One Day Cruise Athens

Indulge in the unparalleled allure of Hydra, one of the most exclusive and romantic islands in the Saronic Gulf. This true gem is renowned for its unique scenery and “car-free” island status, meaning only cute island donkeys serve as transportation.

Throughout history, Hydra has inspired many poets, musicians, actors, and celebrities with its impressive stone architecture, rural paths, and crystalline waters. The port of Hydra, once a safe haven for Pirates, now exudes romance and joy, with its amphitheater shape offering breathtaking views of the island’s traditional stone houses and mansions.

As you disembark, the narrow stone-paved streets, seaside promenade, and radiant traditional craft shops and museums await. Take in the beauty of over 300 churches and 5 monasteries, and immerse yourself in Hydra’s rich cultural history. As the oldest Maritime Academy in the eastern Mediterranean, Hydra’s Maritime Academy is a must-visit destination, open since the 1821 revolution.

Experience the island’s artistic legacy, with renowned artists such as P. Tetsis, N. Gkikas, and L. Cohen calling Hydra home. From Sophia Loren’s hit movie “Boy on a Dolphin” to Melina Merkouri’s “Phaedra,” Hydra has served as the backdrop for many famous movies.

Fun fact: Hydra is home to the biggest star in the sky, named Hydra and noted by Ptolemy in ancient times. With so much to offer, allow Hydra to captivate and seduce you on your next one day cruise or trip to Athens at general.

Poros Island is steeped in history and natural beauty. It was the site of the first naval base in modern Greece, established in 1827 during the Greek War of Independence. Today, the Hellenic Navy still uses the site as a training center for naval personnel. The island’s name means “narrow strait,” referring to the sea channel that separates it from the mainland of Peloponnese. The protected setting of Poros Town, the main settlement on the island, gives it a lakeside resort vibe, with pastel-hued houses that stack up the hillside to a clock tower.

Poros is famous for its lemon forest, which is not only a local attraction but also a major financial source for the island. The island also has a remarkable shell museum, founded in 2006 and featuring a permanent exhibition of shells in the Chatzopouleios library. Poros has rich archaeological and cultural heritage, making it a prime gemstone among the Greek islands.

The island’s pine and lemon groves offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Poros is often referred to as the “Venice of the Saronic Gulf,” owing to its unique charm and the fact that the sole contact between the island and the mainland is by boat. A visit to Poros should include stops at the Archaeological Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Municipal Library. Don’t miss the chance to experience this charming island, which offers a glimpse into Greece’s rich history and traditions.

Aegina, the largest island among the Saronic ones, is renowned for its diverse attractions that cater to a wide range of visitors. Its rich history, archeological and architectural landmarks offer breathtaking experiences to culture and history enthusiasts. The island’s stunning pistachio groves, olive tree landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and tranquil golden beaches are among its major draws, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Greek Islands.

During the 12th century, Aegina was a haven for pirates, who used it as a base for their raids on Athens.
The world-famous local pistachio nuts owe their quality to the island’s unique climate conditions (drought) and the volcanic elements of its soil.
Aegina was actually the first capital of Greece, not Nafplio, as many people believe. Ioannis Kapodistrias was the first Greek Governor.
The Temple of Aphaea was the model that Iktinos and Kallikratis, the architects of the Parthenon, had in mind when designing it.
One of the most famous Greek mysteries involves the perfect triangle formed by the Temple of Aphaea, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, and the Acropolis of Athens.

Salads

Tomatoes, red and white cabbage , carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, onions Greek olives, Feta cheese, served with wonderful dressing of extra virgin olive oil and vinegar to start your meal.

Starters

• Stuffed vine leaves with rice
• Fresh Beets
• Traditional fish roe salad
• Pizza Margarita

Main dishes

• Oven baked chicken seasoned with Mediterranean herbs
• Fish fillet baked with Mediterranean aromatic herbs
• Selection of mixed vegetables slowly cooked in the oven and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil
• Pasticcio (pasta with besamel sauce and beef)

Side Dishes

• Rice mixed with a variety of vegetables
• Oven baked potatoes

Desert

• Homemade walnut pie

**The dishes are subject to changes according to our chef seasonable choices keeping always the best quality.

1.The “Clasical” Cultural tour (Aegina/Aphaia & Agios Nektarios)

Crossing the island by bus and while the experienced guides provides all the relevant information about the island of Aegina, history and pistachio wise, the passenger anticipates visiting the famous ancient temple of Aphaia alongside with the monastery of St. Nektarios. 

First stop, the archaeological sanctuary of Aphaia, which is one of the most impressive buildings of the post-archaic period. The temple dominates the area and it was founded by the Aegineans to commemorate the Minoan deity Aphaia, daughter of Zeus and Carme. The temple is of a Doric rhythm, one of the best-preserved temples in Greece. It is considered by many the model which the architects of Parthenon had in their minds. Moreover, it is said that together with the temple of Parthenon in Acropolis, Athens and the temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio, are forming a sacred isosceles triangle, one of the greatest mysteries of the Greek antiquity. 

Licensed guide gives a detailed tour inside the archaeological area and the stop lasts half an hour. 

Second and final stop, the Monastery of St. Nektarios. The Monastery of Saint Nektarios was built around 1904-1907 by St. Nektarios, the Bishop of Pentapolis. St. Nektarios lived in the monastery and died in 1920. In 1961 he was declared a Saint. The church’s architectural style is basilica with a dome, same with the one of Santa Sofia in Istanbul. The monastery is a convent for women and 14 nuns live in it. The memory of the Saint is celebrated on November 9th and once more on the 3rd of September. 

A guide once more gives a tour and the duration of our stay is approximately half an hour. 

Tour: 1h 50min 

Bus transportation, guided tour and archaeological entrance fees included 

Prices: Adults 28 eur | Children (4-11) 21 eur

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2. Panoramic Tour (Aegina)

Crossing the Northern part by bus, the most beautiful part of Aegina with its crystal 

blue water and its traditional houses! Discovering the hidden jewels of the island, 

with fantastic views and amazing colors as well as big plantations of pistachio trees. 

Six stops at the most significant sightseeing of the island (listed below) without getting of the bus (photo stops), a twenty-minute stop at the Monastery of St. Nektarios, followed by a stop at a traditional Greek “taverna” for our passengers to try local delicacies. During the excursion, the host/ess is giving all the information needed upon pistachio nuts, the island’s history and many fun facts. 

1st stop: Ancient city of Aegina- Archaeological site of Kolona. 

2nd stop: “The mother of Aegina” statue by Christos Kapralos, one of the most important Greek sculptors. 

3rd stop: The house of Nikos Kazantzakis, famous writer of “Alexis Zorbas” (the movie of Michalis Kakogiannis with Antony Queen and Irene Papas – Zorba the Greek). 

4th stop: Souvala. 

5th stop: Panoramic View. 

6th stop: View of small chapels up in the hill of the medieval capital of the island, famous Palaiochora. 

7th stop: Monastery of Saint Nektarios. 

8th stop: Greek Traditional Restaurant, where our visitors get to try “ouzo”, Greece’s national aperitif alongside with some of the most popular Greek food specialties “meze”, mainly based on seafood. 

Tour: 1h 30min. 

Bus transportation, guided tour and tasting at the Greek restaurant included in the price. 

Prices: Adults 24 eur | Children (4-11) 19 eur.

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3. Swimming Excursion (Aegina)

Greek, hot summer days call for a swim. Arriving to the port of Aegina, we switch from our cruise ship to a speedboat for a short, fun ride to the crystal clear blue waters of a nearby virgin island, the island of “Moni”. It is an island without residents, inhabited only by peacocks and deer, friendly enough to interact with their guests. You will enjoy a beautiful scenery, pine trees covering the hill, almost reaching the sandy beach coast alongside with turquoise, transparent waters. There is also a beach bar if you wish to complete your experience with a cocktail or a snack. 

Tour: 1h 50min 

Speedboat ride, soft drink, beach chair and umbrella included. 

Prices: 34 eur.

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4. Walking Tour (Hydra)

As Hydra is the only greek island without cars, here we propose our unique Walking Tour. The island holds many “titles” such as cosmopolitan, historic, heroic, thus there is a great history to be explained by our host/ess. Some of the sightseeing included are: 

• • Right after the disembarkation from the cruise ship a short briefing is taken place before the tour. 
• • Oldest Navy School of Europe (dated by the 18th century in a 
• neoclassical building) 
• • The statue of captain “Miaouli” who represents the modern history of Hydra as well as the efforts and contribution to the victory of the Greeks against the Turks during the war of the independence of Greece in 1821. 
• • The donkeys- Hydra’s main mean of transportation! 
• • Oldest pastry shop of the island where hospitality and a treat of the famous sweets called “amygdalota” prepared with rose water, almonds and orange flowers, is enjoyed by the visitor. 
• • Going down to the harbor we will see the hospital and the Town Hall. 
• • The monastery dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary and its miraculous icon. It was built in the 16th century and the decoration in its interior is very rich because of donations by rich captains and admirals that leaved all their wealth in the monastery. 
• • The Ecclesiastical and Byzantine museum of the monastery admiring icons and ecclesiastical items of the 17 – 18 – 19th centuries’, is a very important part of the tour. 

Duration: 1h 10min 

Guided tour, pastry tasting and entrance to the Cathedral’s museum included. 

Prices: Adults 31 eur | Children (4-11) 16 eur