Cruise Itinerary

This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!

Charming Paros is part of the Cyclades, perhaps the most popular region in all the Greek isles. Sure, its island counterparts Mykonos and Santorini may be more well known, but Paros has attractions all its distinctly own (not the least of which is fewer crowds). The very definition of the term “picturesque”, Paros’ town of Parikia welcomes you with its landmark windmill, whitewashed homes with blue painted doors, and gardens of oranges and pomegranates. Meander along the cobblestone streets and soak in the laid-back atmosphere at a harborside taverna.

Experience the vibrant, cosmopolitan charm of Kefalonia. Wind through the crescent-shaped Venetian architecture surrounded by the sounds of classical music. Head to pebbled coves, bijoux boutiques and gelato caverns, or snorkel, dive, kayak and hike through nature in all its Mediterranean glory, surrounded by the scents of pine, lavender and cedar. Slip across to the secluded beaches of Ithaca – home to Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ and vibrant underwater reefs. And relax at lavish seafood eateries and sip robola as you mingle amid refined, elegant guests.

Marvel at this chic walled city paved with a wealth of aristocratic palazzi, ancient forts and epic Adriatic views. Enter grand Pile Gate to lose yourself in intricate alleys, stage-set squares, museums and baroque churches. Ease out of town to kayak around sturdy ramparts, taste Dalmatian wines in the Konavle countryside, and visit archaic Cavtat and history-packed Mostar. Escape the crowds to cacti-clad Lokrum for a spot of yoga and botanical walking, or join in to graze at trendy restaurants on the rocks. It’s no wonder the glitterati flock to the strength of this charming and inspiring medieval Dalmatian marvel.

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.

Delve into ancient palaces, century-old galleries, and modern-day exhibits as you whirl through Venice. Walk through masterpieces, catch an opera, gaze at medieval buildings, blow Murano glass and drift down the Grand Canal by gondola to visit churches, convents and campi “squares” that vary in spirit and scale. Cross hump-backed bridges, reach teeming Piazza San Marco’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, or duck down passages to escape reality. From palazzos to perfumeries and the must-see Bridge of Sighs, you’re only moments from a place of beauty in this liquid-gold city of treasures.

Once the western capital of the Roman Empire, Ravenna boasts an incredible eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most of them early Christian mosaics. The oldest, most breathtaking mosaics are in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The tomb of the revered Italian poet Dante within the Dante Museum is also well worth a visit.

Receive a warm welcome in carefree Hvar, with its smattering of historical monuments and Venetian-era stone houses that cling to hills above a palm and superyacht-lined harbour. Call into the Grand Piazza, complete with baroque cathedral and Venetian castle. Beyond the fortified capital, view an ocean-backdrop monastery and the legendary ‘Last Supper’ painting. Reach tiny pine-coated Pakleni islets for some secluded wellbeing, grasp glamour at sea-lapping Carpe Diem and set off through wafts of lavender to isolated Humac or Stari Grad. A warm welcome awaits in the historical elegance of carefree Hvar.

This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!

Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Explore more of Mykonos on a European cruise!

Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Explore more of Mykonos on a European cruise!

It is interesting to note that between the 17th and 20th centuries Jews made up more than half the population as a result of the arrival in 1492 of some 20,000 Jews who had been expelled from Spain. They engaged in all trades and professions and played a predominant part in commerce and industry. Thessaloniki's main hub centers around Aristotle Square, a traffic- free area surrounded by arcades that house cafes and restaurants. The pedestrian strip along the water's edge makes for a popular seafront promenade. Two of the main thoroughfares, Odos Mitropoleos and Odos Tsimski, are lined with luxury shops and boutiques. On either side of Aristotle Street extends the picturesque Central Market where you will find numerous shops supplying domestic needs

Wind into lively alleys once known as the mecca of tobacco. Climb cobbled streets to Kavala’s old town and the Byzantine walled fortress. Wander the scenic walls to the whitewashed lighthouse for a chance to spot Mount Athos. Watch the amphitheatre put on a show at the top of Panagia, then descend into the Imaret complex of domes. Amble the taverna and bar-filled pedestrianised streets around Agios Nikolaos church and visit the atmospheric old hammam and mosaic memorial before routing to the ancient UNESCO city of Philippi. Refresh in waterfalls at the foot of Mount Pangaion, stroll to village watermills, neo-classical mansions, a celebrated winery and stockpile home-made honey. Float to leafy Thasos for coveted snow-white mined marble, archaeological sites and quaint old stone houses in Kastro. Then relax for Turkish coffee with a side of Greek schnapps in this quietly forgotten corner of Greece.

Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with a wealth of charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. Feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you’re in. By night parties don’t start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

Embark on a European and Asian adventure packed with a wealth of charm and cultural diversity. Roam the ‘blue’ mosque of Sultan Ahmet, the Grand Bazaar, opulent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or sink into a serene Turkish Bath experience. Embrace the city’s vine-shaded homely district where ladies shop for butter-soaked baklava and freshly picked olives. Explore further to haggle for gold jewellery, linen and oriental antiques. Dine in the atmospheric old city or take a ferry to Asia for street-served food. Feast over rich platters of meze, moist grilled bluefish and succulent kebabs. Heighten your senses even further in the spice bazaar with enticing aromas and vibrant, colourful displays. After such a sensorial feast, indulge in a restorative raki, whichever continent you’re in. By night parties don’t start until late, but expect to dance till dawn. Join the late crowd spilling into the streets overlooking the Bosphorus. Sway at European rooftop bars, shimmer by ferry over to the Asian suburbs or remain ensconced in old-fashioned folk venues. An eclectic fusion of east and west, this city is conservative at heart with a truly modern soul.

Spread out between two crescent bays, Bodrum exudes an "artsy" ambiance. With its gleaming white houses and colorful flower gardens it is one of the prettiest resorts on the South Aegean coast. Recently, it has become very popular with the jet set crowd, while at the same time maintaining an intimate air; there are strict zoning laws preventing over development. Bodrum's main draws are pristine beaches, a busy yachting center and historic sites - a great combination to attract those sailing the Aegean Sea. Bodrum was known in antiquity as the site of Halicarnassus, a city whose origin dates back as far as 1000 BC. It was known for its splendid mausoleum, an enormous white marble tomb that King Mausolus had planned for himself. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the structure was obliterated by the ravages of time, archaeologists have arranged models and drawings at the site to provide an idea of what the mausoleum looked like. Bodrum was also the birthplace of Herodotus, who wrote the first comprehensive world history. Today's major cultural attraction is the massive Castle of St. Peter.

Charming Paros is part of the Cyclades, perhaps the most popular region in all the Greek isles. Sure, its island counterparts Mykonos and Santorini may be more well known, but Paros has attractions all its distinctly own (not the least of which is fewer crowds). The very definition of the term “picturesque”, Paros’ town of Parikia welcomes you with its landmark windmill, whitewashed homes with blue painted doors, and gardens of oranges and pomegranates. Meander along the cobblestone streets and soak in the laid-back atmosphere at a harborside taverna.

This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!