11-night Rome To Athens Cruise

Day 1 Rome (Civitavecchia)

Civitavecchia is the port city for Rome. Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. With its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, Rome is one of the world’s most attractive cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Colosseum where spectators watched combats between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once a political and commercial center. Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi. Awe at Christendom’s most magnificent church, the Sistine Chapel. The busy square Piazza Venezia is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Take a stroll to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is the site of lovely St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, where for 200 years, Renaissance masters worked on its design and created an unparalleled masterpiece. Visit Vatican Museum.

Day 2 Ponza

The largest island of Italy's Pontine Archipelago houses a charming village featuring colorful houses and fishboats. Vineyards set against the sparkling blue sea cover the hillside.

Day 3 Amalfi

The small, picturesque seaside resort of Amalfi, famous for its glorious history as a maritime republic, has spectacular scenery and great weather. The white, pink and yellow cottages are surrounded by whitewashed courtyards and winding alleys that make a walking tour a pleasant experience. Amalfi also has several historical monuments worth visiting, such as the Cathedral, the old dockyards and the old Paper Mills where the famous paper of Amalfi was made in the past. Many buildings in the town are surrounded by immaculately kept gardens and terraces, lemon trees, and grape and olive vines.

Day 4 Lipari

Cast in the Tyrrhenian sea, the Lipari Islands experience an increasing amount of tourism due to unusual scenery and mild climate. The variety and beauty of rock formations, the volcanic phenomena of Stromboli and the crystalline waters always impress visitors. Local-style architecture adds charm to picturesque villages. The main islands include famous Stromboli and Lipari. In a bay on Lipari’s east coast lies the main town of the same name - dominated by the Castello or Acropolis, which separates the town’s two harbors. Within Castello are the cathedral and the former Bishop's Palace, which now houses the Archaeological Museum. It is noted for its fine collection of relics from recent excavations, Greek masks and statuettes from theatrical life as far back as Sophocles and Euripides. At Marina Corta there are hydrofoils and boats offering trips to neighboring islands. The most southern Lipari Island, Vulcano Island, has a spectacular volcanic landscape of rugged peaks rising above beaches. A steep trail leads up from the plain to a 1,150-foot crater.

Day 5 Siracusa

Sicilia is the favorite island of Gods in traditional poetry. The most powerful and biggest ancient city in Sicilia is Siracusa. Its name may come from the native word "Siraco", which means "marsh", due to the bogs which surrounded the city. Or it may derive from a Phenician etymology signifying the presence of seagulls on its rocky shores. Few cities of the ancient world had the importance Syracuse had in Magna Grecia, the ancient Greek settlements in Italy. The most spectacular monuments in the archeological area surrounded by colorful Mediterranean vegetation are the Greek amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio (Dionysius' Ear). Besides touring the Archeological Museum that contains beautiful objects, Ortigia Island, the heart of the old Greek city, is worth a visit. Outside the city limits is Eurialo Castle, an incredible structure built to protect the city from the Cathaginians, and Pantalica, the great rocky necropolis in Anapo Valley.

Day 6 At Sea

Day 7 Katakolon

Katakolon is a port admired for beautiful beaches. Equally important, Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, the great Panhellenic sanctuary. The site of ancient Olympia is situated at the foot of wooded Mount Kronos in an area of gentle hills; excavations began in 1875 and are considered one of archaeology’s great achievements. A direct consequence was the revival of Olympic Games by Baron Pierre de Coubertin; the first modern games were held in Athens in 1896. Today, visitors to Olympia are overwhelmed by the impact of ancient remains and their significance. The site’s most important excavations include numerous monuments, such as Temple of Zeus in the Sacred Precinct, Treasuries, and Stadium. There is an excellent Archaeological Museum with a large collection of bronzes, pottery and sculptures unearthed during the excavations. The main reason for a visit to Katakolon is the trip to Olympia. Those guests who wish to remain in Katakolon will enjoy its unhurried atmosphere and the friendliness of the people.

Day 8 Gythion

Gythion, in south of Sparta, the port of is a good starting point for exploring the Mani area. There are caves with underground lakes and rivers at Glifada and Alepotripa in the Diros region.

Day 9 Sifnos

Sifnos, one of the Cyclades islands, keeps its riches concealed within a hilly iterior. Once you are inland you will see elegantly ornamented dovecotes above cool green hollows, while ancient fortified monasteries and watchtowers occupy the arid summits of the island's hills.

Day 10 Kleftiko

Day 10 Milos

Milos is found in the south western part of the Greek Cyclades islands. The coast of this island houses both idyllic beaches and jutting rock formations that are a must see. Her beaches have also been rated among the best in the Aegean. There is an archaelogical museum in Plaka which houses a copy of the famous statue Venus of Milos. Walking distance from Plaka are ancient ruins of a temple and a Roman theatre.

Day 11 Hydra, Greek Isle

Hydra, in the Saronic Gulf off of the Greek mainland, may have served as the natural model for ancient architects when they were designing the marvelous acoustically magical amphitheaters in Greece and Rome. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor welcomes boats at all hours. As with most Greek islands, Hydra's port is the center of activity and is lined with tourist shops, restaurants and merchants. It is a wonderful place to sit in a cafe, munching on a Greek salad, writing postcards or watching the world go by. Around the corners to either side of the port are beaches, although some are more rock than beach. Mandhraki beach offers sand for those who want to feel grit between their toes. The beach to the west, in Kamini, is rocky, as is the one at Vlykhos, a half an hour further west. Most of what people consider premium tanning spots on this island are rocks. The further from town, the more private the area is likely to be. Every sound down at the port can be heard, no matter where one is in the town. Even from the Monastery of Profitis Ilias at the top of the mountain, every sound is crystal clear.

Day 12 Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.