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Cradles of the Mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean: From Palermo to Piraeus 9 Day Expedition Cruise

D2023090408
Dates
09/04/23 - 09/12/23
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
8 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 0
Per Person
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Trip Details

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.

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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 Map
Itinerary
Palermo, Sicily Day 1

A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot. Bustling street markets, ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and millennia of history await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Palermo’s history is complex, to say the least. Middle Eastern, Northern African, and European influences are all melded together here. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, and Vandals have come and gone through the ages, leaving countless treasures in their wake. The 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, built over a 9th-century mosque, houses the tombs of the Norman rulers and is a fitting manifestation of the city’s convoluted past. The opulent Palazzo de Normanni, once the seat of power for the kings of Sicily during Norman rule, is a dazzling display of the opulence that the city’s rulers once enjoyed.

Porto Empedocle, Sicily Day 2

Situated on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles was named after the philosopher Empedocles who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. The marina town serves as a gateway to the highlights of Sicily’s Agrigento region, including the archaeological Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 5th century BC and houses some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world outside of Greece. The nearby town of Agrigento has a medieval core and several interesting archaeological sites. Wander through its narrow, winding alleyways and explore the smart shops, lively restaurants and friendly bars.

Shore Excursion
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Valley Of Temples
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Included
  • Stop at the most important monuments of the area including the Temple of Juno, Temple of Concord and Temple of Hercules
  • Walk to the largest temple of Greek antiquity, the Temple of Zeus, built in the second quarter of the 5th century B.C.
  • With every step through the beautiful landscapes of almond and olive trees, feel the energy of the ancient world around you
Siracusa, Sicily Day 3

Once the biggest city in the ancient world, Siracusa wears its history proudly on just about every street corner. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of heavenly citrus orchards, traditional cafes tumble onto baroque piazzas and ancient lanes lead down to the sparkling Mediterranean, as they have for millennia. The city was founded in 734 BC by Corinthian colonists, and the ruins of the original city can be explored at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological sites. Nearby you can also visit the macabre yet fascinating necropolis, housing some of the region’s most renowned historical figures, including the famed mathematician Archimedes.

Shore Excursion
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Classical Syracuse - Morning Departure
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • While in Neapolis, visit the Latomie of Paradise, a huge cavern once used as a prison, and the enormous grotto, the Ear of Dionysius, to test your echo
  • End your walking tour of Neapolis at the Greek Theatre, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, built in the 5th century B.C
  • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ortygia with a visit to the Piazza Pancali, Corso Matteotti, Archimede Square and Piazza Duomo
Crotone Day 4

Cruise along the Calabrian coast and enjoy the scenery of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. As we pull into the port town of Crotone, notice the 16th-century fortress, Castle of Charles V. Inside its museum is a golden tiara, found nearby in the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park named for its column that stands proud on a promontory. Crotone itself is a delightful mix of old and new, from the ancient city walls to the cathedral notable for its icon of the Black Madonna alongside Calabrese restaurants serving traditional pasta and sausage dishes.

Shore Excursion
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Santa Severina & Farmhouse
  • Duration: 04 h 25 m
  • Included
  • Clinging to a tuff buttress overlooking the Neto River Valley, this charming town will instantly captivate you with its fairytale-like appearance
  • See the magnificent stucco decorations and Baroque paintings by Francesco Giordano at the Carafa Castle
  • Your excursion will also include a visit to the cathedral, the beautiful Byzantine baptistery and the Diocesan Museum
Katakolon Day 5

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is a short drive away from this pretty Greek harbour town. Take time to explore the ancient stadium that sat 45,000 at the first Olympics in 776 BC, and then every four years, to honour the god Zeus. Look out for the marble starting blocks and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, where once stood a 12m-tall gold statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. North of Katakolon, explore wineries or stop for lunch at the harbour and sample some of their produce.

Shore Excursion
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Highlights of Olympia
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Embark on a guided tour that will take you to Olympia, in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past
  • See the site of the Ancient Stadium of Olympia, the largest of its day with a capacity of 45,000 spectators
  • Visit the the Magna Grecia Farm and wander through the grove as you learn the history of the olive trees before enjoying a variety of mezes (appetizers)
Monemvasia Day 6

On a small islet attached to the mainland, the preserved 6th-century medieval castle town of Monemvasia sits under a cliff at the edge of the sea. Ramble around the cobblestone alleys of this storied castle, before stopping for a rooftop lunch at one of the houses.

Shore Excursion
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Monemvasia & The Olivie Oil Tradition
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Walk through the unique medieval city of Monemvasia where you’’ll encounter the Church of Christ Elkomenos that managed to escape ruin and dates back to the 13th century
  • As part of our efforts to uphold the cultural heritage and local traditions of the area, you’ll visit the fully restored historic mansion that was once an olive oil factory and is now a museum
  • Partake in a buffet under the olive trees as your experienced chef prepares traditional Greek delicacies
Rethymnon, Crete Day 7

First inhabited by the Minoans, the Venetians and then the Turks, this romantic port has seen many styles of occupation through the ages. The city’s multicultural history is immediately evident as you begin exploring its enchanting lanes. Venetian fortifications intersperse orthodox and catholic churches and mosques. Ancient mansions with floral canopies and ornate monuments adorn the charming Venetian-Ottoman quarter. The harbour area offers an atmospheric setting for an evening meal, and just above the imposing Fortezza castle stands guard over the town. If you are feeling energic, take a walk to the castle up Palekastro Hill for spectacular views of the sparkling Mediterranean below.

Shore Excursion
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The Palace of Knossos
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy this guided tour through the Palace of Knossos where you’ll visit the king and queen’s quarters as well as the theatre area, potters’ workshops and rooms for state occasions
  • Learn about the people who continued to lived here after the catastrophic eruption of the volcano in Santorini around 1.500 - 1.450 B.C.
  • Hear the story of how the palace was restored by Sir Arthur Evans, and though criticized for its modernity has been helpful for tourist to visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity
Nafplion Day 8

Considered one of Greece's most romantic cities, Nafplion was supposedly founded by Poseidon's son, Nafplios. The city was the first capital of modern Greece from 1823 to 1834. Nafplion's charm spans from ancient fortresses like Acroconafplia, dating back to the Bronze Age and Roman times, to its alluring coastline with pebble beaches and a picturesque waterfront promenade, lined with cafes and shops. Nafplion is a charming city with a well-preserved old town. The highlight of the old town is the Palamidi fortress, built by the Venetians in the 17th century.

Shore Excursion
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Argolis Unesco Sites Of Greece
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Your first stop is the famous Theatre of Epidaurus, the best-preserved ancient Greek Theatre built in the 4th century B.C. with incredible acoustics that reach all 12,000 seats
  • Visit the site of the first in-depth excavations carried out by the German archaeologist Schliemann in 1876 whose work exposed the famous Lions Gate entrance to the city
  • See the Beehive Tomb with its unique shape that stands today as a testament to the extraordinary architecture of the time
Piraeus Day 9

Greece’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital is served by Piraeus port and is an exciting mix of ancient and modern. Walk the Grand Promenade that winds beneath the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. This walkway, built during the 2004 Olympic Games, links the city’s main archaeological sites. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis itself of course. Start with the Acropolis Museum for some informative context and then walk the marble path up Filopappou Hill for majestic views of the ‘high city’ with the iconic Parthenon perched on top (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city).

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK