Mediterranean Cruise: Spain, Italy & Greece

Day 1 - Malaga

Arrive: Wed 02 July 2025 / Depart: Wed 02 July 2025 at 17:00

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate, and gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish architectural heritage. The city’s Alcazaba is a fine example, an 11th century citadel sitting in majestic splendor overlooking the African coast. It contains three magnificent palaces and graceful gardens with ornate fountains. In addition to their rich cultural heritage, Malagueños are also very proud of their most famous citizens – Picasso, for whom there is a museum commemorating his birth here, and actor Antonio Banderas, so far without a monument.

Day 2 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Thu 03 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 03 July 2025 at 17:00

Strategically located along historic sailing routes, Cartagena has been colonized by a veritable who’s who of Mediterranean superpowers over the millennia, resulting in a rich and multi-layered cultural heritage, and a history both glorious and turbulent. From atop a hill, Concepción Castle served as a fortress for Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Castilians. The 13th century Old Cathedral stands on the remains of a Roman Theater just discovered in 1987. More recent architectural contributions include modernist designs of public buildings and private dwellings by pupils of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.

Day 3 - Majorca

Arrive: Fri 04 July 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 04 July 2025 at 22:00

Palma is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca (Majorca), in the western Mediterranean. The massive Santa María cathedral, a Gothic landmark begun in the 13th century, overlooks the Bay of Palma. The adjacent Almudaina is a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - La Goulette

Arrive: Sun 06 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 06 July 2025 at 16:00

Day 6 - Malta

Arrive: Mon 07 July 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 07 July 2025 at 22:00

Tiny Malta, smack dab in the middle of the Mediterranean and on everyone's route since ships began to ply the seas, is packed with history from top to bottom. Over time it was ruled by a variety of empires, all of which contributed to the look and culture of the islands. Valetta is living museum of baroque architecture, constructed by the Knights of St. John five centuries ago. Today the city is also a dynamic hub of cultural and commercial activity, its harbor now welcoming luxury yachts and cruise ships.

Day 7 - Syracuse,Italy

Arrive: Tue 08 July 2025 at 07:30 / Depart: Tue 08 July 2025 at 17:00

Siracusa is known for the archaeological and historical sights that define its grand past, as one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world in the 5th century BC. They include a Greek theater, still in use, where Aeschylus produced some of his plays; a dramatic necropolis with burial niches cut into the rock that include the tomb of Archimedes, famous mathematician, engineer, and inventor; and the Ear of Dionysus, a cave with amazing acoustical properties. The “modern” city was rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style after the devastating earthquake of 1693.

Day 8 - Katakolon

Arrive: Wed 09 July 2025 at 13:00 / Depart: Wed 09 July 2025 at 19:00

This Greek seaside town is the gateway to the ruins of Olympia, where the ancient games began in 776 BC, and continued for over 1000 years, until they were outlawed as a pagan festival, after Rome officially adopted Christianity as the only legitimate imperial religion. The complex is made up of temples, workshops, and the training structures that have given us the word we still use today to describe such facilities – gymnasium. The games did not recommence until 1896, but their ancient roots are acknowledged when the modern Olympic flame is lit here every four years, before beginning its long journey to the host nation.

Day 9 - Chania, Crete

Arrive: Thu 10 July 2025 at 09:30 / Depart: Thu 10 July 2025 at 20:00

On the northwest side of Crete rests the old Venetian port of Chania, the second largest city on the island. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, Chania is a modern city built over the ruins of the ancient city of Kydonia. Stroll through the old city and see how it has been touched by the intersection of diverse civilizations throughout history, with a mixture of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences on every corner: Minoan ruins, Byzantine churches, and impressive frescos. The Archaeological Museum of Chania houses an extensive collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts, and with replicas of ships dating back to the Bronze Age, the Naval Museum is a great way to explore the ages of Chania.

Day 10 - Santorini

Arrive: Fri 11 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 11 July 2025 at 18:00

Your daydream of a Greek island meets reality in Santorini – its whitewashed villages cling to cliff sides, and bright blue roofs reflect the sea and sky. So beautiful is it, that you can almost believe the myths that claim it as the birthplace of gods. Born itself as a volcanic cone, the island blew its top in 1450 BC, its center sank, and it assumed its current crescent shape, outlined by three main islands. The capital, Fira, a pedestrian haven with narrow, meandering cobblestone lanes, is reachable only by cable car, donkey, or for the fit and fearless, a flight of 600 steps.

Day 11 - Athens (Lavrion), Greece

Arrive: Sat 12 July 2025 at 05:00 / Depart: Sat 12 July 2025

Home to the largest and oldest amphitheatre in Greece, this seaside town is an idyllic gateway to Athens ? the intellectual and artistic center of Greece. Immerse yourself in the Temples of Demeter and Dionysus and discover why these ancient sites are so renowned.