Cradles of the Mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean: From Palermo to Piraeus 9 Day Expedition Cruise
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09.04.23-09.12.23
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8 Nights
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Embark on a captivating voyage through time on our Highlights of Ancient Greece cruise. Minoans, Ancient Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Venetians, Turks have all laid claim to these lands leaving behind a rich legacy of history and architecture. Aboard our small 5-star cultural cruising ship, you’ll begin your historical journey in the vibrant, multicultural city of Palermo in Sicily and discover some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world outside of Greece. From there, we explore part of the Peloponnese region of southern Greece and learn more about the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia. We finally conclude our voyage on board our boutique ship at the Acropolis in Athens, the most famous Ancient Greek remains in the world.

Trip Highlights

Munch your way around the Palermo’s bustling street markets
Learn more about Archimedes while searching for his tomb in the necropolis at Siracusa
Sit among the ruins at Olympia, home of the first Olympic Games in 775 B.C.
Uncover Rethymno’s multicultural past and explore its picturesque lanes
Wander medieval alleyways in the 6th-century castle town of Monemvasia

Itinerary

Palermo, Sicily
Day 1
A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot offering up centuries of history and a street food bonanza. Three bustling markets Capo, Bollaro and Vucciria await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Narrow side streets lead to hidden palaces and churches along Via Maqueda. The Palazzo dei Normanni, once the seat of Sicilian kings during Norman rule, showcases the city’s past opulence.
Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Day 2
Named after the philosopher Empedocles, Porto Empedocles, on Sicily's south-western coast, is a gateway to Agrigento's highlights, including the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 5th century BC, boasts some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins worldwide. Nearby the town of Agrigento has a medieval core and various archaeological sites.
Siracusa, Sicily
Day 3
Once the biggest city in the ancient world, Siracusa, Sicily, showcases its history with ancient Greek ruins amid citrus orchards, traditional cafes on baroque piazzas, and ancient winding lanes to the sparkling sea. Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, founded by Corinthian colonists in 734 BC, is one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Nearby, the eerie necropolis houses famed locals like mathematician Archimedes
Crotone
Day 4
Along Calabria's coast of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, port town Crotone features the 16th-century Castle of Charles V, containing a museum with an ancient golden tiara found in the area. Nearby Capo Colonna Archaeological Park is named for its promontory column. Crotone mixes ancient city walls and the Black Madonna cathedral alongside Calabrese restaurants serving traditional pasta and sausage dishes.
Katakolon
Day 5
Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is a short drive away from the pretty Greek harbour town of Katakolon. The ancient stadium sat 45,000 at the first Olympics in 776 BC, and then every four years, to honour the god Zeus. Even the marble starting blocks remain. At the Temple of Zeus, a 12m-tall gold statue of Zeus once stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
Monemvasia
Day 6
Monemvasia, a medieval castle town on a small islet attached to Greece's mainland, is among Europe's most picturesque and well-preserved medieval towns. Set on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the sea, it thrived as a crucial trading port during the Byzantine and Venetian eras. With narrow cobblestone streets, winding alleyways and charming stone houses, the town invites exploration of castle ruins, churches, boutique shops and rooftop dining.
Rethymnon, Crete
Day 7
First inhabited by the Minoans, the Venetians and then the Turks, this romantic port, called Rethymno in Greek, on the island of Crete is a testament to its multicultural history. The town's charming Venetian-Ottoman quarter features ancient mansions with floral canopies, ornate monuments and enchanting, colourful lanes. The well-preserved medieval Venetian fortifications of the imposing Fortezza castle stand guard over the town.
Nafplion
Day 8
Regarded as one of Greece's most romantic cities, Nafplion, supposedly founded by Poseidon's son Nafplios, was the first capital of modern Greece from 1823 to 1834. Nafplion's charm spans ancient fortresses like Acronafplia, dating from the Bronze Age and Roman times, to its pebbly coastline and waterfront promenade with cafes and shops. The highlight of the well-preserved old town is the 17th-century Palamidi fortress, built by the Venetians.
Piraeus
Day 9
Greece's cosmopolitan capital, Athens, connected by Piraeus port, is an exciting blend of ancient and modern. The Grand Promenade seamlessly links the city's main archaeological sites, and a visit isn't complete without exploring the Acropolis—a hill housing ancient ruins, including the iconic Parthenon. For deeper insights, the Acropolis Museum awaits, and a marble path ascends Filopappou Hill, offering majestic views of the 'high city.'
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