Socrates & Sunshine - Rome to Miami Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Wed 30 October 2024 / Depart: Wed 30 October 2024 at 19:00

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 - Cinque Terre

Arrive: Thu 31 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 31 October 2024 at 20:00

Head out of town and discover the five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Hike along the trail connecting them or take a boat tour and see them from the water as ancient seafarers did. Go ashore and explore a picturesque town and its castle. Or visit intriguing Portovenere, another colorful town rising above one end of La Spezia's harbor with breathtaking views and the lovely Church of San Pietro.

Day 3 - Toulon

Arrive: Fri 01 November 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 01 November 2024 at 19:00

Lying on a natural harbor on the French Riviera, Toulon is France's principal naval base, and the waterfront is always full of life. Designed around stately fountains and small squares, the Old City is tucked between the harbor and boulevard de Strasbourg, and its Cathédrale Saint-Marie-Majeure is noteworthy for its Romanesque architecture. The city is also rich in history, much of it on display in the marine museum and the Museum of Toulon, celebrated for its Provençal paintings. For the ultimate view of Toulon, ride the cable car to Mount Faron.

Day 4 - Mediterranean Sea Cruising

Day 5 - Malta

Arrive: Sun 03 November 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 03 November 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 6 - Catania, Sicily

Arrive: Mon 04 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 04 November 2024 at 18:00

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 7 - Crotone

Arrive: Tue 05 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 05 November 2024 at 17:00

Crotone is a port city in Calabria, southern Italy. The monumental Castello di Carlo V is a 9th-century fortress that was modified in the 1500s. The National Archaeological Museum houses items, including a gold tiara, unearthed at the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia in the nearby Capo Colonna Archaeological Park. Farther south is the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, with seagrass forests, barracudas and starfish.

Day 8 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Wed 06 November 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 06 November 2024 at 18:00

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 9 - Kotor

Arrive: Thu 07 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 07 November 2024 at 17:00

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 10 - Corfu

Arrive: Fri 08 November 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 08 November 2024 at 19:00

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 11 - Cruising the Aegean Sea

Day 12 - Mykonos

Arrive: Sun 10 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 10 November 2024 at 21:00

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 13 - Athens

Arrive: Mon 11 November 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 11 November 2024 at 19:00

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 14 - Gythion

Arrive: Tue 12 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 12 November 2024 at 17:00

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 15 - Argostoli

Arrive: Wed 13 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 13 November 2024 at 16:00

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 16 - Kotor

Arrive: Thu 14 November 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Thu 14 November 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 17 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Fri 15 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 15 November 2024 at 20:00

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 18 - Mediterranean Sea Cruising

Day 19 - Malta

Arrive: Sun 17 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 November 2024 at 17:00

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 20 - Palermo

Arrive: Mon 18 November 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 18 November 2024 at 19:00

Immerse yourself in the glorious history of this ancient city and its magnificent monuments, like the imposing Norman cathedral and the majestic 9th century Arab palace and its breathtaking Palatine Chapel. Admire the marvelous opera house and the artifacts in the archaeological museum.

Day 21 - Salerno

Arrive: Tue 19 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 19 November 2024 at 18:00

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 22 - Rome

Arrive: Wed 20 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 20 November 2024 at 19:00

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 23 - Mediterranean Sea Cruising

Day 24 - Valencia

Arrive: Fri 22 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 22 November 2024 at 17:00

The City of Arts and Sciences is an impressive collection of attractions, including an opera house and performing arts center, IMAX cinema, planetarium, science museum and oceanographic park. Visit the Gothic city of Requena, featuring perfectly preserved 100-year-old wine cellars. In Lladró's City of Porcelain museum, explore the production facilities, or nearby visit the National Ceramics Museum, located in the former palace of nobility.

Day 25 - Strait of Gibralter Cruising

Day 26 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 27 - Tenerife

Arrive: Mon 25 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 25 November 2024 at 16:00

Volcanic in origin, Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. While in port, you'll notice the Auditorium of Tenerife, an amazing, organic structure that instantly became an icon when completed in 2003. Another modern landmark is the Oscar Domínguez Institute, a contemporary art gallery named after the 20th century surrealist. For a respite from the urban environment, visit the Palmetum, a botanical garden with more than 400 species of palms.

Day 28 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 29 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 30 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 31 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 32 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 33 - St John's, Antigua

Arrive: Sun 01 December 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 01 December 2024 at 18:00

Take a scenic drive, enjoy panoramic island views and visit famed Nelson’s Dockyard. Go deep-sea fishing or off road to interesting seaside villages and see the fragile mangrove ecosystem. Play golf, enjoy snorkeling and sea kayaking, or just spend the day relaxing on a fabulous white sand beach.

Day 34 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Arrive: Mon 02 December 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 02 December 2024 at 20:00

Begin in Old San Juan, a walled enclave of hundreds of restored 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial buildings. Notice the blue-tinged cobblestone streets; they were once ballast on Spanish ships. Elsewhere, tour the medieval Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, the Museum of Art, and Casa del Libro, a repository of priceless documents.

Day 35 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 36 - Atlantic Ocean Cruising

Day 37 - Miami, Florida

Arrive: Thu 05 December 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 05 December 2024

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach's Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you're looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.