Enchanting Greece, Sicily & Malta

Enchanting Greece, Sicily & Malta

Athens (Piraeus) to Valletta

Aug 3, 2024 to Aug 11, 2024

8 Days

SeaDream I

12429

As you journey from ancient Athens to the breathtaking landscapes of Malta, explore the best of the idyllic Greek Islands, with a dramatic transit through Nero’s Corinth Canal. Call on the whitewashed Greek isle of Santorini, an idyllic respite in the Aegean Sea’s Cyclades. Discover the charming harbor town of Hydra; historic Itea, your gateway to the UNESCO-awarded archeological site of Delphi; and the quaint fishing village of Fiskardo, Kefalonia. Sail to Sicily’s Taormina, your path to Mt. Etna, and Gozo Island, defined by its green hills, turquoise-fringed pools, limestone cliffs, and ancient historical spots. Before disembarking, spend an evening in Valletta, the crossroads of the Mediterranean.

Date Ports of Call Arrive Depart
Aug 03, 2024 Athens (Piraeus),
Greece
2 PM - 4 PM
(Embarkation)
Evening
Aug 04, 2024 Santorini,
Greece
Morning Evening
Aug 05, 2024 Hydra,
Greece
Morning Evening
Aug 06, 2024 Corinth Canal (Transit),
Greece
Morning Morning
Aug 06, 2024 Itea (Delphi),
Greece
Afternoon Evening
Aug 07, 2024 Fiskardo, Kefalonia,
Greece
Morning Evening
Aug 08, 2024 At Sea
Aug 09, 2024 Taormina (Etna) Sicily,
Italy
Morning Evening
Aug 10, 2024 Mgarr Harbour, Gozo,
Malta
Morning Afternoon
Aug 10, 2024 Valletta,
Malta
Evening Overnight
Aug 11, 2024 Valletta,
Malta
8 AM - 10 AM
(Disembarkation)

Ports

  • Athens (Piraeus)

    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!

  • Santorini

    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.

  • Hydra

    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.

  • Corinth Canal (Transit)

    So narrow! So dramatic! You'll understand why SeaDream says "expect the unexpected" as your yacht transits the Corinth Canal. The canal was first completed in 1893, despite previous attempts from ancient times; the first plans being from 602BC. The Roman Emporer Nero actually started construction in 67AD, making the first cut himself with a golden pick. The canal we transit is 6.3 kilometres (3.9 mi) in length. Before the canal, ships sailing between the Aegean and the Adriatic had to circumnavigate the Peloponnese Peninsula adding about 185 nautical miles to their voyage.

  • Itea (Delphi)

    Itea is a small town situated on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, 2 km west of Kirra, 8 km southwest of Delphi. The town has a nice beach along with some shops, cafes and restaurants. It allows the closest access to the incredible sight of Delphi which is within the top three archeological attractions in Greece and in 1987 was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is believed the Zeus wanted to find the center of the Earth so he sent two eagles flying from the eastern and western extremities and where they met was Delphi – becoming the “navel/center of the earth”. SeaDream has arranged the very best guides and vehicles from Athens to enhance this incredible visit further. Your guided visit highlights the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, where Pythia, the celebrated Oracle dwelt, the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Way, the amphitheater, the best-preserved stadium of Greece, and the Castalia Spring, where in ancient days the pilgrims had to wash before they were allowed to consult the Oracle. In the Delphi Museum, see such treasures as the Omphalos, which marked the center of the world, and the magnificent bronze Charioteer, one of the finest pieces surviving from the 5th century BC. After the museum, there will be free time to visit the village of Delphi. SeaDream has the option of docking along the small pier in Itea or anchoring off to provide water sports options. This is dependent on availability as well as a number of guests visiting the archeological site.

  • Fiskardo, Kefalonia

    Fiskardo is a village located about 54 km north of Argostoli and a district of the city of Erisos.The coast around Fiskardo is mainly rocky with numerous pebble-beached coves. There are numerous viewpoints in the area around the village that offer panoramic views of the Ionian Sea including Daskalio island, Ithaca, northwestern Aetolia-Acarnania and the island of Lefkada.

  • At Sea

  • Taormina (Etna) Sicily

    SeaDream yachts anchor in the bay of Giardini Naxos and offer fantastic views of recently awarded UNESCO Natural Site of Mt. Etna (2013) as well as Taormina perched on the cliffside. Shuttle bus service has been arranged to transport guests from Giardini Naxos to the entrance gate of Taormina town. For the SeaDream active guests, office led hikes and bike rides could also transport you to Taormina town or continue up to Castelmola which provides amazing views of the surrounding areas. Perhaps the “must do” adventure here would be to ascend Mt. Etna with your fellow SeaDreamers. Kindly check the Land Adventure tab for the specifics. Other options include an incredible and authentic feast at the Godfather Villa. This “SeaDream Exclusive” Land Adventure requires a high minimum to operate, but it’s worth every penny! As we are anchored and if conditions allow, we will offer water sports both in the morning and in the afternoon. Multo Bene!

  • Mgarr Harbour, Gozo

  • Valletta

    Valletta, The Fortress City, is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Ottoman forces numbering 40,000 laid siege to the island from May to September 1565, without success. The heavily outnumbered army of 700 knights and around 8000 Maltese regular troops took refuge in the fortified town on the Grand Harbour. Started in 1566, the city of Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts, and cathedral, in the astonishingly short time of 15 years. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces. Walking around Valletta you'll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafes, while Valletta's main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewelry and much more.


Suites & Staterooms

*Government, Port, Document Issuance, Handling & Service fees: $488 per guest


Single Supplement for this voyage is 200% for Yacht Club Deck 2,3 and 4. For Commodore, Admiral and Owners Suite, a 200% single supplement rate applies.


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

Pre-Book Online for 10% savings

Prices are per person, in USD. Duration is in hours.


Testimonials

...We had a great time-best ever, and will be coming back...Charlie and I feel like we've been yachting with our "best friends". Hard to believe we didn't know anyone on the yacht 8 days ago-now we've met new traveling friends for the years to come. Mr & Mrs Charles HoganSeattle, Washington
This was our first cruise and we were impressed by every crew member's attitude and eagerness to serve. Would be hard to top SeaDream. You have set the bar very high! Mr & Mrs Arthur SwansonOklahoma City, OK