Portsmouth To Athens Grand Voyage Cruise

Day 1 - Portsmouth, UK

Arrive: Sat 26 August 2028 / Depart: Sat 26 August 2028 at 18:00

Day 2 - St Malo, France

Arrive: Sun 27 August 2028 at 06:00 / Depart: Sun 27 August 2028 at 18:00

The walled city of St. Malo is a quaint maze of fine old buildings, museums, and cafés serving Breton specialties of crepes and cider. Stroll along the ramparts, walk the cobblestone streets, and hear tales of corsairs, privateers grown rich off captured ships and their booty, authorized by the government during wartime, in order to hinder the enemy. Nearby is the rocky tidal island of Mont St. Michel. The perfect spot for a religious retreat, the first monastic settlement was built here in the 8th century, and the Romanesque church that is its crowning glory in the 11th.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Bordeaux

Arrive: Tue 29 August 2028 at 04:15

Bordeaux’s fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.

Day 5 - Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.

Day 6 - Bordeaux

Depart: Thu 31 August 2028 at 16:00

Bordeaux’s fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.

Day 7 - St. Jean de Luz, France

Arrive: Fri 01 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 01 September 2028 at 18:00

One of France’s most picturesque beach retreats, St. Jean de Luz is a prosperous Basque town best known for its architecture and cuisine. A prosperous fishing port, it grew rich in the 16th century from fishing and whaling, supplemented by piracy that was backed by the French king. In fact many of the handsome old houses in town were built on the proceeds. In the magnificent Church of St John the Baptist, with its fabulous baroque altar, the Sun King, Louis XIV King of France, married Marie-Therese of Spain in 1660.

Day 8 - Bilbao

Arrive: Sat 02 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 02 September 2028 at 18:00

If Bilbao wasn't always a household name, it was transformed with the opening of Frank Gehry's groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum in 1997. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao became an instant media darling and tourist mecca. And that was just the beginning of an exciting phase of development in infrastructure and cultural activity, which combined with the Basque love of food, wine, and laughter, solidified the city's place in the annals of tourism.

Day 9 - Ferrol

Arrive: Sun 03 September 2028 at 13:00 / Depart: Sun 03 September 2028 at 20:00

Day 10 - Vigo

Arrive: Mon 04 September 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 04 September 2028 at 20:00

Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James. In Vigo, Galicia province's most populated city, El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a half-man-half-sea-creature, towers over your head and the city's lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings.

Day 11 - Leixoes, Portugal

Arrive: Tue 05 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 05 September 2028 at 14:00

At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies the city of Porto, known mostly for its port wine trade. With origins dating back to the 5th century, there is plenty to see in this town that was named European Capital of Culture in 2001. Stroll the Ribeira neighborhood along the river, explore the Cathedral area, or tour the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river.

Day 12 - Lisbon

Arrive: Wed 06 September 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Wed 06 September 2028 at 17:00

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.

Day 13 - Seville

Arrive: Thu 07 September 2028 at 19:00

Seville is the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville. It is situated on the lower reaches of the River Guadalquivir, in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula

Day 14 - Seville

Seville is the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville. It is situated on the lower reaches of the River Guadalquivir, in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula

Day 15 - Seville

Depart: Sat 09 September 2028 at 19:00

Seville is the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville. It is situated on the lower reaches of the River Guadalquivir, in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula

Day 16 - Gibraltar

Arrive: Sun 10 September 2028 at 11:00 / Depart: Sun 10 September 2028 at 22:00

The towering Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold. Overlooking the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea from a height of 1,400 ft, it is a natural fortress, in a strategic position to control all naval traffic between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Only three miles long and a mile wide, this peninsula attached to the Spanish mainland juts out into the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates continental Europe from North Africa, a distance of only 14 miles. One feature most unusual for Europe is the troupes of semi-wild and curiously tailless Barbary macaques that have taken up residence on The Rock’s upper reaches.

Day 17 - Malaga

Arrive: Mon 11 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 11 September 2028 at 22:00

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate, and gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish architectural heritage. The city’s Alcazaba is a fine example, an 11th century citadel sitting in majestic splendor overlooking the African coast. It contains three magnificent palaces and graceful gardens with ornate fountains. In addition to their rich cultural heritage, Malagueños are also very proud of their most famous citizens – Picasso, for whom there is a museum commemorating his birth here, and actor Antonio Banderas, so far without a monument.

Day 18 - Motril, Granada

Arrive: Tue 12 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 12 September 2028 at 20:00

In AD 711 Moors from North Africa conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula, and retained portions of it for 800 years. Granada was the last stronghold, and a symbol of economic, cultural, and artistic prosperity until it too was overcome in 1492. The city’s glory is embodied in the magnificent Alhambra, a compound of palaces and gardens that is a masterpiece of Moorish style. It appears that a primary goal of the architects was to cover every single inch with decoration. As Islam bans the representation of figures of any kind, the decorative elements are made up of complex, detailed, and intertwining geometric and floral images, and Arabic script.

Day 19 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Wed 13 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 13 September 2028 at 18:00

Strategically located along historic sailing routes, Cartagena has been colonized by a veritable who’s who of Mediterranean superpowers over the millennia, resulting in a rich and multi-layered cultural heritage, and a history both glorious and turbulent. From atop a hill, Concepción Castle served as a fortress for Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Castilians. The 13th century Old Cathedral stands on the remains of a Roman Theater just discovered in 1987. More recent architectural contributions include modernist designs of public buildings and private dwellings by pupils of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.

Day 20 - Valencia

Arrive: Thu 14 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 14 September 2028 at 17:00

One of the country's biggest and bustling cities was defended against the Moors by the legendary Spaniard "El Cid." Work up an appetite taking in la Calle de Los Caballeros and La Lonja, Valencia's old stock-exchange building of 1483, and reward your curiosities with a Paella Valenciana, Spain's most famous contribution to the world's tables.

Day 21 - Barcelona

Arrive: Fri 15 September 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Fri 15 September 2028 at 18:00

Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi. Though his materials were stone and metal, his forms were organic, awash in curves, swirls, and colors. His masterpiece is the amazing Church of the Sagrada Familia, colossal and as yet unfinished, though construction began in 1882. A contemporary contribution to the scene is Ricardo Bofill's post modernist National Theater of Catalonia, an imaginative combination of classical and modern design, with a greenhouse-like lobby.

Day 22 - Marseille, France

Arrive: Sat 16 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 16 September 2028 at 20:00

Marseille, a port city in southern France, has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 B.C. At its heart is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a Romanesque-Byzantine church. Modern landmarks include Le Corbusier’s influential Cité Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower.

Day 23 - Cannes

Arrive: Sun 17 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 September 2028 at 16:00

It is hard to believe that this glamorous haunt of the glitterati was once a sleepy fishing village, but traces of its past do remain. The old harbor of St Pierre still shelters a flotilla of fishing boats alongside the luxurious super yachts, and Le Suquet, the heart of the old town, is still is a cobbled maze of picturesque lanes. It’s a bit of a climb, but earns you the opportunity to engage in one of the most important and longstanding pastimes of the Riviera – people watching from a sidewalk café. If uphill is not your direction of choice, head the other way, for a stroll along Le Croisette, the seaside promenade so fashionable that it is now sometimes referred to as the “catwalk by the sea.”

Day 23 - Monaco

Arrive: Sun 17 September 2028 at 19:00

The tiny principality of Monaco, a sovereign state of just under one square mile, has an outsized resume, boasting some of the planet's most expensive real estate, and the world's most prestigious casino. Facing the sea, and engulfed on the other three sides by France, it has been the domain of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 14th century, and enjoys the same glamorous reputation as the rest of the Riviera.

Day 24 - Monaco

Depart: Mon 18 September 2028 at 20:00

The tiny principality of Monaco, a sovereign state of just under one square mile, has an outsized resume, boasting some of the planet's most expensive real estate, and the world's most prestigious casino. Facing the sea, and engulfed on the other three sides by France, it has been the domain of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 14th century, and enjoys the same glamorous reputation as the rest of the Riviera.

Day 25 - Santa Margherita

Arrive: Tue 19 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 19 September 2028 at 20:00

Santa Margherita is much more than your mother-in-law’s preferred brand of Pinot Grigio. This charming resort community is the perfect place to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Nevertheless, you’ll still want to bring your walking shoes, since there’s a gorgeous walking district where you can see glamorous old hotels and dramatic forts overlooking the sea. Don’t miss Castello di Santa Margherita, a castle built in 1550 by the Republic of Genoa as a defense against pirate attacks. The main city square, Piazza Mazzini, is lined with colorful palaces just begging to be Instagrammed.

Day 26 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Wed 20 September 2028 at 08:00

Ah, Florence—sublime birthplace of the Renaissance, its historic center full to bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, and museums with such an abundance of riches it could make an art lover weep for joy. The list of illustrious names connected with this city is mind-boggling: Botticelli, Dante, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo. Other colorful and fascinating characters were of dubious reputation: Machiavelli, and the religious extremist Savonarola, with his bonfire of the vanities. For many years the city was ruled by the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts and bankers to the papacy, whose line included six kings and two popes.

Day 27 - Florence/Pisa

Depart: Thu 21 September 2028 at 20:00

Ah, Florence—sublime birthplace of the Renaissance, its historic center full to bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, and museums with such an abundance of riches it could make an art lover weep for joy. The list of illustrious names connected with this city is mind-boggling: Botticelli, Dante, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo. Other colorful and fascinating characters were of dubious reputation: Machiavelli, and the religious extremist Savonarola, with his bonfire of the vanities. For many years the city was ruled by the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts and bankers to the papacy, whose line included six kings and two popes.

Day 28 - Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

Arrive: Fri 22 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 22 September 2028 at 18:00

Day 29 - Rome

Arrive: Sat 23 September 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Sat 23 September 2028 at 17:00

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter. Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

Day 30 - Sorrento

Arrive: Sun 24 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 24 September 2028 at 22:00

A warming sun and gentle sea breezes have been attracting visitors to this fair spot for two millennia. Its reputation as a playground of the ancient rich and famous resulted in the building of lavish villas and palaces, an emperor relocated to the Isle of Capri nearby, and over the centuries it has been a haven for artists and artisans, writers and poets, politicians and philosophers, and all manner of aristocrats. You will be a welcome addition. The massive eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD caused considerable damage, but the resulting volcanic ash is responsible for Sorrento’s modern day fertility, thriving olive orchards, and excellent wine.

Day 31 - Amalfi, Italy

Arrive: Mon 25 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 25 September 2028 at 18:00

Renowned for its sheer cliffs and striking beauty, the town of Amalfi on the Gulf of Salerno is known for its photographic splendor and its close proximity to Sorrento, Positano and Isle of Capri. This enviable area of Italy also produces the most beautiful handmade paper. For a most interesting afternoon, take a tour the Museo della Carta, the paper museum, and take home the most beautiful souvenirs. Amalfi is also the burial place of Saint Andrew; the town's cathedral is named in his honor.

Day 32 - Sicily

Arrive: Tue 26 September 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 26 September 2028 at 22:00

Few reminders still exist of Trapani’s ancient history, but from Phoenician days it was a trading port, well positioned for commerce with Africa, Naples, and the western Mediterranean. The Middle Ages is the era most evident in its old town, now a pedestrian zone. Aging palaces, some imposing and others in various stages of decay, cluster along a peninsula stretching into the bay. Worthy of note is the ominously named Chiesa del Purgatorio, home to wooden statues known as Misteri, that are paraded through the streets on Good Friday. Further out are saltpans, and plains punctuated by medieval windmills, home to some 170 species of birds.

Day 33 - Porto Empedocle, Sicily

Arrive: Wed 27 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 27 September 2028 at 20:00

Porto Empedocle has long been an important fishing and trading port. You can’t miss its most prominent feature – a large tower commissioned in the 16th century by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V to protect the Agrigento territory’s reserves of grain against the pirates who haunted this coast. But the region has a much more ancient past, and is exceptionally rich in archaeological treasures associated with the city of Akragas, founded 2500 years ago by Greek colonists. For your appreciation they left behind the Valley of the Temples, site of seven monumental Greek constructions of the 5th and 6th centuries BC.

Day 34 - Syracuse, Italy

Arrive: Thu 28 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 28 September 2028 at 20:00

Siracusa is known for the archaeological and historical sights that define its grand past, as one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world in the 5th century BC. They include a Greek theater, still in use, where Aeschylus produced some of his plays; a dramatic necropolis with burial niches cut into the rock that include the tomb of Archimedes, famous mathematician, engineer, and inventor; and the Ear of Dionysus, a cave with amazing acoustical properties. The “modern” city was rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style after the devastating earthquake of 1693.

Day 35 - At Sea

Day 36 - Kotor

Arrive: Sat 30 September 2028 at 09:30 / Depart: Sat 30 September 2028 at 18:00

Kotor’s beautiful bay has long attracted passing ships that stopped to trade, plunder, or conquer, and merchants, pirates, and soldiers of numerous empires have walked this maze of cobblestone streets before you. One of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, its walls were constructed right into the steep slopes of the mountain behind it, providing protection and making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea. Venetian ramparts enclose a rich history, with churches of varying styles, and a Romanesque cathedral built on the foundations of an earlier church, and a still earlier Roman temple.

Day 37 - Sibenik

Arrive: Sun 01 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 01 October 2028 at 17:00

Just 55 miles north of Split is the city of Sibenik, situated where the River Krka meets the Adriatic. Since 1066, it has been under rule by Croatians, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, Yugoslavians, and once again back to Croatians—which has resulted in a diversity of international influences. This is particularly evident in the old part of Sibenik, with its many churches, palaces, Dalmatian houses, as well in the city’s stone walls and four fortresses: St. John, St. Michael, St. Nicholas and Šubi?aevac. A must see is the Cathedral Sveti Jakov, and if you love the great outdoors, then visit Krka National Park or Kornati National Park.

Day 38 - Venice, Italy

Arrive: Mon 02 October 2028 at 09:00

Day 39 - Venice, Italy

Depart: Tue 03 October 2028 at 18:00

Day 40 - Opatija

Arrive: Wed 04 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 04 October 2028 at 18:00

In 1844 Opatija began its life as a resort; with stunning coastal views and a mild climate it quickly drew an aristocratic clientele. The Grand Hotel Kvarner opened its doors, noblemen began to build spacious villas, and Opatija became the fashionable seaside resort of the Austro- Hungarian Empire. Here elegant ladies strolled the lush gardens and parks in the shade of parasols, and dancers swayed to the tempo of the waltz. On a terrace overlooking the blue bay, kings and emperors negotiated alliances and hatched plots. The grand residences of the wealthy are now hotels that still exude the air of elegance of a bygone age.

Day 41 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Thu 05 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 05 October 2028 at 20:00

Perched on Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Zadar is a truly captivating city, where history-drenched cobblestone streets meet contemporary life, then surrounded by deep blue sea, green olive groves, and white stone. Dubbed an “outdoor museum”, Zadar is rich in monuments and churches from ancient and medieval times—the circular 9th century Church St. Donat, the Church of St. Simeon and the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Anastasia—while nature lovers should explore Krka National Park and its seven waterfalls. Meander through the pedestrian-only Old Town, with its fortified city walls, towers and gates, then visit Zadar’s famous urban installations on the Riva, where art, architecture and science combine. Be sure to check out The Sea Organ, which extends into the sea and “whistles” with the waves and air pressure, and Greeting to the Sun, a circular construction of glass plates that produces an exceptional light show.

Day 42 - Sibenik

Arrive: Fri 06 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 06 October 2028 at 18:00

Just 55 miles north of Split is the city of Sibenik, situated where the River Krka meets the Adriatic. Since 1066, it has been under rule by Croatians, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, Yugoslavians, and once again back to Croatians—which has resulted in a diversity of international influences. This is particularly evident in the old part of Sibenik, with its many churches, palaces, Dalmatian houses, as well in the city’s stone walls and four fortresses: St. John, St. Michael, St. Nicholas and Šubi?aevac. A must see is the Cathedral Sveti Jakov, and if you love the great outdoors, then visit Krka National Park or Kornati National Park.

Day 43 - Kotor

Arrive: Sat 07 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 07 October 2028 at 22:00

Kotor’s beautiful bay has long attracted passing ships that stopped to trade, plunder, or conquer, and merchants, pirates, and soldiers of numerous empires have walked this maze of cobblestone streets before you. One of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, its walls were constructed right into the steep slopes of the mountain behind it, providing protection and making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea. Venetian ramparts enclose a rich history, with churches of varying styles, and a Romanesque cathedral built on the foundations of an earlier church, and a still earlier Roman temple.

Day 44 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 08 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 08 October 2028 at 20:00

To visit Dubrovnik is to step back in time to the Middle Ages. The town is one massive museum, its thick walls constructed from the 13th to the 17th century encircle the entire city, and contain within them a treasure trove of striking architecture – squares, fountains, palaces, churches, and monasteries, all built from the same stone, line streets free of motor vehicles. Once the only city-state on the Adriatic to rival Venice, Dubrovnik has long been a center for Croatian culture, and home to artists and scholars of all disciplines. It is possible to circumnavigate the city atop the medieval walls.

Day 45 - Hvar

Arrive: Mon 09 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 09 October 2028 at 18:00

Hvar frequently appears on lists of the world’s most appealing islands. Its fertile plains and fresh water springs support glowing fields of lavender, fruit orchards, ancient olive trees, and vineyards, which you are invited to visit, producing some award winning “garage” wines, which you are encouraged to taste. Or perhaps you prefer an espresso while people watching in the town square, followed by a stroll through picturesque streets that reveal centuries of Dalmatian history. Of note is the handmade agave lace, now on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, made by Benedictine nuns in their secluded convent.

Day 46 - Pula

Arrive: Tue 10 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 10 October 2028 at 17:00

Pula may be a relatively undiscovered gem by most modern-day travelers, but with its protected harbor and strategic location on the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, it’s proven a popular hit with invaders. For almost 3,000 years, Pula has been home to everyone from the Romans, Ostrogoths, and Venetians to medieval knights and the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Day 47 - Venice, Italy

Arrive: Wed 11 October 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Wed 11 October 2028 at 18:00

Day 48 - Koper

Arrive: Thu 12 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 12 October 2028 at 22:00

A key commercial center with a Venetian past, Koper is Slovenia's only deep-water port. Stroll the narrow streets of the "old city" to the Praetorian Palace, which could easily be the setting of a Renaissance drama, sip a coffee in the square, then visit the Cathedral of St. Nazarius, the largest in Slovenia.

Day 49 - Rovinj, Croatia

Arrive: Fri 13 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 13 October 2028 at 18:00

Day 50 - Split

Arrive: Sat 14 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 October 2028 at 20:00

Its Adriatic seaside lined with palm trees, Split is the largest and most important city in Dalmatia, and custodian of the riches of culture and history found within and around the walls of the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace. Begun in 295 AD as an imperial residence and fortified camp, its twisting cobblestone byways reveal churches and chapels both Romanesque and Gothic, and older places of worship such as the Temple of Jupiter. The old town is remarkably well preserved, and is full of museums, art galleries, and cozy cafes where you can pause along your way.

Day 51 - Kotor

Arrive: Sun 15 October 2028 at 09:30 / Depart: Sun 15 October 2028 at 17:00

Kotor’s beautiful bay has long attracted passing ships that stopped to trade, plunder, or conquer, and merchants, pirates, and soldiers of numerous empires have walked this maze of cobblestone streets before you. One of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, its walls were constructed right into the steep slopes of the mountain behind it, providing protection and making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea. Venetian ramparts enclose a rich history, with churches of varying styles, and a Romanesque cathedral built on the foundations of an earlier church, and a still earlier Roman temple.

Day 52 - Corfu

Arrive: Mon 16 October 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 16 October 2028 at 22:00

One of the most beautiful islands in all of the Mediterranean, Corfu is said to cast a spell upon those who land upon its shores, which is perhaps why Shakespeare set his magical play, The Tempest, here. Millions of silvery olive trees grace the hillsides, the scent of lemon blossoms perfumes the air, and picturesque views of sapphire bays set against verdant hills capture your attention. A leisurely stroll through the narrow alleyways of Corfu old town will reveal many local treasures - old churches, a Byzantine cathedral, small enticing shops, and tavernas offering local wines and fresh seafood.

Day 53 - Argostoli

Arrive: Tue 17 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 17 October 2028 at 22:00

The capital and “heart” of the Greek Island of Kefalonia, Argostoli is a modern town with a traditional soul. Although devastated by a major earthquake in 1953, the city has been largely rebuilt, and there are still many places of myth and legend to explore. With its stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites, the famous Drogati Cave and underground Melissani Lake routinely top must-see lists. There’s also the vibrant central square, Plateia Valianou, with its many bars, restaurants and tavernas, and the picturesque Lithostroto, a pedestrian-only cobblestoned shopping street.

Day 54 - Delphi (Itea), Greece

Arrive: Wed 18 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 18 October 2028 at 18:00

On the southwestern tip of Mt. Parnassus, Delphi was the spot the ancient Greeks chose for their most sacred Oracle, Apollo. Explore the historic temples, monuments and ancient art to discover why Delphi was deemed the spiritual center of the world.

Day 55 - Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Arrive: Thu 19 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 19 October 2028 at 16:00

This Greek seaside town is the gateway to the ruins of Olympia, where the ancient games began in 776 BC, and continued for over 1000 years, until they were outlawed as a pagan festival, after Rome officially adopted Christianity as the only legitimate imperial religion. The complex is made up of temples, workshops, and the training structures that have given us the word we still use today to describe such facilities – gymnasium. The games did not recommence until 1896, but their ancient roots are acknowledged when the modern Olympic flame is lit here every four years, before beginning its long journey to the host nation.

Day 56 - Chania, Crete

Arrive: Fri 20 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 20 October 2028 at 17:00

On the northwest side of Crete rests the old Venetian port of Chania, the second largest city on the island. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, Chania is a modern city built over the ruins of the ancient city of Kydonia. Stroll through the old city and see how it has been touched by the intersection of diverse civilizations throughout history, with a mixture of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences on every corner: Minoan ruins, Byzantine churches, and impressive frescos. The Archaeological Museum of Chania houses an extensive collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts, and with replicas of ships dating back to the Bronze Age, the Naval Museum is a great way to explore the ages of Chania.

Day 57 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 21 October 2028 at 05:30 / Depart: Sat 21 October 2028 at 18:00

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon. To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.

Day 58 - Monemvasia

Arrive: Sun 22 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 22 October 2028 at 18:00

One look at Monemvasia as you pull in to port and it’s easy to understand why locals nicknamed it The Rock. Shrouded by precipitous cliffs along the brilliant teal waters of the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is a castle town suspended in history. Adding to the feeling that it comes from another time, Monemvasia is tethered to our world by a simple causeway.

Day 59 - Syros

Arrive: Mon 23 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 23 October 2028 at 17:00

Syros, or Siros or Syra is a Greek island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. It is located 78 nautical miles south-east of Athens. The area of the island is 83.6 km² and it has 21,507 inhabitants. The largest towns are Ermoupoli, Ano Syros, and Vari.

Day 60 - Volos

Arrive: Tue 24 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 24 October 2028 at 20:00

The mythical “City of the Argonauts”, Volos is a modern city in the heart of Greece. Dating back to the Neolithic age, this prominent port overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf was built on ancient cities, and is a place of immense natural beauty and cultural heritage. Stroll along the famous seaside promenade to watch the fishing boats and yachts. Fill your day with swimming or sailing at one of the many beaches. Visit one of the area’s many archaeological sites or discover the city’s classic architecture, neoclassical buildings, churches, monuments and museums: the Tsalapatas Brickworks Museum, Kitsos Makris Folklore Center at the Topali Mansion or the impressive Archaeological Museum. Reward your palate with delicious flavors at any number of tavernas or fresh food markets. The traditional picturesque villages of Mount Pelion are the perfect backdrop to what truly is one of Greece’s most alluring cities.

Day 61 - Thessaloniki

Arrive: Wed 25 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 25 October 2028 at 19:00

As the second-biggest city in Greece and the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire, the word “second” is often used to describe Thessaloniki, but we’re here to tell you: Thessaloniki is anything but second-rate! The energy in this ancient cultural capital is palpable—especially in the vibrant downtown that was rebuilt in a spectacular Byzantine style after a devastating fire in the early 1900s. And this second chance at urban planning resulted in a city built around Aristotelous Square, which acts as a gateway for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Day 62 - Kavala, Greece

Arrive: Thu 26 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 26 October 2028 at 14:00

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Kavala is the Byzantine castle built in 1425 that sits like a crown atop the city. The second thing you might notice is just how beautiful the scene before you is. Whitewashed, red-roofed buildings sit nestled amongst high stonewalls, with the azure-blue Aegean Sea lapping on the shore.

Day 63 - Istanbul

Arrive: Fri 27 October 2028 at 08:00

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

Day 64 - Istanbul

Depart: Sat 28 October 2028 at 18:00

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

Day 65 - Canakkale, Turkey

Arrive: Sun 29 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 29 October 2028 at 17:00

Touching both the shores of Asia and Europe, Canakkale sits on the Black and Mediterannean Seas. Visit the ancient city of Troy to see the inspiration for Homer's Iliad and a replica of the Trojan Horse. Once you do, you'll understand why people have been passing through here for centuries.

Day 66 - Chios

Arrive: Mon 30 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 30 October 2028 at 18:00

Filled with jasmine, wild tulips, majestic trees and intoxicating fragrances, this island boasts an array of natural beauty as well as the “Medieval Villages”, a collection of preserved Byzantine communities. Known as the “fragrant flower of the Aegean”, Chios is a must see destination for everyone.

Day 67 - Rhodes

Arrive: Tue 31 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 31 October 2028 at 20:00

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, welcomes you with seemingly eternal sunshine thanks to more sunny days than any other place in Europe. Situated at the island's most northern point, Rhodes' only neighbors on the east and west are gleaming blue seas. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites ranging from the ruins of the Temple of Venus to the medieval Street of Knights.

Day 68 - Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Arrive: Wed 01 November 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 01 November 2028 at 20:00

Known for having “three faces to the sea”, this port on Crete’s east coast seamlessly blends the charm of a small fishing village with the glamor of a chic resort town. With a diverse range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options, you can find your own personal paradise in Agios Nikolaos. At the center of town sits Lake Voulismeni, the deep waters of which have inspired many a local folk tale. Here you’ll find residents and visitors chatting over coffee, sipping ouzo at authentic tarvernas, or savoring lunch at a fine dining restaurant. For a taste of the beach life, you wont have to travel far. Several beaches are just a short walk from the town center and they are popular hangouts for fashionable young Greeks.

Day 69 - Santorini

Arrive: Thu 02 November 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 02 November 2028 at 18:00

Your daydream of a Greek island meets reality in Santorini – its whitewashed villages cling to cliff sides, and bright blue roofs reflect the sea and sky. So beautiful is it, that you can almost believe the myths that claim it as the birthplace of gods. Born itself as a volcanic cone, the island blew its top in 1450 BC, its center sank, and it assumed its current crescent shape, outlined by three main islands. The capital, Fira, a pedestrian haven with narrow, meandering cobblestone lanes, is reachable only by cable car, donkey, or for the fit and fearless, a flight of 600 steps.

Day 70 - Mykonos

Arrive: Fri 03 November 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 03 November 2028 at 18:00

Mykonos is living proof that picture postcard destinations do exist. Its many charms include its iconic windmills, fabulous beaches, and an irresistible traditional town with a maze of twisting streets and alleys originally designed to confuse marauding pirates. Dazzling sunlight reflects off of whitewashed houses and hundreds of small chapels. Other adornments include shaded courtyards and balconies lush with flowers, and a lively nightlife that some claim is the best in Europe. Nearby you can visit the uninhabited island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo, fittingly the god of sunlight, music and beauty.

Day 71 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 04 November 2028 at 05:30 / Depart: Sat 04 November 2028

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon. To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.