Greece

We start our tour in Malta, the Mediterranean’s best-kept secret with a history dating back over 7,000 years. The first settlers arrived around 5,000 BC. Over time, a great civilization developed producing incredible feats of architecture. Around 870 BC, the Maltese Islands were colonized by the Phoenicians, probably the greatest traders and seafarers of their time. Eventually it all became part of the Roman Empire where the Islands flourished. The Apostle Paul was known to have been shipwrecked here in 60AD. We will have four days of exploration and free time.

Then off to Athens—the birthplace of western civilization—for three nights to explore the wonders of Greece highlighting the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Theater of Dionysos that combine the vestiges of the country’s golden years to today’s modern lifestyle.

We are off to start our Greek Island cruise. As mentioned in the announcement letter, we are going to cruise the smaller, lesser-known Saronic Islands. This will allow gentler cruising in calmer waters to spend more time exploring islands with the same incredible history and artifacts found on the higher trafficked islands, thus experiencing the charm that only smaller Islands can offer. Places like Aegina, with its quaint village of Perdika. Epidaurus, which is considered rustic Greece at its best. Poros, with Poseidon’s Temple, and where Henry Miller wrote: “To sail slowly through the waters of Poros is to recapture the joy of passing through the neck of the womb. It is a joy too deep almost to be remembered.” Stops also include Romantic Spetses and Hydra, the “gem of the Aegean.” Our cruise ends at the idyllic and charming Island of Agistri.

We will have our breakfasts and lunches onboard, a few group dinners on the islands, as well as some free evenings in port to eat out on our own at local restaurants.

TOUR INCLUDES
● Roundtrip transportation from Montauk to JFK
● Roundtrip air to Malta & Athens
● 4 nights deluxe accommodations in Malta
● 3 nights deluxe accommodations in Athens
● 7 nights accommodations in cabins with private facilities onboard Gullet “Athena”
● All service charges and taxes
● Breakfast every day
● All lunches while cruising
● Additional lunches and dinners as per itinerary
● Transportation by coach in Malta & Greece
● Sightseeing as per itinerary
● Sightseeing entrance fees
● Optional tours

SPECIAL FEATURES
● Welcome and farewell dinners in Malta
● Sightseeing tour of the Island of Gozo by 4×4 Quads
● Optional Christian Malta tour
● Welcome to Athens dinner overlooking the Acropolis
● Sunset dinner at Cape Sounion in Greece
● Wine tasting tour outside of Athens
● Olive Oil tasting and tour in Epidaurus
● Horse-drawn carriage tour in Poros

ITINERARY

1st day: Thursday, October 18 – To Malta
Depart for JFK Airport where we board our flights to Malta, connecting in Rome

2nd day: Friday, October19 – Arrival in Malta (D)
Arrive in Rome and connect to our flight to Valetta in Malta. Arrival in Malta, and after Immigration and Customs, we board our coach for the transfer to our accommodations. Time to relax, have a bite to eat before our welcome dinner at a restaurant overlooking the sea

3rd day: Saturday, October 20 – In Malta (B/L)
This morning we start our day with a full day of touring. First will be a walking tour of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, known for its baroque architecture, palaces, and churches. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 1500s, when the Knights of St. John founded the fortress city. Over the years, it became home to buildings designed by top European architects of the era and renowned works of art. Learn about all of this from your guide as you walk past landmarks such as Parliament House, the ruins of the Royal Opera House, the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, Auberge d’Italie, Auberge de Castille, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Great Siege Monument, Strait Street, St. George Square, Grandmaster’s Palace, Piazza Regina, National Library of Malta, the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, the Siege Bell War Memorial, and Fort St. Elmo – National War Museum. As you go, hear little-known stories about what it was like to be a patient at the Holy Informatory, or a galley slave on the ships of the Order, and whether all knights behaved in accordance to their vows. After about two hours, you’ll have a deeper perspective of Valletta. As the tour concludes, our coach will meet us and we depart for lunch at a local seaside restaurant. After lunch, our coach takes us to Hagar Qim, the prehistoric site that overlooks the wide expanse of the blue Mediterranean and the islet of Filfla. Head next to the dazzling Blue Grotto, a cluster of brightly lit caves on Malta’s rugged south coast. Here, we join an boat excursion to see inside the caves. If time, we visit the Maltese fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Amble about the postcard-perfect village and snap photos of the candy-colored iuzzus (fishing boats) moored off the coast before we return to our hotel and a free evening.

4th day: Sunday, October. 21 – In Malta – Excursion to the Island of Gozo (B/L)
Today we have a unique way to see Malta as we journey to the sister Island of Gozo. Some say it’s “Malta’s prettier little sister” as it is more rural and greener than the island of Malta. And, we will be seeing it on 4×4 Quads. We will board our Quads and follow our guide through the countryside, riding through valleys and around bays, stopping at scenic viewpoints to snap photos and learn about the area through our guide’s commentary. Highlights will include fabled Calypso Cave, Belvedere, the Inland Sea, Ta’Pinu, Xlendi, and Marsalforn Bay. We pause to refuel with a 3-course lunch, and then taste some local produce and shop for souvenirs before we return back to our hotel on a powerboat ride, stopping by the Comino sea caves, which are the glistening jewel of the Blue Lagoon. This will be an amazing day. Our evening is free to explore on our own and try some of the great local restaurants.

5th day: Monday, October 22 – In Malta (B/D)
A Free day for independent exploration in Valetta, which is really a “Tale of Two Cities “the Old and the New A tale of two cities – the old and new. Like most of Malta, Valetta has been strongly influenced by a variety of cultures and nationalities. Most significant was the impact of the Knights from the Order of St John and also the British. Built on a hill, between two harbors, the Old city has fortified giant walls to protect it from those who wanted to conquer it. The walls still contain many tunnels and air raid shelters that were built and utilized during World War Two. Modern Valetta is the heart of Maltese commercial activity, and yet it remains at the heart of the Maltese community and provides a cultural anchor. The center of Valetta is a large grid formation with 12 parallel streets, many of which provide views of the harbor. Built on a hilltop, the streets can be reasonably steep and many still contain the original stone steps, built to help the Knights with their heavy armor ascend the hill. These steps are made from the hardest stone on the island, allowing them to stand the test (and feet) of time. You may also want to visit the Malta Classic Car Museum. It is a must for car enthusiasts, and this flexible admission ticket means you can spend as long as you like admiring the exhibitions. The impressive collection has more than 100 classic and vintage cars and motorcycles on display, including a 1955 Jaguar C Type, a 1972 Fiat 500F, T-Birds, and Spitfires. Or visit Fort Renella, or take a morning optional tour of Christian Malta (see details below). In the evening we meet for our Farewell to Malta dinner.

6th day: Tuesday, October 23 – To Athens (B/D)
Our morning is free to relax and do some last-minute shopping. Then in the early afternoon, depart for the airport and our direct flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, we will go through Immigration and Customs and then transfer to our hotel. Time to rest a bit before our Welcome to Greece dinner.

7th day: Wednesday, October 24 – In Athens (B/L)
Morning tour of including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Greek Parliament building and Presidential Palace, the home of Greece’s royals until the monarchy ended in 1974. We’ll see the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Then drive along Panepistimiou Avenue to snap photos of the National Library and one of Greece’s most revered orthodox churches. After our coach tour, we visit two of Athens’ historical treasures on foot. View the exterior of the Temple of Olympian Zeus — a gigantic, semi-ruined edifice completed in the 2nd century AD—as our guide explains its turbulent history. Then continue to Athens’ showpiece: the Acropolis. Stroll up to the UNESCO-listed site that served as the ancient citadel as we tour the buildings and hear how they reflected Athens’ prosperity in the 5th century BC. Admire the magnificent Parthenon, and see monuments including the Propylaea gateway and stunning Temple of Athena Nike. In the afternoon, we will have a light lunch followed by a wine tasting tour outside the city. Return to our hotel where we have the evening free.

8th day: Thursday, October 25 – In Athens (B/D)
Morning free for relaxing, a late breakfast, visiting some museums and maybe shopping. After lunch, we meet and we are off to Cape Sounion, one of Greece’s most photographed monuments We wind your way along the coastal cliffs and beaches on the scenic drive to Cape Sounion, then grab our camera as you spot the magnificent remains of the Temple of Poseidon, perched high on the sea cliffs as we get up close to the ancient monument and explore ruins dating back to 44 B.C and soak up the impressive coastal views. After our tour, we will have dinner and then return to our hotel.

9th day: Friday, October 26 – Start our cruise and onto Aegina Island (B/L/D)
After breakfaswt, we meet in the lobby and depart for the ort of Alamos to board our Gullet as sail towards to the Island of Aegina. Lunch onboard as we sail to our first port of call is the quaint village of Perdika, perched on the idyllic eastern shores of the Island. Perdika village enchants many visitors with its simple charm. It is a small fishing village set in a pretty little bay. Perdika, which literally translated means “partridge,” has been inhabited since the Mycenean In October 1537, the pirate Barbarossa devastated the island and used Perdika as his hideout It is claimed that this is the best place on the island to come and enjoy a fish dinner overlooking the peaceful bay and Moni island beyond and this evening, we will disembark and experience our first dinner at one of these charming seaside restaurants.

10th day: Saturday, October 27 – Cruising to Epidaurus (B/L)
Epidaurus is rustic Greece at its finest — surrounded by dramatic mountains and orange groves as far as the eye can see. Epidaurus is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. A short ride from town, the world’s largest and most intact ancient Greek Amphitheatre. The theatre is considered to be the most beautiful in the world for it’s perfect visual proportions and spectacular acoustic response of its space. The sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus is a spiritual place that the ancient Greeks paid tribute to their spiritual entities in the face of Asclepios and to ask the gods for remedies for their physical ailments. It was a healing and cultural center in ancient times where the mental, spiritual, and physical self were treated as one.

11th day: Sunday, October 28: On Epidaurus (B/L/D)
Today’s full day tour will be to the region of Argolis, land of Homer’s Golden Mycenae, a Unesco World Heritage site as we visit the archaeological site, home of the mythical king Agamemnon. Enjoy a walking tour and hear all myths and history as we pass from the Cyclopean Wall to the Lion’s Gate, the Royal Tombs of Agamemnon and his wife Clytemnestra and the Treasury of Atreus. The next stop is picturesque Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, with its Venetian Palamidi fortress and the fortified islet of Bourtzi located in the middle of the harbor. Here we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant with Greek cuisine. Then some free time to walk in the narrow streets of this beautiful town with classical buildings dating back to the 16th -17th century. Return to our gullet in the later afternoon for dinner onboard.

14th day: Wednesday, October 31 – Cruising to Hydra (B/L)
Our next stop is the gem of the Aegean. With a ban on wheeled vehicles, romantic Hydra uses over 500 donkey carts as its main means of transport. Hydra is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestone streets, secluded squares and above all the banning of explain the reason why Hydra preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time. Our afternoon tour will visit some of the main Monasteries and the Church of dormition, with the Byzantine and Ecclesiastic Museum, as well as viewing the the cannons and the statues of the Independence War heroes still standing at the balconies of the islands that creates a historic mosaic. Some late afternoon exploring around the stunning bay before watching the best sunset in Greece!

15th day: Thursday, November 1 – Cruising to Agistri (B/L/D)
Today, we will set sail to idyllic Greek island of Agistri, near stunning Aegina. Agistri Island is the most natural island of the Saronic Gulf. The views on Agistri are unique as it is one of the greenest islands in the Saronic region, where you get stunning high views of the sea through the pine branches. It is still the most unspoiled jewel in the Saronic, There are peaceful beaches, hidden bays and some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. You can visit the famous blue-domed Church of Agioi Anargyroi next to the beach of Skala or take time to explore, shop and have dinner on your own.

16th day: Friday, November 2 – Cruise Ends. Return to NYC (B/L)
After breakfast, we disembark our gullet, and inasmuch as our non-stop flight back to New York does not take off until the later afternoon, we will stop for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant before going to the Airport Arrival at JFK. After Immigration and Customs, it’s back east to Montauk.

HOTELS (or similar)

OPTIONAL TOURS
October 22: A Christian Tour of Malta
Malta is one of the few places in the world that is directly and verifiably discussed in the Bible. For Malta was the temporary home of arguably the greatest influence in the spread of Christianity – the Apostle Paul. The tour will start out in Mdina, which houses the Cathedral of St Paul as it was built on the site where St Paul lived for a number of weeks after he was shipwrecked in Malta. You will visit the bastions and the Domus Romana. Head to Rabat to visit the Catacombs of St Paul plus other historical Christian sites.
Price for Morning tour is $75 based on a minimum of 10 participants.

October 22: A private Game of Thrones tour of Malta
This tour is led by two talented local actors who were both part of the show. This unique and unforgettable five-hour tour kicks off early afternoon on weekdays (subject to availability) and is available for a maximum of four guests only. Tours are held in English and transport is via a luxurious sedan or SUV. Malta hotel pick up and drop off is included. If there are fewer than four, you get to share with other guests. An absolute must for all Game of Thrones fans and movie lovers. Ask RMC for details.

 

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

PRICE PER PERSON

Per Person in Double Occupancy room:
$4,999 payments via check or money order
$5,259 payments via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy
Note: As we have a limited cabin availability, we cannot offer single cabins on the Gullet However, if there are two travelers who want to share the yacht cabin and have single rooms in Marta & Athens, below are the rates:
$5,898 payments via check or money order
$6,209 payments via credit card

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility security and tax charges $499 ($525 via credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities $170 ($179 via credit card)

Land Only Prices:
For those providing their own air to Malta and from Athens
Per Person in Double Occupancy Room $4,499 ($4,739 via credit card)
Per Person in Single Occupancy Room $5,689 ($5,988 via credit card)

Optional Tour – October 22
Malta: Morning Christian Malta Tour
Per Person (Based on a minimum of 10) = $75 ($79 via credit card)

INITIAL DEPOSIT
$500 ($525 by credit card) Non-Refundable deposit due on or before May 15, 2018 to guarantee space

FINAL PAYMENTS: Due on or before August 15, 2018

Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.