Barcelona to Athens Grand Voyage Cruise

Day 1 - Barcelona

Arrive: Thu 13 August 2026 / Depart: Thu 13 August 2026 at 17:00

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 2 - Palamos

Arrive: Fri 14 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 14 August 2026 at 16:00

Palamos sits right in the heart of the Costa Brava, the Wild Coast, deriving its name from the rugged, rocky shoreline, punctuated by excellent beaches and picturesque fishing villages.

Day 3 - Marseille, France

Arrive: Sat 15 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 15 August 2026 at 22:00

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 4 - Sanary-Sur-Mer, France

Arrive: Sun 16 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 16 August 2026 at 18:00

Nestled between Marseilles and Toulon, the port of Sanary-sur-Mer is located in Provence on the Cote d’Azur, and is arguably the sunniest place in France. Its beautiful coastline is dotted with small beaches, while Sanary’s quiet, pedestrian streets cluster around the medieval 13th century watchtower—now home to the Frédéric Dumas Diving Museum, and featuring original equipment of undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau. Visit église Saint Nazaire, a late 19th century Gothic Revival church, or admire the view from the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, built in 1560. Cap your stay with a stroll along the palm-lined harbor, where you’ll find rows of old Provençal wooden fishing boats, pointus, and if you’re lucky, some local fishermen selling the day’s catch. Or simply taste the freshest seafood in any number of Sanary restaurants and enjoy watching the bustle of everyday life in this charming and inviting town.

Day 5 - Monaco

Arrive: Mon 17 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 17 August 2026 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 6 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Tue 18 August 2026 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 7 - Florence/Pisa

Depart: Wed 19 August 2026 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 8 - Portofino

Arrive: Thu 20 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 20 August 2026 at 20:00

Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, southeast of Genoa city. Pastel-colored houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants fringe its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbor, which is lined with super-yachts. A path leads from the Piazzetta to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum with art exhibitions and panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea.

Day 9 - Portovenere

Arrive: Fri 21 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 21 August 2026 at 17:00

When you picture classic Italian romance (think Lady-and-the-Tramp-sharing-a-plate-of-spaghetti-and-meatballs-while-staring-into-each-other’s-eyes romance), the setting could be Portovenere. Set on the Gulf of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti), Portovenere served as inspiration for the works of English poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley in the early 1800s, which speaks volumes for just how romantic this idyllic seaside village really is.

Day 10 - Rome

Arrive: Sat 22 August 2026 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 22 August 2026 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 11 - Sorrento

Arrive: Sun 23 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 23 August 2026 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 12 - Amalfi, Italy

Arrive: Mon 24 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 24 August 2026 at 22:00

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 13 - Catania, Sicily

Arrive: Tue 25 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 25 August 2026 at 22:00

Between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Catania, where it’s “if it ain’t Baroque don’t fix it” architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Along with flamboyantly designed buildings, Catania is home to many ancient sites, like the Odeon and Amphitheatre—unearthed from under Mount Etna’s lava that covered the city at least seven times. These ruins can be viewed in the archaeological park, in the compact (AKA great for walking) city center.

Day 14 - Syracuse, Italy

Arrive: Wed 26 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 26 August 2026 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 15 - Crotone

Arrive: Thu 27 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 27 August 2026 at 20:00

The Port of Crotone is a small port in Italy. Crotone, with its old town and the Castel of Charles V. Santa Severina, named among the most beautiful Italian places in italy.

Day 16 - Taranto

Arrive: Fri 28 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 28 August 2026 at 16:00

Taranto is a coastal city in southern Italy. It lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Bridges link the mainland to the old town, on a small island. This is home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and San Cataldo Basilica, with a baroque facade. The MArTA Archaeological Museum has a collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Day 17 - Kotor

Arrive: Sat 29 August 2026 at 10:30 / Depart: Sat 29 August 2026 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 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Venice (Ravenna)

Arrive: Mon 31 August 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 31 August 2026 at 20:00

Both beautiful and historical, Ravenna is not only a destination in and of itself, but also the gateway to Bologna and San Marino. Once the capital of the Roman Empire, it's hard to miss the influences of Eastern Europe found in its precious marbles and rich mosaics.

Day 20 - Fusina, Italy

Arrive: Tue 01 September 2026 at 08:00

Day 21 - Fusina, Italy

Depart: Wed 02 September 2026 at 18:00

Day 22 - Koper

Arrive: Thu 03 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 03 September 2026 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 23 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Fri 04 September 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 04 September 2026 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 24 - Split

Arrive: Sat 05 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 05 September 2026 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 25 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 06 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 06 September 2026 at 22:00

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 26 - Kotor

Arrive: Mon 07 September 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 07 September 2026 at 20:00

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 27 - Corfu

Arrive: Tue 08 September 2026 at 09:30 / Depart: Tue 08 September 2026 at 21:00

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 28 - Argostoli

Arrive: Wed 09 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 09 September 2026 at 17:00

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 29 - Monemvasia

Arrive: Thu 10 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 10 September 2026 at 20:00

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 30 - Chania, Crete

Arrive: Fri 11 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 11 September 2026 at 18:00

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 31 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 12 September 2026 at 05:00 / Depart: Sat 12 September 2026

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 32 - Ephesus

Arrive: Sun 13 September 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 13 September 2026 at 22:00

Sure, we could chat about the resort town of Kusadasi and its beaches and restaurants, or nearby places like Dilek Peninsula National Park, but let’s talk Turkey: The star attraction in this neck of the woods is Ephesus. Once the second largest city in the Roman Empire, eclipsed only by Rome, here are just a few of the incredible sights just waiting to be gobbled up! (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) There’s the Library of Celsus, still magnificent almost 2,000 years later; the Odeon, home of our “Ephesus: Back to Ancient Times” AzAmazing Evenings eventSM; and the 24,000-capacity Great Theatre, where St. Paul used to preach. Stretching from this jaw-dropping amphitheatre to the harbor is the marble-made Arcadian Street. Stroll past the marketplaces, colonnades, and fields of wild fennel, and into bath complexes that once offered piped-in hot water and a sauna.

Day 33 - Chios

Arrive: Mon 14 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 14 September 2026 at 15:00

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 34 - Thessaloniki

Arrive: Tue 15 September 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 15 September 2026 at 21:00

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 35 - Volos

Arrive: Wed 16 September 2026 at 07:30 / Depart: Wed 16 September 2026 at 19:00

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 36 - Mykonos

Arrive: Thu 17 September 2026 at 08:00

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 37 - Mykonos

Depart: Fri 18 September 2026 at 06:00

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 37 - Paros, Greece

Arrive: Fri 18 September 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 18 September 2026 at 18:00

Charming Paros is part of the Cyclades, perhaps the most popular region in all the Greek isles. Sure, its island counterparts Mykonos and Santorini may be more well known, but Paros has attractions all its distinctly own (not the least of which is fewer crowds). The very definition of the term “picturesque”, Paros’ town of Parikia welcomes you with its landmark windmill, whitewashed homes with blue painted doors, and gardens of oranges and pomegranates. Meander along the cobblestone streets and soak in the laid-back atmosphere at a harborside taverna.

Day 38 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 19 September 2026 at 05:00 / Depart: Sat 19 September 2026

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.