From Magna Graecia To Greece

ITINERARY

DAY 1
PALERMO, SICILY
A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot. Bustling street markets, ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and millennia of history await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Palermo’s history is complex, to say the least. Middle Eastern, Northern African, and European influences are all melded together here. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, and Vandals have come and gone through the ages, leaving countless treasures in their wake. The 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, built over a 9th-century mosque, houses the tombs of the Norman rulers and is a fitting manifestation of the city’s convoluted past. 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.

DAY 2
LIPARI, SICILY
The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is typically Mediterranean in its landscape. The island’s lava quarries, low-lying shrubbery and precipitous cliffs feel familiar yet unchartered. Lipari Town is a busy little port with pretty pastel-coloured buildings lining the harbour and plenty of cafes and restaurants where visitors can watch the world go by. Above the harbour is the fortified citadel and castle, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. The fascinating citadel houses archaeological findings that span aeons and empires, some thought to be as much as 6,000 years old.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 2
CRUISING STROMBOLI
Stromboli is a small island in the Aeolian archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has erupted almost continuously since 1932. The island also has beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

DAY 3
GIARDINI NAXOS, SICILY
Giardini Naxos is a seaside town on the eastern coast of Sicily known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The city also has a rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins and historic sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the ancient Greek city of Naxos, the Church of San Pancrazio, and the Museum of Archaeology.

DAY 4
CROTONE
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 (See Optional Activities)

DAY 5
OTRANTO
Otranto is a town in the province of Lecce in the Puglia region of Italy. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is famous for its rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins and historic sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the Otranto Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, and the Church of San Pietro.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 6
SARANDE
The Albanian Riviera stretches along a beautiful section of the Ionian coastline, packed with stunning beaches and ancient history. Once overlooked as a result of Albania’s political isolation from the rest of Europe, the area is now being rediscovered. Sarandë is its unofficial capital, whose original settlers were said to be the descendants of the ancient Greek hero Achilles. Today crowds flock to Sarandë in the summer months to enjoy the beaches and bustling nightlife. Just outside the city a plethora of ancient ruins, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites await. This includes the Ancient City of Butrint, which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 7
PREVEZA
Located at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf in Western Greece, Preveza is a charming city with bundles of character. The yacht-filled marina and carless seafront offer the perfect setting for a pleasant stroll. Sit and watch the world go by at the many restaurants and tavernas, or indulge in some retail therapy in the many interesting shops. Further afield you’ll find the ancient city of Nikopolis, founded by the Roman Emperor Octavian. During the Roman and early Byzantine periods, the city flourished as the capital of Old Epirus. Today visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman city walls, odeum, theatre and many other preserved archaeological features.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 8
ITEA
An important historical place, the harbour town sits below Mount Parnassus, home to the mythical Muses, and is near the ancient Greek sanctuary of Delphi, where Pythia, the Oracle, prophesied the words of Apollo to those who sought divine advice for the future. Parnassus was also home to the winged horse Pegasus of Bellerophon. More recently, Itea was the site of the Battle of Agali during the Greek War of Independence where Greece defeated the Ottoman–Egyptian fleet on 29/30 September 1827. The mountain area is also home to Greece’s largest olive grove and one of the oldest in the world.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 8
CRUISING CORINTH CANAL
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal is 6.4 kilometers long and only 21.3 meters wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships.

DAY 9
PIRAEUS
Greece’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital is served by Piraeus port and is an exciting mix of ancient and modern. Walk the Grand Promenade that winds beneath the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. This walkway, built during the 2004 Olympic Games, links the city’s main archaeological sites. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis itself of course. Start with the Acropolis Museum for some informative context and then walk the marble path up Filopappou Hill for majestic views of the ‘high city’ with the iconic Parthenon perched on top (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city).

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 2
LIPARI, SICILY
Shore Excursion

Lipari Island Tour And Winery
Duration: 03 h 45 m
Optional
Enjoy a panoramic drive which will offer you stunning views
Visit a local winery and learn how the wine is still produce following the old island's traditions
Enjoy the tasting of local wines with some specialties from the island

Lipari island tour
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Enjoy the panoramic view and the natural beauties of the island
Pay a visit to the Archeological Museum evidence of all the cultures and populations which have settled the territory
Take a walk in the old Lipari, looking at the typical buildings

DAY 4
CROTONE
Shore Excursion

Santa Severina & Farmhouse
Duration: 04 h 25 m
Included
Discover the village of Santa Severina, known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Stroll in the old town and admire the monuments and churches
After the visit take some time to taste a local wine with some bruschetta

Cirò Wine: The Drink of the Greek Gods
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional
Visit the small village of Ciro, know for the wine production
At the wine estate discover the secret of this wine and taste delicious local food

Highlights of Magna Grecia
Duration: 04 h 20 m
Optional
Drive along the coast to Le Castella, to visit the fortress, built by the Aragons around an existing Anjou fortification
Discover Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, made up of roughly 7½ acres of excavation terrain

DAY 5
OTRANTO
Shore Excursion

Otranto Coastal Drive & Wine Tasting
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic routes of Apulia
Visit the wine-cellar and the underground-oil mill
enjoy a wine tasting and typical Apulian products before returning to the ship

Lecce - Florence Of Southern Italy
Duration: 05 h 00 m
Optional
Admire the Roman Amphitheater dating back to the second century A.D. and could hold up to 20,000 spectators
Discover a remarkable architectural style known as the “Barocco Leccese”
Visit Piazza Duomo, where the Cathedral as well as the Archbishop’s Palace are located

Otranto City Tou
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Visit the inside of the mysterious Skull Cathedral and pay your respects to the Martyrs of Otranto
Be fascinated by the rich history of the Aragonese Castle
Enjoy a typical Italian Ice cream

DAY 6
SARANDE
Shore Excursion

The Ancient City Of Butrint
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Visit the archaeological site of Butrini. Inhabited since prehistoric times
Enjoy the special atmosphere created by a combination of archaeology, monuments and nature in the Mediterranean
Be surprised by the authenticity of the World Heritage property Butrint related to its excellent preservation on a site

Unesco World Heritage, Medieval City, Reach architecture
Duration: 06 h 00 m
Optional
Visit the fortress of Gjirokastra, one of the biggest in the Balkans
Discover the Medieval City, today UNESCO world heritage
Admire the architecture while walking arround

Jeep Safari Adventure
Duration: 07 h 30 m
Optional
Admire the blue waters of the Borsh waterfalls
Discover the village of Piluri and the breathtaking views
Visit the ruins of Ali Pasha castle

DAY 7
PREVEZA
Shore Excursion

Traditional Arta
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Visit Arta's Bridge learn the history of its construction and myth
Admire the church of the Panayia Parigoritissa,dating back to the 13th c. is dedicated to the Annunciation

Nikopolis Arch. Site & Museum
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Visit Nikopolis, the amazing largest ancient city in Greece, built in the 1st c. AD
Learn why the impressive theatre isn’t like the others ancient Greek ones
Take some time to listen to the stories of the different basilicas

DAY 8
ITEA
Shore Excursion

Mythical Delphi
Duration: 03 h 50 m
Included
Visit the sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece
Discover the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Greece with its rich collections

Ossios Loukas Monastery
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Discover the beautiful Monastery of Ossios Loukas adorned with these mosaics and frescoes of the Great Church
Breathtaking mountain scenery passing by the village of Arachova

Galaxidi Walking tour
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
Walking tour of town of the Golf of Corinth
Visit the Naval Museum of Galaxidi which exhibits models of the ship
Admire a mountainous landscape and discover the impressive church of Agios Nikolaos