Peloponnese Cruise - Sail from Athens or Corfu
Travel from Athens to Corfu aboard Running on Waves on an eight-day journey combining sailing, cycling, ancient history and island exploration.
The route follows the coastline of the Peloponnese before continuing into the Ionian Sea. Guests visit Nafplion, Gytheio, Pylos and Katakolo, then cross towards Zakynthos and Kefalonia before completing the voyage in Corfu. Along the way, the landscape changes from fortified harbour towns and the stone villages of Mani to archaeological sites, wide natural bays, sea caves and green Ionian islands.
The programme combines time aboard a tall ship with opportunities to explore the destinations by road bike or on foot. Road bikes and guided or individual cycling tours are included, while e-bikes can be rented for an additional charge. The route introduces ancient landmarks, coastal roads, fishing towns and landscapes shaped by centuries of Greek and Venetian history.
Between shore visits, guests can swim directly from the ship, snorkel, kayak, windsurf or relax in jacuzzi. The onboard programme may also include sail-handling practices, entertainment and karaoke, adapted to the weather, sailing schedule and preferences of the group.
Full-board dining, spacious outdoor decks and a limited number of guests create a comfortable base throughout the journey. This cruise is suited to travellers who want to combine active exploration, archaeological heritage, Mediterranean landscapes and life aboard a sailing ship.
Highlights
• Explore Greece by sailing ship and bicycle – Combine a voyage aboard Running on Waves with included road bikes and guided or independent cycling tours, discovering coastal roads, traditional towns and landscapes at an active pace.
• Discover the Peloponnese’s history and coastal beauty – Visit Nafplion, Gytheio, Pylos and Katakolo, exploring historic harbour towns, ancient heritage and the rugged landscapes of the Mani region before sailing into the Ionian Sea.
• Island-hop through the Ionian Sea to Corfu – Discover Zakynthos and Kefalonia, with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, before concluding in Corfu, renowned for its Venetian fortresses, arcaded streets and historic Old Town.
Afternoon
Arrive in Athens and make your way to Piraeus to board Running on Waves. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew, the guide and the other guests joining the voyage.
Take time to explore the ship’s outdoor decks and onboard facilities. Guests arriving earlier can spend part of the day in Athens, visiting the historic centre or walking around the marinas of Piraeus before embarkation.
Evening
The journey begins with a welcome and safety briefing, followed by the first dinner on board.
The guide introduces the programme for the week and explains how the cycling tours, shore visits and onboard activities will be organised. Running on Waves then leaves Athens and begins its passage towards Nafplion.
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Nafplion, one of Greece’s most atmospheric historic harbour towns.
After breakfast, go ashore to explore a town known for its fortresses, monasteries and Medieval Old Town. Neoclassical buildings, narrow streets and waterfront promenades sit beneath the imposing Palamidi Fortress.
Day
Walk through Syntagma Square and the old harbour, look across the water towards the Bourtzi fortress or continue uphill towards Akronafplia and Palamidi.
Nafplion also serves as a starting point for exploring some of the Peloponnese’s most important ancient sites, including Mycenae, Argos and Epidaurus. Depending on the programme, guests may explore the surrounding area by bicycle or join an organised shore excursion.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a relaxed evening on board.
Spend time on deck as the ship leaves the Argolic Gulf and continues south towards Gytheio.
Morning
Wake near Gytheio, a quiet fishing town that once served as the port of ancient Sparta.
Breakfast is served with views of its waterfront, where fishing boats and neoclassical houses create an atmosphere that feels closer to a small island harbour than a mainland town.
Day
Go ashore to explore Gytheio and the surrounding region of Mani. Walk along the waterfront, cross towards the small island of Cranae or continue into the town’s historic streets.
Beyond Gytheio, Mani is defined by dry mountain scenery, stone villages, defensive tower houses and small coastal coves. Guests can discover the region independently, by bicycle or through an optional excursion, depending on the final programme.
The area also offers a distinctive culinary tradition. Try local cured pork from Mani or xoriatiko loukaniko, a traditional village sausage associated with the wider Spartan region.
Evening
Return to the ship for dinner and time to rest.
Running on Waves leaves Gytheio and continues around the southern Peloponnese towards Pylos.
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Pylos, built amphitheatrically above the historic Bay of Navarino.
Breakfast is served on board with views of the bay, which is protected from the open sea by the long island of Sphacteria.
Day
The surrounding region offers one of the most varied landscapes of the voyage, combining wide beaches, a lagoon visited by flamingos, waterfalls, caves, castles and ancient tombs.
Explore Pylos and its central Three Admirals Square, visit the harbour or continue towards one of the nearby historic fortresses. Depending on the programme, guests may also spend time kayaking, cycling, swimming or exploring the coastline.
Other possibilities in the wider region include the curved bay of Voidokilia, the wetlands of Gialova, the waterfalls of Polylimnio and Methoni Castle.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and a quiet evening overlooking Navarino Bay.
The ship later continues north along the western coast of the Peloponnese towards Katakolo.
Morning
Wake as Running on Waves approaches Katakolo, a small harbour that serves as the maritime gateway to Ancient Olympia.
After breakfast, go ashore and prepare for the day’s exploration.
Day
Travel inland towards Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The archaeological site includes the remains of the original stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera, training grounds and buildings once used by athletes and officials.
Guests may explore the site as part of a cycling route or organised excursion, depending on the final programme. There may also be time to visit the Archaeological Museum, stop at a traditional taverna or learn more about the olive-growing traditions of the western Peloponnese.
Those remaining closer to the coast can walk around Katakolo, visit its waterfront cafés or spend time at a nearby beach.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner.
The ship leaves the Peloponnese and begins its passage across the Ionian Sea towards Zakynthos.
Morning
Wake beside the pale cliffs and vivid blue water of Zakynthos.
After breakfast, Running on Waves approaches one of the island’s coastal anchorages, allowing guests to experience a landscape of sea caves, rocky arches and secluded bays.
Day
Zakynthos is internationally recognised for its protected natural environment and as an important nesting area for the loggerhead sea turtle.
Spend time swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or windsurfing when conditions allow. The programme may also include coastal exploration around the Blue Caves or time ashore in one of the island’s villages.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and all activities near protected areas are organised in accordance with local environmental rules.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for dinner and an evening on deck.
The ship leaves Zakynthos and continues north towards Kefalonia.
Morning
Wake near Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands.
Its landscape combines mountains, vineyards, caves and a long coastline shaped by deep bays and colourful harbour settlements.
Day
Explore an island associated with sailors and mountain climbers, Greek traditions and Venetian heritage, winemaking and rural life.
Possible highlights include Melissani Cave, where small boats cross an underground lake illuminated through an opening in the cave roof, and Drogarati Cave with its large limestone chambers.
Guests may also explore the island by bicycle, visit a local village or winery, swim from the ship or spend time in one of Kefalonia’s waterfront towns.
Evening
Return to Running on Waves for the farewell dinner.
Spend the final evening on deck as the ship leaves Kefalonia and begins its last passage north towards Corfu.
Morning
Running on Waves arrives in Corfu.
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew, the guide and the guests who have shared the journey.
Disembarkation marks the end of the cruise. Guests remaining on the island can explore Corfu Old Town, its Venetian fortresses, shaded squares and arcaded streets.
Associated with the story of the shipwrecked Odysseus, Corfu provides a fitting conclusion to a journey through the landscapes, myths and history of Greece.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Additional charges:
Port Taxes: €395 EUR
Vessel Type: Three-Mast Sailing Vessel, Barquentine
Length: 64 metres
Passenger Capacity: 42
Running on Waves is a majestic three-mast barquentine and one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, offering a rare blend of authentic sailing adventure and five-star luxury. At 64 metres in length and carrying just 42 guests, she delivers a truly exclusive yachting experience. With her sleek silhouette and full sail performance reaching up to 17 knots, she brings the romance of the sea to life while maintaining ultra-low emissions. Guests are treated to personalised service from a dedicated crew of 21, ensuring every detail is handled with care and elegance. Her small size allows access to hidden harbours and intimate marinas that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
Life on board is designed for indulgence and discovery. From sunbathing on the spacious Sun Deck to sipping cocktails at the Ocean Bar or relaxing in the Jacuzzi Pool at the bow, every space invites relaxation. Cabins feature refined nautical interiors, marble-finished bathrooms, and modern comforts such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and underwater camera feeds. Whether you’re dining on Mediterranean cuisine, unwinding in the massage lounge, or watching the horizon from the observation point above the bowsprit, Running on Waves is more than a voyage—it’s a celebration of freedom, beauty, and the art of slow travel.
Special Offers on Peloponnese Cruise
30% off the cabin fare if booked more than 9 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;
20% off the cabin fare if booked 9 to 6 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise;
10% off the cabin fare if booked 6 to 3 months prior to departure date of your chosen cruise.
Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Full board
• Complimentary coffee, tea, still water and crackers available at the bar counter throughout the day
• Kayaks, windsurf boards, fins and masks for snorkeling
• Entertainment on board: sailing practices, yoga classes, karaoke
• SAT TV in the cabins
• Jacuzzi, Internet
Exclusions
• Cocktails, alcohol and soft drinks in the bar
• Diving equipment rental, diving instructor services, and underwater group tours
• Water skis, wakeboards etc.
• Instructors for windsurfing and diving
• Bus excursions with invited guide
• Laundry services
• Air tickets, transfer and visa cost
• Service charge (tips) is € 14 per guest per day (on guests’ decision)
• Port fees
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