The result is the exhibition of some 4,000 objects dating from the Greek Bronze Age through the Roman and Byzantine periods. Your tour of the Acropolis itself includes the Propylaea, which serves as the entrance to the complex, the Temple of Athena Nike, or Wingless Victory, and the Erechtheum with its classical Porch of Maidens. And of course, there is the Parthenon, the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world, designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess. At the end of this tour, enjoy time at leisure to stroll the pedestrian walkways of the Plaka, the ancient neighborhood at the base of the Acropolis, where you will find a variety of shops and cafés where you can browse and have an independent lunch before boarding your coach for the transfer to the pier to embark your ship.
Your hotel:
Located in historic Syntagma Square, the 5-star Hotel Grande Bretagne is the perfect venue for a visit to Athens. Within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums, and the business district, the hotel boasts 320 rooms and suites, two restaurants, and a spa. Its views of the city centre, from the Parliament building to the Parthenon, are unrivaled.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
1 Vasileos Georgiou A' str.
Syntagma Square
Athens 105 64
Greece
Telephone: +30 210 333 0000
Total TTC : 550 €
It was to this rugged island of Patmos that St. John the Evangelist was banished during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, and it is here that he is said to have received the visions of the Apocalypse that later became the Book of Revelation.
Today, Patmos’s landscape is dominated by the fortress-like Monastery of St. John, built in the 11th century at the summit of a hill. As you explore this sacred place you will discover a veritable museum of Byzantine art — countless frescoes, precious icons, gold and silver liturgical objects, rare manuscripts and antiquities.
After the opulence of the monastery, a short drive takes you to the very different site of the Apocalypse Cave, which John made his home during his exile. Here you can see the resting place outlined in beaten silver where St John laid his head every night. Next to this bed of rock is the spot where John's disciple Prochoros sat as he transcribed the visions John dictated to him.
Inclus
Named for the wife of Poseidon and said to be the birthplace of the three graces, Symi was an important part of the Roman and Byzantine empires. It was occupied by the Knights of St. John in 1373, and reached its greatest prominence under the Ottoman Empire, when shipbuilding and sponge-diving made the island quite prosperous. Enjoy an informal walk through town with your guide.
Inclus
Relatively untouched by tourism, Amorgos evokes an earlier, simpler world. This excursion focuses on that simpler life by visiting two villages that continue local traditions in much the same way their families have done for generations
Arrive first at the village of Lagada, nestled among gently rolling hills on the northern end of the island. The cultivation of olives and the production of olive oil has been the primary economic activity of this region from before history. On a guided walk through the olive groves, you will learn how local growers tend their crops as well as about the importance of the olive in many aspects of Mediterranean life. Your walk ends with a demonstration of a traditional village olive press.
Your visit to Lagada is followed by a short drive north to Tholaria, a small village overlooking Aegiali Bay. Here you are welcome to explore the layout and functioning of a traditional Cylcadic private home — its cellar and wooden oven as well as the main residence. Attached to the house is a distillery for essential oils produced from herbs grown in Amorgos. Herbal medicine has been a part of Greek life since the ancients, and a local herbalist will explain the properties of the various herbs and their oils and how they are distilled.
Before departing Tholaria to return to the ship, gather on the outdoor terrace, which offers unlimited views of the sea and surrounding mountains, to enjoy a sampling of treats including olives, local cheeses, olive pies, local wine, raki, and local sweets.
Inclus
Relatively untouched by tourism, Amorgos evokes an earlier, simpler world. This excursion focuses on the main attractions of the island — the Monastery of Hozoviotissa and Chora, the capital town.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Monastery was founded in 1088 and contains rare icons and manuscripts, which the monks who greet you will be delighted to explain while serving a sampling of the local sweet, loukoumi. But for most visitors it is the monastery itself, built into the side of a steep cliff and seemingly suspended some 900 feet above the sea below, that is the most vivid memory. The views both during your climb to the entrance and from within the monastery are spectacular.
Continuing your tour, you will reach Chora, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades. A leisurely stroll among the whitewashed houses, small churches, and windmills that line the streets, perhaps pausing for a taste of ouzo and local sweets, leads to three small museums. The Ecclesiastical Museum contains relics and remembrances of prominent clergy, including Archbishop Christodoulos, for whom it is named. The nearby Cultural/Folklore Museum provides a glimpse into the daily life of earlier times. And the Archaeological Museum has a collection of finds from excavations of three ancient cities, some of which date to the Bronze Age.
Inclus
Call at the small volcanic island of Folegandros. Take a shuttle to Hora, the charming capital of the island, and enjoy relaxing in this quaint village, built upon a 650-foot cliff, with its smart cafes and delightful tavernas.
Inclus
The island of Delos was sacred to the ancient Greeks — the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to countless shrines and temples. Today, it is a veritable open-air museum.
Your walking tour of this sprawling site begins directly from the pier, as you follow your guide through a maze of fallen columns, sections of the mosaics which once adorned the houses of the rich, a stadium, tiers of seats from a theater abandoned long ago and much more. Atop a small hill is the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena Cynthiens, dating from the 3rd century BC. From this vantage point, you overlook the entire site and get a sense of the grandeur of the city when it was the center of the Delian League.
Among the notable remains you will encounter is the Sanctuary of Apollo, also known as the “Temple of the Athenians," where you will see the altars and votive offerings presented by Athenians to the god so important to their civic life. You will also discover the Terrace of the Lions, among the best-preserved monuments on Delos, where five marble lions stand at the ready to protect the town as they gaze to the east, waiting for the sun to rise.
Finally, you will visit the Theater District, the most luxurious district of the ancient city with the mansions pretentiously named the homes “of Dionysus" and “of Cleopatra," among others. This is where the mosaics that adorned the floors of these great houses, as well as the streets and shops of ancient Delos will suggest the wealth of this once bustling city.
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Its white cubic houses, characteristic windmills, and numerous chapels make Mykonos the quintessential Cycladic island. Formerly a quiet fishing town, Mykonos is now a sophisticated island resort with smart cafes and boutiques. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to soak in all this dazzling town has to offer.
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Although it was 'discovered' in the 1950s and has been a retreat for Greek and international celebrities from Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis to Leonard Cohen, Hydra maintains its traditional character — in large part, because no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.
Your guided tour of Hydra's landmarks begins with the Historical Archives Museum, housed in an elegant mansion and containing manuscripts, paintings, rare books and photographs that detail the long and distinguished maritime and military history of the island and its inhabitants.
As your walk continues, you will stop at the Church of the Dormitian, which serves as Hydra's cathedral. The church boasts a 3-story bell tower made entirely of marble and houses icons and other offerings from the wealthy seafarers of the island, including one chandelier that is said to have been stolen from Louis XIV.
A short uphill climb brings you to the Koundouriotis Mansion, a splendid example of the traditional architecture of Hydra. Built in 1780 by Lazaros Koundouriotis, it now houses various items from the National Historical Museum of Athens, such as traditional costumes, jewelry, fine embroideries, pottery and wood-carvings. The opulent interior also displays the heirlooms of this wealthy ship owner and his family.
Your exploration of this special island ends with a leisurely stroll back to the port. Be sure to pause along the way to enjoy a coffee and sample Hydra's local sweet amygdaloto at a cafe on the promenade.
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