Mediterranean Gardens and Wildflowers of Greece and Italy by Small Ship

Arrive in Athens today before 3.00 pm. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to get to know your fellow travellers. Stay: NJV Athens Plaza Hotel or similar (D)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we head to Sparoza Garden. Originally a private retreat, the garden has been meticulously maintained by the Mediterranean Garden Society. The experimental garden serves as a horticultural laboratory, putting the resilience of Mediterranean plants to the test during the region's trying summer conditions. Featured on Monty Don's Adriatic Gardens series, Sparoza boasts a diversity of plant species sourced from Greece, as well as South Africa, California, Mexico, and Australia.

Later this afternoon, we embark MS Caledonian Sky. Our first onboard concert brings together the music of Greece, America and Australia. Hear Ravel's Popular Greek Melodies, the American folk songs of Aaron Copland, and songs by Australian composer Peggy Glanville-Hicks, who made her home in Greece, where she was inspired by the landscape, history and mythology of the region. Stay 12 Nights: MS Caledonian Sky (B/D)

Our vessel takes us across the waters of the Aegean Sea to arrive at the enchanting island of Sifnos. Here we admire gleaming white churches and homes adorned with vibrant vines of pink bougainvillea. Choose to tour the island, visiting its capital, Apollonia, the Monastery of Panagia Vryssiani, and the idyllic villages of Kástro and Artemida. Alternatively, visit the historic Acropolis of Agios Andreas and the Castle of Sifnos. Afterwards, join an enlightening pottery demonstration. For centuries, Sifnos has been known as the region's centre of pottery production. (B/L/D)

Today, we arrive on the iconic island of Santorini, a Greek gem renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Embark on a panoramic tour highlighting the island's stunning landscapes and culminating in a visit to Oia, widely regarded as Santorini's most picturesque village. Join a guided walking tour across cobblestone streets to admire the cliffside mansions and historic houses of Oia. The afternoon is yours to explore Santorini at your own pace or simply unwind aboard the ship.

This evening, we immerse ourselves within a soundtrack of jazz and Latin standards, performed by our onboard pianist. The vocal talents of soprano, Judith Dodsworth, further elevate the joyous atmosphere aboard our ship. (B/L/D)

We cross the waters of the Aegean to arrive on the island of Crete. Choose to embark on a full-day adventure to the Lasithi Plateau. Here you will discover an array of spring wildflowers, including vibrant tulips and anemones. Explore the charming village of Tzermiado and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a morning tour to Knossos Palace, the ancient capital of King Minos. Discover the ruins of the palace complex, encountering several of the 1300 rooms, adorned with ancient frescoes.

Tonight's special concert is a rendition of Kevin March's ‘Mythweaver'. This moving sequence of songs is set to fragments of poetry by the ancient Greek poetess, Sappho of Lesbos. (B/L/D)

Further west along the island, visit the plateau between Spili and Gerakari, known as Gious Kambos. This area is renowned for endemic Cretan plants. We may also spot various orchid hybrids, and possibly the Snake Iris and Crete Iris. This afternoon, you have the option of visiting the Botanical Garden of Crete, which features almost 20 hectares of fruit trees, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants. Alternatively, visit an olive oil farm to gain insight into its harvesting, pressing, bottling and, of course, tasting. (B/L/D)

Our ship docks in the port of Gythio this morning. From here, we set out for the enchanting town of Monemvasia. Crossing the sea by means of a causeway, we approach the colossal rock that harbours the town beyond. Entering Monemvasia's fortifications, we then discover the true allure of this medieval town, where a labyrinth of narrow streets and winding stairways brings us to a collection of stone houses, walled gardens and courtyards.

Join a guided walking tour to explore the town's castle, before arriving at the historic Liotrivi mansion. The estate was once cultivated by the family of Eleftherios Ritsos, father of renowned Greek poet, Yiannis Ritsos. Taste the local olive oil specialties and enjoy a lunch of regional delicacies and wine.

Return to the ship for a leisurely afternoon in Gythio. In preparation for our tour of Olympia, we present music inspired by the Olympic Games, including ‘Amigos Para Siempre', ‘Dare to Dream' and ‘You're Not Alone', as well as others that have inspired athletes to go faster, higher, stronger. (B/L/D)

Step back in time as we reach the historic site of Olympia, nestled amid the shade of Aleppo pines and olive trees, linked forever to the Olympic Games. Explore the gymnasium, stadium, and the palestra (wrestling school). Make your approach to the Altis, the sacred precinct which reveals the Temple of Zeus, the largest temple on the Peloponnesian peninsula. At the Archaeological Museum, we see several exquisite sculptures and artefacts which were unearthed from the site. This afternoon we make our way to Argostoli, on the island of Kefalonia. (B/L/D)

Made famous by the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the Ionian island of Kefalonia has great charm. In the capital, Argostoli, we see the distinctive Doric form of its lighthouse, before driving to the otherworldly Cave of Melissani. Hidden from view by the surrounding trees, the lake within the cave boasts crystal-clear waters that shimmer in response to the sunlight streaming through the opening of the cave.

Afterwards, we visit Kefalonia Botanical Garden, then return to the ship for lunch. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard the ship. Tonight, with Captain Corelli's Mandolin as our muse, we're guided in an exploration of film music, featuring composers such as Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone, among others. (B/L/D)

Corfu has long been known as ‘The Garden Isle,' owing to its higher-than-average rainfall, which results in a lush environment. While here, you have the option to explore some of the island's private gardens. Otherwise, enjoy your morning at leisure, before participating in a cooking demonstration this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Our crossing of the Ionian Sea brings us to Italy's south-eastern shores and the port city of Brindisi. From here, choose to visit the town of Alberobello, where rows of distinctive trulli houses populate the region. Alternatively, head to La Cutura Botanical Garden. Designed in the classic rural style of the late nineteenth century, the former estate's renowned botanical garden hosts one of the region's richest collections of rare plants.

Tonight, enjoy several gems from the golden age of Italian opera, focusing on the revolutionary composer, Giuseppe Verdi, and featuring some of the soaring melodies from the operas La Traviata, Rigoletto and Otello. (B/L/D)

Navigating the Gulf of Taranto, our ship soon delivers us south to Crotone, a coastal city in the Calabria region. Explore the ruins of its ancient settlement and delve into the history of the town during a visit to the Castle of Carlos V. Visit the Pythagoras Garden, a tribute to the philosopher whose school was established here around 530 BC. The Park Project, a blend of science, art and history, demonstrates the mathematical and philosophical legacy of Pythagoras through its 17 exhibits. (B/L/D)

Arrive in the Sicilian city of Catania, where you will choose between two excursions. Visit the stunning hilltop town of Taormina, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a walking tour and discover the Greek-Roman amphitheatre, as well as the garden of Florence Trevelyan. Florence was an English gardener, as well as a pioneering wildlife conservationist. The scandal which followed a royal romance saw her leave England for Sicily, whereupon she created the beautiful garden on Isola Bella.

Afterwards, we have free time to enjoy the atmosphere of Taormina and its stunning town square. Alternatively visit nearby San Giuliano Garden. The garden is owned by the current Marquis of San Giuliano, who commissioned three distinct garden spaces: an Arabic room, a tropical room and a scented room, all divided by low stone walls and enclosed by the estate's huge and bountiful citrus orchard.

Enjoy a Farewell Dinner aboard the ship this evening, as well as an evening of jazz standards, love songs and requests from Judith and her talented accompanist. (B/L/D)

Dock this morning in the Maltese port of Valletta. Here, we disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or choose to extend your journey in Malta with our three-day Stately Homes and Gardens of Malta tour (BTMAL3). (B)