Vip Cruise Hydra Poros Aigina

Hydra, one of the most exclusive and romantic islands in the Saronic Gulf. A true pearl unique by its scenery. Hydra is a “car-free” island meaning that no vehicles are allowed, the only means of transportation are the cute island donkeys.

Many poets, musicians, actors and celebrities have been inspired by Hydra in the past, by its impressive well preserved stone architecture, rural paths, and deep crystal clear waters.

The port of Hydra, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Pirates, leaves you with an impression of romance and joy. From the decks, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of Hydra town, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently witness to a long and turbulent history.

As soon as you disembark, it’s all there… the small narrow stone-paved streets waiting to be explored… a short walk along the old seaside promenade… crystal clear waters, radiant traditional fine craft shops and museums are few of the island beauties. Allow Hydra to seduce you!

• Hydra island has more than 300 churches and 5 monasteries.
• Hydra’s Maritime Academy is the oldest Maritime Academy in the eastern Mediterranean, as it is open since the revolution of 1821.
• Hydra has inspired many artists such as Picasso and Sagale, as well as it is the home of many artists like P.Tetsis, N.Gkikas, L.Cohen etc.
• Many movies have been filmed on the island like Sophia Loren’s hit movie “Boy on a Dolphin” and Melina Merkouri’s “Phaedra”.
• Five Prime Ministers in Greece’s history were Hydra natives: G.Kountouriotis, A.Kriezis, D.Voulgaris, A.Miaoulis and P.Voulgaris.
• The biggest star in the sky is named Hydra and was noted in the ancient years by Ptolemeus.

Poros was the site of the first naval base in modern Greece, established in 1827 during the Greek War of Independence. Most of the activities of Poros naval base were moved to Salamis naval base in 1881. The site is still used today by the Hellenic Navy as a training center for naval personnel.

• Poros lemon forest is very famous not only in Greece but world wide also. Orange and lemon production is one of the main financial sources of the island.
• Poros has an amazing shell museum, founded in 2006, with a permanent exhibition of shells in the Chatzopouleios library.
• The island’s name means “narrow strait”.

Island with rich history, archaeological and cultural heritage, a prime gem stone among the Greek islands. Poros is separated from the mainland of Peloponnese by a narrow sea channel, and its protected setting makes the main settlement of Poros Town seem like a cheery lakeside resort. Its pastel-hued houses stack up the hillside to a clock tower, the Neoclassical architecture and the lovely port, makes a vibrant first impression.

This remarkable, beautiful green island will charm you with its groves of pine & lemon trees. You can relax walking through quiet narrow streets. Poros is often referred as the “Venice of the Saronic Gulf”. The sole contact between the island of Poros and the mainland is by boat offering a special charm and a feeling of living “on” water. Recommended places to see: Archaeological Museum, Clock Tower, and the Municipal Library

Aegina is the biggest island among the Saronic ones and is singled out for the many different and interesting things that it may offer to its visitors. It’s rich history and archeological and architectural landmarks give breath taking impression on visitors with exquisite taste for culture, history and beauty. Along with its wonderful pistachio grove and olive tree landscapes, as well as with the numerous charming fishing villages and quiet golden beaches make it one of the favorite destinations among the Greek Islands.

• In the 12th century, Aegina was the basic pirates spot especially for their attacks in Athens.
• The quality of the most famous world wide, local pistachio nut, is a result of the special climate conditions of the island (drought) and in the volcano elements of the soil.
• Aegina was actually the first capital of Greece and not Nafplio as most people believe. Ioannis Kapodistrias was the first Greek Governor.
• Aphaea’s Temple was the “pattern” that Iktinos and Kallikratis, the architects of Parthenon, had in mind when designing Parthenon.
• One of the most known Greek mysteries is about the perfect triangle consisted by the Temple of Aphaea, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and 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 

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

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.

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