Mediterranean & Adriatic Odyssey

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city's streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world's greatest repositories of history and civilization.

Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting and is known mostly for its pizza. The city has long been a major center of Italian culture and was the seat of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years. So great was its sway that it lured the region's finest architects and artists. In the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves.

Syracuse, set on the shores of the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its ancient ruins as well as the later Gothic, Renaissance and baroque stylings that grace the facades on the island of Ortigia, the oldest inhabited part of the city. Founded in 734 BC, the city became a political and military power in the Mediterranean region by the 5th century BC. Its ancient glory can still be seen today at the expansive Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, Greek theater, the acoustically stunning Orecchio di Dionisio (or “Ear of Dionysius”) and more.

Sail the ocean stage on which civilizations have risen and fallen, where empires ventured forth in their great armadas to control these strategic waters. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Located at the heel of Italy's boot, Bari boasts a sunny, palm-lined promenade, romantic honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards, and Romanesque and baroque churches. It is pure pleasure to take in the distinct Mediterranean atmosphere of this picturesque port, with colorful fishing boats bobbing on the turquoise harbor. History and culture take center stage at the splendid Norman-Swabian Castle; the Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas, named for the city's patron saint; and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italy's most important opera houses.

Built around the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian, Split is one of Croatia's oldest cities. Its promenade commands majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. Despite evidence of Split's origins in the 6th century BC, the city is traditionally considered over 1,700 years old—counting from the construction of the palace. Its well-preserved remains have been seamlessly assimilated into the modern city. An Ethnographic Museum is found at the palace's heart and shops line the passageways of its ancient basement. Diocletian's ancient mausoleum is now a stunning cathedral.

Zadar, once an island separated from the mainland by a deep moat, boasts one of the region's richest histories. For over a millennium, it was the capital of independent Dalmatia and so held great sway with Rome, Venice and other empires. Its impressive city walls attest to its might, and the bold Romanesque architecture of its three churches embodies its religious influence. A maze of cobblestone streets winds through its magnificent Old Town, a remarkable repository of red-roofed, medieval stone houses.

Chioggia is a charming fishing community located at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon and steeped in age-old seafaring traditions. Its combination of canals, bridges and fishing boats have lent it the nickname 'Little Venice.' Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, the main pedestrian street of Corso del Popolo exudes a lively atmosphere amid the aroma of delicious fresh seafood dishes. Chioggia shares a long history of cultural and economic ties with Venice, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is a scenic journey by water taxi from the capital of the Veneto region.

The city of Ancona was founded by Greek settlers and named after the elbow shape of its coastline. During Roman times, the harbor was expanded and its maritime heritage is still evident today. The Arch of Trajan, erected to honor Emperor Trajan for his contributions to developing Ancona's naval base, still stands prominently, marking the entrance to the quay. Ancona's old town is a treasure trove of ancient sites, with wonderfully preserved piazzas and architectural gems, including a Roman amphitheater and the Romanesque-Gothic Ancona Cathedral.

Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its spectacular Adriatic setting, 12th-century medieval streets and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it “paradise on Earth.” It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city's Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary, housing the world's oldest working pharmacy and fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors and by royalty seeking tranquility. Corfu's Old Town and Fortress—fashioned by the once powerful Venetian Republic—comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow warrens lead to one of Europe's largest public squares and a lovely promenade once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Everywhere, magnificent coastal views unfold and scenic byways lead to history-rich enclaves, from the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the stunning Vlacherna Monastery to a former Greek royal villa.

Ionia's largest island offers tranquil fishing villages with taverns serving vibrant local food and spectacular snorkeling spots amid captivating coastlines of hidden coves and beaches. Vineyards rise into forested mountains above turquoise bays where ancient Roman shipwrecks were discovered as recently as 2019. In 1953, an earthquake devastated much of the island's historic architecture, but several villages retain old-world charm. The setting for the bestselling novel and subsequent film, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, this location is sure to capture the imagination.

Kalamáta lies on the southern coast of Greece's mainland and is the perfect base to see some of the country's most impressive ancient sites. The Palace of Nestor is one of the best-preserved structures of the Mycenaean civilization, while the ancient capital of Messene showcases the ambitious planning of urban architecture of its time, with its impressive fortified city walls, amphitheater and temple dedicated Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. The Byzantine City of Mystras was second only to Constantinople at the height of its power and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Athens has been called the “birthplace of democracy.” Its legacy looms large from atop Acropolis Hill, the pinnacle of ancient Greece. This open air museum is an astonishing repository of once-mighty structures. From its colonnaded Parthenon—more than 2,600 years ago—revered Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle formulated new ideas of government and debated its role in civic life to captivated audiences. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.