Ode On A Grecian Journey

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!

Serving as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century, Civitavecchia is located about an hour (80km/50mi) from the centre of Rome. For guests arriving and departing from the airport in Rome, a transfer to Civitavecchia port should be organised ahead of time with your cruise line. Details will be provided in your travel documentation after booking. The port area itself offers diverse dining options, and inside, facilities include accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a spacious waiting area. The port also offers complimentary shuttle buses to transfer guests between the ship and the port terminal.

The lively seaport of Salerno is a thriving modern metropolis with ancient origins. Its elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade, offers far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. The city boasts an ideal location with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Salerno:

• explore the ruins of Pompeii
• enjoy a scenic drive to Ravello
• visit the post-card worthy Positano
• cruise the Amalfi Coast in a boat

Between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna lies the picturesque city of Catania. Destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century, Catania has been beautifully restored and offers ancient churches, castles and amphitheaters, lush gardens and lovely palazzos to explore. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Catania:

• take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
• explore Taormina’s medieval streets
• enjoy a tasting at a local winery
• visit the cliff top town of Castelmola
• tour the ancient ruins of Syracuse

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east 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. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic.

You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

Tucked neatly under Italy’s heel, Taranto boasts a fascinating diversity of architectural styles due to the numerous invasions suffered by the city. A city of two distinct parts, the 'old city' is built on a small artificial island with a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways while the swankier 'new city' is replete with wide avenues. Ships will dock at the Port of Taranto.

Top Things to Do in Taranto:

• explore the Aragonese Castle
• visit the Taranto Spartan Museum
• journey to the Cave City of Matera
• go dolphin and whale watching
  

A modern port with an ancient past, Igoumenitsa sits nestled in the cove of the Gulf of Igoumenitsa. This coastal city offers beautiful beaches, pine-topped hills, lush green forests, and crystal blue waters to discover. Ships will dock at the New Port of Igoumenitsa.

Top Things to Do in Igoumenitsa:

• explore historic Giannina
• visit the ancient theatre in Dodoni
• travel to the Meteora Monasteries
• relax on Drepano Beach
• wander through the ruins of Nikopolis
• stroll Igoumenitsa's lovely seaside road

Perched on the Adriatic Sea, the city of Bari has long served as an important port city for both ancient and modern Italy. The city's Old Town beckons visitors to explore with its medieval churches, pedestrian-friendly plazas, and its labyrinth of crooked streets and passageways. Ships will dock at the Port of Bari.

Top Things to Do in Bari:

• visit the Castel del Monte
• explore the nearby town of Trani
• descend into the Grotte di Castellana caves
• admire the cone buildings of Alberobello
• see the Matera Sassi cave dwellings

Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea to the west and the limestone-covered mountain range of Mt. Lovćen to the east, this historic city boasts a magnificent natural setting. Ships will dock or anchor offshore at this port.

Top Things to Do in Kotor:

• take in the view from St John's fortress
• explore Old Town
• hike at Lovćen National Park
• spend the day in Budva

The famous medieval city of Dubrovnik, known as 'the pearl of the Adriatic', is found behind massive stonewalls that protect winding streets, charming squares, and red-roofed buildings dating back to the 7th century. Larger ships will dock at Gruz Harbour, while some smaller ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to the Old Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik:

• drive along the Dalmatian coast
• take a cruise along the Dubrovnik Riviera
• stroll the streets of the UNESCO Old City
• visit the traditional village of Ljuta

A hidden gem of the Adriatic, Zadar is rich with thousands of years of history. The city offers beautiful beaches, charming promenades, preserved ancient architecture and fascinating historical monuments. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Zadar:

• explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
• wander the streets of Zadar's Old Town
• visit the Zadar Archaeological Museum
• relax on Saharun Beach
• listen to the music of the Sea Organ
• visit the Museum of Ancient Glass

Your ship will dock at the Trieste Cruise Terminal, located right in the heart of the city. This makes it easy to explore Trieste’s rich history and charming architecture. Key attractions like Piazza Unità d'Italia, the Roman Theatre, and Miramare Castle are easily accessible by foot or a short bus ride. For a scenic adventure, consider a tram ride up to the hilltop village of Opicina, offering stunning views of the city and Adriatic Sea.

Venice is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) away, a journey that takes about 2 hours by train. To visit Venice, take a train from Trieste Centrale to Venice Santa Lucia for a scenic and efficient route.

Lying on the Adriatic Sea's eastern shore, Split is known for its terracotta roofs, whitewashed buildings, palm-tree-lined promenade and azure waters. A city of romantic beauty, it was built around the historic Diocletian’s Palace. Ships will dock or anchor at this port.

Top Things to Do in Split:

• explore Krka National Park
• visit the city-island of Trogir
• admire the Diocletian's Palace
• swim in the warm water at Bačvice Beach
• go white water rafting on Cetina River
• explore Vranjaca Cave

Bar is a historic coastal town surrounded by breathtaking mountains, sandy beaches, and crystalline waters. This Adriatic jewel boasts rich history and stunning natural beauty, making it a hidden gem along the coast of Montenegro.

Explore Stari Bar's ancient ruins, with the surrounding valley traversed by a 16th-century Ottoman aqueduct. Marvel at a 2000-year-old olive tree, and visit King Nikola’s Palace.

Bar also serves as a gateway to remarkable locations such as Kotor, Ulcinj, Lake Skadar, and the Haj Nehaj Fortress.

Ships dock at Bar's main pier, providing convenient access for visitors, with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront leading to the heart of the city in approximately 20 minutes.

The lush and verdant island of Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea, midway between Greece and Italy. It is an island of sparkling beaches, mountains splashed with wildflowers, and historical, perched fortresses. Ships will dock at the town of Corfu.

Top Things to Do on Corfu:

• visit the village of Palaiokastritsa
• marvel at the Achilleion Palace
• stroll through the UNESCO listed Old Town
• taste the local liqueur made from kumquats
• explore the Old Fortress
• sail the waters of Corfu

Sparta, located in the heart of the Peloponnese, is a city steeped in ancient history and heroic legends. Known for its military prowess and the valor of its warriors, Sparta offers visitors a glimpse into Greece's storied past. Explore the Archaeological Museum of Sparta, home to a rich collection of artifacts from the classical era, or stroll through the ruins of ancient Sparta, where you can envision the training grounds of legendary soldiers.

You'll dock at the Port of Gythion, located about 43 kilometers (27 miles) from Sparta, taking approximately 45 minutes. Gythion itself is a charming seaside town, perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying local seafood.

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.

Piraeus, the primary port for Athens, is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of the city center. Cruise ships dock at the Piraeus Cruise Terminal, from where it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach Athens by taxi or train. The metro station is within walking distance of the port, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to get to the city.

There are taxi queues outside all gates of the airport. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative) from Athens airport to the port of Piraeus is 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00). Ferries from Piraeus offer connections to all islands of the Aegean, including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Saronic, the North Aegean islands and Crete.

Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Game and a treasure trove of ancient history and culture. Begin your visit at the Archaeological Site of Olympia, home to the ancient stadium where the first games were held in 776 BC. Marvel at the Temple of Zeus, once housing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and explore the ruins of other significant structures like the Temple of Hera.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a must-see, displaying a vast collection of artifacts, including the famous Hermes of Praxiteles statue. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush surroundings of the site, reflecting on the history and heritage of this iconic location.

This quaint little seaside town on the Ionian Sea is your gateway to Ancient Olympia, where Greek mythology was born and the first Olympiad was held. Excavation of the ruins of Olympia began in 1875, and Olympia was declared a National Park in 1976. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Katakolon:

• relax on Kourouta Beach
• tour the ruins of Olympia
• visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia
• taste some local wine at Mercouri Estate
• visit a traditional Greek olive farm

Messina is located on the northeastern corner of Sicily and is the panoramic gateway to the island. Sitting on a sickle-shaped harbour and under the gaze of Mt. Etna, the city is a patchwork of churches and antique palaces. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Messina:

• take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
• explore Taormina’s medieval streets
• enjoy a tasting at a local winery
• admire the Messina Cathedral's bell tower
• sail along the Strait of Messina
• eat a Sicilian Cannoli
  
  

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands, blends history and vibrant culture. The iconic La Seu Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture and sea views, is a must-visit. Nearby, explore the Almudaina Palace, a royal residence with rich history and beautiful gardens.

Stroll through the charming old town with its narrow streets, lively squares, and bustling markets. Don’t miss the bustling Mercat de l'Olivar for a taste of local produce and delicacies. For a relaxing break, head to the picturesque Paseo Marítimo, where you can enjoy scenic waterfront views and numerous cafes. Palma offers a delightful mix of historical sights, culinary delights, and seaside relaxation.

Your cruise finishes today in Barcelona, a captivating city on Spain's northeastern coast. If you're extending your stay in the city, start with a visit to La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, then wander through the narrow, historic streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The bustling La Boqueria Market offers a sensory overload with its colorful stalls and local delicacies. Stroll down Las Ramblas for street performances and shopping, and don't miss the stunning views from Park Güell. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum showcases an impressive collection of the artist's early works.