Civitavecchia (Rome) to Piraeus (Athens)

The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!

Many passengers use Civitavecchia as a stepping stone to the ancient wonders of Rome, which are a mere hour or so away by train or road. But with its pretty piazzas, strollable seafront promenade, and bustling open-air markets, the historic fishing port is a destination unto itself. Highlights include the impressive 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, built to defend the harbor from pirate raids; the mineral-rich Ficoncella Thermal Baths, beloved by locals and visitors alike; and the beautiful Baroque architecture of Cattedrale di San Francesco and Santa Maria dell’Orazione. Don’t leave without sampling the fresh, local seafood, preferably washed down with a glass of crisp Frascati.

The largest jewel in the necklace of Pontine Islands, off the coast of Lazio in Italy, is a more authentic choice for vacationers from Rome and Naples – Pontius Pilate was among the first to spend his summers here. Easy on the eye with its brightly painted buildings clinging to the soaring cliffs, Ponza’s steep cobbled lanes swell with visitors in the height of summer – it’s a place to experience a vacation Italian-style. To some extent, this island is all about the sea that laps its shores – lounge around on the sands, swim in the blue waters and natural pools of the Med, rent a boat and discover coves that aren’t accessible on foot or circumnavigate the neighboring islands, Palmarola and Zannone. But there is also history – real and rumoured – to unearth. This is said to be the lair of the sorceress Cerce; it was certainly a fiefdom of the Romans. The network of tunnels they dug at the Grotte di Pilato and their ancient cistern on Via Dragonara are among the remnants that still exist from those times.

There’s far more to this lively port city than its location as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The Centro Storico – one of the region’s best-preserved medieval centers – is an atmospheric maze of cobbled streets and alleys, dotted with trattorias offering authentic Neapolitan cuisine to a mostly local clientele. The city’s Duomo has breathtakingly ornate interiors, rich with intricate mosaics and vivid frescos, while up above the city, the 6th-century Castello di Arechi offers spectacular views across the rooftops to the Gulf beyond. Quite why Salerno remains under the radar is a mystery.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Known as the "Flower of the Levant," Zakynthos offers breathtaking natural beauty. Often referred to as Zante, the Greek island situated in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of mainland Greece, and is part of the Ionian Islands group, which are world renown for their stunning natural beauty, with turquoise waters, scenic beaches, and a lush interior landscape. The island’s famous beach Navagio, with its iconic shipwreck and turquoise waters, is a must-visit, as are the enchanting Blue Caves, where you can immerse yourself (quite literally) in the island's maritime beauty with snorkeling and diving adventures. Wander through Zakynthos Town's charming streets, stopping off at Solomos Square, named after Greece's national poet Dionysios Solomos, and the Byzantine Museum to explore the island's artistic and historical treasures. When you’ve worked up a sufficient hunger, find a table at a taverna to try savory Greek cuisine such as moussaka and souvlaki. Don't miss out on local specialties like "skordostoumbi," a garlic-infused pasta dish, or "bourekia," delectable pastries filled with cheese or meat, and "ladotyri," a unique cheese matured in olive oil. Local wines such as Verdea and Avgoustiatis, perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Souda Bay’s huge natural harbour is a spectacular entrance to Greece's largest island, Crete. Packed with beautiful beaches and rich maritime history, Crete is also a treasure trove of well-stocked museums, rich archaeological sites and charming Venetian fishing towns. Ships will dock at the Port of Souda.

Top Things to Do in Souda Bay:

• admire the Arkadi Monastery
• stroll through the Old Town of Chania
• visit a Cretan winery and taste the local wine
• explore Rethymnon and its Fortezza
• visit the Agia Tradia Monastery

If you are looking for an island that exudes timeless charm and Mediterranean beauty, and captivating experiences then you have come to the right place in Spetses. Part of the Saronic Islands archipelago, located southwest of Athens. This island jewel offers a tranquil escape from the mainland's bustle. The island is steeped in history, and played a pivotal role in Greece's struggle for independence, notably on the September 8, 1822. The island's skilled sailors and ships, including the powerful warship "Agios Nikolaos," participated in the naval engagement against the Ottoman fleet in the Saronic Gulf. This battle was a crucial victory for the Greeks, boosting their morale and contributing to the overall effort to gain independence. The Old Harbor's neoclassical mansions echo its aristocratic past. Wander the car-free streets of Spetses Town, admiring ornate architecture and quaint alleys and looking for signs of the island’s history, or take a horse-drawn carriages to discover the island’s narrow streets with an old-world allure. Then, bask on pebbled beaches or venture into the pine-clad hinterland for hiking and biking trails.

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' and a historian’s delight. Uncover the awe-inspiring Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Afterward, wander through Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and charming tavernas. For lunch, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine like moussaka or souvlaki. Head to the National Garden for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll amid lush greenery and historical statues.

Athen's city center is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Piraeus and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride to the airport from Piraeus will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).