Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities

Price From: £5,290

Delve into Greek and Roman history

Travel back in time on this enriching cruise through the legendary ports of three fascinating countries that combines Ancient Mediterranean Treasures and Journey to Antiquities. Begin with an overnight stay in Istanbul, where East meets West along the Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins of ancient Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy two nights in iconic Athens. Your journey concludes amid the cultural splendor of southern Italy.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul, Turkey

Discover where East meets West as you arrive today in Istanbul. Take time to admire this city that straddles two continents across the Bosphorus Strait, with its Old Quarter skyline of domes and minarets and the twinkling lights of modern Istanbul across the water. Sample delicious cuisine for a taste of this fusion, combining fresh Mediterranean fare with spices from the Far East and Asia. Enjoy a wealth of religious sites, such as the spectacular Blue Mosque and the legendary Hagia Sophia. We are docked overnight here, so you will have a full day tomorrow to explore this historic port.

Day 2 — Istanbul, Turkey

Spend a second day in Istanbul as you immerse yourself in local life and Turkish traditions. Visit a hamman and partake in a centuries-old wellness ritual. Or, you can relax and take in the sights as you cruise the Bosphorus Strait, where old-world ships once sailed as they delivered spices to Istanbul’s lively bazaars.

Day 3 — Troy, Turkey

Located on the Dardanelles, a key waterway linking the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea, Çanakkale was an object of desire dating back to the ancient Greeks. Today, explore Çanakkale or the nearby ruins of Troy, once a powerhouse of Asia Minor. The remarkably preserved structures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site provide a glimpse of the region’s former glory and offer hints of life here in the days of Alexander the Great and the Roman emperor Augustus.

Day 4 — Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey

Journey into the ancient world today with a visit to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity in the world. Stroll the uneven streets of this once-powerful metropolis and pass sights such as the massive Great Theater and the magnificent Library of Celsus. Visit the remains of the Byzantine Basilica of St. John and see the modest home where legend states that the Virgin Mary lived out her final days. Or, take a scenic drive to the Oracle of Didyma and the Temple of Apollo, part of a once-elaborate Hellenic sanctuary.

Day 5 — Rhodes, Greece

Discover the Old Town of Rhodes today. This “Island of Knights” prospered from the wealth brought here from the Holy Land by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem. Follow the Street of the Knights to the most imposing building in Rhodes: the Palace of the Grand Masters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour this fascinating building, which was first a castle, then a royal palace. Our berth is near the city’s historic quarter, allowing you to linger at your leisure after your included walking tour. Or, opt to visit the Acropolis of Lindos; from its rocky perch, you will have magnificent views of the whitewashed village and harbor below.

Day 6 — Heraklion, Greece

Home to the ancient Minoans and a former Venetian stronghold, Crete harbors a millennia-old history. Greek mythology tells us that Zeus was born here, and Theseus destroyed the Minotaur at Knossos. Later, Saint Titus of Crete preached in Heraklion’s streets. Bask in Aegean breezes while exploring the café-lined Lions Square and the arched gallery of the celebrated Venetian Loggia.

Day 7 — Athens, Greece

Today, you will have the entire day to journey into ancient Athens via a panoramic drive, passing the promenade at Mikrolimano Marina as you enter the city’s heart. There, you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. Or, as an option, explore the interior of this UNESCO Site; climb 80 steps to the entrance for an unforgettable view of the Parthenon at its peak.

Day 8 — Athens, Greece

Spend another day in Greece’s iconic capital city of Athens, known as the “birthplace of democracy.” Visit the acclaimed National Archaeological Museum, with its vast collection of Greek antiquities, and partake of the city’s rich café culture. Your ship remains docked for a second night, giving you time to take in the wonders of the Acropolis or travel to the Temple of Apollo, where the legendary oracle of Delphi once dispensed her prophetic wisdom.

Day 9 — Athens, Greece

Day 10 — Crete, Greece

Explore Souda Bay today, an important port since antiquity because of its natural harbor and location along Mediterranean trade routes. Visit the remnants of the once-grand Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan kingdom that ruled over the island of Crete from approximately 2600 to 1100 BC. Or, tour an olive oil factory and winery to learn how these ancient Cretan traditions have been influenced by modern production techniques. Alternately, see the influences of former rulers such as the Venetians and Ottomans during a walking tour of Chania’s Old Town.

Day 11 — Katakolon, Greece

Visit the quaint Greek port of Katakolon, huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. During your visit, venture into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese to the legendary city of Olympia, classical birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games on the slopes of Mt. Kronos. Walk among the ancient city’s ancient ruins with an expert guide and historian, admiring the remains of temples, the Palaestra, or wrestling school, and the Gymnasium. You will gain insight into the very first Olympic Games at the fascinating museum.

Day 12 — Cruise the Ionian Sea

As you cruise to your next port, spend the day savoring the amenities of your elegant ship. Indulge in Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa or find your inner calm with some yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, dine on thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects you to the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean and watch a movie beneath the stars at the Main Pool.

Day 13 — Sicily, Italy

Today you will call on the Sicilian city of Messina, celebrated as one of Europe’s ten greatest cities when it fell under Spain’s purview in the 17th century. Admire the surrounding mountains, picturesque orange and olive groves, and rolling vineyards. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the expansive Piazza Municipio and the hillside Votive Temple of Christ the King. Or, choose to climb Mt. Etna’s towering volcano, and marvel at the ancient temples and arenas of Taormina.

Day 14 — Naples, Italy

In Naples, your choice of excursions abounds. Take in magnificent examples of Greek and Roman architecture and the Piazza del Plebiscito, the grandest public square in the city, facing the former Royal Palace of the King of Naples. Optionally, also explore Herculaneum, Italy’s “other” Pompeii, drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to the summit of Vesuvius. In your spare time, sample a hot espresso, a slice of pizza (the world’s first pizzeria opened here in 1830) or a locally made limoncello.

Day 15 — Rome, Italy

Disembark the ship today. Our proximity to Rome leaves you with countless options if you are touring more of Italy on your own. You can also extend your journey in Rome with Viking, exploring the ancient capital in more depth.

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Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities

Delve into Greek and Roman history

Itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul, Turkey

Day 2 — Istanbul, Turkey

Day 3 — Troy, Turkey

Day 4 — Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey

Day 5 — Rhodes, Greece

Day 6 — Heraklion, Greece

Day 7 — Athens, Greece

Day 8 — Athens, Greece

Day 9 — Athens, Greece

Day 10 — Crete, Greece

Day 11 — Katakolon, Greece

Day 12 — Cruise the Ionian Sea

Day 13 — Sicily, Italy

Day 14 — Naples, Italy

Day 15 — Rome, Italy

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