Ionian Sea

Corinth Canal. The narrow, man-made waterway linking the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf, allowing ships to avoid circling the Peloponnese, with a saving of 185 nautical miles. The isthmus was first crossed by boats in 600 BCE when Periander built a ship railway, small boats being carried on wheeled cradles running in grooves. The canal is 6.4 kilometers long with a width of only 21.3 meters, with sides towering vertically 170 feet. Because of the restrictions, larger cruise ships cannot transit the canal, whereas your small cruise ship can, offering a thrilling on-board experience.

Galaxidi, a picturesque town on the Gulf of Corinth offers one of the most scenic settings in the Peloponnese. Built on a hillside overlooking the harbour, the neoclassical stone mansions, once the proud homes of sea captains and ship owners, reflect the town’s shipping heritage. The cobblestone streets and pine trees express the tranquility of a past era, making the town a favorite weekend getaway destination of Athenians.

Cephalonia, is the largest island of the Ionian group, where lush mountain greenery meets sparkling clear seas. The island has a rich history dating from antiquity and is known for its authentic cultural tradition, beautiful beaches, caves and the caretta-caretta sea turtles which annually lay their eggs there.

The island flourished under the Venetians and the Venetian governor Marc’Antonio Giustiniani (1516–1571) printed Hebrew books, which were exported to the entire eastern Mediterranean. The Venetians built the Assos Castle, a fine example of Venetian fortification which exists today. Towns and villages were built high on hilltops to prevent attacks from raiding pirates which regularly sailed the Ionian Sea.

Igoumenitsa The ship will stop here to allow passengers to board the coach for the one hour journey to Ioannina.

Ioannina, is home to Jewish Ioannina, at one time a large Romanite community with roots in the 8^th century and speaking a dialect of Greek known as Yevanic. The Jewish community played an important role in the city’s development both commercially and culturally. With a long Romanite heritage, only the 19^th century synagogue survived WW11 and is located in the Jewish Quarter within the castle.

Corfu, one of Greece’s most popular islands, Corfu combines the charm of old-world architecture, with the breathtaking greenery of its hillsides and fantastic sea. The first Romanite, Greek-speaking Jews have lived on Corfu since the 12^th century. They owned land and vineyards prospering under Venetian rule.  During this period, Jews exported cotton, salt, wine, olive oil, Etrog’s, silk and gold fabric and works of art. Corfu had a community of 2000 Jews before WW11 and tragically 1,800 were deported to Auschwitz. Today, Corfu has a community of about 60 Jewish people representing doctors, engineers and business people.

Zakynthos, called ‘Flower of the Levant’ by the Venetians because of its beauty.

A large island with mountains in the north gracing authentic villages and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian Sea, including the spectacular Navagio beach, a cove isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat.

Zakynthos is also known for one of Greece’s most heart-warming stories. During WW11, the Metropolitan Bishop of Zakynthos and mayor refused Nazi orders to give the names of the Jewish people on the island. Rather, they secretly hid the 275 Jewish residents in mountain villages and gave the Nazis a list with two names, their own. All the Jews on the island survived the war.

Patras, the third largest city in Greece is a coastal town in the Peloponnese bursting with activity. A commercial hub, the city also has two public universities and a technological institute, with a large student population and reputation as an important scientific centre. The Rio-Antirio Bridge connects Patras’ eastern most suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece. Patras is also the Carnival capital of Greece