Cabin Cruises
From Antiquity to Byzantium 2017

A spectacular Circumnavigation of the historic Peloponnese & Continental Greece on board the 49 passenger Motorsailer GALILEO
Panorama II at sail around Peleponnesus



Variety Cruises
Experience a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting, along with an exciting voyage of discovery, unravelling the wonders of the Aegean Islands. Each day you will discover a new port of call, a hidden cove with crystal blue waters to cool you, a glimpse of ancient history to amaze you and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you.

The MotorSailer GALILEO
The 48 meter M/S Galileo is a classic steel hull motor sailer, with spacious and well appointed interiors renovated in 2007. The Galileo is always sailing under motors. Sails are occasionally used when weather and route allow.

Life on Board
At the main deck, a lounge area with an American bar leads into a warm and elegant dining room finished with wood and leather. Guests on Galileo enjoy the most a shaded outdoor deck area with an outdoor bar and the ship's sun deck equipped with sun beds and deckchairs.

The Cabins
The M/S Galileo's 25 outside guest cabins are located on the Lower and the Upper Deck all with large windows or portholes. Elegantly decorated, they have either twin or queen sized beds and bathrooms with showers en suite. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and offer storage space and radio music controls.

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2016 Antiquity To Byzantium- Cruise Itinerary
8 day cruises from Athens - Marina Zea

Day 1: Friday - Marina Zea
Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Palaia (old) Epidaurus. Evening arrival and dinner on board.

Day 2: Saturday - Palaia Epidaurus (optional excursion)
We leave our ship early in the morning to drive to Ancient Epidaurus for our optional excursion. Epidaurus was known throughout the Greek world as a healing sanctuary. It was reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asclepius - and for its theater, which is once again in use today. The sanctuary was looted by the Roman general Sulla by pirates and later by Goths in 395 A.D. and very little remains of it today. The prosperity brought by the Asclepieion enabled the residents of Epidaurus to construct civic monuments, including a huge theater (approximately 300 B.C.) renowned for its symmetry and beauty. Lunch on ship and afternoon sailing to Nafplion. Overnight at port.

Day 3: Sunday - Nafplion/Mycenae (optional excursion)
After a short walking tour of Nafplion, drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards Mycenae for an optional excursion. The importance of the city, which Homer calls "rich in gold" begins in 1650 B.C and ceases around 1100 B.C with the fall of the civilization to which it gives name. Visit the remains of the ancient glorious city including the Lion's Gate, the Palace, the so called Agamemnon Tomb and the museum. Lunch on ship and afternoon sailing to Monemvassia. Overnight sailing to Gythion.

Day 4: Monday - Gythion (optional excursion)
Early morning arrival to Gythion. Optional Excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Ancient Gythion was inhabited during prehistoric times and later the Spartans used as a port, enlarging the natural harbor they made Gythion their naval base. Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular caves, discovered around the 60s, which are perhaps among the most important natural sites of Greece. After visiting the cave we will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani is at the tip of the Peloponnese, a distinctive area unlike any other area in Greece. A desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers who is strangely beautiful. Overnight at sea to Pylos.

Day 5: Tuesday - Pylos (optional excursion)
Pylos is a picture-perfect seaside town on the southwest corner of the Peloponnese. In 1827 a fleet of Venetians and other city states defeated an Ottoman fleet in one of the most important naval battles in history. This defeat led to the independence of Greece, which occurred in 1829. After stopping to admire the scenery, we will continue up the road to Nestor's Palace. The remains of the prehistoric Palace occupy a scenic hilltop setting north of Pylos. The palace at Pylos belonged to Nestor and was discovered in 1939 by the American archaeologist Carl Blegen. Highlights include the well-preserved royal apartments and a bathtub that archaeologists have speculated belonged to the old king himself. The palace, with its central courtyard, was originally two stories high and richly decorated with frescoes. Following our visit to the remains of the palace, we will make the short trip to the town of Hora where a superb archaeological museum holds thousands of artifacts recovered from the site.

Day 6: Wednesday - Katakolon/Olympia (optional excursion)
Early morning arrival in Katakolon. We will disembark the ship around 7:00 a.m. in the port town of Katakolo and an optional excursion take us by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites in the ancient world.
Olympia is revered as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. In the ancient Greek world, it was also the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. Olympia persisted well into Roman times until its demise in the 3rd century A.D. when fires, earthquakes and invading tribes from the north left the ancient site in ruins. From 1875 onward excavation work, spearheaded primarily by the German government, revealed the fantastic treasures from antiquity that sit today in the marvelous archaeological museum. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. You will also explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus the Philippeion - lodging place for the athletes who participated in the games. We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world. Following lunch in the town of Olympia, we'll visit the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity. Unlike the main archaeological museum, this building houses statuary and a host of artifacts specifically related to the ancient Olympic Games. After having time at leisure we will travel overland to Patras on the north coast of the peninsula, where we will re-board our ship and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth. Overnight at Itea.

Day 7: Thursday - Itea/Delphi (optional excursion)
Morning optional excursion to Delphi, one of the most revered sites from the ancient world. We will disembark the ship early this morning and proceed to the ruins complex.
Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain. First time visitors are awed as much for the stunning natural beauty that surround the ruins as for the ancient buildings themselves. In its prime, Delphi was revered for its wealth and reputation, attributes which grew from the site's location as hosting the most important oracle in the classical world. Indeed, because everything in Greece is connected to mythology, Delphi became the premier site for the worship of the god Apollo. The oracle had the ability to prophecy the future and give advice. Visitors from across the Greek world traveled here to consult with the oracle, and responded by offering thanks to Apollo in the form of treasure. We will have a half day to walk around the ruins complex and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship and cross the Corinth Canal. Later in the evening we sail to Marina Zea. Overnight in Marina Zea

Day 8: Friday - Marina Zea (disembarkation)
Disembarkation after breakfast.

Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the Vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6/7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel- on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle automatically passengers to any refunds but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.

From Antiquity to Byzantium Cruise - 2017

FRIDAY DEPARTURES FROM ATHENS-MARINA ZEA
OFFICIAL RATES - USD

SAILING DATES & RATES
Athens-Marina Zeas
Friday Sailings
 

March 17, 24, 31
November 3, 10


April 7, 14
October 20, 27

   
Low Season
High Season
CABIN CATEGORIES
 
IN DOUBLE/TWIN
3rd PERSON RATES
IN DOUBLE/TWIN
3rd PERSON RATES
Cat C
Lower Deck,
Twin or Double beds
 
$1190
N/A
$1690
N/A
Cat B
Lower Deck,
Twin beds
 
$1590
N/A
$2090
N/A
Cat A
Upper Deck,
Double or Twin bed
 
$2090
$1,463
$2590
$1,813
Single Supplement
 
30%
Children 7-10 years old in triple cabin w/2 adults in Cat B
 
$1045
$1295
Children 10-16 years old in triple cabin w/2 adults in Cat A
 
$1358.50
$1683.50
Port Charges
 
$280

A/ Cruise fares are per person and week and include:
Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local Theme Evening and Captain's Dinner.
Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
English speaking expert Guest Speaker.
English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
Not included:
Beverages (except those mentioned above).
Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
Crew tips.
Passenger personal expenses
Wi-Fi (available at a charge)

HONEYMOON PACKAGE - DESCRIPTION
CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

1/The Honeymooners Package features:
25 % reduction for the bride
Cabins with Double or King bed
Welcome Honeymooners treatment including a Complimentary bottle of Champagne and a Fruit Basket;
A Candle Lit Dinner at our Special Honeymooners location on board our ships or at a preferred restaurant;
10% discount for any wedding anniversary on board our ships provided passengers have spent their honeymoon on board a Variety Cruises ship.
Automatic access to our Variety Club membership;
"Our Memories" gift at disembarkation;
A free 1/2 hour massage for 2, if on board our Harmony V, Variety Voyager and Seychelles program vessel.

NOTES
1. Please ask the details for our "Wedding and Cruise with friends and family" private charter for 40 to 72 guests.

2/ Honeymoon offers: General conditions and restrictions
a/ The Honeymoon offer is valid only provided that the couple is travelling within 6 months from their wedding date (copy of marriage certificate required);
b/ The Package cannot be combined with any existing or future SPECIAL OFFERS.


B/ Conditions and restrictions


PAYMENT
25% deposit is required 7 days from confirmation.
75% Balance of payment no less than 60 days prior to day of embarkation.

CANCELLATIONS
Up to 120 days from embarkation € 100-cancellation fees
119 to 90 days from embarkation 15% of the cruise fare
89 to 60 days from embarkation 25% of the cruise fare
59 to 30 days from embarkation 50% of the cruise fare
29 to 00 days from embarkation 100% of the cruise fare
Cancellations must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing in all cases.

AMENDMENTS
There may be a charge for amendments of cruise date or decreasing pax number received less than 60 days prior to sailing. Amendments must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing.

NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE
Such personal expenses as drinks (other than included in the rate), laundry, spa-where applicable-, boutique items and gratuities, (gratuities are optional but as a rule, satisfied clients are expected to give to the captain, at the end of the cruise, approximately Euro 10.00-12.00 p/p p/day for distribution among all crew members) medical expenses, port taxes, shore excursions (shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders), use of the on board Wi-Fi (available at a charge), expenditures incurred ashore, and anything not mentioned in cruise program.

 


COLOURS OF THE AEGEAN cruise -2016
ON THE 36-CABIN M/Y VARIETY VOYAGER

SATURDAY DEPARTURES FROM ATHENS-MARINA ZEA
OFFICIAL RATES - USD

SAILING DATES & RATES
Athens-Marina Zeas
Friday Sailings
 
From Marina Zea- Athens


July 2. 9
August 6, 13
     
CABIN CATEGORIES
 
OFFICIAL US$ RATES
Cat C
Lower Deck, Twin or Double bedded Cabins
  $3,190
Cat B
Lower & Main Deck, Twin or Double bedded Cabins
  $3,790
Cat A
Main Deck, Double or Twin bedded cabins
  $4,190
Cat P
Upper Deck, twin or Double bedded Cabins
$5,190
Owner's Suite
Upper Deck, twin or Double bedded Cabins
  $6,490
Single Supplement
75%
3rd Person Rates in Cat B
$2,653
Children 7-10 years old in triple cabin w/2 adults in Cat B
$1,895
Children 10-16 years old in triple cabin w/2 adults in Cat B
$2,463.50
3rd Person Rates in Cat P
  $3,633
Children 7-10 years old in triple cabin
w/2 adults in Cat P
  $2,595
Children 10-16 years old in triple cabin
w/2 adults in Cat P
  $3,373.50
Port Charges $380

A/ Cruise fares are per person and week and include:
-- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
-- Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local Theme Evening and Captain's Dinner.
-- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
-- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
-- English speaking expert Guest Speaker.
-- Multilingual Cruise Escort.
Not included:
-- Beverages (except those mentioned above).
-- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
-- Crew tips.
-- Passenger personal expenses
-- Wi-Fi (available at a charge)

HONEYMOON PACKAGE - DESCRIPTION
CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

1/The Honeymooners Package features:
-- 25 % reduction for the bride
-- Cabins with Double or King bed
-- Welcome Honeymooners treatment including a Complimentary bottle of Champagne and a Fruit Basket;
-- A Candle Lit Dinner at our Special Honeymooners location on board our ships or at a preferred restaurant;
-- 10% discount for any wedding anniversary on board our ships provided passengers have spent their honeymoon on board a Variety Cruises ship.
-- Automatic access to our Variety Club membership;
-- "Our Memories" gift at disembarkation;
-- A free 1/2 hour massage for 2, if on board our Harmony V, Variety Voyager and Seychelles program vessel.

NOTES
1. Please ask the details for our "Wedding and Cruise with friends and family" private charter for 40 to 72 guests.

2/ Honeymoon offers: General conditions and restrictions
a/ The Honeymoon offer is valid only provided that the couple is travelling within 6 months from their wedding date (copy of marriage certificate required);
b/ The Package cannot be combined with any existing or future SPECIAL OFFERS.

B/ Conditions and restrictions

PAYMENT
25% deposit is required 7 days from confirmation.
75% Balance of payment no less than 60 days prior to day of embarkation.

CANCELLATIONS
Up to 120 days from embarkation € 100-cancellation fees
119 to 90 days from embarkation 15% of the cruise fare
89 to 60 days from embarkation 25% of the cruise fare
59 to 30 days from embarkation 50% of the cruise fare
29 to 00 days from embarkation 100% of the cruise fare
Cancellations must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing in all cases.

AMENDMENTS
There may be a charge for amendments of cruise date or decreasing pax number received less than 60 days prior to sailing. Amendments must be confirmed by VARIETY CRUISES in writing.

NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE
Such personal expenses as drinks (other than included in the rate), laundry, spa-where applicable-, boutique items and gratuities, (gratuities are optional but as a rule, satisfied clients are expected to give to the captain, at the end of the cruise, approximately Euro 10.00-12.00 p/p p/day for distribution among all crew members) medical expenses, port taxes, shore excursions (shore excursions are proposed and arranged on board by the tour leaders), use of the on board Wi-Fi (available at a charge), expenditures incurred ashore, and anything not mentioned in cruise program.


 



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