DETAILS
This program highlights archaeological sites that are remnants of the grand civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Begin in Athens with its incomparable Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum, then cruise aboard your Luxury Yacht through the Corinth Canal to see where the Oracle spoke to Greek citizens at Delphi. If you wish, go for a run on the original track at Olympia. Stop at 2,700-year-old Siracusa, rich with Greek and Roman history, where we’ll stay for a late departure that allows an evening stroll or sightseeing excursion. Marvel at the 3rd c. BC Greco-Roman amphitheater at Taormina and the stunning Greek Temple of Neptune at Paestum before visiting fascinating Pompeii for a look at what Roman life was like before Mt. Vesuvius erupted.
- Pricing from
- $7,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024
Cruise on the elegant Luxury Yacht Emerald Sakara, launching in 2023. A full 360 feet in length but with only 50 cabins, she has ample space and a relaxed atmosphere on board. The staterooms and suites are uniquely designed and offer views of the spectacular scenery. Forty-four of the fifty cabins have step-on balconies. Dining onboard includes menus with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Perhaps best of all, Sakara is so petite it can tie up next to the promenades with other superyachts, rather than being banished to the commercial cruise piers where larger ships must dock.
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Tom Moriarity
Tom Moriarity is a nationally recognized preservationist and urban development specialist. Trained as an architect, Tom was one of the founders of the National Trust’s pioneering Main Street Program. As Managing Principal at Retail & Development Strategies LLC, Tom has been involved in major restoration and urban rehabilitation projects across the U.S. and the world. He will bring his expertise on architecture, architectural history, historic preservation and adaptive use that will help each traveler better understand the beauty and significance of the places we will visit. Tom holds two degrees in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin.
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Depart U.S.
Overnight flight to Athens, Greece.
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day 2
Athens, Greece
Arrive and transfer to your centrally located at Syntagma square for an orientation, welcome reception, and dinner.
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day 3
Embarkation
Visit the private Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. Drive to the port of Piraeus and board your Luxury Yacht Emerald Sakara. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner this evening.
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day 4
Corinth Canal/Delphi
Cruise through the dramatic Corinth Canal before docking at Itea to climb to the ruins of Delphi, where the Oracle’s pronouncements were sought for centuries.
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day 5
Katakolon/Olympia
Today’s excursion takes us to Olympia, iconic site of the ancient Olympic Games, with temples, stadium, sanctuary, stoa, and museum. Partake in a foot race on the original Olympic track.
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day 5
Siracusa, Italy
Cruise this morning to Sicily and dock at Siracusa. Tour the Archaeological Park, followed by guided walk of Ortygia Island w/highlights including lively morning market, Cathedral Square, Santa Lucia Church w/famed Caravaggio, and a Jewish mikveh (bath). In a lovely private palazzo, view collection of etchings featuring ancient Siracusa and Sicily followed by wine tasting in the palace cellars hosted by a nobleman. After dark architectural walk or free time before departure.
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day 6
Giardini Naxos/Taormina
Choice of tours today: 1) Early departure for the slopes of Mt. Etna to see Silvestri Crater and ride the cable car to the summit; 2) Visit 3rd c. B.C. Greco-Roman amphitheater of Taormina w/free time in town; 3) Travel through the Sicilian countryside for a hike in Alcantara Gorge.
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day 7
Salerno/Amalfi Coast
Dock this morning in Salerno for the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Paestum and its three Doric Greek temples, highlighted by the stunning Temple of Neptune. Scenic afternoon cruise along the beautiful Amalfi Coast to Sorrento.
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day 8
Sorrento/Pompeii
Sorrento, with its spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, is base for today’s excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site Roman Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.
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day 9
Civitavecchia / Home
Disembark by 9:00 am for flights home OR join the post-tour extension to Rome.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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