Rome to Athens

Serving as the primary maritime gateway to Rome, Civitavecchia stands as a vital seaport for the Italian capital. This key entry point for Mediterranean cruises and ferries crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea connects travelers to destinations throughout Italy and beyond. The city is situated 70 km from Rome and 62 km from Fiumicino Airport.

Rising in neat terraced rows from the bustling harbor, the pastel houses of Ponza Town overlook a distinctive mix of sleek yachts and rustic fishing boats moored side by side. With few tourists present, the unspoiled town offers a delightful setting for exploration.

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of 7 islands of volcanic origin, of which only Stromboli and Vulcano are still active volcanoes. The main island is Lipari, which offers travellers arriving by boat a beautiful panorama of its Acropolis, presided over by the Cathedral. Its marina is bustling with shops, boutiques and stalls... it's an island where life is good.

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rising dramatically from the sea in a perfect cone of black lava. As the ship sails in the surrounding waters, passengers gather on deck to watch the island’s smoking summit and the famous Sciara del Fuoco, where glowing ash and stones occasionally tumble down the slope. The volcano last erupted significantly in 2019, and its gentle, frequent activity creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Whether at sunrise or sunset, sailing near Stromboli is an unforgettable moment of raw beauty and quiet awe.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that'It is the greatest work of art and nature.'

Crotone is a historic coastal city in southern Italy, known for its rich Greek heritage and beautiful beaches along the Ionian Sea. The city boasts ancient ruins, including the remains of the Temple of Hera Lacinia at Capo Colonna, and a charming old town with narrow streets and vibrant piazzas. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Calabrian cuisine at local trattorias. Crotone’s scenic waterfront and historical sites make it a captivating destination for those exploring the Calabria region.

Nestled in a sheltered bay along Greece’s Ionian coast, Parga is a jewel of vibrant color and easy charm. Passengers can wander through its cobbled lanes lined with flower-filled balconies and bright façades, or stroll the promenade overlooking the crystal-clear bay. Above the town, a Venetian castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and green hills. Those seeking a swim will find inviting beaches just a short walk from the harbor. Whether relaxing at a waterfront café or exploring the hilltop ruins, Parga captures the spirit of Greece at its most relaxed and picturesque.

A charming port town on Greece's Peloponnese peninsula, Katakolon serves as a gateway to the ancient site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Passengers can explore the ancient ruins with your optional tour. Katakolon itself offers a picturesque waterfront lined with shops and cafes, providing a relaxing prelude or conclusion to the historical exploration of Olympia.

Homer's 'Wise King Nestor' was very wise indeed to build his magnificent palace near Pilos. For the city's harbor of Navarino Bay and the land-locked lake that was the original harbor were a perfect refuge from storms - and invaders. And it was at this site on October 20, 1827, with the help of Britain, Russia and France, that modern Greece attained independence, defeating the Turkish navy in the Battle of Navarino Bay.

From the shore, it's a big rock sticking out into the sea. Then you pass over the causeway, and through an iron fortress gate, and suddenly, the town of Monemvasia is before you, a perfectly preserved Byzantine fortified port, once 60,000 strong, now home to just a few hundred. You can readily see why the name Monemvasia means single entrance! In the rocky hills above, ancient Byzantine ruins loom over the town, while below a maze of red tiled roofs and twisting alleys hide tavernas and cafes and the home of revered Greek poet Yannis Ritsos.

Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity. Piraeus is the port of Athens, just 15km from the city and 45km from the airport.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.