7 nights. Malta, Italy, Greece

Day 1

athens (piraeus), greece

Departure: 20:00

Piraeus is a port city in the region of Attica, Greece. Piraeus is located within the Athens urban area, 8 kilometres southwest from its city centre (municipality of Athens), and lies along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. According to the 2011 census, Piraeus had a population of 163,688 people within its administrative limits, making it the fifth largest municipality in Greece and the second largest within the urban area of the Greek capital, following the municipality of Athens. The municipality of Piraeus and four other suburban municipalities form the regional unit of Piraeus which sometimes called Greater Piraeus area, with a total population of 448,997, and is part οf Athens urban area. Piraeus has a long recorded history, dating to ancient Greece. The city was founded in the early 5th century BC, when this area was selected to become the new port of classical Athens and was built as a prototype harbour, concentrating all the import and transit trade of Athens. During the Golden Age of Athens the Long Walls were constructed to fortify Athens and its port (Piraeus). Consequently, it became the chief harbour of ancient Greece, but declined gradually after the 3rd century B.C., growing once more in the 19th century, after Athens' declaration as the capital of Greece. In the modern era, Piraeus is a large city, bustling with activity and an integral part of Athens, acting as home to the country's biggest harbour and bearing all the characteristics of a huge marine and commercial-industrial center. The port of Piraeus is the chief port in Greece, the largest passenger port in Europe and the second largest in the world, servicing about 20 million passengers annually. With a throughput of 1.4 million TEUs, Piraeus is placed among the top ten ports in container traffic in Europe and the top container port in the Eastern Mediterranean. The municipality hosted events in both the 1896 and 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. The University of Piraeus is one of the largest Greek universities and has the country's second-oldest business school, as well as the oldest academic department in the area of finance.

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Day 3

valletta, malta

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 19:00

The tiny capital of Malta, the city measures less than 1 sq km, has a lot to offer visitors. Valletta has been described as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, thanks to its 7,000 years of history. No wonder, the City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Built by the knight of St John in the 16th and 17th centuries for its military and strategic reasons, Valletta was later embellished into a fine example of baroque decorative art – most notably in the magnificent interiors of St John’s Co-Cathedral in the heart of the city. Shady atmospheric alleyways link grand squares, and glorious palazzi sit alongside bars and shop. Lately, the city has undergone some major changes to create a more vibrant urbanity, with the renovation of the main City Gate and the design of a new parliament building, as well as the renovation of the bombed-out Opera House. Valletta's natural deep water port, the Grand Harbour, is the biggest and the most impressive harbour in all the Mediterranean and was, for many thousands of years, the epicentre of Malta’s maritime activity. Proof of this are the 19 historical warehouses still stand dating back 250 years and the historic Quay Wall, where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares. The Valletta Waterfront is also the gateway to Malta’s capital city. In fact, as one of the most successful Mediterranean ports, the Port of Valletta welcomes more than half-a-million cruise passengers into this open air museum. Recently, the waterfront has been revitalised into an attractive and vibrant gateway of shops, bars and restaurants. It’s particularly romantic at night when illuminated. There are tons of outdoor pursuits to enjoy thanks to the city’s moderate climate. From diving to sailing, cycling to rock climbing, there are a number of different adrenalin-busting options to satisfy adventurous holidaymakers. Just don't expect Valletta to be buzzing all night, its tranquility is a large part of its charm.

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Day 3-4

Ionian Sea

Arrival: 23:30 - Departure: 00:30

The Ionian Sea is one of the main areas of water in the Mediterranean Sea, located between the western coast of Greece and the eastern coast of Italy. This sea is characterized by its natural beauty, with crystal clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. Along its coasts are numerous islands, such as Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, which are popular tourist destinations thanks to their stunning landscapes and cultural heritage. The geography of the Ionian Sea is varied, with a mix of steep cliffs, sandy beaches and small hidden coves. The sea waters are deep, which contributes to its intense blue color. Additionally, the climate in the region is typically Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as sailing, diving and hiking. Culturally, the Ionian Sea has been a crossroads of civilizations throughout history. From ancient Greece to the Roman Empire, the region has witnessed important historical events and inspired artists and writers. Today, the sea continues to be a meeting place for diverse cultures, reflecting a rich heritage that is manifested in gastronomy, music and local traditions.

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Day 4

catania,sicily,italy

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 17:00

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. Buried seven times by fierce eruptions of the Etna volcano and several earthquakes, much of its monuments have been destroyed. Nonetheless, the old town is well maintained, so much so, that it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002. In the city center visitors will be able to enjoy the major feature of the city: its baroque architecture. The main examples are the Cathedral Square, Piazza del Duomo ,with the Elephant Fountain, the adorned Cathedral, founded in the 11th century on the ruins of the ancient baths and the impressive 13th century Ursino Castle. The remains of the Roman and Greek heritage can still be witnessed at the former Acropolis of Katane that includes the Roman Theatre, built by Greeks and reconstructed by Romans, the Odeon and the Amphitheatre. Chaotic, noisy and boisterous, Catania’s nightlife is buzzing, hundreds of bars, clubs and eateries are at hand where to get infected with the joie de vivre of the city’s population.

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Day 4

Etna skyline - Onboard Experience

Arrival: 17:45 - Departure: 19:00

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Day 5

taranto, italy

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 18:00

Taranto is a coastal city in Apulia, Southern Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Taranto and is an important commercial port as well as the main Italian naval base and is the third-largest continental city of Southern Italy. Taranto has a beautiful Cathedral and a stunning fishing port, with fantastic theatres, nightlife and gorgeous cuisine- scrumptious. It is at the historic crossroads of the Magna Grecia and the Appian Way. It has a large, natural harbor of turquoise waters and its climate is mild and moderate most times of the year.

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Day 6

argostoli, greece

Arrival: 09:30 - Departure: 16:00

Welcome to Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, where the azure waters of the Mediterranean meet the verdant landscapes and the rich tapestry of Greek history. This enchanting island promises an unforgettable journey through picturesque villages, stunning beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders. Begin your Kefalonia adventure at Myrtos Beach, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. With its mile-long stretch of white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it's the perfect spot for both relaxation and photography. Nestled between towering cliffs, Myrtos offers a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea that will leave you mesmerized. As the sun sets, the changing colors of the sky and sea provide a spectacular backdrop for an evening of serene contemplation. Venture inland, and you'll discover the charm of Kefalonia's villages, such as Fiscardo and Assos. Fiscardo, with its colorful harbor and Venetian architecture, is reminiscent of a bygone era, offering a delightful array of boutique shops, waterfront cafés, and cozy restaurants. Assos, a tiny and tranquil village, is known for its picturesque setting and the impressive 16th-century Venetian castle that sits atop a nearby hill. A hike up to the castle ruins rewards travelers with panoramic views of the surrounding area. No trip to Kefalonia would be complete without exploring the island's natural wonders. The underground lake of Melissani Cave is a must-visit, where a boat ride takes you through a subterranean world of stalactites and ethereal blue waters, illuminated by a natural skylight. The Drogarati Cave, with its impressive caverns and remarkable acoustics, is another geological marvel that draws visitors from around the world. Kefalonia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked leisure, cultural enrichment, or adventure in the great outdoors, this Greek island offers a little bit of paradise for every traveler.

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Day 6-7

Calypso's Trench - Onboard Experience

Arrival: 23:00 - Departure: 01:30

The Calypso Trench (also called Calypso's Abyss) is an abyssal trench located in the southeast of the Ionian Sea, in Greek waters. It is the deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea (5270 m). It is located approximately 60 km off the southern coast of the Peloponnese, southwest of Pylos. It is the deepest ocean trench in a long depression of the seafloor called the Hellenic Trench, which formed as a result of the subduction of the African plate under the Aegean plate. The name derives from the nymph Calypso from Greek mythology.

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Day 7

mykonos, greece

Arrival: 12:00 - Departure: 22:00

Mykonos is a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands of the Cyclades group, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. In the 1960s, Mykonos became a bohemian mecca and is now one of the glitziest holiday resorts in the country that happily flaunts its sizzling style and reputation. This central Cyclade was for years the premier Mediterranean resort for gay travellers, though recently Mykonos has tried to reinvent itself for a more varied clientele, though nightlife is still very gay-friendly, it is a paradise for any reveller with loud and long nights. Chora or Mykonos town is the main town on the island. It is filled with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed buildings with blue trim, nice restaurants, clothing and jewellery shops, a fish market and a vegetable market. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and crowded towns of the Aegean. Besides Chora, there is only one other town on the island, Ano Mera. Ano Mera is quiter and less touristy. While you are here, visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, a traditional Greek Orthodox Church which has a beautiful iconostas. The island is dry and barren, but there are some fine, sandy beaches, the two most well-known being Paradise and Super Paradise, but there are many other beaches you can seek out around the island. From the charming port, catch a boat out to the beaches or out to Delos, and you will be travelling from the present into the ancient past, from one set of myths to another.

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Day 8

athens (piraeus), greece

Arrival: 06:00

Piraeus is a port city in the region of Attica, Greece. Piraeus is located within the Athens urban area, 8 kilometres southwest from its city centre (municipality of Athens), and lies along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. According to the 2011 census, Piraeus had a population of 163,688 people within its administrative limits, making it the fifth largest municipality in Greece and the second largest within the urban area of the Greek capital, following the municipality of Athens. The municipality of Piraeus and four other suburban municipalities form the regional unit of Piraeus which sometimes called Greater Piraeus area, with a total population of 448,997, and is part οf Athens urban area. Piraeus has a long recorded history, dating to ancient Greece. The city was founded in the early 5th century BC, when this area was selected to become the new port of classical Athens and was built as a prototype harbour, concentrating all the import and transit trade of Athens. During the Golden Age of Athens the Long Walls were constructed to fortify Athens and its port (Piraeus). Consequently, it became the chief harbour of ancient Greece, but declined gradually after the 3rd century B.C., growing once more in the 19th century, after Athens' declaration as the capital of Greece. In the modern era, Piraeus is a large city, bustling with activity and an integral part of Athens, acting as home to the country's biggest harbour and bearing all the characteristics of a huge marine and commercial-industrial center. The port of Piraeus is the chief port in Greece, the largest passenger port in Europe and the second largest in the world, servicing about 20 million passengers annually. With a throughput of 1.4 million TEUs, Piraeus is placed among the top ten ports in container traffic in Europe and the top container port in the Eastern Mediterranean. The municipality hosted events in both the 1896 and 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. The University of Piraeus is one of the largest Greek universities and has the country's second-oldest business school, as well as the oldest academic department in the area of finance.

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7 nights. Malta, Italy, Greece

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