Mediterranean Cruise Combines Wine and History
Cruising Europe's Greek Islands to Vineyards and Classical Sites
Apr 28, 2009
An exclusive luxury Mediterranean cruise in June 2009 brings together the best of the new wave of Greek wine and Greek vineyards with the oldest of Greece's top archaeological sites and ancient ruins. Guests sail from the Athens port of Piraeus after optional visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis, the stunning brand new Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum.
Star Clipper Mediterranean Cruise
At the port of Piraeus, guests check in to the Star Clipper. The Clipper is a luxurious replica of one of the old clipper sailing ships, and combines the romance of sailing with the best cruise comforts, and the intimate feeling that only a small ship can provide. The maximum number of guests on most Star Clippers cruises is 170, but on this special wine and archaeology cruise numbers are being limited to just 136 passengers.
Star Clipper Facilities
Facilities include an outdoor pool, a spa pool, outdoor tropical bar, dining room, and a library. Contrary to most people's expectations, smaller ships actually give smoother rides than big cruise ships if the seas get choppy.
Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary
From Athens the Star Clipper sails overnight to Greece's former capital, the beautiful harbor town of Nafplion. From here it's an easy excursion to the ruins of Mycenae, where archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann believed he had found the tomb of King Agamemnon. This can be combined with a gourmet lunch to meet the winemakers of Nemea, and taste their wines. This is one of the premier wine-making regions of the Greek Peloponnese. Back on board there's an evening talk on the Chronology of Ancient Greece, followed by a wine-tasting and then dinner when all guests have chance to taste some of those Nemean wines.
From Monemvasia to Crete
After a stop in Monemvasia in the southern Peloponnese, and a visit to the winery that's bringing about a resurgence in the local wines, the Star Clipper sets sail to the capital of Crete, Heraklion. A visit to the royal palace of Knossos, one of the most magnificent ancient sites in the world, is followed by lunch at one of Crete's best vineyards before the Mediterranean cruise resumes at Ayios Nikolaos.
From Crete to Santorini
Sailing north into the Aegean, and the islands of the Cyclades, the next port of call is Santorini. The island is renowned for many things, including its stunning location, its black volcanic sand beaches, its archaeological ruins at ancient Thira, and for producing some of the most distinctive wine in the Greek islands.
Samos, Delos, and Paros
Three more visits are made to the Aegean islands of Samos, Delos, and Paros. Samos is world famous for its sweet wine, which can be found on dessert wine lists in some of the world's top restaurants. The sacred island of Delos is unique – the whole island is an archaeological site. After visiting a vineyard on Paros, dinner on board is accompanied by wines from Macedonia.
Return to Athens and a Vineyard Lunch
To conclude this wine and archaeology cruise in style, a final lunch has been arranged near Athens at Chateau Semeli, one of the country's foremost wine estates.
Mediterranean Cruise Organisers
This unique cruise to Greece and the Greek islands has been planned by two specialist tour operators, both leaders in their own fields. The wine side is planned by Arblaster and Clarke, who organise wine cruises and wine tours all over the world. The archaeological side is arranged by Andante Travel, who specialise in archaeological and cultural tours worldwide.
Further Information
The Star Clipper cruise takes place 6–13 June 2009. For more information on this Mediterranean cruise combining wine and archaeology, visit the Arblaster and Clarke website or go straight to the download centre to download a full brochure.
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