28-night Exploring Spain, Greek Isles & Evening At Ephesus Cruise

Aug 05, 2028 - Barcelona

Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.

Aug 06, 2028 - Roses (Rosas)

Roses is located in the Spanish region of Catalonia on the Costa Brava. Those interested in the region's rich history and culture will be delighted by the wealth of ancient sites, monuments and buildings which still remain as reminders of ancient civilisations.

Aug 07, 2028 - At Sea

Aug 08, 2028 - Sanary Sur Mer

Located between Toulon and Marseille, Sanary Sur Mer is a town rich in old world charm combined with modern conveniences. Take a stroll along the colorful harbor, breathe in the fragrance of the flower market while sitting on the town hall steps, succumb to the happy atmosphere of village life. The town offers diving, sailing, tennis and squash, plus a golf course not far away. Attend a show at the Galli Theatre, see a film, take a boat ride, enjoy the various entertainment provided on the sea-front or visit the sights of the town. Sanary caters a visitor's every wish. The Automobile Museum, which presents the history of cabriolets and roadsters over the last 50 years, is situated very near the Botanical Garden, home to a rare collection of plants and animals.

Aug 09, 2028 - Calvi

Calvi, with its long sandy beach, boarded by parasol pine-trees, is dominated by a Genoese citadel planted on a promontory with the small town below, extending along a waterfront, bustling with fishing boats and yachts. Not surprising its idyllic setting is so attractive for ships of all sizes.

Aug 10, 2028 - Olbia

Lying inside the protected Gulf of Olbia in the northeast of Sardinia, the town with the same name sits by the sea. This quaint seaside villiage was originally started as a Greek colony and was the scene of a Roman victory over the Carthaginians in 259 BC. Phoenician and Roman tombs are still in the area and the Pisan Romanesque Church of San Simplicio in the town is a site to behold.

Aug 11, 2028 - Porto Santo Stefano

Aug 12, 2028 - 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.

Aug 13, 2028 - Salerno

Salerno is situated at the northern end of the Gulf of Salerno. The old town, rising up the slopes of the hill on the site of ancient Salernum, still bears evidence of its medieval period. Salerno's main attraction is a Romanesque cathedral, built in 1085 and remodeled in the late 18th century. Inside is the ornate tomb of Margaret of Anjou and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who died here in 1085. In the richly decorated crypt under the alter lie the remains of Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum. A hilltop crowned by the old Lombard Castello offers extensive views. Along the seafront, to the east of the harbor, extends a promenade lined with impressive modern buildings. Visit the Greek temples of Paestum. Other favorite excursions from here are to Pompeii and to the popular resort towns of Amalfi and Ravello. The Museo Diocesano houses a fine collection of medieval carved tablets. Occupying two floors of the San Benedetto Monastery, the main attraction at Museo Provinciale is a handsome bronze head of Apollo fished out of the bay in the 1930s.

Aug 14, 2028 - Taormina (Giardini Naxos)

It is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. It has a small, but prosperous fishing port. There are many hotels and restaurants and the town is ten minutes away from another of Sicily's most important tourist destinations Taormina.

Aug 15, 2028 - Mgarr (Victoria)

Aug 16, 2028 - Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Aug 17, 2028 - At Sea

Aug 18, 2028 - Kotor

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Aug 19, 2028 - Dubrovnik

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Aug 20, 2028 - Kotor

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Aug 21, 2028 - Brindisi

Rich in history Brindisi sit's on the boot's heel of Italy and is one of the three main towns of the Salento peninsula. From here Crusaders sailed for the Holy Land and traders sold goods from the Silk Road. Visitors can visit the local Archaeological Museum and view bronze Greek statues rescued from ancient shipwrecks. To the south are Otranto and Gallipoli where there is exciting nightlife and beautiful beaches. Festivals, cultural events and sagras - occasions usually linked to the commemoration of the local saint - combined with delicious seafood and wine, make this an ideal holiday destination.

Aug 22, 2028 - Corfu

Corfu's unique scenery, with gentle green hills and luxuriant southern flora, makes it one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. Many beautiful buildings can be seen in Corfu Town. Corfu is a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life who come to enjoy mild climate, calm blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves and miles of sandy beaches. A number of historical sights range from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces. Corfu Town is surrounded by arcaded Venetian buildings. The Spianada is considered to be the largest square in Greece. Explore the narrow streets of Old Town. See Town Hall and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyrídon; a silver sarcophagus contains the remains of the town's patron saint. The Royal Palace - a neo-classical mansion - holds on its upper floor the Museum of Byzantine and East Asian Art. The Archaeological Museum has displays of artifacts discovered on Corfu. The Old Fortress, an impressive 14th-century Venetian structure, is now used as a popular venue for concerts.

Aug 23, 2028 - Itea

Itea, in the Gulf of Corinth, is the port from which you can visit Delphi and the monastery at Osios Loukas. Docking at the pier close to the centre of town, a twenty minute bus or taxi journey takes you to Delphi, perhaps the most magical classical site in Greece.

Aug 24, 2028 - At Sea

Aug 25, 2028 - 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.

Aug 26, 2028 - 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.

Aug 27, 2028 - Monemvasia

At the far end of Peloponnese, on the southern east coast of the peninsula looking on to Mirtoon Sea, stands Monemvasia. A distinctly shaped great rock rising from the sea only a few meters from the coast, it is often referred to as the "Gibraltar of Greece". On the north side of the bay there are a few houses in the small village of Old Monemvasia. Visit the cemetery where in 1989 the famous Greek poet Ioannis Ritsos was buried. The lower town of Monemvasia is called "the Fortress" today. A wall protects the lower town on three sides. There are several churches around like Panagia Chrisafitissa, Panagia Mirtidiotissa, Chistos Elkomenos, Agia Sofia. On the east side of the main square stands a house with a garden containing remains of the early Byzantine church. To the west, there is the "Stellakis" house that was reconstructed and gave a lot of information about the architectural details and appearance of the medieval town. A small zigzag path connects lower town with upper town. The Fort city of Monemvasia with a one and only gate turns dream into reality.

Aug 28, 2028 - Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos lies picturesquely on Mirabello Bay in the eastern part of Crete. Its charming small town has developed into a popular holiday resort thanks to its beautiful beaches and its convenience as a center from which to explore eastern Crete. Visit the island's capital, Heraklion, and the famous site of Knossos. Many of the artifacts and frescoes unearthed at Knossos are now in Heraklion's renowned museum. Among the artists who came from this port city was El Greco, who was born near Heraklion in 1541. The area around the harbor and the side streets are lined with souvenir and handicraft shops. Tavernas along the harbor front offer tasty local dishes. Spinalonga Island is located 15 miles from Ághios Nikólaos. Formerly the site of a leper colony, the island is popular with sun worshippers who enjoy its picturesque setting. Other attractions include the remains of a 16th-century Venetian fort.

Aug 29, 2028 - Mykonos

Mykonos's many captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated Greek holiday islands. Its main village is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined with white-washed houses, many with bright blue doors and shutters. As an attractive backdrop, famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind grain. Mykonos has churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a number of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over white-washed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water-skiing and surfing, visitors find endless shopping opportunities. Artists have relied on Mykonos' beautiful setting to inspire them. The most photographed site is the Paraportiani, a cluster of white-washed churches resting below windmills. Mykonos's museums include an Archaeological Museum, which houses relics from the Trojan War, a Folk Art Museum and a Maritime Museum. The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos and Elia.

Aug 30, 2028 - Bodrum

Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum is known as a popular holiday resort. Enchanting villages of white painted houses trimmed with purple bougainvillea together with miles of sandy beaches and ideal locations for water sports. On the southern coast of the peninsula lie the golden sandy beaches at Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar, while on the western side are Gumusluk, Yalikavak and Turgut Reis. For those who want seclusion, the northern coast boasts Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan - all small simple fishing villages, ideal for those who want a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. While the nights in Bodrum town itself are noisy, crowded and vital, these smaller villages offer cozy taverns and restaurants over-looking quiet bays and can all be reached easily by car or even by boat.

Aug 31, 2028 - Kusadasi (Ephesus)

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.

Sep 01, 2028 - At Sea

Sep 02, 2028 - Istanbul

This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.