Gain a remarkable understanding of the ancient world by browsing key archaeological ruins and historical sites that will reveal the complexities of that Greek civilization, while pausing along the way to sample superb Greek wines.
This is a small group program and thus limited to 14 participants.
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Athens International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Kolonaki neighborhood. Following check-in, the afternoon will be free to explore the area on your own. Kolonaki is known for its upscale shopping and trendy bars, so you will have plenty of choices.
Check in time at the hotel is at 3:00pm.
This evening, you will dine at the seaside restaurant Varoulko at the Microlimano marino. Michelin-star chef Lefteris Lazarou created the restaurant menu, so expect a fantastic dining experience with a sea food-based menu. Kindly advise us with any dietary restrictions at least 21 days before arrival. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel to spend the night. Please ensure your flight is scheduled to arrive prior to 5:00pm.
NOTE: should you have any special dietary requirements, kindly advise the Regent Reservations Team to note your land program booking at least 90 days before departing for your program. Any last-minute requests may not be able to be accommodated.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the Peloponnese area, where you will have a photo stop at the Corinth Canal. The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea, separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal was dug at sea level and has no locks, unlike many other canals. During the transit, you will learn about early attempts to construct a canal in this location, including a failed attempt during Nero’s reign in 1st century.
You will then proceed to an ancient section of Corinth to view an archaeological site with a surprising mix of ruins. Some of the remains are from a 6th-century BC Greek city, while others are from a 44 BC Roman colony built at the end of Julius Caesar’s reign. Some of the more fascinating highlights include a Christian basilica, the starting lines of a Greek racetrack, a sacred spring with bronze lion’s-head spouts, and the elaborate Roman fountain of Peirene, which according to myth was where Pegasus drank.
The Nemea wine region is among Greece's most important red-wine appellation. The mountains and valleys surrounding the village of Nemea have been producing wine for centuries, mostly from the native Agiorgitiko grape. A wide range of wines are made with this red grape variety, including dry wines and lighter, sweeter ones. While visiting a nearby wine estate, you will sample a selection of distinct wines and enjoy a light lunch.
Continuing on, you will cross the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. The bridge spans the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula, to Antirrio on mainland Greece.
Once on the mainland, you will stop at Nafpaktos, a seaside town known for its lengthy beach and an impressive Venetian castle. The naval Battle of Lepanto occurred just off the coast in 1571. The Ottoman fleet was soundly defeated, marking the end of the western expansion of the Ottoman Turks. Miguel Cervantes, who later wrote “Don Quixote,” lost the use of his left arm during the battle.
Ahead, lie the small coastal towns of Galaxidi and Itea, which you will pass on the way to Arachova where you will spend the evening. Dinner will be offered at the hotel or a restaurant in Arachova.
DAY 3
After an American breakfast at the hotel, you will begin an immensely scenic drive into central Greece, eventually stopping in Delphi. The ancients believed the site to be the physical and spiritual centers of the earth.
You will walk along the Sacred Way, following the same path up Mount Parnassus that the ancient pilgrims took to seek advice from the Oracle of Delphi. The pilgrims would ask the oracle questions about the future, and she would answer somewhat cryptically. Even so, the oracle was famous throughout Greece and far beyond.
You will also browse through a museum at Delphi which houses a superb collection of votive offerings and statues, including the glorious Charioteer, one of the finest bronze statues from ancient Greece.
A short drive will bring you to the village of Distomo and on towards the Monastery of Ossios Loukas, which dates to the 10th century. UNESCO declared the walled monastery a World Heritage site for its outstanding Byzantine religious architecture. Please note that women must wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders to enter.
Upon returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own. For your convenience, a transfer will be provided into town at 5pm, returning at 8pm.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Athens with a small deviation to visit the spectacular, family-owned winery Domaine Hatzimichalis. You will enjoy a tasting of its award-winning wines before continuing on to the
port of Piraeus to board the cruise ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program.
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at Athens International airport
You are met and transferred to your hotel
3:00pm Official check-in time at the hotel
Afternoon at leisure
Flights should be scheduled to arrive before 5:00pm
7:30pm Depart for dinner at Varoulko in Microlimano
9:30pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at the St. George Lycabettus or a similar hotel
NOTE: should you have any special dietary requirements, kindly advise the Regent Reservations Team to note your land program booking at least 90 days before departing for your program. Any last-minute requests may not be able to be accommodated.
DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart for Corinth Canal
9:15am Arrive at the Isthmus of Corinth for a photo stop
9:45am Depart for ancient Corinth
10:00am Guided tour of ancient Corinth
11:30am Depart for Nemea
12:00pm Winery visit with light lunch
1:30pm Depart for the Rio-Antirio Bridge
3:00pm Cross to mainland Greece
3:15pm Stop at Nafpaktos
4:15pm Depart for Arachova
6:00pm Arrive at Arachova
8:00pm Dinner included at your hotel
Overnight at the Anemolia Hotel or a similar hotel
DAY 3
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart for Delphi
9:15am Guided visit of the archaeological site
11:00am Depart for Ossios Loukas Monastery
11:45am Guided visit of the Ossios Loukas Monastery
12:45pm Depart for lunch venue
1:00pm Lunch
2:30pm Return to the hotel
Afternoon and evening at leisure, dinner on your own
5:00pm Transfer available to the centre of Arachova
8:00pm Return transfer available from Arachova to hotel
Overnight at the Anemolia Hotel or a similar hotel
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Depart the hotel for Atalanti
11:00am Visit Domaine Hatzimichalis for wine tasting and snacks
12:15pm Depart for Piraeus
2:30pm Arrive at the port for embarkation
Please Note
There is a large number of uneven steps at Ancient Corinth and Delphi.
Large bags are not permitted inside the archaeological sites and museums.
Expected Weather
Athens has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers. Temperatures average 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in August but can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
What to Bring
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, and charger.
Currency
The Euro. U.S. dollars are not accepted.
Electricity
220V. We recommend bringing a travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Accommodations
Domotel Anemolia
Arachova, Delphi
Phone: +30 22670 31640
St. George Lycabettus
Kleomenous, 2, Athens
Phone: +30 210 7416 000
We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards, and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes
•2 nights in Arachova at the Domotel Anemolia or similar hotel (executive double room)
•1 night in Athens at the St. George Lycabettus or similar hotel (Signature room with balcony, exterior view to Lycabettus or city view)
•Professional and fully qualified English-speaking guide
•Buffet breakfast daily with coffee, tea and juice
•All other meals per the itinerary, half bottle of wine per person during dinner at Varoulko
•Entrance fees to all sites visited
•Winery visits per the itinerary
•Corinth Canal photo stop
•All applicable taxes
•Transfers
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests
•Gratuities for guides and drivers
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel, and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodations and transfers then will be at the expense of guests.
Price: $1,699 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
