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Experience the Mediterranean heartland of the classical world of Greece, in Athens, and of the Roman Empire, and marvel at the medieval glories of noble Florence and Venice.
Begin your adventure with three days in Greece, visiting many scenic and historical sites, and then cross the Ionian Sea by overnight ferry to Italy, and follow the Adriatic coastline of southern Italy before crossing the peninsula to Naples on your way towards Rome. There, experience many of the highlights of ‘The Eternal City’, including a visit to the Vatican.
Then it’s onwards through Tuscany to Florence, not only the birthplace of the Renaissance and home of the Medicis, but one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Board the MSC Sinfonia and cruise across the Adriatic Sea to Split, Croatia, before heading south to the Greek Islands of Santorini and Mykonos, enjoying the onboard facilities and a wide range of onshore activities in each destination. The cruise then heads back to the north via stunning Dubrovnik (one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea), and Italy’s Ancona.
This is a wide-ranging itinerary that provides a taste of some of the most beautiful, historically-important, and perennially popular destinations in Southern Europe.
On Land:
At Sea:
NOTES:
Take an international flight from Australia to Athens.
NOTE: Some flights may depart one day later, and may involve up to two transits.
In the morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens with a local guide, including the Presidential Palace, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the national library, the bustling squares of the city centre, and the new neighbourhoods that emerged after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will end at the Acropolis (entry not included), followed by free time at leisure to walk around and discover more of unforgettable Athens.
In the morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens with a local guide, including the Presidential Palace, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the national library, the bustling squares of the city centre, and the new neighbourhoods that emerged after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will end at the Acropolis (entry not included), followed by free time at leisure to walk around and discover more of unforgettable Athens.
Depart for the Peloponnese region in the morning, stopping at the Corinth Canal. Excavation of the 6.4 KM canal began in 1882, but the canal had first been proposed as long ago as the 3rd century BC. Then, it’s on to Epidaurus, enjoying the view of gorgeous landscapes. We will visit the magnificent Ancient Amphitheatre which is surrounded by a unique landscape. We will later journey to Nafplio, a town by the Aegean Sea. We will visit its historic centre, its lovely marina and medieval Palamidi Castle. Nestled on the crest of a 216-metre high hill, the large fortress was built rapidly by the Venetians during 1711–1714, only to be captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1715. After a lunch break and free time to stroll around, we resume our journey to Olympia.
NOTE: To allow for any changes in today’s schedule due to local conditions, either lunch or dinner will be provided.
We will visit Olympia archaeological site with a local guide. You will have a chance to visit its museum and archaeological site (guided tour, ticket to the park not included) which the cradle of the Olympic games in ancient times. We will get back on route to Patras, Greece’s third largest city. We will visit its active, lively centre. Afterwards, we will travel to Northern Greece, Amfilochia. Short stop in the quiet coastal town of Arta, a city in the Epirus region that has an intact Roman bridge. Arrival in Igoumenitsa. Suppertime and boarding to cross the Ionian Sea. Spend the night on board (double cabins with private bathroom. We recommend bringing an overnight bag. Breakfast on the boat next morning is not included.
Note: The ferry used, which is the only one available, leaves at 1AM, but boarding is not usually possible until after midnight. There are sometimes delays due to late arrival. Occasionally, due to weather conditions, vessel inspection, schedule changes, strikes, fully booked ferryboats or other reasons, we are forced to adapt the schedules of the following day’s itinerary according to the berthing time of the ship, or fly from Athens to Rome, in which case the visits to Amfilochia and Arta are cancelled and a Sunday visit to Naples and Pompeii will be substituted.
Arrive in Brindisi early in the morning, and follow the Adriatic coastline of Southern Italy to Trani. This is a picturesque little town by the sea, with a fishing port, charming old cathedral, and lively streets. After lunch, we resume our trip to Naples, which played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society and was a significant cultural centre under the Romans, arriving in the afternoon for a short sightseeing tour of the historic centre before resuming our journey to Rome.
In the morning, we have a scenic tour of Rome – a great introduction to ‘The Eternal city’. We enter the tiny state of the Vatican. Vatican City is the world centre of Catholicism. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And we have also included admission to the Roman Colosseum, where gladiators battled wild animals and each other, for the entertainment of the people of Rome. This impressive construction dates back 2,000 years and will transport us in time so that we can learn about ancient society in the Roman Empire. In the evening we provide transport to the Via Cavour area, where you will find restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Chinese and other international food.
Leave Rome, heading north to Florence on a route graced with beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival, head straight to Piazzale Michelangelo, an impressive site in the city. In the evening we provide a tour with a local expert, and walk through the historic centre, taking in places such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is truly an outdoor museum. Enjoy free time at leisure to explore and select a restaurant for dinner.
Today we enjoy stunning mountain landscapes while crossing the Apennine Mountains. Arriving in Venice, board a Vaporetto to travel around the canals of the historic city centre. With a local guide, we will visit the marvellous Saint Mark’s Basilica (entry fee included). Afterwards, visit the Murano Glass Factory, to see the technique with which this ancient commodity is made. Enjoy the rest of the day with free time at leisure, and eat dinner in the Mestre district at a restaurant of your choice.
Enjoy today free at leisure, exploring Venice.
Enjoy today free at leisure, exploring Venice.
After breakfast, transfer to the cruise terminal and board the MSC Sinfonia.
Cruise to Split, Croatia. Select from a variety of shore excursions.
Spend the day relaxing at sea, en route to the Greek Islands.
Cruise to the next Port of Call, Santorini. Select from a range of shore excursions. Depart late afternoon and cruise to Mykonos.
Start the day in Mykonos, where a variety of shore excursions are available. Then, cruise from Greek waters towards Croatia’s beautiful coast.
A variety of shore excursions are available in Dubrovnik. On departure, cruise from Croatia to Italy.
Arrive in the next Port of Call, Ancona, where a variety of shore excursions are available.
On arrival in Venice, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Arrive home this morning.
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