7 nights. Malta, Italy, Greece

Day 1

athens (piraeus), greece

Departure: 19:00

Piraeus is a port city in the Attica region of Greece. It lies within the Athens urban area, about 8 kilometres southwest of the city centre (the municipality of Athens), along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. According to the 2011 census, Piraeus had a population of 163,688 within its administrative boundaries, making it the fifth-largest municipality in Greece and the second-largest within the wider Athens urban area, after the municipality of Athens. The municipality of Piraeus and four neighbouring suburban municipalities make up the regional unit of Piraeus, sometimes referred to as Greater Piraeus, with a total population of 448,997. This regional unit forms part of the Athens urban area. Piraeus has a long recorded history, dating back to ancient Greece. The city was founded in the early 5th century BC, when the area was chosen to become the new port of classical Athens and was developed as a model harbour, concentrating all of Athens’ import and transit trade. During the Golden Age of Athens, the Long Walls were built to fortify both Athens and its port at Piraeus. As a result, Piraeus became the principal harbour of ancient Greece, but it gradually declined after the 3rd century BC, before expanding again in the 19th century, following the declaration of Athens as the capital of Greece. Today, Piraeus is a large, busy city and an integral part of Athens, home to the country’s biggest harbour and displaying all the hallmarks of a major maritime and commercial–industrial centre. The port of Piraeus is the main port in Greece, the largest passenger port in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, handling around 20 million passengers each year. With a throughput of about 1.4 million TEUs, Piraeus ranks among the top ten European ports for container traffic and is the leading container port in the Eastern Mediterranean. The municipality hosted events during both the 1896 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games held in Athens. The University of Piraeus is one of the largest universities in Greece and includes the country’s second-oldest business school, as well as the oldest academic department specialising in finance.

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Day 3

valletta, malta

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 19:00

The wee capital of Malta, the city is less than 1 sq km in size, but has loads to offer visitors. Valletta is known as one of the most densely packed historic areas in the world, with its 7,000 years of history. It's no surprise then, that the City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Built by the knights of St John in the 16th and 17th centuries for military and strategic reasons, Valletta was later spruced up 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 grand palazzi sit alongside pubs and shops. Recently, the city has seen 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. Evidence of this are the 19 historical warehouses still standing dating back 250 years and the historic Quay Wall, where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their goods. 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, pubs and restaurants. It’s particularly romantic at night when lit up. There are loads 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 centre, 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 5

taranto, italy

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 17:00

Taranto is a coastal city in Apulia, Southern Italy. It's the capital of the Province of Taranto and is a significant 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's at the historic crossroads of the Magna Grecia and the Appian Way. It has a large, natural harbour of turquoise waters and its climate is mild and moderate most times of the year.

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Day 6

argostoli, greece

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 16:00

Welcome to Kefalonia, the largest of Greece’s Ionian Islands, where the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean meet lush green hillsides and layers of Greek history. This captivating island offers an unforgettable escape filled with pretty villages, gorgeous beaches and striking natural attractions. Start your Kefalonia break at Myrtos Beach, often named among the most beautiful in Greece. Its long sweep of white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise water make it ideal for relaxing, swimming and taking photos. Framed by dramatic cliffs, Myrtos looks out over the Ionian Sea with views that are genuinely memorable. Stay for sunset to watch the sky and sea change colour in a spectacular evening show. Head inland and you’ll find the charm of Kefalonia’s villages, including Fiscardo and Assos. Fiscardo, with its colourful harbour and Venetian-style buildings, has an old-world feel, with small boutiques, waterside cafés and inviting tavernas. Assos, a quiet, postcard-perfect village, is known for its scenic bay and the impressive 16th-century Venetian castle on the hill above. Walking up to the ruins is rewarded with sweeping views of the coastline. Kefalonia’s natural wonders are unmissable. At Melissani Cave, an underground lake glows an almost unreal shade of blue thanks to the light streaming through an opening above; a short boat trip lets you drift through this magical space. Nearby, Drogarati Cave features vast chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, and surprisingly good acoustics that make it a favourite for visitors. Kefalonia is full of discoveries, from lazy days by the sea to cultural sights and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after sunshine and sea, a taste of local life, or time in nature, this Greek island offers a little slice of paradise for every kind of traveller.

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Day 7

mykonos, greece

Arrival: 12:00 - Departure: 22:30

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 quieter 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 Attica region of Greece. It lies within the Athens urban area, about 8 kilometres southwest of the city centre (the municipality of Athens), along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. According to the 2011 census, Piraeus had a population of 163,688 within its administrative boundaries, making it the fifth-largest municipality in Greece and the second-largest within the wider Athens urban area, after the municipality of Athens. The municipality of Piraeus and four neighbouring suburban municipalities make up the regional unit of Piraeus, sometimes referred to as Greater Piraeus, with a total population of 448,997. This regional unit forms part of the Athens urban area. Piraeus has a long recorded history, dating back to ancient Greece. The city was founded in the early 5th century BC, when the area was chosen to become the new port of classical Athens and was developed as a model harbour, concentrating all of Athens’ import and transit trade. During the Golden Age of Athens, the Long Walls were built to fortify both Athens and its port at Piraeus. As a result, Piraeus became the principal harbour of ancient Greece, but it gradually declined after the 3rd century BC, before expanding again in the 19th century, following the declaration of Athens as the capital of Greece. Today, Piraeus is a large, busy city and an integral part of Athens, home to the country’s biggest harbour and displaying all the hallmarks of a major maritime and commercial–industrial centre. The port of Piraeus is the main port in Greece, the largest passenger port in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, handling around 20 million passengers each year. With a throughput of about 1.4 million TEUs, Piraeus ranks among the top ten European ports for container traffic and is the leading container port in the Eastern Mediterranean. The municipality hosted events during both the 1896 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games held in Athens. The University of Piraeus is one of the largest universities in Greece and includes the country’s second-oldest business school, as well as the oldest academic department specialising in finance.

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7 nights. Malta, Italy, Greece

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