Day 1: 11th September – Civitavecchia (Rome) – Departs at 6:30 PM
In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.
- Look up at Michelangelo’s frescos on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.
- Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica dome for panoramic views of Rome.
- Have your picture taken on the flowery Spanish Steps.
Days 2 & 3: 12 & 13th September – Fun Day At Sea
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or… if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
Day 4: 14th September – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kusadasi is fiercely proud to show off its history, which can be traced back 5,000 years. Visitors today flock here to take it all in — the city’s population shoots up every summer as folks from around the world come to hit the beaches, stroll the downtown shopping area and wonder at views of the iconic Kusadasi Castle, which stoically watches over the harbour from atop a small island nearby. Not far beyond Kusadasi is the ancient city of Ephesus. Nobody lives there today, but ancient residents left behind impressive signs of their civilization for posterity, including the Celsus Library, and an Amphitheater whose size rivals modern stadiums.
- Check out the carpets here — seriously, Turkey has been known for its distinct, handwoven artisanal carpets for over 3,000 years.
- Experience ancient Ephesus, considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
- Visit the house where the Blessed Virgin is said to have spent her last years.
Day 5: 15th September – Mykonos – 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How’d you get so perfect, Mykonos? Check out some pics of the town and you might wonder why the buildings are so perfectly white. Or maybe you won’t wonder, since it’s easy to just get lost in awe of the island’s picturesque beauty, of how perfect it all just happens to be, from the Cycladic architecture with brilliant blue accents to the stoic windmills.
Just why Mykonos became one of Greece’s most iconic international travel destinations, a nightlife capital for the rich in the ’60s and ’70s — and today continues to attract seekers of great shopping, dining and strolling — all becomes evident when you visit. Also, don’t miss Mykonos’s neighbouring island, Delos, for another side of Greece, the side with archaeological ruins of temples and sanctuaries from ancient times.
Day 6: 16th September – Piraeus (Athens) – 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cruise to Athens, Greece and fall in love with the city’s unique claims to fame. This one-of-a-kind, history-rich destination can boast to not only be the home to the Olympic games throughout the ages… but also the birthplace of democracy. Talk about competitive team sports! To this day, Athens is a city as rich in history as it is immersed in mythology. On cruises from Athens, you’ll see ancient feats of architecture like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus mingling with modern museums, cafes and shops across the Athenian landscape. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination, and a must-see stop on any Greek Isles cruise.
- Visit the Parthenon and you’re in Athena’s house. This temple, built to worship her, today welcomes all.
- Get it together and visit the Temple of Hephaestus — perhaps the best-preserved ancient temple.
- Pláka, a neighbourhood located just a stone’s throw from major historical sites, is an historical destination, itself.
Day 7: 17th September – Katakolon (Olympia)- 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
A short distance from the fishing village and seaport of Katakolon you’ll find Olympia, where lies arguably the most important location in all of sports. It’s the site of the original Olympic Games, which went on for nearly 1,200 years, every four years, until a Roman emperor banned them in A.D. 393. The discarded ruins were uncovered only about 150 years ago — and today, Olympia’s importance is much better understood. It’s actually been declared a national park! There’s so much history on display in Olympia at the original sites, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium and the Olympia Archaeological Museum, which features fine sculptures such as the “Winged Victory” statue of Nike. (Did you know she was the Greek goddess of victory?)
Day 8: 18th September – Fun Day At Sea
No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or… if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.
Day 9: 19th September – Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii) – 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Not just one of Italy’s oldest cities, but among the world’s oldest, Naples and its surrounding area has over thousands of years contributed innovations to not only the culinary and visual arts, but the development of everything from language to music. Today, you’ll feel the friendly spirit of this sunny metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria and irresistible cuisine. But don’t limit yourself to the city itself — Mount Vesuvius, the spectacular Amalfi Coast, and the romantic isle of Capri’s famous Blue Grotto are all just a short distance away. The well-known, buried city of Pompeii is an archeological wonder, and not far from Naples.
- See treasures adorning the Duomo’s chapel, including silver statues of San Gennaro.
- Step back to life from Roman times in Pompeii.
- Peek inside Queen Maria Amalia’s boudoir at the Museo Nazionale de Capodimonte.
Day 10: 20th September – Civitavecchia (Rome) – Arrives at 6:00 AM
In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.
- Look up at Michelangelo’s frescos on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.
- Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica dome for panoramic views of Rome.
- Have your picture taken on the flowery Spanish Steps.
