Step Aboard History: Row a Legendary Greek Trireme
Become an ancient Greek seaman aboard the world’s only fully operational replica of a classical Athenian trireme, owned by the Hellenic Navy -Ministry of Defense. This extraordinary ship played a pivotal role in defending Western civilization. Each summer, for just a few select Sundays, you have the rare opportunity to row as the ancients did, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Announced Dates for this summer (at least so far):
Sunday, June 29th, 2025.
Sunday, July 6th, 2025.
Our role is to organize your participation and prepare you for this immersive experience fully.
The experience begins a few days prior with a private 15-minute video by a Naval Historian and Author of the Navy’s Official Trireme Guide. You’ll explore the roles of oarsmen and marines, naval strategies, ramming techniques, and learn authentic rowing commands in ancient Greek—essential for your time aboard. To receive the private video, you will need to provide a Gmail address.
On rowing day, approximately at 07.20 AM, you’ll meet your expert facilitator, a Maritime Archaeologist, for a 45-minute live presentation on the trireme’s history, structure, and legacy, focusing especially on its role in the Persian Wars. She will then accompany you until you get onto the ship for your rowing experience.
Learn. Train. Row. Make history.
Important Information:
• This experience is not a cruise. You will be an active rower on a full-scale ancient warship.
• There are 170 rowing seats on board, but we will lead a group limited to a maximum of 35 participants for a more personal experience.
• Food and drinks are strictly forbidden, except for water. Please bring your own water.
• The trireme is not wheelchair accessible.
• Participants must sign a liability waiver from the Hellenic Navy, taking full responsibility for their safety.
• Adults only. All healthy individuals can join, though pregnant women and those with claustrophobia are advised not to participate.
• One-third of the seats have no sea view, and seating is first-come, first-served—no specific seat reservations.
• The Hellenic Navy may alter or cancel the rowing part of the experience or even entirely close the Floating Naval Museum for safety or operational reasons.
• Please wear sportswear, closed athletic shoes, and a hat. Sunscreen is strongly recommended. Small handbags only.
What’s Included:
• Reservation of your rowing seat aboard the trireme (there is no extra charge for rowing).
• Access to a private 15-minute video lecture by a Naval History Researcher, including the rowing commands used on board. Video access requires a Gmail address.
• Live historical briefing by a professional Maritime Archaeologist (45 minutes approximately).
• Assistance with registration and submission of required Navy declaration forms.
Not included:
• Guiding onboard the trireme – your facilitator will accompany you up to the ship, but will not board with you. Once onboard, you will be under the direction of Hellenic Navy Officers and must follow their instructions at all times.
