Greco-Turkish Treasures - Rome to Rome Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Sun 13 October 2024 / Depart: Sun 13 October 2024 at 18:00

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 - Amalfi, Italy

Arrive: Mon 14 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 14 October 2024 at 18:00

Visit enchanting Amalfi to admire the 12th century Capuchin monastery and see the beautiful 11th century cathedral and cloister. Then discover chic Positano with its relaxed, sophisticated air and white Moorish-style houses clinging to steep slopes around a sparkling bay filled with colorful fishing boats.

Day 3 - Catania, Sicily

Arrive: Tue 15 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 15 October 2024 at 16:00

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 - Corfu

Arrive: Wed 16 October 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 16 October 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 5 - Katakolon

Arrive: Thu 17 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 17 October 2024 at 18:00

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 6 - Santorini

Arrive: Fri 18 October 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 18 October 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 7 - Mykonos

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

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 8 - Athens

Arrive: Sun 20 October 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sun 20 October 2024 at 22:00

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.

Day 9 - Gythion

Arrive: Mon 21 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 21 October 2024 at 18:00

The pastel-colored houses inch their way up the foothills of Mount Koumaros in this quaint town that offers a unique and authentic experience of small town life in Greece. Nearby, the medieval city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1248 and abandoned in 1832, leaving impressive medieval ruins amid a breathtaking landscape. Discovered in 1958, the magnificent caves at Diros were used by prehistoric man between 4000 and 3000 BC.

Day 10 - Argostoli

Arrive: Tue 22 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 22 October 2024 at 18:00

This capital of the island of Cephalonia resides in a sheltered bay along Koutavos Lagoon, where you might catch a glimpse of a loggerhead turtle. The stone obelisk of the Drapano Bridge and the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore are two of the island's distinctive landmarks. Discover relics from the Mycenaean, Hellenistic and Roman periods in the city's archaeological museum.

Day 11 - Corfu

Arrive: Wed 23 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 23 October 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 12 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Thu 24 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 24 October 2024 at 19:00

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 13 - Kotor

Arrive: Fri 25 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 25 October 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 14 - Cruising the Aegean Sea

Day 15 - Malta

Arrive: Sun 27 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 27 October 2024 at 20:00

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 16 - Sicily

Arrive: Mon 28 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 28 October 2024 at 18:00

Visit beautiful Taormina and marvel at its famous Greek theater and the stunning view of Mount Etna. Explore lovely medieval Messina with its historic churches and the cathedral where it is rumored Richard the Lionheart worshipped in 1190. Or discover ancient Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C., with its fine mosaics, Roman baths and impressive theater overlooking the sea.

Day 17 - Salerno

Arrive: Tue 29 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 29 October 2024 at 17:00

Salerno is a port city southeast of Naples, in Italy. Atop Monte Bonadies, the centuries-old Arechi Castle has sea views, plus Museo Medievale del Castello, exhibiting medieval ceramics and coins. In town, built on the ruins of a Roman temple, is Salerno Cathedral. It has Byzantine bronze doors, a baroque crypt and a marble altar. The terraced Minerva’s Garden has been growing medicinal plants since the 14th century.

Day 18 - Rome

Arrive: Wed 30 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 30 October 2024

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.