Athens and Rome

Day 1 Embark the Tere Moana in Athens (Piraeus), Greece/Corinth Canal Transit

The birthplace of Western civilization and modern capital of Greece, Athens is dominated by the spectacular Acropolis, where the ruins of the magnificent Parthenon still stand. You will embark the Tere Moana in Piraeus, the port for this illustrious city, and enjoy time to settle into your stateroom before the ship sets sail this evening.

Be sure to be on deck later on, however, as the Tere Moana enters the fabled Corinth Canal. Built between 1881 and 1893, the canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnesian Peninsula from mainland Greece. Although not completed until the late 19th century, the canal was first attempted as early as the 7th century BC, by the Corinthian tyrant Periander, and the Roman emperors Julius Caesar (44 BC), Caligula (37 BC), and Nero (AD 67) also made the attempt. Less than four miles long and less than 70 feet wide, it is too narrow for a modern freighter to navigate. You, however, will have an up-close look during tonight’s transit of this marvel of engineering.

Day 2 Delphi (Itea), Greece

In ancient times, Delphi was considered the center of the world: the place where heaven and Earth met. Today, this town in central Greece is one of the most important archaeological sites in country: home of the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle prophesied, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 3 Ithaca/Fiscardo (Kefalonia), Greece

A lot of history is packed into Ithaca, a small Greek island on the Ionian sea that is the legendary home of Odysseus. The capital city, Vathay, features the world’s largest natural harbor, where you can enjoy excellent snorkeling, and hiking also lets you take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Then, sail on to Kefalonia, the largest of the lovely Ionian islands. Here, you'll call on Fiscardo, a picturesque fishing village that becomes magical in the twilight, as you'll discover.

Day 4 At Sea

Today, you have a full day to take advantage of the luxurious amenities available aboard the Tere Moana. Attend a lecture, demonstration, or other activity arranged for you by your crew. Enjoy a massage at the spa. Pick up a souvenir at La Boutique. Take a dip in the pool. Or simply relax in a deck chair with a book from our onboard reading gallery.

Day 5 Taormina (Giardini Naxos), Italy

Your port call on Giardini Naxos, on Sicily’s east coast, offers you access to medieval Taormina, which has inspired such writers as Goethe and D.H. Lawrence with its splendid views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. As a stop on the European Grand Tour of the 19th century, it became Sicily’s first resort and remains its greatest one to this day. Attractions include a charming medieval quarter and castle ruins, as well fine shopping and dining. And excellent beaches are just a cable-car ride down the hill away.

Day 6 Lipari, Italy

The largest of the Aeolian islands—a volcanic chain in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily—this ruggedly beautiful island delights the eye with steep cliffs tumbling down to a blue sea. Along the shoreline, you’ll find numerous beaches available, or spend time exploring the main town, also called Lipari, where an archaeological park showcases the city’s ancient Greek roots.

Day 7 Sorrento, Italy

This magical town in the Campania region of southern Italy overlooks the Bay of Naples and offers easy access to Naples and Pompeii. Famous for the production of limoncello, a lemon liqueur, Sorrento features excellent dining, shopping, and nightlife, as well as beaches and hiking trails.

Day 8 Disembark in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Your European idyll draws to a close in the port city of Civitavecchia, where you’ll enjoy breakfast before bidding your captain and crew a fond farewell.