Rome (Civitavecchia) -TO- Athens (Piraeus) Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Tue 01 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 01 August 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 2 - Naples, Italy

Arrive: Wed 02 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 02 August 2028 at 17:00

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle.

Day 3 - Sicily

Arrive: Thu 03 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 03 August 2028 at 17:00

Messina, the third largest city in Sicily, was the most important port of departure for European knights on their way to the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Today, this extensively rebuilt port city still boasts many historically and architecturally significant landmarks, particularly the renowned cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th century Catania Church and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Messina is also the starting point for a day trip to the peak of breath-taking Mt. Etna-Crateri Silvestri.

Day 4 - Malta

Arrive: Fri 04 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 04 August 2028 at 17:00

Malta’s major port and capital, the entire city of Valletta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The centerpiece is the impressive 19th century Mosta Dome, visible from anywhere on the island, with its inlaid marble floor and the gilded, carved stone flowers set around the interior dome. For a tranquil afternoon, stroll the San Anton Palace Gardens, artistically laid out in Three Villages - Attard, Lija and Balzan. Or, for spectacular vistas, take a day tour to Dingli Cliffs, which offer striking views of the sea and rugged coastline. Valetta is also a portal to day trips to nearby Mdina, with its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St. John; and Rabat, the provincial township that was once part of the Roman city of Melita, where you can explore several fascinating archaeological digs.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Split

Arrive: Sun 06 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 06 August 2028 at 16:00

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.

Day 7 - Koper

Arrive: Mon 07 August 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 07 August 2028 at 19:00

With its captivating marina and red tiled roofs set against the deep blue of a summer day on the Adriatic, lovely Koper charms with its inviting cafes and old Venetian mansions harking back to its glory days as a jewel of Venice’s overseas empire. Around quaint Titov Square view the Praetorian Palace built in the Venetian Gothic style. Further afield, excursions include the phenomenal Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or embark on a trip through the beautiful Slovenian countryside to the capital of Ljubljana followed by an unforgettable river cruise past picturesque historical buildings.

Day 8 - Fusina, Italy

Arrive: Tue 08 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 08 August 2028 at 17:00

Day 9 - Rijeka

Arrive: Wed 09 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 09 August 2028 at 17:00

Rijeka is a Croatian port city on Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic Sea. It’s known as a gateway to Croatia’s islands. Korzo, the main promenade, is lined with Habsburg-era buildings. Nearby, the 19th-century Ivan pl. Zajc Croatian National Theatre has ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt. The hilltop Trsat Castle complex, which includes a religious shrine, has sweeping views of the islands of Kvarner Bay.

Day 10 - Adriatic Sea Cruising

Day 11 - Igoumenitsa

Arrive: Fri 11 August 2028 at 11:00 / Depart: Fri 11 August 2028 at 19:00

Day 12 - Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Arrive: Sat 12 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 12 August 2028 at 18:00

Katakolon is gateway to ancient Olympia, the chief sanctuary of Zeus. After many centuries of competition which began as early as the eighth century BC, the panhellenic festival was created in 776 AD. Ancient competitions included boxing, wrestling, running, jumping, and the discus throw. It is still honored with the Olympics Games every four years. The ancient site of Olympia is also home to the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 13 - Gythion

Arrive: Sun 13 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 13 August 2028 at 17:00

Once the seaport of Sparta, Gythion welcomes visitors with a beautiful coastline and white sand beaches. Near the entrance of the city is the Theatre, which still houses the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the Gates of Castorides. The Archaeological Museum of Gythion has a vast collection that includes finds from excavations of the many ancient sites throughout the city. Be sure to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch al fresco in a traditional ouzerie.

Day 14 - Cruising the Aegean Sea

Day 15 - Ephesus

Arrive: Tue 15 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 15 August 2028 at 17:00

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. As you walk the white marbled pathway, note the grooves made by centuries of chariot wheels. Stand in awe before the great Library of Celsus, and sit for a moment as the past seems to come alive at the Great Amphitheater, carved from the side of a mountain. Sacred places nearby include the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Day 16 - Milos, Greece

Arrive: Wed 16 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 16 August 2028 at 17:00

Day 17 - Athens

Arrive: Thu 17 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 17 August 2028

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts. Shore excursions on the first and last day of a cruise are only available for guests who are combining back-to-back voyages to create a longer cruise. Those guests may organize custom tours through the Destination Services Desk on board