Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy-going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometers from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.

More Italian than Italy itself, Naples is the capital of the beautiful region of Campania, and is an unusual city to say the least. Its gulf, dominated by Vesuvius, is one of the world’s marvels. Built by the Greeks and then occupied by the Romans, the city has retained the memory of antiquity, as Castell dell’Ovo illustrates. But Naples has another side to it with its hustle and bustle, narrow streets, clothes hung out to dry at windows, Caravaggio paintings on the walls of a church, and incessant murmur. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savor: don’t forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.

Optional Excursions: 

Pompeii - After disembarking, board your coach for a scenic drive to Pompeii. Pompeii is a town of Campania in Italy located 25 kms from Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Enter the site by the Porta Marina. Similar to a bastion, facing west, together with Porta Ercolano, it is the most imposing of the seven gates of Pompeii. It takes its name from the fact that its road led to the sea. The ring of the walls, visible today, is over 3200 m long. Arriving inside the city, first discover the administrative buildings located on the main square. Next, opening onto via dell'Abbondanza, is the Comitium, an open-air hall where the populus was summoned to exercise their political-administrative rights. It held the administrators, who presided over the assemblies and supervised the voting procedures. Proceed by the Macellum. The building, which was the city's main market, dates from the 2nd century BC and underwent subsequent renovations. Also admire the Basilica dedicated to administering justice and for business negotiations. Passing by the merchant streets cross the Forum baths or public baths that were divided in different sections. They were inexpensive and heavily used: bath time was apparently in the early afternoon. Enter some remarkable villas like the Fauna house or the Vetii house still decorated with Pompeii typical painting (red colored), and maybe get inside the Lupanar. Lupa in Latin means prostitute, and this is the best organized of Pompeii's many brothels, the only one designed specifically for this purpose: the others were simply single rooms, or part of the top floor of a shop.  
Historical Naples - According to the legend, Naples was founded on the tomb of a Syren, who bequeathed her irresistible charm and mysterious appeal to the city legend aside. Naples has perhaps more to offer than any other city in Italy in terms of history art and sheer beauty. During the orientation of the town pass by Piazza Plebiscito where you have the chance to have an outside look of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House. Then the visit continues to the lower Decumano.
Start the visit of the lower decumano nicknamed Spaccanapoli (Naples splitter) because from the vantage point of Castel Sant'Elmo - it seems to divide the city into two nearly equal parts. Outside visit the large Jesuit Church of Gesu' Nuovo with its famous diamond point facade then the gothic church of Santa Chiara built following the orders of Robert Anjou in 1310; walk along the lower decumano and arrive at San Domenico square, heart of the decumano adorned by its guglia (spire) begun in 1658 as a votive offering for delivering from the plague.

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 meters 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 theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Optional Excursions: 

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. 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. 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 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.

ATV Tour - After disembarking by tender, embark on your coach to go to your meeting point in Ragabo Pine Forest, passing by the small town of Naxos, to start your journey. After your equipment and instructions are delivered, drive off-road through the Ragabo Pine Forest to Mount Etna. During your drive, visit an old lava cave and the remains of the past eruptions as the 1923 and 2002 (last big one). Cross the lava mule-tracks surrounded by chestnut and oak woods. Also visit the oldest pine of Mount Etna called the "Zappinazzu" before reaching Piano Provenzana area to see the remains of old lava flows.

Mont Etna is Europe's largest active volcano. The slopes soar up to over 9,800ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you can gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids, and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava. After your adventure, return to Ragabo Pine Forest to leave your quad and drive back to your ship.

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 to 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. With every step discover Olympia's numerous treasures: temples, altars, theaters, and marble and bronze statues. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, the location invites you to share in the lives of the Gods. The Altis enclosed a level space about 200 meters long and nearly 177 meters wide in which were the main centers of worship and buildings associated with the organization of the games. Next to it is the Zeus altar where offerings were made in honor of the god. The votive temples comprised a row of 13 chapels referred to as the Treasure houses, which received the Greek people's offerings. Below the terrace of Treasure houses note the presence of a row of 16 statues of Zeus, paid for with money from heavy fines imposed by the Olympic judges on athletes who cheated or attempted to win by devious means. Outside to the east of the Altis were 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. The terraced seats of the stadium could accommodate 40,000 spectators. 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. The Delphi 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.

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. It was founded in the early 10th century by the hermit St. Lucas, whose relics are kept in the monastery. The main shrine of the monastery is the tomb of St. Lucas, originally situated in the vault, but later placed at the juncture of the two churches, the church of Theotokos and the Catholic Church which is the oldest in the complex.

Continue your journey with a visit of Arachova village. Arachova is a mountain small town and its quaint houses are built up on the north slopes of Mount Parnassos, with 3300 inhabitants, at 800 – 1100m altitude. In 2000 B.C. Homer mentioned in the Iliad two famous generals who took part in the Trojan War, Epistrophos and Schedias, from the old towns of Anemoria and Kiparissos. These old towns were situated around where Arachova stands today. Later, in about 334 B.C. Philip the Second King of Macedonia destroyed both towns and their populations dispersed over the hills until a new town, Arachova, was built. Today the 'jewel' of Parnassos Arachova remains vital because it keeps its traditions alive and the residents remain simple and hospitable. From the first moment you can 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. It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site and endured numerous incarnations before it settled to the ruinous state found today, and which dates back to the 4th c. BC. The Temple of Apollo was first built around the 7th c. BC by the two legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. 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 Delphi, with 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-minute walk.

A few steps from the sanctuary of Apollo, the Delphi museum exhibits the objects found at the archaeological site. It is one of the four largest museums in Greece, with Athens and Olympia. 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 legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary does not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, make discovery after discovery against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theater steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.

Optional Excursions: 

The Archaeological Site of Delos - In ancient times, Delos was a major sacred site, second in importance only to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. The island was covered in a variety of temples and sanctuaries dedicated to various gods. Today, it is a fascinating archaeological site located a short boat ride from the island of Mykonos. It is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of Greece, the largest open-air site in Europe, and it is the oldest. In spite of its relatively small size, there are a lot of houses, temples, and sanctuaries to view. Start your tour with the Sacred Harbor on the west coast of the island. From the harbor at Delos, a majestic sacred way led to the Sanctuary of Apollo, where there were temples, altars, votive offerings and other buildings. There are ruins of four temples of Apollo, one known is the Temple of the Athenians.

Just near by, discover the Terrace of the Lions. Continue to the splendid mosaic floor of a building located in the Theatre Quarter, perhaps the most interesting part of the city, which includes streets, homes, workshops and above all, shops that serviced the very lively trade in Delos. The House of Dionysus, located in the Theatre Quarter, is a good example of a private residence dating from the last quarter of the 2nd century BCE. A covered passage leads from the entrance to an epistyle court, on which open the rooms of the ground floor. This is all walking tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. The guide cannot do a guided visit to the museum.


Nicknamed “little Venice”, Mykonos is famous for its Alefkandra district where houses are built right on the water’s edge. Their multi-colored loggias are emblematic of this Cyclades island, as are the pelicans and windmills. You can get close up to the birds on the quaysides of the old port. Up on the hillside, you can see the windmill sails turning. In the cobbled streets of the pedestrian center, bougainvillea bedeck immaculate facades. As you weave in and out of the little streets, snatches of coastline undoubtedly call you to the island’s beaches, the quietest of which can be found on the northern coast.

Optional Excursions: 

Jeep Adventure - After disembarkation pick up your jeep to begin your adventure, driving through the island’s rugged terrain on a tour that takes you to an old lighthouse. From here continue to Fragma and Agios Ioannis from where you can see Delos island in the distance. As you follow the road to Kalo Livadi, there is a stunning view of rugged rocks and cliffs on both sides, before reaching Ano Mera where snacks and refreshments are served in the peaceful village square. Then, take the road back to your ship.

Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint-John-the-Theologian Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas. You may be drawn to the bustle in Skala harbour and its taverns, famous for their fish soup and tiropita, which is a type of pasty filled with fresh Patmos cheese.

Optional Excursions: 

Safari Photo in Patmos - This tour, covering the south side of the island, not only gives you the opportunity of discovering hidden places but also an opportunity to photograph the most amazing land and seascapes along with developing your creative eye, composing images from geometric form and abstract pattern. After disembarking, embark your minibus to the old village of Chora, the island’s capital and a photographer’s paradise! Your first experience is a panoramic view right over the island and over the 11th-century monastery built like a fort, standing with proud dominance. Be guided through Chora’s labyrinth of winding cobbled streets and maze of arched alleyways which offer you a feast of inspiration. The settlement of houses dating from the fifteen hundreds with their white-washed walls reflect the light casting shadows and creating geometric patterns. The alleys, arches, and doorways display a harmonious balance revealing subtle architectural details which, through your lens, can become exciting atmospheric images trapped in time.

Continue with a 10-minute drive to the top of the mountain of Profit Illias, the highest point of the island, 269 meters above sea level. Next make your descending drive to Diakofti, stopping off to photograph the view of the mystical rock of Petra and then on to a boatyard. Here you have the opportunity to photograph the local islanders at work and the streamline shapes of vessels in dry dock before enjoying refreshment. Fulfilled with great images and pictures in your photo camera return to Skala port.

St. John and Apocalypse Cave - Your ship calls into the island’s central port of Skala in a sheltered bay. From here be taken to the Saint John Monastery. Overlooking Skala port and the island’s southern region, this medieval monastery looks more like a fortress than a house of prayer, and was built to repel attacks by pirates. In 95, Saint John the Evangelist was banished from Ephesus and exiled to Patmos, which in the days of the Roman Empire was where those who were exiled were sent.

After visiting the monastery, the coach takes you back down the route you took earlier, stopping half way at the Apocalypse Cave where the final chapter of the New Testament was revealed to John the Apostle. The Book of Revelation prophecy came to him through a symbolic vision and was written in Greek. The evangelist lived in this cave which today is surrounded by a monastery and school of theology. You can see the resting place outlined in beaten silver where St John laid his head every night. To the right the rock is shaped like a pulpit and is where the disciple, Prochoros, wrote the revelation as dictated by John.

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. Be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, 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.