Athens to Civitavecchia

A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.

Breathlessly romantic and incredibly scenic the azure domes and whitewash buildings that cascade down Santorini's slopes are prime honeymoon material - and relentlessly romantic. A true gem of the Cycladic island group Santorini is startlingly pretty and its white windmills and dazzling villages are incredibly easy on the eye. Envy-inducing and evocatively beautiful Santorini's sunsets are legendary and the island is a highlight of any voyage to the Greek islands. Look out over the endless expanse of blue waves filling the massive volcanic caldera of Santorini – and absorb one of the most spectacular views in the world. The sheer rock shoulders of the caldera create an immense natural amphitheatre - so enjoy the show as you sip a local volcanic-mineral enhanced white wine and fall in love all over again. Any meal is well rounded off with the famous wine Vinsanto. The east side of the island may lack the incredible panoramas but it's ideal if all you want to do is recline on volcanic-sand beaches - which range in hues from charcoal-black to flame-red. This beautiful island was forged by powerful volcanic activity and you can learn more about the huge eruption of 1 600 BCE - which wiped out the Minoan city at Akrotiri. The eruption sank the centre of the island forming the moon-shaped topography we see now. Visit the archaeological site that has revealed and preserved the village which was lost to time below the pumice and ash. Some whisper that this destroyed town may even be the fabled Atlantis.

A little bit more rough and ready around the edges than a lot of other Greek islands, Naxos is the thinking-person’s Greece. The largest of all the Cyclades islands, it was once the cultural centre of Classical Greece and Byzantium, so do not be surprised that the world’s oldest culture has left its mark. Museums range from the Archaeological Museum (housed in an elegant Venetian mansion), an impressive geological museum to the lovely Venetian and unusual museum, housed in an 800-year old private house. For those who want to venture further afield, Haki, the old capital of Naxos, has a great distillery museum, run by the same familywho first opened it in 1896. Not only are there two lovely monasteries worth visiting, but because of its high mountains Naxos benefits from much more rainfall than most other Greek islands, which makes the land very green and fertile. Local produces includes olives, grapes, figs, citrus fruit, corn and potatoes and if you get a chance, a healthy home-grown meal in a back-country taverna will be undoubtedly be memorable. The golden sands that circle Naxos are particularly nice, catering for all personality types. The active among you will certainly want to head to the eastern side of the island, where the wind is perfect for budding kite and windsurfers, as well as those who like their beaches as natural as can be. The western side of the island, notably Platka beach, is where the sun-lovers will be seen soaking up the rays.

It may not be the prettiest place in Crete but Heraklion's patchwork of history bustling activity and cultural intrigue makes it the perfect change of pace. This is certainly no sleepy island fishing village and Greece's fifth-largest city is adorned with a rich collection of quality museums ancient ruins from antiquity and a lively culture of its own. A refreshing shift-up from the many quaint beach towns and fishing villages you'll encounter in the Greek islands Heraklion – also known as Iraklio - has great shopping extraordinary history and is the ideal base for ventures to the archaeological treasures of Crete. Traded by the Arabic Venetian and Ottoman empires over the years Heraklion is a multi-layered place with fascinating tales to tell. The city's impressive Venetian fortress which waits over the gently rolling waves of the gleaming Mediterranean welcomes you ashore. The sun-roasted earth outside the city hides treasures from the realms of history including the Bronze Age remnants of Europe's oldest city Knossos. A visit to the fantastic Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ties all of this history together and exhibits relics from the civilisations and eras of Crete's past. Elsewhere Daidalou's pedestrianised paving is a charming stroll through Heraklion's shops with streets branching off to café-lined plazas and twinkling fountains. Stop to try local food - like fresh feta and olive sprinkled dakos mezze – all washed down with a sample of local raki brandy.

Perched high on the imposing Sciberras Peninsula, Valletta immediately presents its massive, protective walls and vertical bastions to visitors arriving by sea. Rising to 47 metres in places, the fortifications protect lavish palaces, grand domes and illustrious gardens. Built by the Knights of St John on the narrow peninsular, Valletta is a compact, richly historical treasure trove of Baroque wonders. Ascend to reach the restful, flower-filled Upper Barrakka Gardens, where cannons fire and boom in salute at noon each day, sending echoing cracks of noise out across the waves below. Recognised as 2018’s European Capital of Culture, Valletta is a fascinating and dense haven of history and intrigue. A busy, bustling capital, the breathtaking St John’s Cathedral - commissioned in 1572 - is almost concealed among its narrow streets. The relatively modest exterior is counterpointed by a staggeringly opulent, gold-leaf bathed interior, containing a Caravaggio masterpiece - the shadowy vision of the Beheading of St John. Cinematic and magnificent, Valletta has served as a filming location for Game of Thrones - but real epic history abounds on this rocky isle too. From the prehistoric and megalithic sites of the Hypogeum of Paola and Tarxien, to the fascinating War Museum at Fort St Elmo. Mdina also waits nearby, and the former medieval capital is a striking contrast to the island’s main city. Cars are barred from its streets, and it offers endlessly atmospheric old-time wanders. With a strategic positioning in the Mediterranean, Malta is a jewel that many have wrestled for over the centuries. Independence from Britain was finally achieved in 1964, but the close allegiance remains evident, with English recognised as an official language, cars driving on the left, and red post boxes and telephone gleaming in Malta’s sunshine.

Surrounded by glowing turquoise waters and rugged coastline Trapani invites you to explore western Sicily's ruins intense flavours and sun-soaked leisure pursuits. Built on salt and tuna exports Trapani is experiencing a renaissance having been lovingly spruced up as a sailing capital and an international airport bringing in visitors from far and wide. The town looks out over the Egadi Islands gazing west to witness some of Siciliy's most evocative sunset displays. Start exploring Trapani from its historic core a dense network of alleys hosting a collection of small shops restaurants and wine bars. You’ll encounter the Cathedral of San Lorenzo – where colourful artworks are spread below sweeping arches and a beautiful domed roof. Sicily feels like an island on the cusp of continents and Trapani practically has one foot in Africa as you soak in its pretty whitewash houses and fusion of foods and arts. Discover the Ancient Greek influence by venturing to rich archaeological sites nearby like Selinus and Segesta where the treasures from the past have been unearthed and displayed. Pyramids of white salt rise up at the Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco. These salt marshes and windmills are a symbol of Trapani and although sea salt production is much less important today the small white hills remain a Trapani landmark. Look out for the pink flamingos wading in the salt pans below. For beach days the Egadi Islands can be easily reached from Trapani - Favignana is the largest and most popular.

Salerno is situated at the northern end of the Gulf of Salerno. The old town, rising up the slopes of the hill on the site of the ancient Salernum, still bears evidence of its great days during the medieval period. It had the oldest medical school in Europe, which flourished from the 11th century until it was closed down by Napoleon's brother-in-law, Murat, in 1812. Today, Salerno's main attraction is an imposing Romanesque cathedral, built in 1085 and remodeled in the late 18th century. A flight of steps leads up to an atrium with 28 columns from Paestum and fourteen ancient sarcophagi. The magnificent bronze doors were made in Constantinople in 1099. Inside is the ornate tomb of Margaret of Anjou and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who died in Salerno in 1085. In the richly decorated crypt under the alter lie the remains of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum.A 45-minute walk from the cathedral leads to a hilltop crowned by the old Lombard Castello, from where extensive views are available. Along the seafront, to the east of the harbor, extends a fine promenade lined with impressive modern buildings. The Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi is the town's principal traffic artery.Travelers coming to Salerno mainly use the port as a starting point for visits to the Greek temples of Paestum. Other favorite excursions from here are to Pompeii and to visit the popular resort towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Pier 22. A tourist office is located at the port and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From the pier it is approximately two miles to the town center. Taxis are generally available at the pier for trips farther afield. Be sure to establish the fare with the driver before starting out. Shopping Local handicrafts, clothing, shoes and mozzarella cheese are items to look for. Major shopping areas are along Via dei Mercanti, Via Duomo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Most shops are closed between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine The always popular pasta dishes are a good choice. Other favorites include fresh seafood and local specialties. The home-produced ricotta and mozzarella are especially recommended. Good local wines will complement your meal. Other Sites Museo Diocesano At the Piazza Plebiscito, behind the cathedral, this museum houses a fine collection of medieval carved tablets. Museo Provinciale Occupying two floors of the San Benedetto Monastery, the main attraction at the museum is a handsome bronze head of Apollo fished out of the bay in the 1930s.

A summer escape for Rome’s historic elite the stacked waterfront of Porto Santo Stefano is a secluded taste of idyllic southern Tuscany. Physically closer to Rome than Florence the city is strung to Italy’s western coast by two sandy harnesses and sits on the unqiue peninsula of Monte Argentario - which was once an island. Flamboyant pink flamingos and herons stroll through the encased lagoon while Porto Santo Stefano’s waterfront hums with clinking cafes and strolling visitors. The luxury yachts in the harbour show that Porto Santo Stefano has lost none of its luxury appeals and with beaches wild hikes and waterfront beauty it continues to lure visitors to this secluded escape. Known for its fishing and cuisine - which is based around heavy use of the Tyrrhenian Sea’s juicy bounty. Stroll to Piazza dei Rioni for a dripping lemon gelato or wander the streets noticing the lingering World War II damage – the city was heavily bombed during the conflict. Fortunately the historic star-shaped Spanish fort was spared and it still watches out resolutely over the waters. Rugged coastline falls to secluded beaches with a wilder unkempt charm. Sail the coves - seeing cascading olive groves - or island-hop to Giglio and Giannuti which lie 12 miles from shore and can be seen from the monastery topped Argentario mountain. On the other side of the promontory you’ll find Porto Ercole - where the lifeless body of the Old Master Caravaggio was discovered.

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.