Peloponnese Cruise. Athens - Corfu

Welcome aboard

Afternoon

Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew, the guide and the other guests joining the voyage.

Take time to explore the ship’s outdoor decks and onboard facilities. Guests arriving earlier can spend part of the day in Athens, visiting the historic centre or walking around the marinas of Piraeus before embarkation.

Evening

The journey begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.

The guide introduces the programme for the week and explains how the cycling tours, shore visits and onboard activities will be organised. Running on Waves then leaves Athens and begins its passage towards Nafplion.

Medieval streets and ancient civilisations

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Nafplion, one of Greece’s most atmospheric historic harbour towns.

After breakfast, go ashore to explore a town known for its fortresses, monasteries and Medieval Old Town. Neoclassical buildings, narrow streets and waterfront promenades sit beneath the imposing Palamidi Fortress.

Day

Walk through Syntagma Square and the old harbour, look across the water towards the Bourtzi fortress or continue uphill towards Akronafplia and Palamidi.

Nafplion also serves as a starting point for exploring some of the Peloponnese’s most important ancient sites, including Mycenae, Argos and Epidaurus. Depending on the programme, guests may explore the surrounding area by bicycle or join an organised shore excursion.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a relaxed evening on board.

Spend time on deck as the ship leaves the Argolic Gulf and continues south towards Gytheio.

The former port of Sparta

Morning

Wake near Gytheio, a quiet fishing town that once served as the port of ancient Sparta.

Breakfast is served with views of its waterfront, where fishing boats and neoclassical houses create an atmosphere that feels closer to a small island harbour than a mainland town.

Day

Go ashore to explore Gytheio and the surrounding region of Mani. Walk along the waterfront, cross towards the small island of Cranae or continue into the town’s historic streets.

Beyond Gytheio, Mani is defined by dry mountain scenery, stone villages, defensive tower houses and small coastal coves. Guests can discover the region independently, by bicycle or through an optional excursion, depending on the final programme.

The area also offers a distinctive culinary tradition. Try local cured pork from Mani or xoriatiko loukaniko, a traditional village sausage associated with the wider Spartan region.

Evening

Return to the ship for dinner and time to rest.

Running on Waves leaves Gytheio and continues around the southern Peloponnese towards Pylos.

Beaches, lagoons and fortresses

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Pylos, built amphitheatrically above the historic Bay of Navarino.

Breakfast is served on board with views of the bay, which is protected from the open sea by the long island of Sphacteria.

Day

The surrounding region offers one of the most varied landscapes of the voyage, combining wide beaches, a lagoon visited by flamingos, waterfalls, caves, castles and ancient tombs.

Explore Pylos and its central Three Admirals Square, visit the harbour or continue towards one of the nearby historic fortresses. Depending on the programme, guests may also spend time kayaking, cycling, swimming or exploring the coastline.

Other possibilities in the wider region include the curved bay of Voidokilia, the wetlands of Gialova, the waterfalls of Polylimnio and Methoni Castle.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a quiet evening overlooking Navarino Bay.

The ship later continues north along the western coast of the Peloponnese towards Katakolo.

The homeland of the Olympic Games

Morning

Wake as Running on Waves approaches Katakolo, a small harbour that serves as the maritime gateway to Ancient Olympia.

After breakfast, go ashore and prepare for the day’s exploration.

Day

Travel inland towards Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The archaeological site includes the remains of the original stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera, training grounds and buildings once used by athletes and officials.

Guests may explore the site as part of a cycling route or organised excursion, depending on the final programme. There may also be time to visit the Archaeological Museum, stop at a traditional taverna or learn more about the olive-growing traditions of the western Peloponnese.

Those remaining closer to the coast can walk around Katakolo, visit its waterfront cafés or spend time at a nearby beach.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner.

The ship leaves the Peloponnese and begins its passage across the Ionian Sea towards Zakynthos.

Protected wildlife and a limestone coast

Morning

Wake beside the pale cliffs and vivid blue water of Zakynthos.

After breakfast, Running on Waves approaches one of the island’s coastal anchorages, allowing guests to experience a landscape of sea caves, rocky arches and secluded bays.

Day

Zakynthos is internationally recognised for its protected natural environment and as an important nesting area for the loggerhead sea turtle.

Spend time swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or windsurfing when conditions allow. The programme may also include coastal exploration around the Blue Caves or time ashore in one of the island’s villages.

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and all activities near protected areas are organised in accordance with local environmental rules.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for dinner and an evening on deck.

The ship leaves Zakynthos and continues north towards Kefalonia.

Caves, mountains and Venetian heritage

Morning

Wake near Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands.

Its landscape combines mountains, vineyards, caves and a long coastline shaped by deep bays and colourful harbour settlements.

Day

Explore an island associated with sailors and mountain climbers, Greek traditions and Venetian heritage, winemaking and rural life.

Possible highlights include Melissani Cave, where small boats cross an underground lake illuminated through an opening in the cave roof, and Drogarati Cave with its large limestone chambers.

Guests may also explore the island by bicycle, visit a local village or winery, swim from the ship or spend time in one of Kefalonia’s waterfront towns.

Evening

Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner.

Spend the final evening on deck as the ship leaves Kefalonia and begins its last passage north towards Corfu.

End of the voyage

Morning

Running on Waves arrives in Corfu.

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew, the guide and the guests who have shared the journey.

Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests remaining on the island can explore Corfu Old Town, its Venetian fortresses, shaded squares and arcaded streets.

Associated with the story of the shipwrecked Odysseus, Corfu provides a fitting conclusion to a journey through the landscapes, myths and history of Greece.