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Itinerary June 26 to
July 18, 2009
CROATIA –
MONTENEGRO – ALBANIA – IONIAN ISLANDS – CORINTH CANAL – ATHENS
Ports of Call:
Trogir and Split, Primosten, Skradin, Krka National Park,
Krka River, Šibenik, Prvic, Korcula, Komiza, Island of Viz, Island of Bisevo, Island of Hvar,
Dugi Rat, Vbroska, Dubrovnik, Kotor,
Cavtat, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Ulcinj, Durres, Vlore, Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas,
Ithaca, Trizonia, Delphi, Itea, Corinth Canal, Athens (Piraeus).
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Depart USA
to ??? International Airport (leave ?day – arrive ?day)
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Day 1 |
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TROGIR AND
SPLIT
Embark Early Morning in Trogir.
Trogir, is the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex not only in the
Adriatic, but in all of Central Europe. Its medieval core, surrounded by
walls, comprises a preserved castle and tower and a series of dwellings
and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque
periods. It is quite an experience to walk through the intricate streets
either in the afternoon or evening, admire the city walls, defensive
fortresses, churches, frescoes, and arches and take a peak into old
courtyards.
Trogir has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its
rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and
Venetians. It has a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers,
as well as a fortress on a small island. “The orthogonal street plan of
this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period, and it was
embellished by successive rules with many fine public and domestic
buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are
complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from
the Venetian period,” says the UNESCO report.
From Trogir it’s a short ride to Split, the economic and administrative
center of middle Dalmatia with a population of 200,000, making it the
second largest city in Croatia. This 1700-year-old city was established
with the building of the palace of the Roman king Diocletian. The
importance of Diocletian's Palace far transcends local significance
because of its level of preservation and the buildings of succeeding
historical periods built within its walls, which today form the very
heart of old Split. Our guide will take us through the palace and the
historical nucleus of the city. There will still be enough time to
stroll through the city before we head to Trogir, declared a World
Heritage Town in 1997 by UNESCO, is also know as the “city of museums”.
Dinner and
Overnight at the ACI Trogir Marina, Croatia.
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Day 2 |
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TROGIR TO PRIMOSTEN
(~29 nm)
The picture postcard town of Primošten is famous for its huge and
beautiful vineyards (and Babic wine). In the past Primosten was situated
on an islet close to the mainland. During the Turkish invasions in 1542
the islet was protected by the walls and towers and drawbridge that
connected it to the mainland. When the Turks retreated, the drawbridge
was replaced by the causeway, and in 1564 the settlement was named
Primosten after the Croatian verb primostiti (to span). It is built on a
hill and is dominated by the parish church of St. George, which was
built in 1485 and restored in 1760 close to the local graveyard from
which a unique view spreads to the sea and the surroundings.
The biggest beach in Primošten is called Raduča, and its smaller part,
Mala Raduča, is voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
Surrounded by seven little islands, Primosten has a good range of shops,
a market, bank, and post office and no shortage of restaurants.
Dinner and
Overnight at the Primosten Marina, Croatia.
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Day 3 |
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PRIMOSTEN TO SKRADIN (~23
nm)
We will leave Primosten after breakfast and motor past Sibenik to
enter a large lake. Exiting the lake to the east will lead us to the
small village of Skradin, which is about 8 miles upstream from Sibenik
through spectacular and unique geological terrain, and is one of the
oldest Croatian settlements with the status of a town (2nd c. BC). Here
guests can enjoy swimming in the river Krka as well as at the mouth of
the river, which flows into the sea.
Because of the mix of fresh water and saltwater, Skradin is known for
its variety of seafood, including fish and shellfish. Throughout the
centuries Skradin has been demolished many times as a result of fighting
between feudalists and yet it was always rejuvenated by new settlers.
The remains of a Venetian tower and its surrounding walls as well as a
Turkish fortress that was built later on both overlook the town of
Skradin. We will take a smaller boat upstream here to visit the
beautiful Krka National Park and its 17 mini-waterfalls that cascade
over limestone with shady pools, reed beds, and semi-submerged forests.
Locals here have stalls to sell dried figs, sugared nuts, honeys, and
rosemary grappa.
Dinner and
Overnight at ACI Skradin Marina, Croatia, one of the most beautiful and
most popular marinas on the Croatian coast.
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Day 4 |
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SKRADIN TO SIBENIK TO
PRVIC LUKA (~11 nm)
After breakfast we will motor back to Šibenik for a short visit. Šibenik
was mentioned for the first time under its present name in 1066 in a
Charter of the Croatian King Petar Krešimir IV and was for a period of
time the seat of the Croatian King. Unlike other Dalmatian towns that
were founded by the Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans, it is the oldest
native Croatian town on the eastern shores of the Adriatic.
Šibenik was given the status of a town with its own diocese in 1298.
Excavations of the castle of Saint Michael have since proven that the
place was inhabited long before the actual arrival of the Croats. The
city, like the rest of Dalmatia, resisted the Venetians up to 1412. The
Ottoman Empire started to threaten Šibenik at the end of the 15th
century, but they never succeed in conquering it. In the 16th century,
the fortress of St. Nicholas was built and, by the 17th century, its
fortifications were improved again by the fortresses of St. John (Tanaja)
and Šubićevac (Barone).
During the Croatian War of Independence, Sibenik was heavily attacked by
the Yugoslav National Army and Serbian paramilitary troops. Although
underarmed, the Croatian army and the people of Šibenik managed to
defend the city. The battle lasted from September 16-22 and is often
referred to as the "September battle". The bombings damaged numerous
buildings and monuments, including the dome of the cathedral and the
1870-built theatre building.
The island of Prvic is covered with Mediterranean growth, olive trees,
and vineyards. With its picturesque inlets, it's an old village of
farmers and fishermen. There are lovely views of the surrounding islands
and mainland from the island’s coastal path. Prvic’s 15th century church
is famous because the Croatian genius Faust Vrancic (the world-known
designer of the parachute) is buried there. He was a contemporary of
Leonardo da Vinci and worked on many innovative designs while in Italy
with him.
The village itself has remained almost unchanged over the centuries. The
grey roofs of the houses, the narrow stone streets and the humble homes
are a testimony to old times when life was hard there. Walking through
the old streets of the island will send you centuries into the past. You
can still find figs drying in house yards, old wine-cellars, and
traditional singer's songs echo deep in the night. Only a few can resist
specialties from the sea, the purity of the virgin olive oil, or a glass
of the strong wine.
Dinner and
Overnight at Prvic, Croatia.
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Day 5 |
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PRVIC LUKA TO THE ISLAND OF
VIZ TO KOMIZA (~45 nm)
Viz Island was Croatia’s first main defense against aggression from the
sea ad there is much evidence of its wartime past. With old artillery
posts high up on the hills and a number of submarine caves, it was
Tito’s stronghold during World War II and was the last Croatian island
to open for tourism after the war. It has therefore stood still in time
longer than its neighboring islands and has more of a British feel to it
as a result of its history as an allied base.
Komiza is a conventional fishing village and famous for a traditional,
sail-powered wooden fishing boat, the Gajeta Falkusa, built in Vis for
over 300 years. Komiza is a typical Mediterranean village characterized
by small stone lanes and stone houses next to the port and beautiful
beaches. In the old Venetian fortress on the coast there is a museum of
fishing, the only one of the kind in Croatia, where all of the
traditional tools of the past are displayed. The inhabitants grow grapes
and fruit in the fertile fields in the interior, with fishing and wine
production as the basis of the island’s economy. Viz is on the list of
the ten most well preserved islands in Europe.
Dinner and
anchor Overnight at the Komiza Harbor, Croatia.
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Day 6 |
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KOMIZA TO ISLAND OF
BISEVO TO ISLAND OF HVAR (~23 nm)
Before heading for Hvar, we’ll sail 5 miles to the small island of
Bisevo, south of Viz. It is most renowned for its blue cave in Uvala
Balun, where the sun enters the cave through an underwater gap, shines
on the sea bed, and the reflection casts an iridescent blue light
through the water around the cave. The effect is best around noon. After
lunch we’ll head to Hvar.
Of all of Croatia’s islands, Hvar is probably the best known. It enjoys
the most hours of sunshine in the region. Its nightclub Carpe Diem, is
popular with the jet set. Hvar is one of the Adriatic’s most enchanting
and well-preserved historic towns and is known for its fragrant heather,
lavender, laurel, and rosemary. Once an important harbor for Venice’s
Adriatic fleet from the late 12th and 18th centuries, you’ll discover a
fascinating array of sights within the thick-walled fortress town.
Highlights include the Cathedral of St. Stephens with its treasury and
bell tower, very distinct marks of the former Venetian rule. It also has
an Arsenal, built in 1611 that houses Europe’s oldest theater. Long
before it was fashionable, the theater allowed the masses to buy seats
in the pit, while the landed gentry sat in raised boxes. It also claims
to have one of Thomas Becket’s fingers in a glass bell in the church.
Dinner and
Overnight at Hvar Marina, Croatia.
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Day 7 |
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HVAR TO DUGI RAT TO
VRBOSKA (~20 nm)
Our first stop will be at Dugi Rat, near Bol on the island of Brac,
which is best known for its famous white stone used in the construction
of our White House. Dugi Rat is the most photographed beach in Croatia
and is featured in the majority of tourist brochures. While even close
up it looks like sand, it is in fact a long, narrow pebble peninsula
stretching out into the sea, which changes shape with the tides and
currents and is a center for all kinds of water sports, particularly
windsurfing.
After lunch and a swim, we’ll travel a short distance to Vrboska on the
island of Hvar. Vrboska lies in a picturesque cove at the end of a long
bay. It is surrounded by pinewood forests and lovely beaches. The
churches of Vrboska house the greatest cultural treasures of the island
of Hvar. With houses rising on both shores of a channel spanned by
several small bridges, Vrboska is a charming town with good restaurants
and bars, an ATM, and a fish.
Dinner and
Overnight at
Vrboska Marina, Croatia.
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Day 8 |
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VBROSKA TO KORCULA (~35
nm)
Korcula Island is long, thin, and densely wooded and is one of the
largest islands of Croatia. It is particularly noted for the three main
wines produced here—Posip, Marastina, and Grk—and for the Moreska sword
dance. The striking town of Korcula juts out into the sea, with its
fortifications around the peninsula and the imposing cathedral on top of
the hill dominating the scene.
Marco Polo, the famous Venetian explorer, was reputedly born on Korcula
in a house that we can visit in the old city center. Korcula Town, an
ancient walled city often referred to as "Little Dubrovnik," is among
the most beautiful towns on the Croatian coast and is known for its
unique architecture. The layout of the streets actually resembles a
fishbone to create wind tunnels during the hot summer months.
The largest and most beautiful building of Korcula is the Cathedral of
St. Marco. South from it there is the Bishop's Palace where the Abbatial
Treasury of St. Marco is placed with a rich collection of Croatian and
Italian Renaissance artists, manuscripts and books, and ceremonial
clothes. The small church of St. Peter, from the 11th century is the
oldest preserved church in the town. On the western side of the square
is Crkva Gospojina (Church of Our Lady) from 1483, a major Renaissance
construction. The Town Museum is situated in the beautiful palace
Gabrielis from the 16th century.
Dinner and
Overnight at the ACI Korcula Marina, Croatia.
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Day 9 |
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KORCULA TO
DUBROVNIK (~45 nm)
We will leave Korcula in the morning and head for Dubrovnik (also Ragusa, official name until
1909), a historic city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of
Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the
Adriatic. Since 1979, the historic center of Dubrovnik has been included
in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic
for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), it traded with Turkey and
India in the East and had trade representatives in Africa in the Cape
Verde Islands. It even had diplomatic relations with the English court
in the middle ages. (There is a letter from Elizabeth I on display in
the City Museum in Dubrovnik). Its status was such that powerful and
rich Venice was envious of this Croatian-Slav city.
The old town was
completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the
present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances
to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's promenade. One of
the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of
the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are
being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the
locals call him. In 1991/2, the Serbs shelled the city causing
considerable damage, but thanks to local efforts and international aid,
the old town has been restored to its former beauty. The world-renowned
Dubrovnik Summer Festival take place in July and August, with music,
theatre and dance performances. The version of Hamlet on Lovrijenac
Tower is magical.
Dinner and
Overnight at Dubrovnik Marina, Croatia.
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Day 10 |
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DUBROVNIK
A Free day to explore the city.
Dinner and
Overnight at Dubrovnik Marina, Croatia.
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Day 11 |
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DUBROVNIK TO KOTOR (23
nm)
We leave Croatia this morning and head for Montenegro, passing
through customs at Meljine. Tiny Montenegro’s Mediterranean coastline
plays at the feet of the Balkan mountains. Its walled towns and mixture
of Orthodox and Catholic churches and its cultural blend of Montenegrin,
Serb, Bosniak, Albanian and Croatian have survived the vicissitudes of
history and are breezing in to the future.
At the head of southern Europe’s deepest fjord, Kotor’s setting couldn’t
be more dramatic. The Bay of Kotor is one of the most distinctive
landscapes anywhere on the Mediterranean. It would be worth visiting
just to enjoy the spectacle of the sheer mountains plunging into the
Adriatic. Combine this natural drama with mansions, churches,
fortifications, and flower gardens and you have one of the most
enjoyable destinations in the Balkans. Here the sea is indigo blue.
Kotor is a city of traders and famous sailors, with many stories to
tell. The old town of Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval towns
in this part of the Mediterranean. It has succeeded in preserving its
original form, so typical of towns between the XII and the XIV century.
Its strong identity as a seafaring city seems to persist regardless of
varying political affiliations - it has changed rulers fourteen times.
Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have
made Kotor a UNESCO listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site".
Through the entire city the buildings are criss-crossed with narrow
streets and squares. One of these squares contains the Cathedral of
Saint Tryphon (Sveti Tripun), a monument of Roman culture and one of the
most recognizable symbols of the city. The Church of Saint Luke (Sveti
Luka) from the 13th century, Church of Saint Ana (Sveta Ana) from the
12th century, Church of Saint Mary (Sveta Marija) from the 13th century,
Church of the Healing Mother of God (Gospe od Zdravlja) from the 15th
century, the Prince’s Palace from the 17th century and the Napoleon’s
Theatre from the 19th century are all treasures that are part of the
rich heritage of Kotor. Carnivals and festivals are organized each year
to give additional charm to this most beautiful city of Montenegro.
Dinner and
moor Overnight at Kotor, Montenegro.
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Day 12 |
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KOTOR TO BUVDA (~25 nm)
Budva, an area with natural beauty that is rich in historic monuments,
the old town lies on a small peninsula and represents a treasure chest
of culture heritage. Crossed with narrow streets and squares are famous
buildings: the Church Sv. Trojica, housing the tomb of the exquisite
writer Stepan Mitrov Ljubisa, as well as the Churches of Sv. Ivan, Sv.
Bogorodica and Sv. Sava. During the summer months it turns into a City
Theatre with numerous local performances and shows from abroad. In the
Stari Grad (Old Town) you can also visit many shops, cafés, restaurants
and galleries. Monasteries Stanjevici, Podostrog, Rezevici and Gradiste
are important historic and religious monuments of Budva.
Dinner and
Overnight at Budva Marina, Montenegro. |
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Day 13 |
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BUDVA TO SVETI STEFAN TO ULCINJ (~26 nm)
After leaving Budva, we will sail a short distance to Sveti Stefan (St.
Stefan). A former fishermen's village, today it is a famous city-hotel
situated in the most beautiful part of the Montenegrin coast. This place
is famous for its beauty, architecture, comfort, and beaches. Its
densely packed cubic houses reflect an archaic environment. Thanks to
the idea of renowned Montenegrin painters, the city-hotel accommodated
its first guest 40 years ago. Its clientele are mostly statesmen, high
ranking politicians, industrialists, and movie stars.
After lunch and a swim, we’ll continue south to Ulcinj, the southernmost
city on the Montenegrin coast and one of its oldest towns. It boasts the
longest beach in the Adriatic, Velika Plaza (13 km long), and Ada Bojana,
a unique river island with marvelous sandy beaches. It has a long and
rich maritime and merchant tradition. From ancient times up to the end
of 19th century, its geographic position made it the goal of conquest.
The Ulcinj region of Montenegro traces its history to the prehistoric
times of the Illyrians, a people of Indo-European origin. The scenic old
walled town of Ulcinj, was founded in the 5th century BC by the
Colchinians. Several centuries later the town was captured by the Romans
and was afforded special privileges and independent status under Roman
law. Under the Turks (1571-1880) the merchant marine of Ulcinj was the
main pillar of the Ottoman Empire in the Adriatic.
A colorful chapter in Ulcinj's past began in 1571, when the famous
Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, was imprisoned in Old Town
Ulqin, a stay that last five years as he awaited his family's payment of
ransom to the pirates who had captured him. Dulcinea del Toboso, a focus
of his great novel "Don Quixote" takes her name and origins from the
former name of Ulcinj - Cita de Dolcino.
Dinner and
Overnight at Ulcinj Marina, Montenegro.
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Day 14 |
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ULCINJ TO DURRES (~36 nm)
We leave Ulcinj and start our long stretch down the Albanian coast,
stopping in Durres, one of Albania's oldest cities. The country's main
seaport and the second largest industrial center, Durres lies on a small
peninsula on the coast of the Adriatic Sea at the north end of the Bay
of Durrës. Its population is around 85,000 (the second largest city in
Albania).
Durres was established in the 627 B.C. During the past nine centuries,
the city has changed hands from one ruler to another 33 times. It is
home to a cultural center, several theaters and museums, and many
artistic groups.
Dinner and
Overnight at Durres Marina, Montenegro.
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Day 15 |
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DURRES TO VLORE
(~47 nm)
Vlorë Bay, strategically located at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea, has
long been the site of military installations. In the 5th cent. Vlorë
became an Episcopal see. The city was prominent in the struggle
(11th-12th c.) between the Normans of Sicily and the Byzantines. It
passed to Serbia in 1345 and to the Ottoman Empire in 1464; it was held
by the Turks until 1912, when Albanian independence was proclaimed
there.
Vlorë was occupied by the Italians from 1914 to 1920 and from 1939 to
1944; it was bombed during World War II. As a major seaport and
commercial center, Vlore’s industries produce olive oil, cement, and
alcohol. A commercial fishing fleet and a canning industry are also
based here.
Dinner and
Overnight at Vlore Marina, Albania.
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Day 16 |
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VLORE TO CORFU (~47 nm)
We enter the Ionian Sea at Corfu in Greece. Located along the
western side of the Greek mainland, Corfu, or Kerkira in Greek, is the
northernmost of the six Ionian Islands and is separated from Albania by
a narrow strait of 1.5 nautical miles. Its unique scenery, with gentle
green hills and luxuriant southern flora, makes it one of the most
beautiful of all the Greek islands. The island's shape resembles a
scythe (once the ancient name for Corfu) and geologists say it’s the
exposed crown of a submerged mountain range that broke off from the
Greek/Albanian mainland. The greenest of Greece's 1,425 islands, Corfu
boasts beautiful scenery, endless groves of silvery olive trees, lovely
beaches and lush hillsides. The most marvellous thing about Corfu is
that over the years it has absorbed so much yet has changed so little.
Until recently, the island was mainly visited by Europe’s elite. Their
discovery led to widespread interest; now Corfu is a popular holiday
destination for vacationers from all walks of life. Visitors come to
enjoy the mild climate, calm blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden
coves and miles of sandy beaches. Despite being a popular holiday spot,
many parts of Corfu remain surprisingly unspoiled. Complementing the
island's scenic attractions is a number of historical sights, ranging
from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces.
Dinner and
dock Overnight at Corfu Marina Gouvia.
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Day 17 |
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CORFU TO PAXOS AND
LEFKADA (~54 nm)
We will continue our journey south for 22nm, stopping in Paxos for
lunch.
Enroute to Corfu, we will stop in Paxos. Legend has it that Paxos was
formed when Poseidon, god of the sea, severed the south tip of the
island of Corfu with one mighty blow of his trident and dragged it south
to create an idyllic retreat for his beloved wife Amphitriti. With an
area of 25 sq km. and a population of 2500 inhabitants this green
island, covered mostly with olive and cypress trees, is the smallest in
the Ionian sea. Harrods, the London department store, reportedly sells
only olive oil from Paxos.
White impressive rocks sit vertically along the whole western side of
the island where the famous blue caves are located. According to legend,
the blue cave of Ypapanti, which is 1200m long and leads to the centre
of the island, was the marble palace of Poseidon and Amphitriti. The
small channel which leads to the village city of Gaios is a natural
fjord that is formed at its entrance by two small islets.
We will continue on to Levkas, also known as Lefkada. Levkas Town is the
capital situated on the northeast coast where the island is joined to
the mainland by a causeway and 50 meter swing bridge. The town is a
pleasant, friendly, traditional Greek town with a pedestrianized main
shopping street and a jumble of narrow alleyways. The busy town square
fringed with cafes provides endless people-watching opportunities.
Dinner and
Overnight at Lefkas Marina, Greece.
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Day 18 |
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LEFKAS TO ITHACA (~29 nm)
On the southern end of the island of Lefkada, we will pass Vassiliki,
one of the prime windsurfing resorts in Europe due to its location
between two mountains that create a unique wind system in vast Vassiliki
Bay. Thousands of windsurfers gather here in high season. Our lunch stop
will be at the unspoiled islet of Meganisi, where we will get a glimpse
of the Onassis-owned islet of Skorpios. Several members of the shipping
magnate's family lie buried here, including Aristotle and his daughter
Christina (but we can’t go ashore because the island is well protected
by security guards). With a population of less than two thousand people,
there are various walks around Meganisi and a variety of footpaths and
goat trails to more remote parts of the island. Spartohori, perched high
above Spilia Bay, is reached by a 10 minute walk up the road or up steps
and has spectacular views across the sea to the mountains of the
mainland.
We leave the Gulf of Corinth and make our way to the Ionean Sea,
stopping in Ithaca for the night. The name “Ionian” is, like many names
in Greece, derived from Gods and Goddesses. The Goddess Io gave her name
to the Ionian islands and Ionian Sea. Io was a priestess of Hera and
was, for a short time, a mistress to Zeus. When Hera discovered that
Zeus was deceiving her, Zeus fearing what Hera might do in retaliation,
turned Io into a white cow! Hera, not to be out done, sent a gadfly to
torment Io (now a white cow), and Io plunged into the sea to rid herself
of the stinging gadfly – hence the Ionian Sea.
Unlike much of Greece and her islands, the Ionian Islands are known as
the Green Islands. Cypress, pine and elm trees cloak the hills, along
with ancient olive orchards dating back, in some cases, to the Venetian
occupation (1204 – 1550) when they were planted so the local population
could pay their taxes in olive oil. To those who visualize a Greece of
sun-baked rock dotted with dazzling whitewashed houses, the Ionian comes
as a gentle surprise. This is not the Greece of the popular travel
brochure but a shaded green country, sheltering red tiled Latin houses
an eccentric collection of Italian and French architecture and English
tastes (in Corfu the locals play cricket and you can buy currant buns
and ginger beer) welded together into a whole that is indubitably Greek.
Kioni is the premier resort on the Greek island of Ithaca and our
stop for the night. It's a picture postcard setting with neat houses and
apartments dotting the hills around the secluded and heavily wooded
horseshoe bay. Well-heeled holidaymakers parade around the harbor before
settling into the waterside bars and tavernas. Despite the cuteness, the
resort has married authentic Greek charm to the demands of tourism. But
it comes at a price, and Kioni is not a cheap place to stay or eat. It
is a favorite stop for yacht flotillas, and big expensive yachts are
often moored in the bay. Cars are banned from the village over the
summer. There are tiny coves at the mouth of the bay, windmills on the
headland, and old donkey trails to explore. You can follow a path down
to the bay of Mavrona, where the islanders fended off a pirate attack in
a pitched battle. To celebrate, they built the Monastery of Agios
Nicholaos, which operated until the end of the 19th century. The
monastery buildings were destroyed by the '53 earthquake, but the church
was left standing, complete with an old column set into its altar,
assumed to be from an ancient temple that once stood in the area. Among
the other places of interest is "Lizzy's", as the locals call Hamilton
House in Kioni, built in 1892 by Elizabeth Hamilton, a niece of Lord
Nelson's mistress, when Ithaca was part of the British Empire. Among the
celebrity visitors over the years have been Sophia Loren, the British
royal family, Madonna, Nicholas Cage, and Tom Hanks. The town beach sits
below the windmills, a steep, short, and narrow bank of pebble and
shingle with overhanging trees for shade.
Ithaca is thought to have been named after the son of a
Kefalonian King, Ithacis, who settled here and together with his brother
built a fountain that provided the whole island with water. It is known
that in the Mycenaean times that Ithaca was the capital of Kefalonia.
There have been archaeological finds that date back to 4000- 3000 B.C.
on Ithaca.
Ithaca is most famous for being Odysseus’s homeland. Odysseus, after
fighting in the Trojan Wars, endured a 10-year ordeal to get back home
to Ithaca and his wife Penelope. Due to this many people feel that
Ithaca symbolizes life’s journey and destiny.
Ithaca offers some excellent walking opportunities in fabulous scenery.
There are many types of wild flowers and wildlife to see and has
excellent snorkeling. The island is popular with celebrities (Charles
and Diana spent part of their honeymoon there). After a visit here you
will see why Odysseus spent 10 years struggling to get back home.
Dinner and
anchor Overnight at Kioni Marina, Greece.
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Day 19 |
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ITHACA TO TRIZONIA (~50
nm)
We will depart Ithaca early and enter the Corinthian Gulf, arriving
at Trizonia, a small island. Trizonia is a green island and the only one
inhabited in the Corinthian Gulf. No cars are allowed on the island.
This relatively unknown island has a beautiful natural port and a marina
for luxurious yachts. Along the coastline are traditional taverns,
restaurants, and cafes to relax and enjoy the magical landscape. You can
choose one of the wind-protected beaches in the bay to swim or walk.
Dinner and
Overnight at Trizonia Greece.
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Day 20 |
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TRIZONIA TO DELPHI - ITEA
(~21 nm)
We will depart in the morning for Itea, a small seaport from
where we will visit Delphi. Basking in a setting of unparalleled beauty on the slope of Mount Parnassus and
about 6 miles inland from the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi is perhaps the
most famous classical site in Greece. Considered by the ancient Greeks
to be the center of the earth, Delphi was once the site of an oracle of
the earth goddess Gaea. According to mythology, Apollo defeated the
monstrous serpent Python, which guarded Gaea, and expelled her from the
sanctuary, which he then shared with the god Dionysus. The Delphic
priests developed an elaborate ritual, centered on a chief priestess
called Pythia. Her utterances were regarded as the words of Apollo, and
the oracle was consulted by private citizens and public officials alike.
The Sacred Way to the temple was lined with structures housing rich
offerings given by Greek cities. Delphi once encompassed a theatre and a
stadium where the Pythian festival (similar to the Olympics) was held.
Four triumphal arches remain today to trumpet the glories of the past.
This is a komboloi, a string of Greek worry beads, that is typical of
the jewelry that can be bought in Delphi. You see men clicking and
toying with these all over Greece. They are meant to relieve tension.
After our tour of Delphi, we will proceed to Trizonia, a small island,
where we will spend the night. Trezonia is a green island and the only
one inhabited in the Corinthian Gulf. No cars are allowed on the island.
This unknown island has a beautiful natural port and a marina for
luxurious yachts. Along the coastline are traditional taverns,
restaurants, and cafes to relax and enjoy the magical landscape. You can
choose one of the wind-protected beaches in the bay to swim or walk.
Itea, a relatively new city founded in 1830, is an important commercial
and transit center. Its population is about 9,000. It constitutes the
way out to the sea for the entire area of Central Greece.
Dinner and anchor
overnight at Itea Greece.
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Day 21 |
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ITEA
THROUGH THE CORINTH CANAL TO ATHENS (~55nm)
The Corinth Canal was built in the late nineteenth century and created a
new sea route by linking the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. Until that
time, ships sailing between the Aegean and the Adriatic had had to
circumnavigate the Peloponnese Peninsula, adding about 185 nautical
miles to their voyage. However, in antiquity the Greeks had devised a
way of solving the problem of communications between the two seas. In
the late seventh or early sixth century BC, the tyrants of Corinth
constructed a paved road called the Diolkos, which led from Schinous on
the Saronic Gulf to Poseidonia on the Gulf of Corinth. The Diokos was
3.35 meters wide, and it was paved with blocks of limestone set in a
deep layer of sand and gravel. Along this ran the ilkos, a wheeled
vehicle on which ships were borne overland from one side of the Isthmus
to the other. Sections of the Diolkos can still be seen today; the deep
parallel ruts in the road, 1.5 meters apart, are the marks left by the
wheels of the Diolkos.
The ancient Greeks had of course considered the possibility of digging a
canal through the Isthmus. The first to look into the matter was
Periander, tyrant of Corinth, who drew up a plan for a canal in 602 BC.
Subsequent planners included Demetrius Poliorcetes, Julius Caesar, and
Caligula. These plans were later adopted by Nero, who in 67 AD announced
to the spectators at the Isthmian Games that he was going to join the
two seas by digging a canal through the Isthmus; indeed, he went so far
as to cut the first turf himself, with a golden shovel, and to carry the
first basket of earth on his back. But his plans came to nothing, as did
those of Herodes Atticus, the Byzantines, and the Venetians in later
times.
The canal we see today was built in 1882-1893 by Greek and French
engineers using the most advanced machinery of the day. General
supervision of the enormous undertaking was in the hands of General
Stepan Oupp, aide-de-camp to the King of Italy. The project was
completed by the Greek Corinth Canal Company.
The canal is 3.9 miles in length. It has a width of 75 feet, and in some
places its sides are 260 feet high. The canal is crossed by road and
railway bridges, while communications between Central Greece and the
Peloponnese are also served by two ferries in the form of submersible
bridges, one at either end (Poseidonia and Isthmia).
Dinner and Overnight at Athens Greece.
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Day 22 |
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ATHENS (PIRAEUS)
Extra day planned for possible delay getting through Corinth Canal
plus hours needed for customs in Athens.
Dinner and Overnight at Athens Greece.
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Day 23 |
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DISEMBARK IN ATHENS,
GREECE
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Some Useful Links...
Click here
for five days of free Do-It-Yourself tours
of Istanbul.
http://www.worldclimate.com
has useful monthly temperature and rainfall averages for thousands of
destinations worldwide. You can plan your vacations avoiding rainy
seasons or droughts. It can also assist you in deciding what to pack.
Just knowing
how to say “Thank You” in Turkish will bring smiles and open doors.
Learn some Turkish! Rosetta Stone offers an excellent Free
Demo -
http://www.rosettastone.com (Click on "Individuals" then "Free
Demo.")
Recommended Reading
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| This itinerary is subject to weather conditions. The captain has the right
to change this schedule for the safety of the ship and her passengers. |
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