Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. It is 12 kilometers from the municipality of Athens, considered the fourth largest and is the third most populous amongst all the municipalities of Greece. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in early 5th Century B.C. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th Century, it wasn’t until the 6th Century B.C. that Piraeus began catching attention. The land of Piraeus was essentially impassable, flooded by the sea most of the year until centuries passed and the flooding ceased. By the 5th Century B.C. it became a navy base for the Athenian fleet for the natural harbors and the strategic potential they carried. Athenian general and politician Themistocles fortified Piraeus’ three harbors Kantharos, Zea and Munichia, created ship houses and completed his walls in 471 B.C., which led to the port becoming a great military and commercial harbor. There are many archaeological sites, points of interest and entertainment available in Piraeus. Most famous for its tavernas and cuisine, several popular events take place in Piraeus, such as the Ecocinema International Film Festival, the Maritime Festival, the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival and the Three Kings’ Way Festival. There are also many theaters, including the Municipal Theater, the open air Veakeio Theater, and the Menandreio Theater. Museums in Piraeus include the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Merchant Shipping History Institute Exhibition, the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum, the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways. Be sure to catch the panoramic views available from the hill of Kastella, overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf!
There is one main town on Hydra, known simply as "Hydra port". It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals (Hydriots). Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area. The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, beautiful port and waterfront unspoiled by motorized vehicles. The island offers a rugged charm and some spectacular scenes and makes the perfect place for some self-exploration.
Santorini, officially named Thira, is the southernmost Greek island that is within the Cyclades archipelago, in the southern Aegean Sea. Part of the regional unit Thira, the municipality of Santorini is comprised of the island Santorini, Therasia, and other uninhabited islands of Christiana, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Nea Kameni. The geological history of Santorini is quite complex due to the area’s volcanism and is currently a water-filled caldera: a rectangular lagoon that is surrounded by three steep cliffs. The name Santorini is a contraction of the name Santa Irini, which is based on an ancient cathedral found in the island’s village of Perissa. This name was given by the Latin Empire in the 13th Century. During the Ottoman Empire, Santorini was called “Santurin” or “Santoron”, and in early times, it was named Kalliste, Strongyle, and Thera. Santorini is the site of the Minoan Eruption (also known as the Thera Eruption), one of the largest eruptions ever in recorded history. The origins of Plato’s story of Atlantis is believed to have a connection to this eruption that destroyed the early settlements on what was formerly a single island. The descriptions found of Plato’s Atlantis strongly resembles Thera, and with seismological, archaeological, and volcanological evidence, these claims are further supported. There is also speculation that the eruption is related to the Exodus of the Israelites, as well as causing the plagues described in the Bible in ancient Egypt. The economy is sustained by two principal industries: tourism and agriculture, and has recently been voted as one of the world’s most beautiful islands in various outlets such as the Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2015. The wine industry in Santorini is becoming more relevant as well, made up of Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani grape varieties, which is best exemplified in Vinsanto (“holy wine”) which contains all three Aegean varietals. Although Santorini is highly arid, it’s unique ecology and climate allows it to grow unique and prized produce, such as cherry tomatoes, Lathyrus clymenum (a legume), and capers. Thus, tourists indulge in local specialties such as Brantada, Fava, and the traditional dish Santorinio Sfougato.
Paros is an island of Greece in the central Aegean Cyclades group. With the popularity and sometimes overcrowding at Santorini and Mykonos, Paros offers a quieter, unspoiled Cyclades option. Historically, Paros was once known for its fine white marble, which gave rise to the term "Parian" to describe marble or china of similar qualities. Some consider Paros the most beautiful in this island group – you be the judge! It has beautiful beaches and charming villages. Most visitors make an effort to see the famous Church of Ekatontapyliani (Our lady of a Hundred Doors). This church is the holy place of Paros and is linked to the history and myths of Byzantium. Tradition and history state that the church began life in the reign of Constantine the Great (280 - 337 A.D.) or Justinian (527 - 565). After its restoration in 1959, this church, the brightest jewel in the crown of Orthodoxy in the Aegean, became the third most important Christian building in Greece, after the Panayia Akheiropoietos and St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki.
Patmos is in the South Aegean Islands, particularly a member of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. It is north of Leros and is most known for its connection to John the Apostle from the Book of Revelations; therefore Christian pilgrims frequent this destination. In mythology, Patmos was named “Letois”, which is another named for the goddess Diana, Leto’s daughter. Since ancient authors seldom mention Patmos in early text, information on early inhabitants is limited. It is widely believed the original people of Patmos were the Carians from Asia Minor, as discovered by the earliest archaeological findings date back to the Bronze and Mycenaean periods. The mountain in the country of Caria was named Latmos, which is where historians believe the name Patmos is derived from. Dorians also colonized in Patmos, and over time, Ionians followed suit. The primary port in Patmos is Skala, which was one of the most important sea ports in the Mediterranean around the 16th century. Early Christian basilicas were constructed in the name of John of Patmos, however between the 7th and 9th century when Saracen attacks were still problematic, the Grand Royal Basilica was destroyed. A monastery began construction in 1101 when Christodoulos assumed authority over Patmos. The population began expanding as immigrants from the fall of Constantinople and Candia to place in the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively. The island was under the Ottoman rule for years and was interrupted by Venice during the Candian War, Russia during the Orlov Revolt, and Greece during their War of Independence. During the Italo-Turkish War, Italy occupied Patmos until 1943, when Nazi Germany held power over the island until 1945. Since Patmos rejoined in 1948, it has become the tranquil and frequented destination it is now. Tourists visit the Monastery of St. John, Chora, the Cave of Apocalypse, Psili Ammos Beach and other beautiful points of interest in “Europe’s most idyllic place to live,” as named by Forbes in 2009.
Kusadasi is a beach resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast and the center of the seaside district of the same name in Aydin Province. The seaside town is also your gateway to the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus, among the world’s best preserved ancient Greco-Roman remains, including its excavated Terrace Houses and House of the Virgin Mary. Kusadasi’s seafront promenade, marina, and harbor are lined with quaint restaurants. Just offshore on Pigeon Island stands a walled thirteenth-century Byzantine castle that once guarded the town. Meet resident wild boars at nearby Dikek National Park, comprised of four secluded beaches, a spectacular coastline, and incomparable views of the Aegean Sea, just one of Turkey’s many protected conservation areas.
Kepez is a seaside town in the Canakkale Province in Turkey. From Kepez SeaDream offers a unique Land Adventure to the ruins of the ancient city of Troy (Unesco Heritage Site). The movie starring Brad Pit although filmed in Malta has the actual Trojan Horse in Canakkale. Another “don’t miss” option would be to visit perhaps the most moving site in all of Turkey: Anzac Cove and the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. We recommend that you make time and visit this hauntingly beautiful area where for more than nine months (1915-16) Allied and Turkish troops faced one another in one of the world's most tragic battles to gain control of this most important waterway " the Dardanelles.
A transcontinental city straddling the Bosporus, one of the world's oldest waterways in northwestern Turkey, Istanbul has often been described as the destination where “East Meets West.” Its nickname comes from its most defining feature, the Bosporus Strait, which divides the European and Asian sides of the city, revealing a vibrant meld of cultures, architectural styles, and cuisine. Selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most famous mosques, churches, and palaces, as well as being an important city during the Latin, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
Suites & Staterooms
*Single Supplement for this voyage is 175% for Yacht Club Deck 2, 3 and 4. For Commodore, Admiral and Owners Suite, a 200% single supplement rate applies.
Government, Port, Document Issuance, Handling & Service fees: $502 per guest (included)
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and may change without notice. The fares are per person based on double occupancy. Single and third person rates are also available. SeaDream Yacht Club strongly recommends that all guests purchase travel insurance.
Yachting Land Adventures & Activities
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Santorini - Akrotiri Archaeological Site & Oia Village
Description
On this land adventure, discover the picturesque village of Oia and one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Mediterranean: Akrotiri Archaeological site. Could Akrotiri be the lost city of Atlantis?
One of the reasons Santorini has attracted the world’s attention is the excavation at Akrotiri, which reclaimed a whole prehistoric Minoan city from the volcanic ash. The prehistoric site of Akrotiri is on the south-western tip of the island and was discovered in 1967 by Professor Spyros Marinatos. The city was buried by the Theran volcanic eruption in the middle of the second millennium BC.
Over the years, excavations have brought into light a remarkably well-preserved site with two and three-story homes decorated with marvelous wall paintings and frescoes, an advanced drainage system and many interesting objects, artwork, pottery and furniture which give a picture of a society which was very well organized and at the peak of prosperity. This was interrupted suddenly by the eruption of the volcano, which buried the entire city. An ambitious modern bio-climatic roof top structure protects this important archaeological settlement where excavation works are still in progress.
After exploring the excavations with a guide, ride to the northeast part of the island and its most picturesque town, Oia. Built high up on the ridge of red rocks, it offers breathtaking views of the blue Aegean. Take a stroll around the narrow streets with the old beautiful houses and the tiny picturesque shops. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the caldera cliff and wander in the narrow streets for shopping or a cup of coffee during your free time in the village.
The guide visit ends in the town of Fira. Wander along the edge of the caldera for amazing views or wander through narrow streets with the various shops. When ready, take a cable car or walk along the path down to the small port of Skala Fira for tenders back to the SeaDream yacht.Notes
A minimum participation is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, some have limited capacity. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change.
Duration
4 hour(s)
Price
149 (USD)
Prices are per person, in USD. Duration is in hours.
Testimonials
This was our 3rd voyage with SeaDream – and we think the best one. We'll be back. Mr & Mrs StenstadvoldNorway
You guys are the best! Excellent service and the team! Anna L.Florida
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