5 reasons to set sail for Greece!

Athens, City of the Gods:

Explore the splendor of antiquity on this cruise's first stop in the Greek capital: Athens, cradle of Western civilization and birthplace of democracy, the arts and philosophy. Walk in the footsteps of the greatest philosophers and artists and discover the many wonders the city has to offer.

It's impossible not to think of the Acropolis when you think of Athens. An emblem of ancient Greece, it is majestically crowned by the Parthenon and dominates the cityscape with its architectural and cultural grandeur, recalling millennia of history from all four corners of the city. The ancient ruins of the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Hephaestus and the ancient Agora are witnesses and relics of the past, transporting visitors back in time to the golden age of classical Greece. The Acropolis Museum, with its precious archaeological relics, completes this immersive experience.

Athens also offers a lively contemporary atmosphere in the heart of historic districts such as Plaka and Monastiraki, with their picturesque alleyways, artisanal stores and traditional tavernas. Athens, with its harmonious blend of past and present, promises a rich cultural adventure for any traveler with a passion for history and discovery.

Nearby, Sparta evokes the legendary military might and discipline of the ancient Spartans. The archaeological remains of the ancient city, such as the Theater of Sparta and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis Orthia, allow visitors to step back in time and imagine life in this renowned military city. Local museums display fascinating artifacts, offering a detailed insight into Spartan society.

These two complementary sites offer a captivating contrast between the medieval grandeur of Mystras and the ancient austerity of Sparta, creating an immersive travel experience for those wishing to delve into the fascinating relics of Greek history.

Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games:

A must on any Greek cruise, Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Nestling between Mount Cronion and the Alpheus River, Olympia was once considered a religious center dedicated to Zeus, king of the gods. In the heart of Olympia, you'll find the impressive remains of the Temple of Zeus, built in 470 BC. At the time, the temple was over 60 meters long and housed the famous chryselephantine statue of the King of the Gods, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but tragically destroyed by fire in 475 AD, along with many other statues.

Olympia is also home to the incredible Temple of Hera, in front of which stands the altar still used today to light the Olympic flame. In this sanctuary, you'll find the many remains of the sports facilities of the first Olympic Games, which took place here almost 3,000 years ago.

Meteora, a natural masterpiece:

From the moment you arrive in Kalambaka, the view is astonishing. Suspended between heaven and earth, the Meteora monasteries built atop rocky peaks defy the laws of weightlessness and offer an extraordinary spectacle of nature and spirituality.

These imposing limestone rock formations emerging from the Thessalian plain, sculpted over the centuries by geological forces, create an unreal, almost mystical landscape and serve as pedestals for these edifices perched at dizzying heights. Six in number, they date back to the 14th century and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Much more than a remarkable natural site, they represent a place of spiritual contemplation, and have attracted hermits and monks in search of isolation for centuries. They take their name from Greek mythology, according to which these rocks were sent from heaven to earth to enable ascetics to isolate themselves and pray.

Accessible by steep staircases cut into the rock, each monastery has its own unique history and exceptional religious frescoes that bear witness to the spiritual fervor of the medieval era.