THE LAST two years under Covid rule have dragged on a bit and I needed an excuse to get away. The offer of a Greek cruise came along and I did not hesitate to accept (writes Judy Broadbent).
I took a flight to Athens, via Brussels and on landing in Greece, my spirits soared. From there it was a taxi ride to Corinth where I boarded the sailing ship, Galileo, on the Antiquity and Byzantine cruise.
This promised to be a leisurely cruise around the Cyclades taking in historic sites and walking in the footsteps of Greek gods.
This small cruiser has the advantage over big cruise liners that carry thousands of passengers. This cruiser takes just forty-nine passengers, it is intimate, friendly and the epitome of relaxation and can access ports the big ships cannot.
From boarding the cruise ship Galileo to disembarkation, every single guest became a friend. The fantastic crew knew all our names within a day, which to me is amazing as I cannot remember my neighbour’s name, let alone that of forty-eight others! We were in very safe hands and felt cossetted throughout. Every whim catered for on this floating palace.
Over the next six days, with our brilliant tour guide Thea and English-speaking Greek antiquity expert Eugene, we travelled to mind-blowing places like the Oracle of Delphi. A UNESCO site that was a powerful religious establishment in Ancient Greece. The Oracle was where kings and powerful leaders sought valuable advice of the Pythia at the Temple of Apollo and received ambiguous replies and where Greek Gods would appear and communicate with humans.
Mythical stories abound such as how Zeus, the King of Greek gods released two golden eagles, one from each end of the earth. Where the pair met, determined the centre of the earth – Delphi.
What remains of a theatre and gymnasium are also visible and a museum holds artifacts like the Naxos Sphinx and the Charioteer of Delphi. These excursions are unrushed and there was plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.
Back onboard, the comfortable cabins are cleaned twice daily, the beds are extremely comfortable, and you are waited on hand and foot. The cruise is full-board, and the food is plentiful and of the highest quality.
Sailing overnight we headed the next morning for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. It was easy to imagine oiled and honed Olympians competing in the games, especially as the marble starting line is still in situ in the stadium. Here from the eighth century BC to the fourth century AD, every four years, the ancient Olympic games were held.
Today, you can walk among the ruins of the temple of Hera in quiet solitude and wonder at the magnificence of the place in its heyday. It was here in 1877 that the priceless artwork, Hermes of Praxiteles, was discovered. It now stands in the nearby museum.
The stunning medieval town of Monemvasia was next on the sightseeing tour. A castle town carved on the slopes of a rock overlooking the sea.
To own a property here, you need at least £1m for what looks like a pile of old bricks. It dates to the 12th century, and I would not have missed this for anything.We took a bus to the top of the hill, then it was only a short, leisurely walk along very narrow cobbled streets, where the only mode of transport is a wheelbarrow.There are no cars, bicycles, or motorbikes. Bliss.
Another overnight sail, this time to the port of Pylos.
The view from Pylos castle battlements was breath-taking, overlooking the bay of Navarino, the scene of a naval battle in 1827, the thick castle walls withstanding any bombardment, a testimony to the original builders, the Franks.
The last part of our tour was spent at the fabulous Port of Nafplio and the Palace of Agamemnon in the ancient city of Mycenae.The King was the leader of the Greeks at Troy.
The Lion Gate marks the entrance to the 3600-year-old palace and The King’s beehive tomb is a wonder to behold.
I took a moment to take in the might and magnificence of this palace and wondered at what had transpired over the thousands of years. If only those Lion Gates could ‘talk,’ what tales would they tell?
We set sail to Athens later that day and witnessed a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the ship.
The captain’s dinner was splendid, and we were entertained on the sun deck by a brilliant Greek dance troupe. The captain made a speech, and one by one, the crew were applauded for their hard work in making this cruise memorable.
All too soon the spectacular cruise was over.
To experience these ancient Greek sites is something I have long dreamed of doing. Now, having had a taste, I would not hesitate in adventuring again withVariety Cruises who cruise worldwide.
I live and work in Bridlington – a seaside town – and the beach is on the doorstep, but even I need a break now and again. Anyone thinking of taking a cruise should give Variety Cruises a try, it is a truly unforgettable experience.
Fact Box
Antiquity to Byzantium by Variety Cruises is priced from £1,444 per person plus port charges of £243 per person. The price includes:
• Accommodation in your chosen grade of cabin with ensuite SH/WC, individually controlled air conditioning, mini fridge, and flat screen TV with complimentary movies.
• Full board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, local themed party evening, fun BBQ on the beach or on deck (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
• Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day, plus abundant fresh fruit.
• Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment and sea kayak (subject to availability).
• English speaking expert Guest Speaker.
• Professional English-speaking Cruise Director.
• Excursion package
Book online www.varietycruises.co.uk or call 020 8324 3117
Beyond cruises,Variety also offers an array of exclusive concierge services such as transfers, pre/ post hotel stays unique shore excursions and experiences.
They are handled by its affiliate Explore Greece Holidays (www.exploregreeceholidays.com), which can also arrange private yacht charters throughout Greece.
