Mediterranean from Athens Cruise

Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Fri 07 June 2024 / Depart: Fri 07 June 2024 at 16:00

The cradle of Greek culture, Athens welcomes us to its port of Piraeus, watching us from above the wonderful Acropolis. Piraeus is the port of Athens, the largest in Europe, allowing you to visit the city, a place of dreams. A place of emigration, it has inspired numerous songs. Most ships will be making a stop in Athens before resuming the Mediterranean route or returning to the Atlantic. Take the time to visit the Acropolis and maybe the museum located at its base. Before flying out, enjoy the spectacle of a sunset at Capo Sunio. Try not to visit the city when it's too hot in summer, much of the population moves out of town. Not to be missed: • The mythical Parthenon • The Ancient Agora • The Olympic Stadium

Day 2 - Crete

Arrive: Sat 08 June 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Sat 08 June 2024 at 18:00

Crete is part of the history of the Mediterranean. The myth about Theseus, the Minotaur in the labyrinth of Knossos and Ariadne's famous thread is among the best known in the world. The stop at Heraklion starts with a visit to the port of Crete. Situated in the centre of the island, this former British watchtower has a long history. You cannot land on the island that gave birth to the legend of the Minotaur without visiting the ancient Palace of Knossos. Its ancient Minoan ruins and its maze of corridors and rooms evoke the famous Greek myth of the labyrinth. Equally impressive is the island fortress of Spinalonga, which is well worth a visit. Heraklion embodies the charm of an era both ancient and medieval.

Day 3 - At sea

Day 4 - Malta

Arrive: Mon 10 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 10 June 2024 at 16:00

The port of Valletta is Malta's heart. It was here that the Knights of the Order left for the Crusades from here and devoted themselves to caring for the wounded. In the Mediterranean, the port of Valletta has an important history and a strategic location. Its entrance, located between St Fort and the Sant’Angelo and Ricasoli Forts, transports you instantly into chivalrous past of the island. During your stop in Valletta you will be able to walk the streets with the colourful and decorated facades of the houses. Don’t miss a visit to the magnificent Barrakka Gardens from megalithic times, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Then visit Gozo to admire the scenery of natural sculptures carved by the sea.

Day 5 - Palermo

Arrive: Tue 11 June 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 11 June 2024 at 19:00

Strategically placed between Europe and Africa, the island of Sicily has for centuries been a focus of military and commercial activity. And the city of Palermo is still today a fascinating centre of culture and enterprise. According to historical research, the prehistoric inhabitants of Palermo, once named Panormus because of its deep bay and anchorage, lived in caves and shelters around the 660-metre high Mount Pellegrino, which dominates the city's skyline. The city has been ruled by all the great ancient powers of the region including Greek, Punic, Roman, Carthaginian, Byzantine, Saracen, Norman, Spanish and Bourbon.

Day 6 - Rome

Arrive: Wed 12 June 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 12 June 2024 at 20:00

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 7 - Savona

Arrive: Thu 13 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 13 June 2024 at 22:00

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.