Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Athens - 123196

The shortest route between the northern Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf runs through the Gulf of Patras, the Corinthian Gulf and finally through the Corinthian canal, which stretches over 3.2 miles from the most south-eastern point of the Corinthian Gulf (Posidonia) to the north-western corner of the Saronic Gulf (Isthmia). The canal is 25 metres wide and the maximum draught for ships passing through it is 7 metres. The bluffs into which the canal was carved rise up to 75 metres high.

Itéa is at the edge of the holy valley of Delphi and boasts beautiful beaches, like those at Trocadero and Miami, with their inviting azure blue Mediterranean waters. Discover the old harbour of Delphi and visit the temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the museum.

Katákolon is a small town with a harbour and lots of shops selling souvenirs and jewellery. It is 13 km to the East of Pyrgos and is also known as the port of Pyrgos. A traditional and extremely impressive place for a daytrip is the ancient ruins of Olympia on the slopes of the Peloponnes at the foot of Mount Kronos. Excavation work, which was instigated by German archaeologists in 1875, and is still ongoing, has uncovered a great deal of information about this mystic and sacred place. Its walls enclose the Temple of Jupiter, the Doric Temple of Hera, the "Hall of Echos", the gymnasium and the stadium.

Gythion is a picturesque little town with painted white houses nestled up against the mountainside. Legend has it that this city at the eastern Mediterranean was founded by the the Greek gods Heracles and Apollo. In addition to the houses typical of the region, there are several buildings at the harbour dating from the era of Classicism, some with wrought iron balconies and stucco fronts. Business is centred around the harbour promenade, with its many banks and travel agencies.