Hidden Gems & Turkish Shores - Rome to Athens Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Sat 28 September 2024 / Depart: Sat 28 September 2024 at 21:00

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 - Ponza

Arrive: Sun 29 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 29 September 2024 at 17:00

Day 3 - Trapani

Arrive: Mon 30 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 30 September 2024 at 17:00

With a wealth of archeological sites, such as Selinunte and Segesta; the neighboring mountaintop medieval town of Erice, overlooking the beautiful archipelago of Egadi; and nearby Marsala (from the Arab name, "Marsa Allah," or “port of Allah”), with its House of Mosaics and renowned wine; Trapani allows visitors to experience Sicily with all of their senses. Don’t miss the day trip through the scenic countryside to local olive farms, where cooking demonstrations become delectable repasts, gastronomic memories in the making.

Day 4 - Gozo

Arrive: Tue 01 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 01 October 2024 at 17:00

Gozo is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, one of 21 that make up the Maltese archipelago. Inhabited for thousands of years, it shows evidence of historic immigration and rule by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British, among others. It’s known for its Neolithic ?gantija Temple ruins, rural hiking paths, beaches and scuba-diving sites.

Day 5 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Day 6 - Syros

Arrive: Thu 03 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 03 October 2024 at 17:00

Explore off-the-beaten-path Syros, built in an amphitheater style with its narrow alleyways and neoclassical architecture cascading brightly down to the deep blue bay. Visit the prehistoric village of Ano Syros, admiring the view overlooking Ermoupolis. Explore the St. George Catholic Cathedral as well as the 17th and 18th Century monasteries of the Jesuits and Capuchins. Back in Ermoupolis visit the archaeological museum and three fascinating churches – Agios Demetrius, Treis Hierarches and Ag Nikolas. Shop for distinctive souvenirs – a bottle of the famous anise flavored ouzo, silver and gold jewelry and embroidered memorabilia. Admire the Apollo Theatre, a mini reproduction of Milan’s La Scala. Enjoy the local St. Michali cheese, and a glass of Greek wine at one of the many tavernas, or the famous loukoumia, the Syros version of a famous Turkish sweet in this gorgeous setting.

Day 7 - Bozcaada

Arrive: Fri 04 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 04 October 2024 at 17:00

The tiny island of Bozcaada floats peacefully off the western coast of Turkey in the Dardanelles Strait that connects the Marmara to the Aegean. This charming port boasts untouched bays with a rich marine life, delightful local culture, significant historical heritage, and world-class wine.

Day 8 - Istanbul

Arrive: Sat 05 October 2024 at 08:00

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Day 9 - Istanbul

Depart: Sun 06 October 2024 at 16:00

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Day 10 - Limnos, Greek Islands

Arrive: Mon 07 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 07 October 2024 at 17:00

Day 11 - Ephesus

Arrive: Tue 08 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 08 October 2024 at 19:00

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 12 - Santorini

Arrive: Wed 09 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 09 October 2024 at 18:00

With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Day 13 - Athens

Arrive: Thu 10 October 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 10 October 2024

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.