Mediterranean Relics: Ancient Wonders and Coastal Cities - 2023

Today your journey to Italy begins with an overnight flight to Rome.

You’ll arrive in Rome today! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, you’ll be met at the airport by one of our representatives who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. Get settled in, and later, attend a Welcome Briefing and Dinner.

Today, enjoy a guided panoramic tour (by motorcoach and on foot) of Rome’s historic center — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with highlights that include the iconic Colosseum, ancient Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, and more. Lunch is on your own today. 

Located on the fringe of Borghese Gardens, your hotel offers you a prime location from which to explore Rome during an afternoon at leisure.

Dinner is on your own at any of the city’s celebrated dining establishments. Traditional Roman dishes include fried artichokes, spicy pasta all’amatriciana, and celebrated carbonara. When in Rome, splurge!

Included Feature:

• Guided panoramic and walking tour through Rome

After breakfast, get ready for a true Italian highlight: A tour of the Vatican Museums in the UNESCO-listed Vatican City. Enjoy fast-track entrance to these world-renowned museums, featuring an exceptional collection of classical sculptures, Renaissance art, and the Michelangelo-painted Sistine Chapel. After the museums, enter St. Peter’s Basilica — an Italian Renaissance-style church among Christianity’s holiest sites. Lunch is at a local restaurant today. 

Afterward, you’ll transfer to Civitavecchia's port and embark the Ocean Odyssey. Enjoy your first meal aboard the ship tonight as we set sail this evening toward Sicily.

Included Feature:

• Morning in the Vatican City, with fast-track entrance to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Arrive this morning along the Bay of Naples, gateway to the legendary Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where seaside villages and dizzying cliffs create a dreamy landscape. No visit here is complete without a tour of Pompeii, the ancient city buried by the ash of Vesuvius in 79 AD. A walking tour with a private guide helps you step back 2,000 years into a world of cobbled lanes worn by horse-drawn carts, fascinating villas still adorned by colorful murals, Roman baths, the old forum, and more.

This afternoon, take part in something truly extraordinary — don't forget your camera! You’ll enjoy an afternoon lunch visit to a local farm, where you'll meet your hosts for a tour and a class in creating the perfect pizza, the famed cuisine of nearby Naples.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Pompeii

Cultural Discovery:

• Home-hosted lunch with pizza-making demonstration at a local farm

Scenic Sailing:

• The Gulf of Naples is a sight to behold. Get an extraordinary sea view of Naples, fearsome Mount Vesuvius, and nearby Sorrento — a town that’s literally on another level perched atop sheer cliffs

It is only because of the small-ship size that you can pause for a day to explore the Aeolian Islands, Italy’s archipelago northwest of Sicily. Beauty greets you at every turn on these soaring, majestic volcanic islands. The vessel/ship will anchor off the shore of Lipari and tender to Marina Corta, allowing you to walk with your guide along the V?ia Garibaldi. At the Rock of the Castle that is set high on a promontory, peer deep into the island’s past at an archaeological site and visit the Cathedral of Bartholomew, the island’s patron saint. Then, get a panoramic view of the island, visiting the villages of Quattrocchi and Quattropani. As you explore, enjoy splendid views of other Aeolian Islands, including Stromboli with its ever-active towering volcano. You’ll also stop to take in the vistas of Lipari Beach and observe the ubiquitous pumice stone deposited here by volcanic eruptions from millennia past. After lunch on board, you will have some leisure time in Lipari. 

This afternoon’s lecture provides more fascinating context to this legendary part of the Mediterranean. 

Included Feature:

• Walking and panoramic tour of Lipari

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

After breakfast onboard and a captivating lecture about your destination, you'll head out to explore Erice, the supposed birthplace of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. While walking the town’s cobblestone streets, soak in the aromas emanating from the numerous pastry shops for which Erice is famous. Here, you’ll visit the ruins of the town’s hilltop Norman Castle, a 12th-century construct dedicated to Venus, and the 14th-century duomo with its 90-foot belltower. You’ll also visit a private winery for another tasting of local Sicilian offerings.

On your way back to the Ocean Odyssey, you’ll have better views of the area’s famous “salt road” — where salt is extracted from the ocean by the scorching sun and delicate Mediterranean sea salt, with its briny scent permeating the air, is left behind. The scenery here is particularly breathtaking, and you’ll have a chance to photograph numerous salt pans, marshes, inlets, and Dutch-style windmills.

After your tour, we'll head back to the ship and enjoy lunch onboard as we depart Trapani. We'll cruise the southwestern coast of Sicily, so head to the observation lounge or your own balcony for more incredible views of this region. 

Included Feature:

• Guided tour of Erice with drive down the “salt road”

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture
• Wine tasting at a private Sicilian winery

Arrive in Malta this morning. After breakfast, you’ll go sightseeing in Valletta, the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Europe’s smallest capital, Valletta is an open-air museum of 16th-century buildings built by the Knights Hospitaller. Your private guide will regale you with Valletta’s history while leading you down the city’s charming narrow streets to visit the Valletta City Gate, Triton Fountain, the new Parliament building, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is considered one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture.

At the conclusion of your walking tour, take in a 5D show exploring the history and culture of Malta in an interactive and exciting way. Lunch is back on the ship; afterward, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to continue your Malta explorations.

Included Feature:

• Morning Valletta sightseeing tour 

Cultural Discovery:

• Go inside the history of this Mediterranean nation with a Malta 5D showing

More Sicilian discoveries begin today in UNESCO-listed Syracuse, where ancient Greek ruins and antique Italian charm fuse into one splendid island called Ortigia. On a walking tour, head to the Old Town with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and welcoming piazzas. You’ll visit an archaeological area to view the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring with roots in Greek mythology. You’ll also get a look into Jewish life here — Judaism was present here long before the arrival of Christianity in Sicily. You’ll also see the oldest mikveh (ancient ritual bath) to survive in Europe, and one of the first few in what’s now known as Italy.

Return to the ship for lunch, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure to continue your explorations in Syracuse. Later, you'll have another lecture before dinner onboard, followed by local entertainment after dinner.

Included Feature:

• Half-day guided tour of Syracuse

Cultural Discoveries:

• Afternoon lecture onboard
• Local entertainment

This morning, you’ll anchor in Giardini Naxos where you’ll have your choice of tours. Head to Taormina, the historic city set on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. This chic resort town offers splendid views of Mount Etna in the distance and a charming medieval ambience. You'll also visit its fantastic Greek Theater, originally built in the 3rd century by Romans, and marvel at its coastal vistas before heading to the Public Gardens, boasting some 200 species. Here, you’ll have time to sample a refreshing granita. 

Your second option of tours is a visit to UNESCO-listed Mount Etna, where you’ll savor a tasting at a local winery. Sicily is famous for its Nero d’Avola grape, which grows bountifully in the island’s volcanic soil. 

Lunch will be back on the ship, followed by leisure time to spend as you wish and another lecture later in the day. Along the way, take in some scenic sailing as the Ocean Odyssey navigates along the coastline of Calabria and the Strait of Messina. 

Included Feature:

• Your choice of tours: Tour of Taormina and its ancient Greek Theater OR Mount Etna with local winery visit and tasting

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture
• Granita or wine tasting (depending on choice of tour)

Scenic Sailing:

• Enjoy scenic views of the Calabrian coastline and the Strait of Messina

Today you'll explore the region of Puglia, which comprises the heel of Italy’s famous boot. From the port city of Brindisi, you’ll head north to the commune of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its trulli — cone-shaped limestone homes that date back as early as the 14th-century. You’ll learn all about the history of these homes and how they survived after conflict between local peasants and feudal landlords. Your walking tour will lead you to the old city, which holds more than 1,000 trulli, most still functioning as private homes. Your tour ends at the Church of Saint Anthony, with its uniquely adorned façade and cone-shaped roof reaching 64 feet tall.

In the narrow streets of Alberobello, you can admire workshops with artisans at work. You’ll also have a chance to step inside a typical trullo house to see the architectural style and structure, and learn how people used to live in these iconic buildings. After, lunch in a typical masseria — or country estate — belonging to a local family. This will be a highlight of your day — pack the camera! A masseria is where local Italian families produce much of what they drink and eat — milk, cheeses, meats, vegetables, olive oil, and more — and you'll learn all about it during enlightening conversation and cultural exchange. Joyous and full, you'll return to the ship with a scenic drive through Puglia's countryside, lined with endless olive groves.  

Included Feature:

• Tour of UNESCO-listed Alberobello and its cone-shaped homes

Cultural Discovery:

• Lunch at a local masseria (country estate)

This morning, hear a lecture as you enjoy one of the most scenic stretches of ocean on this journey as the Ocean Odyssey sails toward Split. You’ll have marvelous views of several Croatian islands, so have your camera ready.

Split is one of the oldest cities in this historic region and one of Croatia's most famous touristic destinations. Explore ancient Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which the emperor chose as his retirement home because of the area’s spectacular beauty. Your special tour also takes you into the mysterious passages in the lower levels of the palace’s massive structure — Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as one of the show's filming locations! 

Tonight, enjoy more local entertainment on the ship.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Split and Diocletian’s Palace and its basement halls

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture
• Evening onboard entertainment

Discover Zadar today — another coastal gem that was named Europe's top destination in 2016 and was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. This Roman-era city boasts a blend of ancient, renaissance, Romanesque, and medieval architecture. On a walking tour, you’ll see the UNESCO-listed Historic Defense Walls and explore Zadar’s ancient city center. 

This afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing with views of the Kornati Islands National Park. You’ll also hear an interesting lecture while sailing.

Included Feature:

• Guided walking tour of Zadar

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture 

This morning, your ship will dock in Trieste, an Italian city apart due to its proximity to the Istrian Peninsula. Here, you will learn about how the cultures of Hungary and Austria have shaped the city due to rotating rule over the last several decades. Depart for a morning sightseeing walk, passing by distinct architecture and the famed, ornate Opera House which symbolizes the city’s rich music tradition. Enjoy lunch on your own, with lunch money provided.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner onboard with the travelers joining you for the next portion of your trip.

Included Features:

• Guided walking tour of Trieste

Discover part of one of the most beautiful regions of Croatia on two half-day tours of Rovinj and Pula. Istria is one of the more developed regions of Croatia and is sometimes referred to as “Croatian Tuscany,” with some of the most picturesque towns in the country.

Explore the picturesque coastal town of Rovinj, which was part of Venice's mercantile empire and has a distinctive Venetian aspect to it. Today, it’s a jet-set town for regional and international tourists alike due to the breathtaking palate of its skyline and its mesmerizing ocean views. Enjoy a guided tour to see its charms for yourself. For the best views of the town and the harbor, make the mile-and-a-quarter trek uphill to the Church of St. Euphemia — it's well worth the effort!

We'll have lunch back on the ship before sailing along the 14-island national park, the Brijuni islands, to Pula. We’ll start our tour at Pula Arena, Europe's most complete Roman amphitheater. You'll be able to go beneath the arena floor to see the actual passageways and rooms where gladiators and their foes, including wild animals, awaited their turn in combat. We’ll also see the town and its streets that are briming with history juxtaposed with modern shops and restaurants.

This evening, enjoy dinner onboard with klapa singers, a UNESCO protected cultural heritage of Croatia.

Included Features:

• Walking tour in Rovinj
• Pula tour with visit to the Pula Arena

Cultural Discovery:

• "Klapa" singers performance
• Scenic Sailing along Brijuni Islands National Park

This morning, enjoy an informative onboard lecture while taking in the passing landscape as you sail into your next destination of Opatija. Upon arrival this afternoon, you’ll set out on a walking tour of this coastal town, which once catered to European royalty with stately villas, seaside promenade, and lovely gardens. Then, enjoy some free time to discover Opatija on your own.  Enjoy a walk along the Opatija Promenade for lovely views and perhaps stop for a bite to eat or a drink. How far you go is up to you — a roundtrip walk can cover up to 7.5 miles and, in total, connects seven towns and villages of the Opatija Riviera. Alternatively, you may want to try your luck in one of the town's casinos.You’ll visit Opatija’s riviera villages including Moscenice, one of the oldest settlements in this region. Your local guide will lead you to breathtaking vistas here, and you’ll have the option to sample some locally-made spirits.

Included Features:

• Half-day tour of Opatija

Cultural Connection:

• Onboard lecture

This morning, enjoy scenic sailing, passing by UNESCO protected St. Nicholas fortress, that is guarding the entrance into the ancient city of Šibenik. Upon arrival, depart for Krka National Park, a gem of Croatia and home to breathtaking waterfalls and gorges. We’ll witness its crystalline river rushing through the canyon against a green, mountainous backdrop as we ascend to the top of the waterfalls by bus and then hike to the bottom. On the way we’ll learn about how this water was used (and is still used today) to power local corn mills. At the end of our hike, we’ll enjoy a boat ride to the town of Skradin.

Upon arrival, set off on a walking tour among some of the oldest streets in Croatia that date back to the 11th century, where you’ll see the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important architectural achievement in the country.

Tonight, enjoy a performance by local musicians on board your ship.

Included Features:

• Krka National Park hike and boat ride
• Šibenik guided walking tour

Cultural Connections:

• Jurlinovi Dvori traditional lunch
• Evening onboard entertainment

This morning after breakfast, set off to explore Hvar, another idyllic Mediterranean port. Hvar is a popular celebrity destination known for its vast fields of lavender, ancient olive trees, and fruit orchards. Set off on a guided walking tour and learn the port town's history, hear about local legends, and visit the lace museum, inside the Benedictine Monastery. Aloe lace is made in Croatia only by the nuns of this monastery, and is designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage feature.

You'll also visit visit Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of your afternoon is at your leisure. You may also choose to go swimming, snorkeling, or fishing (weather permitting). Active travelers shouldn't miss the walk to Hvar Fortress, with entrance included. Later, enjoy a fascinating onboard lecture.

Included Features:

• Tour of Hvar town
• Hvar island tour with Stari Grad Plain

Cultural Discoveries:

• Visit to a lace museum in a Benedictine monastery
• Onboard Lecture

Today, your carefully selected local guide will lead you through Dubrovnik's Old City — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — introducing you to its most heralded landmarks, as well as its hidden gems. Following the tour, you’ll relax in a centuries-old church for a Vantage-exclusive private classical concert by the Sorkočević Quartet, who are members of the Croatian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Return to your ship for lunch, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening. You'll be supplied with a one-day Dubrovnik card, which provides free entrance to numerous sites around the city, including access to the walkway atop the walls surrounding the Old City. Your Cruise Director and Concierge will be happy to recommend activities to do and places to see.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Dubrovnik’s Old City

Cultural Discovery:

• Vantage-exclusive private classical concert

This morning you'll experience the Bay of Kotor, about which the poet Lord Byron wrote: “The Bay of Kotor, a submerged river canyon surrounded by dramatic rising mountain cliffs, is the jewel of the coast of Montenegro.” Tucked away at the head of the bay is the town of Kotor featuring intriguing medieval fortifications. Here, you’ll learn the town's history — which is believed to stretch back as far as the first century — while you walk the charming tangle of Old World streets. The city’s walls stretch up more than 800 feet from sea level to the fortress of Saint Giovanni. The views are sure to take your breath away, from medieval churches to staggering mountains.

Heading toward Dubrovnik, you’ll follow the winding Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a beautiful stretch of scenic sailing. With its narrow profile and steep walls, Kotor’s bay is often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Technically however, the bay is not a true, glacier-carved fjord, but rather a ria, or submerged river valley. In the afternoon, enjoy an informative onboard lecture.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Kotor
• Sail through UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard Lecture

Enjoy a splendid day on the scenic island of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with Venetian inspiration and a lively local lifestyle. You'll have the opportunity to explore Corfu town on the east side, full of traditional bars, restaurants, and shops framed by winding alleyways.

During your time in Corfu, you'll indulge in a tour of one of its most famed attractions — the elegant Achilleion Palace. Dating back to 1890, this property was the brainchild of Empress Elizabeth of Austria (also known as Sisi), who was fond of the island and visited often. Each floor is adorned with lavish decor, including bronze and stone statues of fabled Greek gods in the palace and the surrounding gardens.

After your tour, enjoy lunch back on board and a relaxing afternoon at leisure. After your tour, enjoy lunch back onboard and a relaxing afternoon at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy an onboard lecture before dinner.

Included Features:

• Scenic sailing before a tour of Corfu Town
• Tour of Achilleion Palace

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

This morning, we’ll sail into Katakolon and enjoy scenic drives through the villages of Peloponnese. Then, you'll have a full day at the location where the ancient Olympic Games originated — in Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a natural setting of beauty and serenity, the archeological site dates back to the 10th century B.C., where it first became a sanctuary for the gods and a place to worship Zeus. Alongside temples, there's remains of various sporting venues from the festive games that began in 776 BC.

In the afternoon, you'll be delighted to join in on a traditional Greek lunch at the Magna Grecia, a family-owned Greek agrotourism farm. After a guided tour, sample its house made wine and olive oils while being regaled with local entertainment to boot.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Olympia

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit to Magna Grecia agrotourism farm for lunch, wine and olive oil tasting, and local entertainment

This morning after breakfast, you'll dock on Greece's mainland coast at Itea and be transported to nearby UNESCO-listed Delphi. Once known as the center of the world by ancient Greek mythologists, Delphi has been revered as a hotspot of ancient Greek culture and archeology for centuries. You'll spend the morning on tour to enjoy its best points of interest, including the onsite museum.

In the afternoon, indulge in some more of the ship's amenities as you enjoy scenic sailing through the Corinth canal with commentary, including a later onboard lecture.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Delphi

Cultural Discoveries:

• Scenic Sailing through Corinth Canal
• Onboard lecture

This morning, disembark the Ocean Odyssey to conclude your journey here in Greece. Today, enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, the country's sophisticated capital. Mythology and ancient history come alive here, as you’ll see at the iconic Acropolis. It was here that Poseidon and Athena were said to have fought to determine who would be patron of the city. This was the architectural pinnacle of Athens, crowned by its breathtaking Parthenon. You’ll also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Pan Athenian Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. Along the famed Panepistimiou Avenue, pass the Catholic Cathedral, Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library. Enjoy lunch on your own, perhaps dining in the charming Plaka district, nestled at the foot of Acropolis Hill.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Athens, with so much to discover — from extensive shopping options to open-air markets to museums and beyond. Lunch and Dinner are on your own tonight, and you're in luck: Athens restaurants are world-class, but so is its street food — at a fraction of the cost. Don't miss souvlaki, fava purée and pita, a classic Greek salad, or anything with feta cheese. Your conveniently located hotel is also just a stone’s throw from abundance of local restaurants and food stands. Settle into your room for the evening, with views of Greece's energetic capital.

• Athens panoramic walking tour, including the Acropolis

You have the day at leisure to set out into the Cradle of Civilization to uncover some of its less-explored paths. If you’re looking to shop for a deal, head over to the Monastiraki flea market, the atmospheric agora of secondhand treasures. Or perhaps you’ll brush up on your ancient history at the Acropolis Museum or the Athens Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, you can relax in your hotel and enjoy its sumptuous amenities, from the rooftop swimming pool to the spa.

Back at the hotel, say goodbye to fellow travelers at your Farewell Dinner.

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer to the Athens airport for your flight home. Or, continue to Istanbul, Turkey, for your post-trip extension.