Epic East Mediterranean - Rome to Rome Cruise

Day 1 - Rome

Arrive: Mon 07 July 2025 / Depart: Mon 07 July 2025 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 - Naples, Italy

Arrive: Tue 08 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 08 July 2025 at 18:00

Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii or Herculaneum with their stunning temples, frescoes and mosaics. Explore fascinating Naples and its famed museums, visit charming Sorrento or take a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri.

Day 3 - Taormina

Arrive: Wed 09 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 09 July 2025 at 16:00

Enjoy magnificent panoramic views on the way up to the town, where you can stroll down medieval lanes past stunning palaces. See the famed Greek theater and its fantastic view of Mount Etna. Or take a trip to the volcano itself and get a first-hand look at cones, craters and lava streams from previous eruptions and a fantastic view over the Gulf of Catania. Venture into the countryside and its lovely hill towns, one with a Norman castle built of black lava, and visit beautiful old Catania.

Day 4 - Zakynthos, Greece

Arrive: Thu 10 July 2025 at 11:00 / Depart: Thu 10 July 2025 at 18:00

The town of Zakinthos, on the Ionian island of the same name, curves around a scenic bay and melds into the surrounding fertile plains. While Zakinthos is modern, some of the architecture bears a Venetian influence, especially its fortress and historic Saint Mark's Square. Many of the icons and frescoes salvaged from the island's medieval churches are now exhibited in the Byzantine Museum. Be sure to leave time for the beaches and look for Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, as Zakinthos is their primary nesting ground.

Day 5 - Durres

Arrive: Fri 11 July 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 11 July 2025 at 20:00

Tour the National Museum of History with archaeological artifacts going back as far as 100,000 years or jump ahead a few millennia and relive the Byzantine era at the Fortress of Justinian. Examine everything from modern art to 800-year-old religious icons at the National Art Gallery or climb the city’s clock tower for fabulous views.

Day 6 - Kotor

Arrive: Sat 12 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 12 July 2025 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 7 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 13 July 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 13 July 2025 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 8 - Hvar

Arrive: Mon 14 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 14 July 2025 at 18:00

Tiny, red-tile roofed Hvar is tucked into a protected cove on Hvar Island, one of the more fertile areas on Croatia's beautiful Dalmatian Riviera. Vineyards, fragrant herbs and fields of lavender blanket the countryside, and it's ingredients like these that have turned Hvar into a glamorous resort city favored by those seeking fabulous beaches in a quaint setting. The 16th-century, Venetian-built fortress overlooking the city is a reminder that invaders have long favored the island. Another intriguing site is Hvar's Franciscan Monastery and its museum full of religious artifacts. For a pleasant respite, relax in the Pjaca, the limestone town square.

Day 9 - Umbria (Ancona)

Arrive: Tue 15 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 15 July 2025 at 20:00

Travel through the scenic countryside to beautiful Urbino, birthplace of Raphael, and visit the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, designed by Renaissance masters, and see the treasures in the palace's art museum, including significant works by Raphael. Or visit the tiny independent country of San Marino, nestled in the mountains, and explore it on your own.

Day 10 - Koper

Arrive: Wed 16 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 16 July 2025 at 19:00

Originally built on an island surrounded by swampland that was later drained, Koper was known as "Goat's Island" when it was under Venetian rule. Today the once fortified Old Town of Venetian-influenced Koper has retained much of its grand architecture from the 15th to 18th centuries. The Praetor's Palace, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, proudly rises above the gray limestone main square. Nearby the Postojna Caves are the most popular underground attraction in Europe, and the Predjama Castle was carved out of a limestone cliff.

Day 11 - Venice (Trieste)

Arrive: Thu 17 July 2025 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 17 July 2025 at 18:00

Savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice's secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Or enjoy the scenic countryside with its stunning Palladian villas.

Day 12 - Split

Arrive: Fri 18 July 2025 at 11:00 / Depart: Fri 18 July 2025 at 20:00

Sometime around 300 A.D., Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace on one of the loveliest spots on the Adriatic Sea. Today his palace has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Split, the city that grew up around it. Split is now Croatia's second largest city, and much of it sits on a beautiful peninsula on the island of Ciovo, a jewel on the Dalmatian Coast. Many intriguing relics from the Roman, Greek colonial and Medieval periods can be found in Split's archaeological museum, which was founded in 1820, making it Croatia's oldest museum. One of the top outdoor attractions is the green oasis of Marjan Forest Park with its Split Zoo. There are also plenty of fine beaches nearby.

Day 13 - Korcula

Arrive: Sat 19 July 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 19 July 2025 at 16:00

The walled city of Korcula is a medieval gem. Walk through the 14th century gate into the Old Town, and it's like stepping back in time. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula features a wealth of Venetian-style architecture, including the Cathedral of Saint Mark and the Bishop's Palace. For a glimpse of ancient Korcula, note the prehistoric artifacts exhibited in the town museum. There is also an inspirational Museum of Icons full of Byzantine religious paintings, many collected by 18th century sailors. Korcula's best sand beach is Banje; Luka Korculanska beach attracts those who prefer pebbles.

Day 14 - Corfu

Arrive: Sun 20 July 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 20 July 2025 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 15 - Katakolon

Arrive: Mon 21 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 21 July 2025 at 16:00

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 16 - Milos

Arrive: Tue 22 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 22 July 2025 at 20:00

Day 17 - Athens

Arrive: Wed 23 July 2025 at 05:30 / Depart: Wed 23 July 2025 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 18 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Thu 24 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 24 July 2025 at 16:00

Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity - Priene, Miletus and Didyma - renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Day 19 - Istanbul

Arrive: Fri 25 July 2025 at 14:00

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.

Day 20 - Istanbul

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.

Day 21 - Istanbul

Depart: Sun 27 July 2025 at 18:00

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.

Day 22 - Dikili

Arrive: Mon 28 July 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 28 July 2025 at 20:00

Perched on the Aegean Sea, the fishing village of Dikili abounds in natural beauty. A drive through the countryside reveals spectacular mountains, pine forests, olive groves and thermal springs. The region presents a genuine look at rural Turkish life, and you will feel that same authenticity as you meander the cobbled streets of Dikili. History lovers will marvel at the ruins of Pergamum, considered to be among the best in the world.

Day 23 - Izmir

Arrive: Tue 29 July 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 29 July 2025 at 18:00

Izmir is a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Today, its expansive archaeological sites include the Roman Agora of Smyrna, now an open-air museum. The hilltop Kadifekale, or Velvet Castle, built during Alexander’s reign, overlooks the city.

Day 24 - Samos

Arrive: Wed 30 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 30 July 2025 at 19:00

Day 25 - Bodrum

Arrive: Thu 31 July 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 31 July 2025 at 21:00

A playground for yachters, tourists and jet setters, modern Bodrum stands on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus. You can still see the foundations of the mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by earthquakes. The Knights of St. John used its stones to build Bodrum Castle, fascinating not only as a medieval monument but also for the Museum of Underwater Archaeology within its walls, which includes a display of the oldest known shipwreck.

Day 26 - Rhodes

Arrive: Fri 01 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 01 August 2025 at 18:00

Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Or drive along the scenic coast to Lindos. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis, its temples and wonderful views.

Day 27 - Antalya

Arrive: Sat 02 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 02 August 2025 at 19:00

Discover this delightful ancient town and its many treasures, from the superb artifacts in the museum to Ottoman mansions, Byzantine churches and mosques, Hadrian's Gate, and the ancient Roman harbor now restored and alive with cafés and pleasure boats. Or head for the magnificent ruins of Perge and Aspendos and imagine the history of these cities, from Alexander to St. Paul and from the Romans to the Arabs. Stand in awe of the huge Roman theater and the crumbling aqueduct.

Day 28 - Alanya, Turkey

Arrive: Sun 03 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 03 August 2025 at 18:00

Alanya rose to prominence during the Middle Ages under the Seljuks, a tribe from central Asia that built the fortress and protective wall that still dominate the city. Several other buildings from that time also remain, including the octagonal Red Tower and the Seljuk Shipyard. Thousands of archaeological pieces in the Alanya Museum attest to the city's importance through the ages. But history only touches on Alanya's considerable allure. The city sits on a lovely gulf, backed by the pine-forested Taurus Mountains on Turkey's beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Day 29 - Limassol

Arrive: Mon 04 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 04 August 2025 at 16:00

Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus. See ruins, majestic mountains and scenery, stunning beaches, and vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders like the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque, and the Cyprus Museum.

Day 30 - Kos

Arrive: Tue 05 August 2025 at 11:00 / Depart: Tue 05 August 2025 at 18:00

Kos may also refer to roughly 0.2 km (18 mile) Arthashastra Standard unit of Kos or krosh is equal to 200 metres in SI units and 0.125 miles in Imperial units.

Day 31 - Heraklion

Arrive: Wed 06 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 06 August 2025 at 18:00

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 that houses many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning, mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7,000 windmills and ancient villages.

Day 32 - Santorini

Arrive: Thu 07 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 07 August 2025 at 18:00

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 33 - Athens

Arrive: Fri 08 August 2025 at 05:00 / Depart: Fri 08 August 2025 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 34 - At Sea

Day 35 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 10 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 10 August 2025 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 36 - Kotor

Arrive: Mon 11 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 11 August 2025 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 37 - Bari

Arrive: Tue 12 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 12 August 2025 at 18:00

Tucked along the southern Adriatic, Bari is conveniently divided between its picturesque Old Town on a peninsula to the north and its modern city center to the south. The chief draws are architectural, especially the Romanesque 12th century San Nicola Church and the imposing Swabian Castle.

Day 38 - At Sea

Day 39 - Malta

Arrive: Thu 14 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 14 August 2025 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 40 - La Goulette

Arrive: Fri 15 August 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 15 August 2025 at 20:00

Meander through Tunis' opulent, historic medina with its winding alleys and souks. Visit the superb Bardo Museum with its spectacular Roman mosaics or the lovely whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Saïd, perched on a cliff above the sea, a charming spot of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and ornate window grills painted deep blue.

Day 41 - Sicily

Arrive: Sat 16 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 16 August 2025 at 16:00

Perched on a low-lying, palazzi-dotted promontory on Sicily's western coast, Trapani reveals a hint of its medieval past in its historic core's tightly knit maze of narrow streets. The rebuilt 14th century Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the grand Sanctuary of the Annunciation, which holds a fascinating regional museum, are nuggets well worth a visit. Wandering the Villa Margherita public gardens makes for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 42 - Porto Cervo

Arrive: Sun 17 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 August 2025 at 19:00

Wander through the lovely town of Olbia and visit its 11th century cathedral with Roman artifacts and Punic burials. Or drive into the stunningly beautiful countryside of the Costa Smeralda with its towering cliffs, quiet grottoes and exquisite sandy beaches beside emerald green waters. Explore the enigmatic remnants of the ancient Nuraghic culture.

Day 43 - Propriano

Arrive: Mon 18 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 18 August 2025 at 19:00

Propriano is a commune in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica. It is situated on the Valinco Gulf.

Day 44 - Monte Carlo

Arrive: Tue 19 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 19 August 2025 at 19:00

Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvelous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don't forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d'Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence - each one a jewel to be savored.

Day 45 - Portofino

Arrive: Wed 20 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 20 August 2025 at 19:00

Stroll through picturesque Portofino and Santa Margherita. Be awed by the stunning scenery as you explore the beautiful coastal resorts of Ravello, Sestri Levante or San Fruttuoso by local boat and on foot.

Day 46 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Thu 21 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 21 August 2025 at 20:00

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo's magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa's superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savor the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis.

Day 47 - Rome

Arrive: Fri 22 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 22 August 2025

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.