Itinerary
- Day 1
Athens
You'll board your cruise ship and get settled into your stateroom. After that, it's time to explore Athens, the birthplace of democracy. The Acropolis Hill is front and center with the Parthenon and ancient temples dedicated to Athena and Zeus. You can spend the afternoon walking through these historic sites and getting a feel for the city from your ship.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Acropolis Hill
- Explore the Parthenon
- Visit temples to Athena and Zeus
Landmarks/POIs Acropolis Hill Parthenon - Day 2
Athens
Head into the Plaka District, where cobblestone lanes wind through neoclassical architecture. You'll find yourself browsing local shops and stumbling upon hidden corners throughout the neighborhood, which locals call the 'Neighborhood of the Gods.' By late afternoon, grab some traditional mezes and ouzo at a local taverna and watch the city come alive around you.
Optional Activities
- Explore Plaka District
- Browse local shops
- Enjoy traditional mezes and ouzo
Landmarks/POIs Plaka District - Day 3
Mykonos
The ship docks at Mykonos, one of the smaller Greek islands with plenty to see. Walk through the narrow lanes of Chora and take in the whitewashed houses with their sky-blue doors. Check out the centuries-old windmills and the whitewashed Panagia Paraportiani Church. Before heading back to the ship, stroll past the fishing houses perched right on the water.
Optional Activities
- Visit the windmills of Mykonos
- Explore Chora, the main town
- Visit Panagia Paraportiani Church
- Discover the whitewashed houses and fishing villages
Landmarks/POIs Panagia Paraportiani Church Mykonos Windmills Chora, Mykonos - Day 4
Rhodes
You'll arrive in Rhodes, where the Palace of the Grand Masters serves as a major draw. The medieval town here is Europe's largest active one, and you can walk through the historic quarter with buildings dating back to the Knights of Saint John era. The surrounding landscape features scenic mountain slopes, vineyards, and citrus and olive groves worth exploring.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters
- Explore the historic medieval quarter
- Stroll through the historic buildings from the Knights era
Landmarks/POIs Palace of the Grand Masters Medieval Town of Rhodes - Day 5
Crete
Crete welcomes you as the home of Europe's earliest recorded civilization, the Minoans. Head to Heraklion, the island's capital, which developed from the riches of the Venetian Empire. You'll find generous beaches and soaring mountains during your time here. In the evening, try catching mantinades being performed at local cafés to experience Cretan culture firsthand.
Optional Activities
- Explore Heraklion
- Visit beaches in Crete
- Experience Cretan music and culture
Landmarks/POIs Heraklion - Day 6
Kalamata
The ship pulls into Kalamata on Greece's southern mainland coast. From there, visit the Palace of Nestor, a well-preserved Mycenaean structure, and the ancient capital of Messene with its fortified city walls and amphitheater. Later, head to the Byzantine City of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of history layered throughout.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Palace of Nestor
- Explore the ancient capital of Messene
- Visit the Byzantine City of Mystras
Landmarks/POIs Palace of Nestor Messene Mystras - Day 7
Katakolon
You'll dock at Katakolon, a charming harbor town surrounded by colorful fishing boats. Head inland through valleys filled with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards to reach the legendary city of Olympia. Spend your afternoon checking out the well-preserved ruins and the Olympia Archaeological Museum, which holds impressive statues and artifacts.
Optional Activities
- Explore Katakolon harbor
- Visit the ruins of Olympia
- Explore the Olympia Archaeological Museum
Landmarks/POIs Olympia Olympia Archaeological Museum - Day 8
Corfu
Corfu's rich history shaped by conquerors and royalty opens up before you. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and Fortress were fashioned by the Venetian Republic, and you can wander through narrow warrens to reach one of Europe's largest public squares. Don't miss the archaeological site of Paleopolis or the striking Vlacherna Monastery.
Optional Activities
- Explore Corfu's Old Town and Fortress
- Visit the archaeological site of Paleopolis
- Visit Vlacherna Monastery
- Explore the European public square and promenade
Landmarks/POIs Corfu Old Town and Fortress Vlacherna Monastery Paleopolis - Day 9
At Sea
The ship sails through the gateway to the Adriatic, passing the sole of Italy's boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. You'll have time to relax on board and take in the views from the Explorers' Lounge with its two-story panoramic windows. It's a nice day to catch up on rest or watch the scenery unfold.
- Day 10
Malta
Malta appears on the horizon, an island shaped by countless civilizations. You'll head into Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with baroque architecture throughout. The churches and palaces have humble facades hiding extravagant interiors. Walk along the massive walls and bastions for views of the cityscape and Grand Harbor that stretch out below.
Optional Activities
- Explore Valletta
- Visit churches and palaces
- Walk the city walls and bastions
Landmarks/POIs Valletta Grand Harbor - Day 11
Malta
Spend time at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, created back in 1661 on the St. Peter and Paul Bastion. The highest point of Valletta's city walls gives you sweeping views of the Grand Harbor and medieval warrens below. You'll find tranquil stone courtyards with arched walls, palm-lined lanes, and a memorial to Winston Churchill.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens
Landmarks/POIs Upper Barrakka Gardens - Day 12
Sicily
Sicily greets you with a landscape shaped by countless civilizations from Greek to Byzantine to Roman. You'll see mountains, orange and olive groves, and vineyards throughout the island. Learn about the island's World War II history and the famous 'Race to Messina' between General Patton and Field Marshal Montgomery during your time ashore.
Optional Activities
- Explore Sicily's landscape and history
- Visit historical World War II sites
Landmarks/POIs Messina - Day 13
Naples
Naples appears as a major center of Italian culture in a seaside setting. Check out the grand Piazza del Plebiscito and the San Francesco di Paola Church with its colonnaded facade. Visit the Royal Palace with statues of all the kings of Naples, and by evening, try the city's famous pizza at a local restaurant before heading back to the ship.
Optional Activities
- Visit Piazza del Plebiscito
- Explore San Francesco di Paola Church
- Visit the Royal Palace
- Enjoy Naples' pizza
Landmarks/POIs Piazza del Plebiscito San Francesco di Paola Church Royal Palace of Naples - Day 14
Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, spreads out before you with over 2,500 years of history in its streets. Walk through ancient structures from when emperors ruled Europe, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon. Head to the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's greatest repositories of history and civilization.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Colosseum
- Explore the Roman Forum
- Visit the Pantheon
- Explore Vatican City
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica
Landmarks/POIs Colosseum Roman Forum Pantheon St. Peter's Basilica - Day 15
Disembark
After breakfast, you'll disembark from the ship and head home, bringing memories of your Mediterranean journey with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
