43001GRE
- This one day optional will only be run during the ‘summer’ season (April to September).
- Remind your group to bring their swimming gear, a hat, “total screen” sun protection, playing cards/something to entertain themselves while sailing, motion sickness medication if needed.
- Sometimes it can get chilly at sunset in the wind. There are places to sit both inside and outside (smoking allowed outdoors, so warn the group in advance).
- Lunch is included on board ship. Lunch is a buffet and offered in either 1 or 2 seatings depending on number of passengers aboard, you will be advised of your allocation on departure. The Cruise Director will give you (as the TM) coupons for 2 free drinks. Drinks for group are available for a charge. There is a bar serving drinks and snacks on board.
- Itinerary order will be confirmed upon departure. The captain decides this based on the weather and sea conditions.
- Make sure to arrange a late-ish dinner this evening (20.30), as you are unlikely to be back in central Athens before 19.45.
- Tell pax to take only the essentials with them, as they will be carrying whatever they take around with them all day.
Day Itinerary
0715: Transfer to Faliro harbour (15-30 minutes from centre). The driver will drop you by the entrance to the ship. As you get off the bus, the purser will give each person a coloured laminated lunch coupon/boarding pass that should be kept on hand.
0830: Departure for the first island. After an hour or so, all passengers are called into the lounge on the lower deck for a “briefing”. This is essentially a way to sell excursions. They announce the things you have already told group, so let the group know that they don’t need to go unless interested in some extra excursion (they almost never are…). Usually they offer on Aegina the “Classical Tour” including a visit to the Temple of Aphaia and the Church of St. Nectarios and a “Panoramic Tour” around the island, which finishes with a small meze snack at a restaurant in Aegina. If you sell these to your group, you get a small commission. Also, the Temple of Aphaia is a great visit for ‘classical groups’ and would be recommended. Check prices with cruise director, who may extend a student discount.
Poros (POH-rohs)
- Shortest visit—good time to visit ATM, pharmacy, grocery (for drinks/snacks).
- Low-priced souvenirs.
- Climb up to clock tower for spectacular views if they do not want to shop.
Hydra (EE-thrah)
- Extremely picturesque—photographer’s paradise.
- Most expensive island of the 3.
- Many artsy shops selling handmade items, but also regular souvenir shops.
- Swimming off of seaside cliffs possible (follow water to the right up the pathway on opposite side of port from where boat docks). You have to walk through “Spilia” café (great spot for coffee or a snack) to access the swimming area. Can jump off the cliffs (not too high) or use ladders to enter the sea.
- Donkey rides possible. Expensive (summer 2024 price was €20 for about 15’)
- Fabulous orthodox church tucked behind the harbour front.
Aegina (EH-yee-nah)
- Longest visit here. Excursions offered by ship – see above.
- Very occasionally the ship will dock at Aghia Marina instead of Aegina Town (check with Cruise Director). If this is the case, there is a great sand beach here, but very little else.
- Pistachio island-stands just outside the harbour area sell all manner of pistachio products and offer free samples.
- Swimming possible (not as dramatic as Hydra but better for low-confidence swimmers as the sand eases into water).
- Farmer’s market in boats at the far end of the waterfront (in front of the large church) – excellent seasonal fruits!
19:30: Approx time of arrival back in port. Bus will meet you at harbour to transfer you back to the hotel for dinner.