Italian & Aegean Idyll - Rome to Athens Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Fri 01 May 2026 / Depart: Fri 01 May 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 2 - Salerno

Arrive: Sat 02 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 02 May 2026 at 19:00

Salerno is a port city southeast of Naples, in Italy. Atop Monte Bonadies, the centuries-old Arechi Castle has sea views, plus Museo Medievale del Castello, exhibiting medieval ceramics and coins. In town, built on the ruins of a Roman temple, is Salerno Cathedral. It has Byzantine bronze doors, a baroque crypt and a marble altar. The terraced Minerva’s Garden has been growing medicinal plants since the 14th century.

Day 3 - Sicily

Arrive: Sun 03 May 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 03 May 2026 at 18:00

Perched on a low-lying, palazzi-dotted promontory on Sicily's western coast, Trapani reveals a hint of its medieval past in its historic core's tightly knit maze of narrow streets. The rebuilt 14th century Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the grand Sanctuary of the Annunciation, which holds a fascinating regional museum, are nuggets well worth a visit. Wandering the Villa Margherita public gardens makes for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 4 - La Goulette

Arrive: Mon 04 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 04 May 2026 at 14:00

Meander through Tunis' opulent, historic medina with its winding alleys and souks. Visit the superb Bardo Museum with its spectacular Roman mosaics or the lovely whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Saïd, perched on a cliff above the sea, a charming spot of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and ornate window grills painted deep blue.

Day 5 - Catania, Sicily

Arrive: Tue 05 May 2026 at 11:00 / Depart: Tue 05 May 2026 at 19:00

Destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century, Catania has been beautifully restored and offers ancient churches, castles and amphitheaters, lush gardens and lovely palazzos to explore. Tour the 13th century Ursino Castle, which was situated along the coast until earthquakes and volcanic eruptions transformed the landscape. Drive inland through picturesque villages and explore Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th century villa and UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a complex collection of Roman mosaics considered one of the finest in the Roman world.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Katakolon

Arrive: Thu 07 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 07 May 2026 at 18:00

Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.

Day 8 - Monemvasia

Arrive: Fri 08 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 08 May 2026 at 18:00

In Monemvasia, known as the "Gibraltar of the East," discover an ancient castle and Byzantine churches, a monastery dating back to 1150 in the uninhabited Upper Town, and the Muslim mosque, which houses the city's archaeological collection and is located in the fortified Lower Town. Or travel inland to Mystras, the last Byzantine stronghold against the invading Ottomans, perched high on a Peloponnesian hill.

Day 9 - Santorini

Arrive: Sat 09 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 09 May 2026 at 20:00

Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira's museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.

Day 10 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Sun 10 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 10 May 2026 at 16:00

Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity - Priene, Miletus and Didyma - renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Day 11 - Athens

Arrive: Mon 11 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 11 May 2026

Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea, or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.