Greece
Day 1:
Embark from Athens to Poros, which lies very close to the Peloponnese, separated
from it by a narrow channel. The island is extensively wooded with pine trees
reaching to the shore. In ancient times Poseidon was the patron and a few
remains of a temple to poseidon can be found on a picturesque side on the
east coast. Poros town, built on rocky slopes, is attractive and the approach
by sea one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Day 2:
Set sail to Spetses which is mostly covered with pine trees. The attractive
town is popular with tourists and Athenians alike. The old harbor and environs
with many grand old houses is a wonderful place to wander around. The local
yards build the Spetsees Caique which is considered to be among the best
in Greece. John Fowles' novel "The Magus" is set on this island.
In September a small Caique rigged out as an old trader is set on fire to
commemorate the revolt against the turks. This is accompanied by a noisy
fireworks display and much merriment.
Day 3:
Sail to Nafplion, a large town of mostly 18th and 19th century buildings. A
gem!! The stone houses seem to be engulfed in vegetation and the narrow cobbled
streets wind in and out of the modest mansions many of them built in golden
sandstone that seems to absorb color from the sun. Shops and taverns are
tucked away in streets everywhere. The Venetian military citadel, Palamidi
is the most finely preserved piece of Venetian military architecture in existence.
The interesting exhibits of the local museum include a suit of Mycenaean
armor, a reminder that this whole area was the heartland of the Mycenaeans.
Day 4:
Set sail to Porto Heli which is a natural landlocked bay where many yachts
choose to spend the winter. Many villas adorn the numerous coves on either
side of the entrance channel into Porto Heli. Heli means eel in Greek, probably
referring to the number of eels that which once lived here. The area was
once zoned as a NATO base but the plan was eventually shelved. Over the years
trees have been planted and a number of hotels have been built. The serene
waters of the bay offer ideal conditions for water sports.
Day 5:
On to Hermioni which has been relatively untouched by tourism. The village
saddles the headland - the end of which is wooded and proves idyllic for
afternoon walks. On the south side of the headland where things are peaceful
you can sit in a bar on the waterfront with wonderful views over the water.
According to Pausanias, a festival in honor of Poseidon was held here and
it is possible that Hermioni was the site of the first small boat regatta
in recorded history.
Day 6:
Sail to Hydra today which is mountainous, arid and devoid of vegetation. In
1821 it was the first island to pledge its sizable fleet to the greek cause.
It has been said that but for the hydriot fleet and sailors, the war of independence
against the turks would not have been won. Hydra is a fashionable resort
for the rich and famous. The town remains architecturally very much of the
18th and 19th centuries with large stately houses built around the natural
amphitheater above the harbor. The total lack of vehicles adds to the atmosphere.
Day 7:
Aegina is your destination for today, the town is a busy little place but very
pleasant and homely. It has the distinction of being the first place in Greece
where the Greek flag was raised at the end of the war of independence. The
single Dorca Column on Cape Kolona nearby is all that remains of the temple
of Aphrodite that formerly stood there.
Day 8:
Back to Athens for disembarkation.
|
