Epidaurus— Photo: Barry Lyon

Join us for an unforgettable voyage as we circumnavigate the Peloponnese with a focus on the history, culture, and philosophy of ancient Greece and the natural world of present-day Greece.

We have chartered the M/S Galileo, a superb three-masted sail cruiser, for this adventure. An exciting itinerary includes visits to some of the most famous and important sites in the ancient Greek world, as well as some of Greece's best birding and nature viewing locations. We will make excursions to Epidaurus–the near-perfectly preserved 2,500-year-old theater that still hosts Greek dramas today, Mycenae (Mykinai), Pylos (Nestor's Palace), Olympia, and Delphi.

We will spend time at some of Greece's best birding and nature viewing areas including Cape Araxos, Lake Stymfalia, the Evrotas Delta, and Dinari Lagoon. We should see an impressive assortment of waterbirds. Among the possibilities are a range of Eurasian shorebirds, Collared Pratincole, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, storks, gulls, and terns. Resident and migrant landbirds should also be evident in the form of Alpine Swifts, European Bee-eaters, Red-backed Shrikes, and Blue Rock-Thrushes. Raptor possibilities include Eleonora's Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli's Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, and Eurasian Sparrowhawk. We should also expect an interesting collection of Mediterranean wildflowers.  

Dr. Paul Woodruff, professor of philosophy and classics at the University of Texas Austin and an expert on ancient Greece, will co-lead this trip with Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyon. He will present a series of lectures that incorporate the dominant themes of ancient Greek civilization, namely history, philosophy, and theater. Dr. Woodruff has translated works by Plato, Thucydides, Sophocles, and Euripides. His recent books include Reverence, First Democracy, and The Necessity of Theater.

The Galileo is an excellent ship for this voyage, offering the highest standard of accommodation, comfort, and safety while preserving the intimacy of a smaller vessel. We are confident that the multi-thematic approach that this cruise offers will provide a rich and rewarding trip. It is an ideal choice for those who desire a travel experience that includes more than natural history. An optional three-night Athens Pre-trip will be offered.
 
All nights aboard the lovely M/S Galileo; daily shore excursions to ruins and nature sites will involve short, easy walks; warm temperatures and little to no precipitation are expected.