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Saronic & Athens Riviera: The Premier Luxury Sailing Experience
Oct
If you’re looking for a luxury sailing experience filled with elegance and comfort, this itinerary begins at the Athens Riviera and sets sail to the stunning Saronic Islands of Hydra, Aegina, Spetses, and Poros, as well as the beautiful coast of the Peloponnese.
The Premier Luxury Sailing Experience: Saronic & Athens Riviera
Embark on a luxurious private cruise through the enchanting Saronic Gulf, where every moment is tailored for your ultimate comfort and enjoyment. Aboard a luxury motor yacht or catamaran, you’ll explore hidden coves and charming islets, guided by a knowledgeable captain and attended by a dedicated hostess and private chef.
Discover the breathtaking Saronic islands of Hydra, Spetses, Aegina, and Poros, along with the stunning Peloponnese coastline, where you’ll enjoy a privately guided tour of the impressive ancient theater of Epidaurus. As a special treat, on a summer Saturday, immerse yourself in the magic of the Athens-Epidaurus Festival with a theatrical performance in the ancient theater. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at authentic fish taverns and seaside restaurants known only to the locals. This is more than just a getaway; it’s a week-long journey of relaxation, culture, and culinary delights, perfectly crafted for the discerning traveler.
Need some help in trip planning by the best local travel advisors for Greece and Italy family trips? MAMAKITA family travel specialists can customize this itinerary according to your preferences, age of family members, travel pace and budget. Enjoy your family trips in Greece and Italy without worrying about family friendly accommodation or family-friendly tours and activities by making your request here.
In Brief:
- Day 1: Athens Riviera in elegance & luxury
- Day 2: Free beach time & afternoon tour of Acropolis & Ancient Athens
- Day 3: Morning at leisure & sunset tour in Poseidon’s Temple at Sounio
- Day 4: Sailing to the foodies’ paradise, Aegina Island
- Day 5: Poros, the island for safe watersports
- Day 6: Cultural gem, Hydra Island
- Day 7: Timeless Spetses Island
- Day 8: Charming Nafplio & Epidaurus theater
- Day 9: Tranquil Agistri island
- Day 10: Farewell
Detailed Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Athens Riviera in elegance & luxury
Welcome to Greece’s capital, Athens! Athens is not only about ancient sites, Museums and cultural life. In the summer, the Athens Riviera offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling city center. Just 30 to 45 minutes away, this coastal paradise lets you enjoy luxurious resorts, sandy beaches, and easy access to iconic spots like the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio—combining seaside relaxation with Athens’ rich history.
Day 2: Free beach time & afternoon tour of Acropolis & Ancient Athens
Start your day with a relaxing morning by the beach, soaking in the sun and sea. In the afternoon, escape the crowds for a private mythology tour through the Acropolis and Ancient Athens, guided by a fun, certified expert. With the magic of Augmented Reality, watch ancient temples come to life as they once stood in antiquity. Wander through Plaka, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood, and dive into an exciting treasure hunt with puzzles and riddles that reveal the vibrant past and present of Greece in a family-friendly adventure. Cap off the day with an unforgettable Acropolis view dinner—a memory to cherish forever.
Day 3: Morning at leisure & sunset tour in Poseidon’s Temple at Sounio
Begin your day with some leisurely relaxation, then set off in the afternoon for a private driving tour along the stunning Athens Riviera. Your private driver will guide you down the coast to Cape Sounion, home to the famed Temple of Poseidon. This magnificent 5th-century sanctuary, perched above the Saronic Gulf, stands where the horizon meets the Aegean Sea. As you explore, stories come alive: the legendary ship of King Menelaus pausing here on its way from Troy, the tragic tale of King Aegeus, and the temple built from local marble to honor Poseidon and protect the riches of nearby Lavrio. End your day with a waterside dinner at a traditional fish taverna, where every bite is a taste of the sea.
Day 4: Sailing to the foodies’ paradise, Aegina Island
Set sail on your private yacht for an unforgettable cruise through the Saronic Gulf, with Aegina as your first destination. Known for its famed pistachios and home to esteemed writers like Nikos Kazantzakis and Georges Sarri, Aegina holds a special place in Greek culture as the closest island to Athens. Explore its charming town and take in the highlights, including a visit to the remarkable Temple of Aphaia—one of Greece’s most sacred, forming part of ancient sacred triangles with temples in Athens, Sounion, and Delphi. Enjoy leisurely time at a local pistachio farm and dine by the coast at one of Aegina’s excellent seaside restaurants.
Day 5: Poros, the island for safe watersports
Your next stop is Poros, a charming island known for its lush pine forests, vibrant waterfront, and classic Greek charm—perfect for swimming and water sports. Start by exploring the island’s main town, where cozy shops, cafes, and red-tiled houses line the narrow streets. Take a scenic stroll along the lively waterfront, enjoy a coffee with sea views, or visit the Archaeological Museum and the iconic Clock Tower for panoramic island vistas. Dive into water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding, or unwind on serene beaches like Monastery Beach, Love Bay, and the peaceful, historic Russian Bay.
Day 6: Cultural gem, Hydra Island
Today, set off for Hydra, a picturesque, car-free island rich in art and history, once home to iconic artists like Leonard Cohen and Nikos Hatzikyriakos-Ghika. As you arrive, Hydra’s charm is immediately evident—the main town, built amphitheatrically, features 18th-century mansions, marble-paved lanes, and quaint squares. Here, daily life moves at a tranquil pace, with locals using mules for transport. Explore the well-preserved mansions, historic monuments, and winding alleys of the main town, where Hydra’s pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence also comes alive. If you’re in the mood for a swim, your captain will guide you to Hydra’s hidden coves.
Day 7: Timeless Spetses Island
Next, visit Spetses, the “island of aromas,” named for its abundance and vibrant natural scents. With its rich naval history and key role in the Greek War of Independence, Spetses retains the elegance of its past in preserved captains’ mansions. Car-free and family-friendly, the island offers an authentic charm. Take a horse-drawn carriage to the old port, where grand neoclassical mansions evoke the ambiance of the French Riviera. Stop by the House of Bouboulina, honoring the revered heroine of the Greek Revolution, and explore the Hatzigiannis-Mexis House, now a museum celebrating Spetses’ storied past.
Day 8: Charming Nafplio & Epidaurus theater
Your captain will next dock along the Peloponnese coast, where you’ll explore Nafplio, Greece’s first capital and one of its most enchanting towns. Blending Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, Nafplio boasts landmarks like the seaside Bourtzi Fort, the hilltop Palamidi Fortress, and the ancient Acronafplia. Wander the charming, pedestrian-friendly old town before heading to the ancient site of Epidaurus for a family-friendly, private tour of its famed theater. Later, return to your boat to freshen up for an unforgettable evening performance in the ancient theater, renowned for its impeccable acoustics—an experience that will stay with you for years.
Day 9: Tranquil Agistri island
Next, dock at Agistri, the perfect retreat for slowing down and enjoying secluded beaches. Known for its pristine shores like Aponisos and Dragonera, Agistri offers crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural beauty. Boating here opens up hidden coves and tranquil bays for peaceful swims, while the island’s relaxed atmosphere provides an ideal escape from city life. Unwind as you explore charming fishing villages and savor fresh seafood at local tavernas, embracing the island’s laid-back charm.
Need some help in trip planning by the best local travel advisors for Greece and Italy family trips? MAMAKITA family travel specialists can customize this itinerary according to your preferences, age of family members, travel pace and budget. Enjoy your family trips in Greece and Italy without worrying about family friendly accommodation or family-friendly tours and activities by making your request here.