Have questions? We're here.
The sunny shores of Greece

Rome to Athens: Enchanting Greece

Example 8 Day Cruise
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Mediterranean trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Treat yourself to some of the Mediterranean’s most exquisite coastlines and most picturesque ports as you embark on a Mediterranean cruise along the beautiful Amalfi Coast and shores of southern Greece. Rome, the Eternal City, is a perfect blend of fashionable shopping and classic exploration. Athens, birthplace of democracy, finds the ancient ruins of the Acropolis rising above the cheerful bustle of the Plaka, each offering a myriad of delights. You’ll discover spectacular views in every port, from the Greek Theater in Taormina to the dramatic natural beauty of Lipari. And each small harbor is especially suited for small ship exploration, from enticing shops, cafes, and coffee houses to the enchantment of ancient villages still teeming with energy.
Enjoy coastal towns in the MediterraneanExplore the streets of RomeHistorical sites in AthensHistorical Rome, ItalyThe sunny shores of Greece
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Civitavecchia / Rome

2,500 years of history are woven into the fabric of modern Rome. You can feel it in the glory of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Or as you wander sidestreets that open onto piazzas, fountains, Bernini sculpture, and elegant courtyards. Famous treasures are legion in Rome: the Colosseum…the Forum…St. Peter’s Cathedral…the Trevi Fountain…the Spanish Steps. Take time out between sights to do as the Romans do: enjoy a three-hour lunch, shop, people-watch, or savor the best gelati in the world. Settle into your cabin this evening and prepare for your upcoming Mediterranean adventure.

Day 2: Capri, Italy

The first port of call on your Greece tour is a stop at the glamorous Capri, which has been a haven for the rich and famous since the days of Roman Emperors Tiberius and Augustus. After centuries of pirate attacks, capture by Napoleon, and other distractions, the island was “rediscovered” as a resort destination in the latter half of the 19th century. Then again in the 1950s and ‘60s when it became a favorite haunt of movie stars like Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Kirk Douglas, Liz Taylor, Sophia Loren, and others. The beauty of the island is legendary, its limestone cliffs carved into magnificent caverns, grottoes, and stacks framed by cerulean blue waters. Don your sunglasses and scarf for an incognito ride up the funicular to town. Head to Positano, the iconic pastel village clinging to the Amalfi cliffs. Or take a small boat into the mysterious Blue Grotto where the eerie blue light feels like navigating through sky.

Day 3: Lipari, Italy

Celebrated by the poet Homer, who described it as “a floating island, a wall of bronze and splendid smooth sheer cliffs," Lipari is the largest of the 17 Aeolian Islands, and also the name of its only real town. Rising from the cobalt seas on the northeast of the Sicilian coast, Lipari’s location makes it a popular base for exploring the archipelago. However, this fascinating place more than holds its own as a worthy destination. Located on a plateau of red volcanic rock on the southeastern shore, Lipari boasts two beaches on either side. Its mountains, volcanoes and stunningly beautiful waters attract adventure-seekers from throughout the world. Settled in the 4th millennium B.C., the island offers such historic sites (and sights) as the impressive cliff top citadel. Built in the 1500s, the citadel’s high defensive wall still stands, enclosing the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, an archaeological museum and two baroque churches.

Day 4: Giardini Naxos, Italy

The seaside resort of Giardini Naxos lies cozily situated on the coast of the Ionian Sea. Founded in 734 B.C., and a quiet fishing village until the early '70s, now it is famous for delightful beaches, panoramic views, and as the gateway to Taormina on Monte Tauro above. Before heading up to Taormina it’s worth checking out the Greek temple of Apollo Archegetes, the Naxos Museum of Archaeology, located in the Tower of Capo Schisò, where items from recent excavations in the area can be found, the Archaeological Park, with remains of the old Giardini Naxos wall, and Vignazza Tower, a watchtower built in 1544 and used to watch for pirate boats. Discover the winding medieval streets in lovely Taormina, Italy’s best-known resort, with a backdrop of Mount Etna and dramatic views of the bay. Easily explored on foot, see one of the most popular ruins in Sicily, the beautiful and remarkably preserved Ancient Theatre. Other sites to visit include Palazzo Corvaja, built in the 10th century, and whose central core is an Arabic tower, Corso Umberto, an energetic street lined with shops and bars, Madonna Della Rocca, a 1640 sanctuary, Greek Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C. and still used for performances, and Via Bagnoli Croce, an exotic public garden.

Day 5: At Sea

This is your invitation to a day of indulgence. Treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience. Stretch out by the pool with your favorite beverage. Grab a great book or your favorite movie from the library. Stretch your muscles with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Dine in sumptuous casual style, or wrap yourself in that comfy waffle-weave robe and enjoy your meal in the privacy of your beautiful stateroom. Your delight is the single priority for your day at sea.

Day 6: Gythion, Greece

Truly one of the world’s original great urban centers, the port city of Gythion was founded by the ancient Phoenicians prior to 400 B.C. Gracing the isolated southern edge of the Peloponnese, the city has a rich political and cultural heritage. The site of many ancient battles, today Gythion is a port that is known for its ferries to Kythira and Crete as well as its superb seafood.

Day 7: Monemvasia, Greece

Accessible only by a 1,312-foot causeway joining it to the mainland, Monemvasía was separated from the mainland by an earthquake in A.D. 375. The town walls and many of the churches remain from Byzantine times. The oldest church is St. Paul’s, built in 956 and now a museum. The most well known church is Christos Elkomenos, in the main square, and closer to the sea is the 16th century, whitewashed Our Lady of Hrisafittisa. The town is split into lower town and upper town and the narrow, winding streets are a walker’s delight. See numerous ruins of the first 800 houses built here, and high above, in upper town, castle walls still stand majestically on the summit. So much history is found in the public buildings, cisterns, and the Fortress of Goulas, which is entered by a tunnel. Other sites to see include the old bishop’s residence, Cami mosque, and the Turkish bathhouse. Sun and beach lovers will find the two beaches, Mandraki Beach and Pori Beach beautifully relaxing.

Day 8: Athens, Greece

Disembark this morning in Piraeus for your continued journey home, or remain to explore Athens. Above the city, looking out towards the blue Aegean, stands the Acropolis. Here lie the ruins of a culture 2,500 years old: the Propylaea; the Temple of Athena Nike; the Erechtheum temple, and, most famous of all, the Parthenon. Meanwhile, modern day Athens is a blend of past and present. Historical and archaeological museums are popular attractions along with performing arts and sporting events.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Notes

Select a Date

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

Mediterranean Travel Guide

Favorite Mediterranean All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By