Antiquity To Byzantium- Cruise Itinerary
8 day cruises from Athens to Corinth, Greece

Day 1: Friday - MARINA ZEA – NAFPLION
Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Nafplion, the first Capital of modern Greece and main port of eastern Peloponnese. Nafplion is known for Bourtzi, a fortress built on a small island nearby the port, and Palamidi, the hill fort of ''999 steps'', which is a protected habitat of European Ecological Network Natura 2000. Dinner on board and late night arrival. Overnight in port.

Day 2: Saturday - NAFPLION (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 and it is reputed for its theater, which is once again in use today and is still marvelled for its exceptional acoustics from the stage to any of its 15,000 seats. Lunch onboard and afternoon at leisure to discover the greater Nafplion area. Overnight in port.

Day 3: Sunday - NAFPLION (MYCENAE OPTIONAL EXCURSION) – MONEMVASIA
Today, we will drive through the colorful city and the beautiful countryside of Argolis towards another major centre of Greek civilization, Mycenae, for an optional excursion. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city including the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Palace, the Agamemnon Tomb and the museum following by a short guided walk in the historical center of Nafplion. Lunch on board and sailing towards Monemvasia. Early evening arrival and time at leisure for exploring this remarkable medieval fortified town and birthplace of one of the most important greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation. Overnight at sea to Gythion.

Day 4: Monday - GYTHION (DIROU CAVES OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular cave, the entrance of which remained sealed for about 4.500 years until being discovered around the 60s. After visiting the cave, we will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani, which is at the tip of the Peloponnese, is a distinctive area and desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers, which keeps the spirit of the warriors once lived and fought here alive. Dinner onboard and late evening sailing to Pylos. Overnight at sea

Day 5: Tuesday - PYLOS (METHONI / KORONI OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town of the SW Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was site of several famous naval battles, one of which, occurred in 1827, led to the independence of Greece, in 1829. Today, our optional excursion takes us by bus along the coast of Western Peloponnese crossing the Messenian countryside between Methoni and Koroni. First stop in Methoni which is a charmingly picturesque little town with the imposing Medieval Castle being the central attraction. Next destination is Koroni, once a Venetian naval fortress. This delightful town, clustered on a hillside, has narrow, cobbled streets and stairways leading up to a Venetian castle protected the waterways. Visiting the old town in the Castle we will discover little gems of architecture being well preserved. Sip your refreshment at the colorful port and enjoy some free time before we return to the ship for lunch. Late night sailing to Katakolon. Overnight at sea.

Day 6: Wednesday - KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Early morning arrival in port of Katakolon, in Pyrgos, which in ancient times was the natural harbour for Ancient Olympia and in the Middle Ages was the site of the so called ''Pontikokastro'', or ''Beauvoir'' or ''Bel Vedere'' Castle. Katakolon is also known for being the birthplace of Yiannis Latsis, the Greek shipping multi-billionaire tycoon, who's paternal home operates today as Museum of Ancient Greek Technology as well as its historical lighthouse. Today, our optional excursion takes 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 and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the very stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, built to honour the family of Alexander the Great, and the Leonidion, lodging place for the athletes. We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, hosting many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in the town of Olympia and optional visit to the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (provided it is open in the afternoon). Time at leisure and depart for Itea in the Gulf of Corinth. Overnight at sea.

Day 7: Thursday - ITEA (DELPHI OPTIONAL EXCURSION) – CORINTH
Morning arrival in Itea, the second largest city of the Municipality of Delphi. Proceeding to Delphi for our optional excursion, we will pass by the Corinth Canal. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain and the panoramic views are truly inspiring. Delphi was revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world and visitors from across the Greek world travelled here to consult with the oracle. We will walk around the ruins complex including the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Castalian Spring and the Gymnasium and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship for lunch and afternoon sailing. Later in the evening Captain’s Farewell Dinner and arrival in Corinth. Due to its rich ancient history as well as to the presence of St. Paul the Apostle in the city, some locations all over the world have been named Corinth. Overnight in port

Day 8: Friday - CORINTH
Disembarkation at 7:00 am after breakfast. Bus transfer to ATH airport (for guests flying up to 12:00 noon) and to the center of Athens -exact place t.b.a. (for guests with post cruise arrangements). [Bus transfer service is included in the cruise fares]

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.

Antiquity To Byzantium- Cruise Itinerary
8 day cruises from Corinth to Athens, Greece

Day 1: Friday - Corinth
Bus transfer from Marina Zeas / Athens to Corinth port. The bus departs Marina Zeas at 16:00 pm sharp for embarkation between 17:30-18:00 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Dinner on board and sailing to Itea. Overnight at sea

Day 2: Saturday - ITEA (DELPHI OPTIONAL EXURSION)
Early morning arrival in Itea, the second largest city of the Municipality of Delphi. Proceeding to Delphi for our optional excursion, we will pass by the Corinth Canal. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain and the panoramic views are truly inspiring. Delphi was revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world and visitors from across the Greek world travelled here to consult with the oracle. We will walk around the ruins complex including the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Castalian Spring and the Gymnasium and visit the adjoining museum. Return to the ship for lunch and evening sailing towards Katakolon. Overnight at sea

Day 3: Sunday - KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Early morning arrival in port of Katakolon, in Pyrgos, which in ancient times was the natural harbour for Ancient Olympia and in the Middle Ages was the site of the so called ''Pontikokastro'', or ''Beauvoir'' or ''Bel Vedere'' Castle. Katakolon is also known for being the birthplace of Yiannis Latsis, the Greek shipping multi-billionaire tycoon, who's paternal home operates today as Museum of Ancient Greek Technology as well as its historical lighthouse. Today, our optional excursion takes 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 and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the very stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, built to honour the family of Alexander the Great, and the Leonidion, lodging place for the athletes. We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, hosting many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in the town of Olympia and optional visit to the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (provided it is open in the afternoon). Time at leisure and late night depart for Pylos. Overnight at sea.

Day 4: Monday - PYLOS (NESTOR’S PALACE OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town of the SW Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was site of several famous naval battles, one of which, occurred in 1827, led to the independence of Greece, in 1829. After stopping to admire the scenery, we will head up the road to the Palace of king Nestor for our optional excursion. Highlights of the surprisingly intacted remains include the well-preserved royal apartments and a bathtub speculated belonged to the old king himself. Following our visit, we will make a short trip to the town of Hora where the archaeological museum (optional visit) holds thousands of 3,000 years old artifacts recovered from the site. Dinner and sail to Gythion. Overnight at sea.

Day 5: Tuesday - GYTHION (DIROU CAVES OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular cave, the entrance of which remained sealed for about 4.500 years until being discovered around the 60s. After visiting the cave, we will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani, which is at the tip of the Peloponnese, is a distinctive area and desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers, which keeps the spirit of the warriors once lived and fought here alive. Dinner and late night sailing to Monemvasia. Overnight at sea.

Day 6: Wednesday - MONEMVASIA - NAFPLION
Morning arrival to Monemvasia, nicknamed "Gibraltar of the East" as it is identical to the rock of Gibraltar, reduced in size. Today, our Cruise Coordinator will help you discover this remarkable medieval fortified town and birthplace of one of the most important greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation, with time at leisure to explore the uniquely preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture and experience the beauty of the natural setting. Lunch and afternoon sailing to Nafplion, the first Capital of modern Greece and main port of eastern Peloponnese. We reach Nafplion on time for dinner. Overnight in port.

Day 7: Thursday - NAFPLION (PALAIA EPIDAURUS & MYCENAE OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS)
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 and it is reputed for its theater, which is once again in use today and is still marvelled for its exceptional acoustics from the stage to any of its 15,000 seats. Lunch onboard and in the afternoon we drive through the colorful city and beautiful countryside of Argolis towards another major centre of Greek civilization, Mycenae, for an optional excursion. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city including the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Palace, the Agamemnon Tomb and the museum, following by a short guided walk in the historical center of Nafplion. Captain’s Farewell Dinner and sailing towards Marina Zea, Athens. Overnight at sea.

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.

Antiquity To Byzantium- Cruise Itinerary
8 day cruises from Athens to Athens, Greece- Canal Crossing

Day 1: Friday - MARINA ZEA – NAFPLION
Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Nafplion, the first Capital of modern Greece and main port of eastern Peloponnese. Nafplion is known for Bourtzi, a fortress built on a small island nearby the port, and Palamidi, the hill fort of ''999 steps'', which is a protected habitat of European Ecological Network Natura 2000. Dinner on board and late night arrival. Overnight in port.

Day 2: Saturday - NAFPLION (PALAIA EPIDAURUS & MYCENAE OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS)
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 and it is reputed for its theater, which is once again in use today and is still marvelled for its exceptional acoustics from the stage to any of its 15,000 seats. Lunch onboard and in the afternoon we drive through the colorful city and beautiful countryside of Argolis towards another major centre of Greek civilization, Mycenae, for an optional excursion. Visit the remains of the glorious ancient city including the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Palace, the Agamemnon Tomb and the museum following by a short guided walk in the historical center of Nafplion. Dinner and evening sailing to Gythion. Overnight at sea.

Day 3: Sunday - GYTHION (DIROU CAVES OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Gythion, the ancient naval base of Spartans. Optional excursion to Mani peninsula and Cape Tenaro, plus the spectacular Dirou Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Leaving Gythion we will cross the scenic Mani Peninsula to reach Diros and visit the spectacular cave, the entrance of which remained sealed for about 4.500 years until being discovered around the 60s. After visiting the cave, we will drive to nearby Areopolis for a short stroll through the town. Mani, which is at the tip of the Peloponnese, is a distinctive area and desolate region of underground lakes and rivers, windswept landscapes and towers, which keeps the spirit of the warriors once lived and fought here alive. Dinner onboard and late evening sailing to Pylos. Overnight at sea.

Day 4: Monday - PYLOS (NESTOR’S PALACE OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Pylos, a picture-perfect seaside town of the SW Peloponnese. Sitting on the backside of stately Navarino Bay, Pylos was site of several famous naval battles, one of which, occurred in 1827, led to the independence of Greece, in 1829. After stopping to admire the scenery, we will head up the road to the Palace of king Nestor for our optional excursion. Highlights of the surprisingly intacted remains include the well-preserved royal apartments and a bathtub speculated belonged to the old king himself. Following our visit, we will make a short trip to the town of Hora where the archaeological museum (optional visit) holds thousands of 3,000 years old artifacts recovered from the site. Dinner and night sailing to Kalamata, which was also characterized as "Marseilles of Moria". Overnight at sea.

Day 5: Tuesday - KALAMATA (OLYMPIA OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Morning arrival in Kalamata, worldwide famous for its rich olive oil production, and an optional excursion takes 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 and the greatest Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for the worship of Zeus. The most thrilling site at Olympia is the very stadium, which looks much like it did more than 2,000 years ago. Explore the Temple of Hera, the magnificent temple of Zeus, the Philippeion, built to honour the family of Alexander the Great, and the Leonidion, lodging place for the athletes. We later visit the Olympia Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the world, hosting many astonishing exhibits. Traditional lunch in the town of Olympia and optional visit to the museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (provided it is open in the afternoon). Time at leisure and return to the ship for dinner. Evening sailing to Monemvasia. Overnight at sea

Day 6: Wednesday - MONEMVASIA
Morning arrival to Monemva, nicknamed "Gibraltar of the East" as it is identical to the rock of Gibraltar, reduced in size. Today, our Cruise Coordinator will help you discover this remarkable medieval fortified town and birthplace of one of the most important greek poets, Giannis Ritsos, who enjoyed international reputation and radiation, with time at leisure to explore the uniquely preserved Byzantine and Venetian architecture and experience the beauty of the natural setting. We will depart in the afternoon for Isthmia. Dinner on board and overnight at sea.

Day 7: Thursday - ISTHMIA (DELPHI OPTIONAL EXCURSION) – MARINA ZEA
Early morning arrival to Isthmia, located in the south entry of Corinth Canal and spreading in the place where the Isthmian Games were held in antiquity. The venue of these important competitions held every two years was the sacred pine forest in the Isthmus of Corinth. Among other, the festive program included wrestling, pankration, and pentathlon, expanded to include equestrian competitions and chariot races, and completed to include a competition of music, poetry and rhetoric. Proceeding to Delphi for our optional excursion, we will pass by the Corinth Canal. Unlike other archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi is built on the side of a mountain and the panoramic views are truly inspiring. Delphi was revered for hosting the most important oracle in the classical world and visitors from across the Greek world travelled here to consult with the oracle. We will walk around the ruins complex including the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Castalian Spring and the Gymnasium and visit the adjoining museum. We will have lunch and some leisure time before returning by bus to Marina Zea for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Marina Zea

Day 8: Friday - Marina Zea (disembarkation)
Disembarkation at 9:00 am 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.

Children policy/Family offer
✓ SINGLE parent with 1 or max. 2 children in same cabin:
The parent pays Single cruise fare & children cruise for FREE
✓ COUPLE with 1 child sharing the same cabin: ▪ No charge for the child up to 10 years old ▪ 50% reduction for the child 11-17 years old
✓ COUPLE with 2 or 3 (regardless of age) children: Both cabins will be charged at Single rate (single adult rate)

✓ Discounts which only apply for the children (5-17 years old): 25% reduction on all optional excursions

Conditions & Restrictions for the Family offers:
• They apply for children 5-17 years old
• They are valid for new bookings only
• They are on request and on first come-first served basis
• “Special Family offer” to be mentioned at the time of booking so that the discounted rates will apply for the reservation. Otherwise, Full rates will apply
• No reduction offered on port taxes which are additional for all participants
• They cannot be combined with any existing or future early bird discounts or special offers including Club exclusive offers
• Standard payment and cancellation policies apply

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
240 days to 120 days from embarkation: €120 / US$140 Administration fee (per booking)*
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.

*In case of cancellation the administration fee per booking will be converted to a future cruise credit redeemable on bookings made up to 12 months after cancellation, valid for any cruise and date of cruise.

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 13-15 per person per 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.