Eastern Mediterranean Joy - Rome to Athens Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Mon 17 June 2024 / Depart: Mon 17 June 2024 at 19:00

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 - Sorrento

Arrive: Tue 18 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 18 June 2024 at 18:00

Beautiful Capri, with its stunning panoramas, villages, charming piazzas and the Villa San Michele, makes a nice diversion. Visit the ruins at Pompeii, take a cooking lesson in Sorrento or travel to the frenetic city of Naples and learn to make pizzas as the Neapolitans do.

Day 3 - Catania, Sicily

Arrive: Wed 19 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 19 June 2024 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 4 - Malta

Arrive: Thu 20 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 20 June 2024 at 14:00

Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway.

Day 5 - Taranto, Italy

Day 6 - Katakolon

Arrive: Sat 22 June 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Sat 22 June 2024 at 20:00

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 7 - Corfu

Arrive: Sun 23 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 23 June 2024 at 18:00

Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Day 8 - Kotor

Arrive: Mon 24 June 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 24 June 2024 at 18:00

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in 1166.

Day 9 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Tue 25 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 25 June 2024 at 15:00

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector's palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.

Day 10 - Venice (Ravenna)

Arrive: Wed 26 June 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 26 June 2024 at 20:00

Once the western capital of the Roman Empire, Ravenna boasts an incredible eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most of them early Christian mosaics. The oldest, most breathtaking mosaics are in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The tomb of the revered Italian poet Dante within the Dante Museum is also well worth a visit.

Day 11 - Venice (Trieste)

Arrive: Thu 27 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 27 June 2024

Savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice's secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Or enjoy the scenic countryside with its stunning Palladian villas.

Day 12 - Rijeka

Arrive: Fri 28 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 28 June 2024 at 19:00

The principal seaport and third largest city in Croatia, Rijeka charms with its Habsburg grandeur and multitude of cultural offerings. For marvelous views of the city and the surrounding river valley, visit the 13th-century Trsat Castle and explore its bastions and ramparts. Take a stroll along the Korzo, the city’s main promenade, which showcases the full splendor of its Austro-Hungarian architecture and rich history, including the distinctive City Tower. Pause at St. Vitus’ Cathedral, which was modeled after the famous Venetian church of Santa Maria della Salute and is the only Baroque rotunda of monumental proportions in Croatia.

Day 13 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Sat 29 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 29 June 2024 at 16:00

A hidden gem of the Adriatic, Zadar offers beautiful beaches, charming promenades, preserved ancient architecture and fascinating historical monuments. Roman aqueducts, forums and temples surround the old town, which features medieval churches and monasteries. The archaeological museum offers more than 80,000 exhibits from the Stone Age to the late Middle Ages, and it is one of the most important museums in Croatia. Stroll along the paved waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea or lounge in one of the many cafés.

Day 14 - Kotor

Arrive: Sun 30 June 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Sun 30 June 2024 at 19:00

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in 1166.

Day 15 - Cruising the Adriatic Sea

Day 16 - Heraklion

Arrive: Tue 02 July 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 02 July 2024 at 18:00

Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the archaeological museum that houses many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning, mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7,000 windmills and ancient villages.

Day 17 - Rhodes

Arrive: Wed 03 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 03 July 2024 at 13:00

Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Or drive along the scenic coast to Lindos. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis, its temples and wonderful views.

Day 18 - Limassol

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024 at 13:00

Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus. See ruins, majestic mountains and scenery, stunning beaches, and vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders like the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque, and the Cyprus Museum.

Day 19 - Santorini

Arrive: Fri 05 July 2024 at 14:00 / Depart: Fri 05 July 2024 at 22:00

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 20 - Mykonos

Arrive: Sat 06 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 06 July 2024 at 18:00

Enjoy wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this delightful seaside village with its whitewashed houses, flowers and brightly painted shutters and doors. Stand beneath the windmills on the hill. Visit the archaeological museum and an old bakery still using a 15th century wood-burning stove.

Day 21 - Athens

Arrive: Sun 07 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 07 July 2024

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.