Ionian Jewels Small Ship Cruise

Your adventure begins with a private transfer from either Athens International Airport or your Athens hotel if you’ve already arrived. Relax and enjoy the drive to the port of Lavrio at the tip of the Attica peninsula where your ship awaits. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink at check-in, which is from 3 to 4 pm and then we’ll get underway to our first destination, the port of Itea. After crossing the Corinth Canal we’ll soon reach this gateway to ancient Delphi which you’ll explore tomorrow. Tonight is reserved for our welcome dinner which includes introductions to the captain and crew, a delicious multicourse feast, and time to get to know your fellow passengers.

Arriving early to Itea, you’ll get to explore the sacred site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered by ancient Greeks as the center of the world. It’s nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, a place of magnificent natural beauty that’s strewn with remarkable ruins that include everything from a theater used for the ancient Pythian games to the Athenian Treasure and Temple of Apollo. Most of the ruins that still survive date all the way back to the 6th century BC. After exploring, relax on the ship, perhaps sipping a glass of wine before dining alfresco under a brilliant night’s sky.

One of the first things you’ll see this morning is sure to take your breath away: the sight of Shipwreck Beach with its fine white sands and rusted skeleton of a shipwreck. The waters that lap it have a remarkable shade of blue so vibrant it’s hard to believe their real. If they’re calling your name, feel free to leap in. Or, we can take you to the beach for a close-up look at the ship. Next, we’ll sail to Kefalonia, a nature lover’s dream famous for its beach featured in “Corelli’s Mandolin.” Take advantage of it for a swim or explore the fascinating caves nearby.

It’s just a short sail to the mythical island of Odysseus where we’ll dock in Vathy Port early this morning, located in the center of a well-protected bay. The red-tiled rooftops of the homes cascade down the hillside creating a magnificent spectacle while the narrow streets and main square of the market center are just steps away. Feel free to wander on your own or take advantage of one of two options: a tour of the Archaeological Collection of Stavros or a visit to a serene mountain monastery positioned for jaw-dropping views. After we continue cruising, we’ll enjoy another swim stop, overnighting at sea.

When you rise this morning, you’ll be greeted by a view of picturesque Antipaxos Island. Today will mostly be enjoyed exploring the crystal-clear blue waters between Antipaxos and Paxos by snorkeling or swimming. Both islands are stunning with their white sandy beaches, hidden coves, and white cliffs. You’ll get to visit the famous Blue Caves before heading to the pretty port of Gaios in Paxos which was featured in the Greek Netflix series “Maestro in Blue.” We’ll spend the night here providing the opportunity for you to do some independent exploring before we make an early departure for Parga tomorrow.

We’ll reach Parga this morning. While it’s a traditional settlement on the Greek mainland, it has the look and feel of an Ionian island, nestled on the slopes of emerald mountains framing turquoise waters with a wealth of elegant architecture. It offers a gorgeous view of the sea and visitors can also discover some fabulous, exotic beaches. An optional guided tour can bring you to the Acheron River. In Greek mythology, it’s one of the five rivers said to lead to the Underworld. Here you can hike, kayak, or horseback ride before returning to the ship in time for our departure to Syvota.

Last but not least, we reach lush Corfu. A beautiful, green island with a distinct character thanks to influences by the French, English, and Venetians, it’s a place filled with incredible natural beauty and jam-packed with history, mythology, and culture. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly alluring with its magnificent architecture. Enjoy a stroll on your own or take advantage of one of the optional tours to immerse yourself in Corfu culture or its mouthwatering gastronomic scene. As this is our final night, enjoy our farewell Greek dinner back on board the ship this evening.

While it’s never easy to say goodbye, after a memorable week of discovering the magical Ionian archipelago, it will soon be time to depart. Be sure to get your bags packed and ready, as disembarkation will be by 10 am. You’ll enjoy one final breakfast on the ship with time to exchange contact information with your fellow passengers who are now new friends. Your driver will meet you upon disembarkation to provide a transfer to the airport to catch your flight home or to an onward hotel if you’d like to spend more time in Corfu. Wherever your travels take you, we wish you a safe journey.