12-NIGHT SWEET MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPE CRUISE

Day 1 Jul 17, 2026 - Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Day 2 Jul 18, 2026 - Patmos

This island is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island's highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury.

Day 3 Jul 19, 2026 - Delos

The uninhabited island of Delos is one of the finest archaeological sites in Greece. Considered a sacred island since the 7th century B.C., the famous Terrace of the Lions stands guard over the "sacred lake" and the remains of the Temple of Apollo.

Day 4 Jul 19, 2026 - Paros, Greek Isle

Paros is a pristine escape among the Cyclades, with terraced hills inland accented by windmills and a coastline rich with relaxed, comfortable and traditional Greek towns, of which Paroikia is the central port. This island capital is a labyrinth of white houses clustered around the extraordinary Ekatontapyliani - the Church of a Hundred Doors. Legend says there are 99 doors already discovered and upon finding the hundredth, Constantinople will be reunited with Greece. From antiquity, Paros has been known for its famed, translucent marble; such famous statues as the Venus de Milo was made from it. Also visit the Venetian castle, built on the site of an acropolis and steps away from the sea. From Paroikia you can also go to Naoussa, the Monastery of St John and Prodromos.

Day 5 Jul 20, 2026 - Adhamas

Day 6 Jul 21, 2026 - Nafplion (Nauplia)

A former capital of Greece and a popular port on the eastern Peloponnese coast, Nafplion impresses visitors with grand, medieval architecture erected by Venetians during the 15th century. The most dominant structure is Palamidi Fortress towering high above town. The port is a lively town with a scenic harbor, a picturesque center to explore on foot and pebble beaches. Several monuments remain from its Turkish past, including mosques and parliament building. Handicrafts and local costumes are on display at the Folk Art Museum. Palamidi Castle has an incomparable view from the fortress’ lofty position. Spend time strolling along the waterfront, exploring around main square and narrow streets of Old Town. Platia Sintagmator, the city’s main square, is fronted by a former mosque, now the meeting place of Greek Parliament. Here is also the Archaeological Museum, which features an outstanding collection of Mycenaean finds. The entrance to Akronafplia Citadel has a gate built of Roman bricks, a Byzantine gatehouse with frescoes dating from 1291, and Venetian bastions. From the port, don't pass up a tour to Mycenae. There is evidence that the site has been inhabited since 4000 BC, but reached its peak of civilization during 1500 - 1000 BC. It was here that the mighty Agamemnon ruled and the site still contains massive structures which give visitors a glimpse of what this magnificent city once was.

Day 7 Jul 22, 2026 - Hydra, Greek Isle

Hydra, in the Saronic Gulf off of the Greek mainland, may have served as the natural model for ancient architects when they were designing the marvelous acoustically magical amphitheaters in Greece and Rome. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor welcomes boats at all hours. As with most Greek islands, Hydra's port is the center of activity and is lined with tourist shops, restaurants and merchants. It is a wonderful place to sit in a cafe, munching on a Greek salad, writing postcards or watching the world go by. Around the corners to either side of the port are beaches, although some are more rock than beach. Mandhraki beach offers sand for those who want to feel grit between their toes. The beach to the west, in Kamini, is rocky, as is the one at Vlykhos, a half an hour further west. Most of what people consider premium tanning spots on this island are rocks. The further from town, the more private the area is likely to be. Every sound down at the port can be heard, no matter where one is in the town. Even from the Monastery of Profitis Ilias at the top of the mountain, every sound is crystal clear.

Day 8 Jul 23, 2026 - Corinth Canal

Sail between steep rock walls, with mere feet to spare, to save sailing around the Peloponnese.

Day 9 Jul 23, 2026 - Galaxidhi

Galaxidi lies on the Gulf of Corinth, across the bay from Itea, itself only a few miles below Delphi. The island atmosphere used to be heightened by the fact that, before the main road was built, Galaxidi was most easily reached by ferry from Itea. It has a virtually unspoiled core of grand bourgeois houses (arhontika), some of which rest on sturdy lengths of ancient wall. Cross the water to Itea and from there a short coach journey to Delphi, perhaps the most magical classical site in Greece.

Day 10 Jul 24, 2026 - At Sea

Day 11 Jul 25, 2026 - Taormina

The east coast of Sicily is considered by many to be its most magnificent. Lovely Taormina was called "the greatest work of art and nature" by Goethe in his Italian Journey. Situated above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as a spectacular backdrop, this storybook town of sculpted gardens, stately palaces and ancient monuments is easily one of Sicily’s most striking sites. There is much to see and do here; the main attractions in Taormina are seen on foot. Incredible vistas are available from Taormina's Public Gardens which are filled with exotic flowers and plants. In Giardini-Naxos, close to the pier, the Bourbon fort contains a fine museum, Museo Archaeologico. The entrance is via a garden bisected by an ancient lava flow.

Day 12 Jul 26, 2026 - Gaeta

Gaeta is an intimate seaside resort town. Rich in history, the medieval urban settlement was built upon foundations laid during the Roman period. Since the times of ancient Romans, the favorable setting and mild climate have made Gaeta an enchanting destination and one of the most desirable seaside resorts in the region. The main purpose of calling on Gaeta is to visit Caserta and Cassino. South of Gaeta are farms where domesticated water buffalo are raised to produce world-famous mozzarella cheese. In Volturno River valley lies Caserta, famous for its Royal Palace. Inland from Gaeta lies Cassino. Towering above the town sits Abbey of Montecassino which was founded by St. Benedict in 529 and is one of the oldest monastaries. Gaeta boasts several medieval churches worth a visit. On a drive around the promontory it is possible to see the imposing mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus, who worked for Caesar, Antony and Augustus. At the tip of the peninsula, a cleft in the rock is said to have been caused by the earthquake at the death of Christ.

Day 13 Jul 27, 2026 - Porto Santo Stefano

Day 14 Jul 28, 2026 - Calvi

Calvi, with its long sandy beach, boarded by parasol pine-trees, is dominated by a Genoese citadel planted on a promontory with the small town below, extending along a waterfront, bustling with fishing boats and yachts. Not surprising its idyllic setting is so attractive for ships of all sizes.