One Day Cruise > Hydra – Poros – Aegina
An English-speaking guide will accompany you on this tour and taken in an air-conditioned coach to the port in Athens. Here you will board your vessel and set out on a cruise to the Saronic Islands, situated at a close distance from Athens.
Upon arrival to Piraeus you will receive a warm welcome from our Officers and Hostesses who will assist you with boarding one of our luxurious cruise ships and invite you to proceed either to the Main Lounge, where our live orchestra has already started putting you in the right mood with its international music repertoire, or to one of the spacious open decks where you can enjoy the fascinating view as the ship leaves the port.
At 8h15 the ship sails for the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. Shortly after departure, our guides and hostesses will invite you to assemble in one of the Lounges, in order to give you all necessary information concerning the ship, the cruise program as well as the islands. This will also be an opportunity for you to get answers to any questions you might have, as our trained staff is there to ensure that you will have a most wonderful day.
Within 2 hours, we will arrive to the island of Poros, the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most enchanting view of Poros Town. Your time at leisure in Poros will be about 50 minutes.
Immediately upon the ships departure from Poros, lunch will be served for passengers who have the first sitting. As we sail towards Hydra the remaining guests relax in the Ship’s Lounge or enjoy the sun and beautiful panoramic view from one of our spacious decks.
An hour and 15 minutes later, we enter the port of Hydra, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. From the decks, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand 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 on foot or by the island’s traditional “vehicle” – the saddled donkey.. captivating walks along the old seaside promenade.. crystal clear waters… radiant traditional fine-craft shops.. the beauty of Hydra will conquer you forever! You will have about 1 hour and 30 minutes at leisure to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra and while returning back on board you will receive a homecoming welcome. The tables will be set for the second sitting giving you an opportunity to taste the gastronomic creations of our Chef.
As you sail on Apostolos and his dancers will make you dance to Greek rhythms. Time will fly quickly….and after a two hour trip we shall arrive to our last port of call, the island of Aegina.
Aegina is the largest of the three islands. Apart from its harbor there are numerous interesting sites to discover on the island and therefore we propose 3 optional tours:
- The first possibility is a Guided Bus Tour of the island, starting with a visit to the Temple of Aphaia which is the best preserved temple in Greece and one of the 3 temples forming the famous “Sacred Triangle” of Greek antiquity. Built on top of a wooded hill, it offers the most magnificent view over the island, the Saronic Gulf, Piraeus and Salamina Island. Our guide will tell you the fascinating story of the intriguing history of this beautiful site and then from there take you for a short visit to the Church of Saint Nectarios, where you can enjoy quiet moments contemplation and admiration of its beautiful Byzantine architecture. The drive back to Aegina Port will give you time relax and appreciate the exquisite peaceful nature of the island.
- The second possibility is a Panoramic Bus Tour, giving you the opportunity to drive across the entire island (without visiting the archeological site) admiring the beauty of its nature, the islands medieval capital of Paleohora, the Church of Saint Nectarios, the pistachio groves… The tour ends with a stop by the seaside where you can relax and enjoy a glass of Ouzo along with a choice of irresistible Greek “Mezedes” (appetizers)!
- Finally, the third choice is to stay in Aegina and enjoy a walk or horse-carriage ride around the town or relax in one of the harbor’s charming waterfront coffee shops.
A “Traditional Greek Folk Show” with singers and dancers in original costumes form all of Greece who, together with our Officers, Hostesses and the ever amusing Jeannot will entertain and animate you up to the final moment as the ship docks in Piraeus.