Iconic Treasures of Italy & Greece Oia, Santorini, Greece
Mediterranean delights
Day 03
Long ago, these Mediterranean islands and ports were the landing places for an endless tide of invaders from far off lands. From ancient Phoenicia, 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 of 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. 9 Days
Civitavecchia (Rome) > Piraeus (Athens)
Day 01
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Transfer to the luxurious Scenic Eclipse and toast the start of your exploration of Italy and Greece. Meals: D
Day 02
Sorrento
fd
A resort town with a huge reputation, Sorrento, is known as the land of lemons and orange groves, and the birthplace of Limoncello. 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. 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 center of Sorrento before cooling off with Sorrento’s favorite 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: B.L.D
Lipari
fd
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 Heritagelisted sites. The powerful castle guards from its panoramic position, overlooking a pastel coloured seafront and elegant historic townhouses, with a rugged landscape, windswept highlands, precipitous cliffs and dreamy blue waters in the distance. 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: B.L.D
Day 04
Giardini Naxos (Taormina)
fd
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. With rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage, it’s no wonder the seaside town has drawn in flocks of visitors
since the 18th century. Freechoice: Delve into the Sicilian atmosphere of the classic film trilogy The Godfather, or explore the medieval center of Taormina. Alternatively, drive to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Discovery: Explore the Alcantara Gorges and the Alcantara River. Meals: B.L.D
Day 05
Fiskardo, Greece
fd
Fiskardo is a sailor’s paradise, home to fish tavernas and cafes that offer the quintessential Greek dining experience that has seduced travelers for 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. Freechoice: Visit the mesmerizing 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: B.L.D