21-Day Exploring Montenegro, Italy, Greece, Malta & Sicily Cruise

Day 1 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 09 September 2028 / Depart: Sat 09 September 2028 at 22:00

Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.

Day 2 - Gythion

Arrive: Sun 10 September 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 10 September 2028 at 18:00

Gythion, the small port town for Sparta, edges its way up the hillside, which surrounds the harbor. According to Homer, Paris and Helen spent their first night together here, on a tiny islet in the bay. To commemorate the occasion, Paris erected a shrine to Aphrodite, goddess of love, only to have it torn down by the vengeful Menelaus after he recaptured Helen. In its place Menelaus erected statues honoring Praxidica (Punishment) and Themis (Justice). Not far away, at the tip of the Peloponnese, lies the Mani, a distinctive area unlike anything else in Greece. This desolate region of underground lakes and rivers and windswept landscapes is strangely beautiful. To the north of Gythion lie Sparta and Mystra, well worth a visit.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Itea

Arrive: Tue 12 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 12 September 2028 at 17:00

Itea is a small bathing resort and port at the end of a bay not too far from the ancient port of Delphi. The hills are covered with olive trees belonging to the sanctuary of Apollo in ancient times. Referred to as a "sea of olives," their production is now an important part of the local economy.

Day 5 - Corfu

Arrive: Wed 13 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 13 September 2028 at 17:00

A scant few miles off the Albanian coast lies the island of Corfu, one of the most richly endowed of all the Greek Isles. Praised by Homer in "The Odyssey" and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for "The Tempest," the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Rolling acres of olive groves, small orchards of lemon and orange trees, tall cypress, oleander, and myrtle bushes lend a lush, verdant look to the island. While the oldest part of Corfu Town has cobblestone lanes so narrow only pedestrian travel is possible, the modern sector has wide avenues. Residents boast that its "Spianada" is the largest and most beautiful square in all Greece.

Day 6 - Brindisi (Lecce), Italy

Day 7 - Kotor

Arrive: Fri 15 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 15 September 2028 at 18:00

One of the best preserved medieval towns of the Adriatic, Kotor is protected by UNESCO. Between 1420 and 1797, the area was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence can be seen in its architecture. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes.

Day 8 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sat 16 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 16 September 2028 at 23:00

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower or join the promenade down the palace-lined avenue known as the Stradun.

Day 9 - Hvar

Arrive: Sun 17 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 September 2028 at 18:00

Beautifully situated on a large natural bay, the ancient town of Hvar, on the island of the same name, served as an important harbor for Venice's Adriatic fleet from the 12th through the 18th centuries. Vestiges of this momentous time are reflected in the fortifications that still stand guard over the harbor, and in the very heart of the port, a large arsenal. Hvar today is a quiet spot reminiscent of the French Riviera at the turn-of-the-last-century. Sail and fishing boats bob and sway in the harbor and a 17th-century bell tower marks off the hours. Winding limestone lanes converge onto an expansive piazza, the largest in Dalmatia, which connects the older part of town to the ""modern"" side - that built after the 15th century. Inland, Hvar's green hills are woven with vineyards and lavender fields, and offshore tiny islets are scattered like pearls in a clear cobalt sea.

Day 10 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Mon 18 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 18 September 2028 at 18:00

Located in central Dalmatia Zadar is one of the Adriatic's most historically interesting towns with a wealth of sightseeing and exciting nightlife. Zadar was founded by the Romans, attacked by the Turks, ruled by the Austrians and made part of Italy until 1943 when the Germans moved in. Allied bombing destroyed much of the historic centre which was rebuilt after the war only to suffer more attacks by Yugoslav forces in 1991. In recent years Zadar has undergone a startling revival. Cafes and bars are filled, museums and churches have been restored and tourists pour in to take boats to nearby islands.

Day 11 - Koper

Arrive: Tue 19 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 19 September 2028 at 18:00

Located on the tip of Istria, Slovenia's main port was an island until the 19th century, but local history goes back much further. Called Aegida by the Greeks, Capris by the Romans and Justinopolis in Byzantine times, Koper was the influential city in the Venetian Empire and five mayors sat on the throne of the Venetian doges. Today monuments of this Golden Age line the cobblestone streets of an Old Town that boasts a wealth of architecture, cultural monuments and intriguing shops.

Day 12 - Rijeka

Arrive: Wed 20 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 20 September 2028 at 18:00

Tucked into Kvarner Bay off the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic, Rijeka is Croatia’s premier seaport and third largest city. It is a mix of modern structures and grand old buildings from the heyday of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city skyline is dominated by the 13th century Trsat Castle, believed to be the oldest fortification on Croatia’s coast, and now a tourist visitor center. The traditional entry to the medieval city is the round, yellow City Tower with its 18th century clock. The Our Lady of Trsat Sanctuary has been a pilgrimage site since the 14th century, when a pope gifted the church with an icon of the Virgin, which still graces the altar. It can be reached by the 16th century Petar Kruzic Stairway, and also contains an extensive collection of sacral art and artifacts. The Habsburg-era Governor’s Palace hosts a Maritime and Historic Museum, and the unique, round St. Vitus Cathedral is from the same period. Stroll the main city market, the Placa, to get a feel of the city and its people. Although the city itself does not have much to offer in the way of beaches, it is the gateway to the fabulous Dalmatian islands playgrounds just offshore.

Day 13 - Split

Arrive: Thu 21 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 21 September 2028 at 18:00

Split is an ancient city founded on the Adriatic coast toward the end of the 3rd century. It is here that the emperor Diocletian built his walled castle on the slopes above the bay. Today that well-preserved palace and the later historic building built within its walls, form the heart of old Split, earning the community a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Split is a busy port with numerous ferries operating to and from nearby islands. It is also a popular resort with beaches and pleasant promenades.

Day 14 - Kotor

Arrive: Fri 22 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 22 September 2028 at 18:00

One of the best preserved medieval towns of the Adriatic, Kotor is protected by UNESCO. Between 1420 and 1797, the area was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence can be seen in its architecture. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes.

Day 15 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sat 23 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 23 September 2028 at 23:00

Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik rose to greatness as a merchant state, independent republic and cultural crossroads. The traffic-free Old Town has been called a Croatian Athens. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is a living museum of the ages with fortifications, chapels, monastic cloisters and Europe's second-oldest synagogue crowded into its ancient walls. Relax at a sidewalk café, listen to the chimes of the 14th-century bell tower or join the promenade down the palace-lined avenue known as the Stradun.

Day 16 - Kotor

Arrive: Sun 24 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 24 September 2028 at 18:00

One of the best preserved medieval towns of the Adriatic, Kotor is protected by UNESCO. Between 1420 and 1797, the area was under the rule of the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence can be seen in its architecture. The Gulf of Kotor is sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is actually a submerged river canyon. The overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen complete one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful landscapes.

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - Malta

Arrive: Tue 26 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 26 September 2028 at 18:00

Occupied successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French and British, Malta has been of strategic importance throughout history. A British Crown Colony until 1964, Malta received the George Cross for its valiant resistance to German occupation in WWII. The island's rich heritage is reflected in the architecture of Valletta, the current capital, and Medina, the capital until 1565. In Valletta the Knights of St. John built such masterpieces as St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters, along with the fortifications that guard the town's magnificent harbors.

Day 19 - Taormina

Arrive: Wed 27 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 27 September 2028 at 18:00

This harbor on the eastern shore of Sicily near Messina gives us close access to the fabulous Greco-Roman ruins of Taormina, as well as the active volcano Mt. Etna. The temples, streets and large amphitheater of Taormina make it one of Italy’s premier ancient sites. Its location overlooking the sea and with the backdrop of snow-capped Etna complete the package and make it among the most famous attractions in the Mediterranean region. Giardini Naxos itself boasts a lovely beach at Lido Europa, and intrepid visitors can climb Mt. Etna to see a volcano close up

Day 20 - Palermo

Arrive: Thu 28 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 28 September 2028 at 18:00

Palermo is a fascinating combination of East and West, Christian and Moslem, Arab and Norman. Wander through the churches of Martorana and San Cataldo for a taste of the varied cultures and architectural styles, which grace this city. The catacombs of the Capuchin convent shelter thousands of mummified bodies, each dressed in what was no doubt his or her finest clothes for the "final journey." Imposing Monte Pellegrino and glorious Monreale are worthy of a special note in your travel journal. Come explore this unforgettable city, with its many textures of Mediterranean life awaiting your discovery.

Day 21 - Salerno

Arrive: Fri 29 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 29 September 2028 at 17:00

Day 22 - Rome

Arrive: Sat 30 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 30 September 2028

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.