Sicily's capital is an exhilarating and chaotic melting pot that is a feast for the senses. Those prepared to embrace Palermo for all that it has to offer will find bustling street markets, historic structures, opulent palaces, and millennia of history. Palermo's history is, to put it mildly, complicated. Here, elements from the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Europe are blended together. Through the ages, the Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, and Vandals have come and gone, leaving a wealth of artifacts in their wake. The tombs of the Norman kings are housed in the Arab-Norman cathedral from the 12th century, which was constructed atop a mosque in the 9th century. It is a good illustration of the city's complicated history. The opulent Palazzo de Normanni, once the seat of power for the kings of Sicily during Norman rule, is a dazzling display of the opulence that the city’s rulers once enjoyed.

Porto Empedocles, which is on Sicily's southwest coast, was given that name in honor of the philosopher Empedocles, who lived in the area in the fifth century BC. The marina town acts as a starting point for seeing the best parts of Sicily's Agrigento region, including the Valley of the Temples ancient site.

The oldest part of this UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates to the fifth century BC, is home to some of the best-preserved Greek remains outside of Greece. Agrigento, a neighboring town, boasts a medieval center and a number of intriguing archaeological sites. Explore the upscale stores, vibrant restaurants, and welcoming pubs by strolling through its twisting, small lanes.


Shore Excursion

Valley Of Temples
3:45
Number of day: 2
Included

Piazza Amerina and Butera Winery
8:15
Number of day: 2
Included

Siracusa, once the largest city in the ancient world, proudly displays its past on almost every street corner. Traditional cafes tumble onto baroque piazzas, historic roads descend to the glittering Mediterranean, as they have for millennia, and ancient Greek ruins emerge out of exquisite citrus gardens. The old city's ruins may be seen at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's most important archaeological sites. The city was founded in 734 BC by Corinthian colonists. The horrific yet interesting necropolis, which is close by and is home to some of the area's most famous historical personalities, including the great mathematician Archimedes, is another place you may go.


Shore Excursion

Classical Syracuse
4:15
Number of day: 3
Included

Zisola Winery
3:45
Number of day: 3
Included

Noto
3:45
Number of day: 3
Included

Noto and Modica
8:00
Number of day: 3
Included

Explore Vendicari Nature Reserve
4:00
Number of day: 3
Included

Cruise along the Calabrian coast and enjoy the scenery of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. As we pull into the port town of Crotone, notice the 16th-century fortress, Castle of Charles V. Inside its museum is a golden tiara, found nearby in the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park named for its column that stands proud on a promontory. Crotone itself is a delightful mix of old and new, from the ancient city walls to the cathedral notable for its icon of the Black Madonna alongside Calabrese restaurants serving traditional pasta and sausage dishes.


Shore Excursion

Santa Severina & Farmhouse
4:25
Number of day: 4
Included

Cirò Wine: The Drink of the Greek Gods
4:30
Number of day: 4
Included

Highlights of Magna Grecia
4:20
Number of day: 4
Included

The origin of the Olympic Games, Olympia, is only a short drive from this charming Greek harbour town. Spend some time touring the historic stadium, which held 45,000 spectators for the inaugural Olympic Games in 776 BC and subsequently every four years to worship the god Zeus. Keep an eye out for the marble starting blocks and the Temple of Zeus's ruins, which once housed a 12 m-tall gilded statue of Zeus that was considered one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders. Visit wineries in the region north of Katakolon, or have lunch there and try some local fare.
Coastal excursion

Highlights of Olympia
4:15
Number of day: 5
Included

Explore Olympia Land Winery
3:00
Number of day: 5
Included

The Olive Temple
3:00
Number of day: 5
Included

On a small islet attached to the mainland, the preserved 6th-century medieval castle town of Monemvasia sits under a cliff at the edge of the sea. Ramble around the cobblestone alleys of this storied castle, before stopping for a rooftop lunch at one of the houses.

Shore Excursion

Monemvasia walking & Liotrivi
4:30
Number of day: 6
Included

Mystras - Last Byzantine City
7:00
Number of day: 6
Included

The original inhabitants of this magnificent port were the Minoans, Venetians, and Turks, but there have been many diverse occupations over the years. Your discovery of the city's picturesque lanes will make its multicultural history abundantly obvious. The Venetian defences surround mosques, churches, and synagogues that are Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim. Historic homes with floral canopies and ornate monuments characterise the charming Venetian-Ottoman area. The huge Fortezza fortification that towers over the harbour provides the city with a lovely setting for dining. For stunning views of the glistening Mediterranean below, trek up Palekastro Hill to the castle if you have the stamina.



Shore Excursion

Venetian Rethymnon
4:00
Number of day: 7
Included

The Palace of Knossos
5:00
Number of day: 7
Included

Be a farmer for the day
4:00
Number of day: 7
Included

Nafplio, which is regarded as one of Greece's most charming cities and is thought to have been established by Poseidon's son Nafplios, served as the nation's first modern capital from 1823 until 1834. It's the ideal place for some relaxation, with its charming coastline, pebble beaches, and waterfront promenade dotted with cafes and stores. One such historic castle is the Acronafplia, which dates back to the Bronze Age and Romans. We make a brief halt in Nafplio before continuing on to the Corinth Canal. Only small ships may safely travel through this 21 m wide, steeply banked waterway. As we squeeze into this narrow channel, you may sit upright on the deck and marvel at the Victorian technical prowess.



Shore Excursion

Wine Paths Of Argolis
4:15
Number of day: 8
Included

Walking Tour Of Nafplion
2:00
Number of day: 8
Included

Argolis Unesco Sites Of Greece
4:30
Number of day: 8
Included

Piraeus Port serves the vibrant, modern capital of Greece, which is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Take a stroll down the Grand Promenade, which passes by the Acropolis, the city's most recognizable structure. The important archaeological sites of the city are connected by this walkway, which was erected for the 2004 Olympic Games. Without viewing the Acropolis itself, of course, no trip to Athens is complete. Start at the Acropolis Museum for some background knowledge, and then ascend Filopappou Hill on the marble route for magnificent views of the "high city" and its distinctive Parthenon (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the protector of the city).