2022 Civitavecchia (Rome) > Athens (Piraeus)

Mediterranean delights

Long ago, these Mediterranean islands and ports were the landing places for an endless tide of invaders from far off lands. From ancient Phoenisia, Persia, the Peloponnesus, Imperial Rome and Constantinople they came. Followed by waves of European Crusader knights, Genoan mariners, Venetian merchants and turbaned Turkish troops of the Ottoman Empire.

All that remains today are their stone ruins, ghostly shapes wrapped in myth and mystery. Today the sun-spangled seas bordered by Greece, Turkey, Italy, Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast are inviting playgrounds. Join us as we explore a paradise on forgotten islands where white-washed sands invite sun worshippers to bask under Helios’ gaze, or fortress-like rocks where ancient monasteries cling like mountain climbers on towering cliffs.

Tour Code:: 201D
Duration:: 9 days
Departure City:: Civitavecchia (Rome)
Return City:: Athens (Piraeus)

Selected Itinerary

2022 Civitavecchia (Rome) > Athens (Piraeus)

9 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Welcome to Rome, with awe inspiring art, vibrant street life and haunting ruins. Transfer to the luxurious Scenic Eclipse and toast the start of your exploration of Italy and Greece with your captain and new friends.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Sorrento

A resort town with a huge reputation, Sorrento, is known as the land of lemons and orange groves, and the birthplace of Limoncello. Gateway to the Amalfi Coast and perhaps the most stunning stretch of coast line to be found anywhere in Europe, if not the world, Sorrento is a bucket list stop. Perched on cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is home to peaceful alleyways, villas, hotels and a gentle way of life that has been charming visitors and authors since the 19th Century, from Byron and Tolstoy to Dickens and Goethe. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice

Drive along the coast of Sorrento to the miraculous ruins of Pompeii, or relish the view as you take a funicular ride to the town of Capri. Choose to walk through the historical centre of Sorrento before cooling off with Sorrento’s favourite homemade ice cream, or experience a local farm in the Sorrentine hills.

Discovery

Enjoy kayaking in the Bay of Leranto, the heart of a protected marine area. Visit caves and spectacular cliffs with your guide.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Lipari

Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage-listed sites. The powerful castle guards from its panoramic position, overlooking a pastel coloured seafront and elegant historic town-houses, with a rugged landscape, windswept highlands, precipitous cliffs and dreamy blue waters in the distance. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice

Join a panoramic tour around the island, and choose to visit the archaeological museum or going for a local tasting. Alternatively, board a private boat to Vulcano and visit the thermal wells and fumaroles before exploring the small village.

Discovery

Hike the unique volcanic scenery of Vulcano.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Giardini Naxos (Taormina)

Taormina is one of Sicily’s most popular summer destinations, and the gateway to the treasures of Sicily with Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, dominating the backdrop. The picturesque small town located above the Ionian Sea is known for its stunning ancient theatre, astonishing vistas and fabulous luxury atmosphere. With rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage, it's no wonder the seaside town has drawn in flocks of visitors since the eighteenth century. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice

Delve into the Sicilian atmosphere of the classic film trilogy The Godfather, or explore the medieval centre of Taormina. Alternatively, drive to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.

Discovery

Explore the Alcantara Gorges and the Alcantara River.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Fiskardo, Greece

Fiskardo is a sailor’s paradise, home to fish tavernas and cafes that offer the quintessential Greek dining experience that has seduced travellers since decades. Located on the northern tip of Kefalonia, Fiskardo is the only village on Kefalonia that has its original Venetian buildings intact and still in use, The hamlet was also virtually untouched by the great earthquake in 1953. This is a region of great natural beauty, perfectly preserved ruins that date back over 2000 years, and calm, azure waters. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion.

Freechoice

Visit the mesmerising Melissani Lake and experience the highlights of Kefalonia.

Discovery

If you’re feeling active, join a local for a hike or a kayak tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Monemvasia

The medieval castle town of Monemvasia has a unique fairy-tale atmosphere. Surrounded by the teal waters of the Aegean, Monemvasia was carved on the backside of a sea rock and previously only accessible by boat. Walking around the paved streets, by the elegant stone mansions and the Byzantine churches while gazing out to the Myrtoan Sea will have you losing sense of time.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Santorini

A part of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is an island like no other. This volcanic land is home to white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches and offers stunning views across the turquoise waters. Treat your taste buds to the ultimate gastronomic experience by exploring the island's famous wineries and sample delicacies such as ‘ntomatokeftedes,’ a tomato fritter. Explore the caldera edge as you traverse the cobblestone streets from Fira to Oia and learn about the great history of Hellenistic temples and ancient Minoan settlement.

Freechoice

Visit the picturesque village Oia and learn about the wine industry with a tasting, or see the black sand Perissa Beach and the enormous Mesa Vouno. Choose to explore the prehistoric city of Akrotiri with buildings 4,000 years old, or sail to thermal springs of Palea Kameni. Alternatively, gain an insight into aspects of Greek life on this panoramic tour of the island.

Enrich

Enjoy a glass of wine and the sunset while listening to the artistic synthesis of two incredible violinists

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Kea

Kea (also called Tzia) is characterised by hilly countryside and quiet beaches, the local waters home to several shipwrecks including Titanic’s sister ship, Britannic, which sank in 1916. Boasting earthy tones and elegant architecture that differs from other Greek islands, Kea is also known for its verdant natural paradise, home to rare plant species and wild animals.

Freechoice

Tour the island of Kea and visit two local villages for a tasting of local products and a small folklore show, or enjoy a cooking presentation before learning about the local bee hives.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Piraeus (Athens)

Welcome back to Piraeus (Athens). Your cruise ends this morning as you say farewell to your crew and new friends. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Meals Included: Breakfast