Istanbul to Rome (Civitavecchia) Cruise

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive: Fri 02 October 2026 / Depart: Fri 02 October 2026 at 17:00

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 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Izmir

Arrive: Sun 04 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 04 October 2026 at 18:00

Soak up the scenery in Turkey's third largest city, Izmir. Meander along the relaxing Kordonboyu oceanfront promenade. Enjoy fresh, perfectly grilled sea bass as you look out over the beautiful harbor. Try one of Izmir’s delicious shish kebabs or a traditional kumru sandwich as you head off to explore its beautiful beaches. Visit the historic Kemeralti Market or the Kizlaragasi Bazaar, which happens to be one of the oldest bazaars in the city, dating from the 18th century Ottoman period.

Day 4 - Mykonos

Arrive: Mon 05 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 05 October 2026 at 17:00

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archeological dig at Delos.

Day 5 - Athens

Arrive: Tue 06 October 2026 at 05:00 / Depart: Tue 06 October 2026 at 18:00

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.

Day 6 - Heraklion

Arrive: Wed 07 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 07 October 2026 at 17:00

Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the Archaeological Museum housing many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7000 windmills and ancient villages. Take home fine reproduction Minoan pottery, a traditional Cretan knife, local embroidery, hand-woven rugs, gold and silver jewelry. Relax over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki in a taverna, washed down with local wine or beer.

Day 7 - Mediterranean sea cruising

Day 8 - Alexandria, Egypt

Arrive: Fri 09 October 2026 at 05:00

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Day 9 - Alexandria, Egypt

Depart: Sat 10 October 2026 at 22:00

Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Day 10 - Mediterranean sea cruising

Day 11 - Mediterranean sea cruising

Day 12 - Malta

Arrive: Tue 13 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 13 October 2026 at 17:00

Malta’s major port and capital, the entire city of Valletta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The centerpiece is the impressive 19th century Mosta Dome, visible from anywhere on the island, with its inlaid marble floor and the gilded, carved stone flowers set around the interior dome. For a tranquil afternoon, stroll the San Anton Palace Gardens, artistically laid out in Three Villages - Attard, Lija and Balzan. Or, for spectacular vistas, take a day tour to Dingli Cliffs, which offer striking views of the sea and rugged coastline. Valetta is also a portal to day trips to nearby Mdina, with its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St. John; and Rabat, the provincial township that was once part of the Roman city of Melita, where you can explore several fascinating archaeological digs.

Day 13 - Sicily

Arrive: Wed 14 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 October 2026 at 17:00

Messina, the third largest city in Sicily, was the most important port of departure for European knights on their way to the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Today, this extensively rebuilt port city still boasts many historically and architecturally significant landmarks, particularly the renowned cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th century Catania Church and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Messina is also the starting point for a day trip to the peak of breath-taking Mt. Etna-Crateri Silvestri.

Day 14 - Salerno

Arrive: Thu 15 October 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 15 October 2026 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 15 - Rome

Arrive: Fri 16 October 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 16 October 2026

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.