The whole of the Maltese capital Valetta is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and occupies a peninsula in the northeast of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. Among the city’s countless monuments, you can visit Saint-John’s cathedral, with its splendidly ornate gilding, the Grandmaster's palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes, not to mention the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century. Embark in the evening and start your journey through the Mediterranean. 

Sicily’s second city Catania is dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Etna. Catania was then rebuilt in the late Baroque style, and the many monuments of this epoch have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque churches of the harmonious Via dei Crociferi perfectly illustrate the riches of this architectural heritage. During your stop, be sure to visit Saint Agatha Cathedral with its apses made of lava stones, and its square decorated with a fountain of the Elephant, the animal which allegedly has the power to calm the fury of Mount Etna. 

Optional Excursion:

Syracuse - Board your coach and drive to Syracusa and its archaeological site, a 1-hour drive. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus (used for contests between gladiators and wild beasts), the Altar of Hieron (constructed in the 2nd Century B.C. to celebrate the “Eleutherian Feast”), the Latomie of Paradise (huge caverns once used as prisons), the Ear of Dionysius (an enormous grotto, with extraordinary echoes) and the Greek Theatre (one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th Century B.C. and successively enlarged). Then visit the Arethusa Fountain praised by Pindar and Virgilio and linked to one of the most touching and fine myths. Several nobility palaces – the majority of them originating to the 15th and 16th century – are seen from outside during the walking tour. Return to the port and your ship.

Catania & Cyclops Riviera - After disembarkation, board your coach and start your panoramic drive to Acireale, a 1h 15m drive. Drive along the Ionian Sea on the famous “Cyclops Riviera” with the “Faraglioni“, and pass by the villages of Aci Castello with its Norman Castle of black lava and Aci Trezza, a small fishing village. After a brief photo stop, return towards Catania and enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city-center: Piazza Verga, Via Etnea, Villa Bellini, Piazza Stesicoro. Stop near the Cathedral square and start the walking tour of the city center: Piazza del Duomo, the central square with the elephant’s fountain and the Cathedral (outside visit) originally built by the Normans with its finely made choir stalls. Following your short walking tour, enjoy some free time to browse the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Taormina & Mount Etna - After disembarkation by tender, be taken by coach a 1-hour drive to the ancient Greek town of Taormina. Called Tauromenium in ancient times, Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro and offers superb views, splashed with the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and oleanders, of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella, and a snow-capped Etna in the background. It is home to theaters and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantine, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Start your excursion with a visit on foot to the historic center. Cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile, and Palazzo Corvaja. Then arrive at Teatro Antico, a theater built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans who created a gladiatorial arena. After the visit leave Mt. Etna to Catania, and before returning to pier enjoy a short bus sightseeing of the town center: Via Etnea, Villa Bellini, Piazza Stesicoro, and Cathedral square.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches, and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 metrers above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theater. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Optional Excursions: 

Transfer by Coach to Taormina - After disembarkation by tender be taken by coach for the 30-minute drive to the ancient Greek town of Taormina. A maze of narrow streets, stairs, and tiny squares, Taormina has attracted many civilizations over the centuries. It is home to theaters and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantine, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Taormina houses many monuments from several eras such as Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile, and Palazzo Corvaja. The Teatro Antico was built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans who created a gladiatorial arena. The theater is the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Due to its size and acoustic quality the theater is still used to host festivals and concerts. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breath-taking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro, and Etna.

Taormina and the Ancient Theater - After disembarkation by tender, be taken by coach for the 45-minute journey to the ancient Greek town of Taormina. Start your excursion with a visit on foot to the historic center. Cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile, and Palazzo Corvaja. Then arrive at Teatro Antico, a theater built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans who created a gladiatorial arena. The theateris the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Due to its size and acoustic quality the theatre is still used to host festivals and concerts. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro, and Etna.

This picturesque village stretches along the Ionian sea in the west of the Peloponnese. Its main harbor offers a vast panorama of the coastline’s wooded hillsides. Dazzling white, the church of Saint-Nicolas houses a selection of sumptuous icons to feast your eyes on. You can also pay a visit the archaeological site of Olympus on the slopes of Mount Kronos.

Optional Excursions: 

Olympia and its Museum - From Katakolon port arrive at the Olympia site in the Alpheus valley on the slopes of Mount Cronion. To enter the Olympia sanctuary is to go back nearly 2,800 years in time since the first edition of the Olympic Games took place in the 7th century BC. The most celebrated of the Temples of Zeus is here in Olympia and once featured an ivory and gold statue of the god, a masterpiece by the sculptor Phidias made in 430 BC after victory over the Persians. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next to it is the Zeus altar where offerings were made in honor of the god. Outside to the east of the Altis was the stadium, accessed by a tunnel, which had a large racetrack of 192.25 meters (according to legend that was six hundred times longer than Heracles' foot) and the hippodrome where the sporting events took place. Your visit would not be complete without stopping at the Olympia Museum set amidst cypress and olive trees. It brings together under one roof all the discoveries made on the site, including the sculptured ornaments from the Temple of Zeus.

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, northwest of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea and be tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometers from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains, and their Archaeological Museum is chock-full of cultural delights.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometers long and enables merchant vessels and passengers to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty meters. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Optional Excursions: 

The Monastery of St. Lucas & Arachova Village - From the pier embark your coach for the one-hour drive to the St. Lucas Monastery. On the way, pass by Delphi and Arachova villages. The historic walled monastery is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art, and is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Greece. Continue your journey with the visit of Arachova village. From the first moment feel a different wind blowing up here, and understand why the locals work so hard to upkeep the area's natural beauty. This town is famous for its carpets and blankets woven by hand and for its wines and cheeses. After a short walking tour and time to browse through the narrow streets with the numerous souvenir and local product shops, return to the ship.

Sacred Site of Delphi - Leave the pier by bus and enjoy a picturesque drive through olive groves before reaching the Archaeological Site. Take the Sacred Way that was followed by ancient pilgrims and visitors to the site. The path begins at the southeast corner of the site and winds its way up the hillside, past ancient treasuries and monuments, to the Temple of Apollo. The exterior was decorated with shields captured from the Persians at Plataea. This temple was also of the Doric order and had 6 columns at the front, and 15 columns at the flanks. Today, you can see one complete column of the facade and portions of five more columns. Also visible are the foundations of the outer colonnade and the interior sekos. Continue your walk and pass the spare ruins of the Senate of Delph by a pile of rocks, marking the site of the early Delphi Oracle which according to legend was guarded by the snake Python. For those who wish to visit the Theatre, continue for another 15 minutes walk. At the end of your visit, join your coach and enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Itea before reaching the charming town of Delphi. There is free time left to browse the shops before your return.

The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Don’t be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. For instance, see the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square, as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.

Optional Excursions: 

Epidaurus and Mycenae - At a distance of 30 kms / 20 miles east from Nafplion lies Epidaurus, known for its stunning ancient theater. One of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient world, Epidaurus was dedicated to the God of Medicine, Asklepios. The world-famous Theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, is a marvel of harmony and acoustics and the best-preserved ancient theater in Greece. Built in limestone, it seats 12,000 spectators. Attending the performances of Ancient drama operating during summer period is an unforgettable experience.

Next, board your coach for a drive to the archaeological site of Mycenae. The first in-depth excavations were carried out by the German archaeologist Schlieman in 1876 who was obsessed with finding the grave of King Agamemnon. His diligent work exposed the famous Lions Gate, the entrance to the city which contains the shaft burial graves of some ancient nobles. A short distance away is the Beehive Tomb, so called due to its unusual shape. Following your visit to Mycenae return to the pier.

Ancient Corinth & Corinth Canal - Departing from the port of Nafplion and after one hour and a half drive reach the ancient town of Corinth, where Saint Paul lived and preached for two years. Back in ancient times, Corinth was amongst the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge Agora (Market Place) and Apollo's Temple (6th BC century). The next site to visit is the famous Corinth Canal. The Canal is 4 miles long, 70 feet wide, and has sloping sides which reach 170 feet. The depth is at 26 feet. Its construction commenced in 1881, although the idea of connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas in order to provide a short cut seems to date back to at least Roman times. Have the opportunity to take some wonderful panoramic photos from atop.

This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbor town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-colored caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, within the walls of the “Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary” is a museum of Byzantine art. Collections from the Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.

Optional Excursions: 

Hydra Walking Tour - The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, beautiful port, and waterfront unspoiled by motorized vehicles, but the island itself offers a rugged charm and some spectacular scenes. Together with your guide start your walking exploration through the island's historical landmarks. Your first stop is the Hydra Museum Historical Archives where you may admire 19th-century paintings of considerable artistic value as well as rich documental and photographic material detailing the long maritime tradition and history of the island. Continuing your walk around the port visit the Church of the Dormitian. Next, take the road uphill to reach Koundouriotis Mansion, one of the finest examples of the traditional 18th and 19th-century architecture of Hydra. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Hydra's little alleys and impressive stone houses before you return back to the port. This tour involves approximately 2 ½ hours of walking over uneven ground, cobblestone streets, and steps (70-80 steps). Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colorful streets, and where, in the evenings, the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns tickle your taste buds. Don’t miss anything of the city’s cultural past. Pay a visit to the National Archaeological museum, or the Cycladic Art Museum. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent journey back home.