Cruising the Mediterranean: Athens to Rome—Emerald Sakara

Cruising the Mediterranean: Athens to Rome—Emerald Sakara

ALL TOURS
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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
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024

SHIP

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.

EXTENSIONS

PRE-TOUR EXTENSION IN ATHENS
SEPTEMBER 24–27, 2024

POST-TOUR EXTENSION IN ROME
OCTOBER 5–7, 2024

EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS

  • Tom Moriarity

    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.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

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.

TOUR MAP

Med map

ITINERARY

  • day 1

    Depart U.S.

    Overnight flight to Athens, Greece.

  • day 2

    Athens, Greece

    Arrive Friday, September 27, and transfer to the centrally located Athens Capital Hotel—MGallery Collection located at Syntagma square for an orientation, welcome reception, and dinner.

  • day 3

    ATHENS / EMBARKATION

    Visit the private Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, a collection specializing in prehistoric art from the Cyclades islands of the Aegean Sea. Drive to the Port of Piraeus, the largest port in Greece, and board the luxurious Emerald Sakara. This evening attend the Captain’s welcome reception and dine aboard the ship.

  • day 4

    Corinth Canal/Delphi

    Cruise through the dramatic Corinth Canal, whose steep limestone walls soar nearly 300 feet overhead, before docking at Itea to climb to the spectacular ruins of Delphi. Located on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, Delphi was the influential oracular sanctuary to Apollo, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and where the Oracle’s pronouncements were sought for centuries. Its stunning setting and architecture evoke the same reverence today as they did thousands of years ago.

  • day 5

    Katakolon/Olympia

    Today visit Olympia, the iconic site of the ancient Olympic Games. During the Games, the Greek city-states were bound by a truce that forbade hostilities and focused attention strictly on athletic competition. Here visit the temples, stadium, sanctuary, and stoa and view the museum’s impressive statues and artifacts. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to race on
    the original Olympic track.

  • day 5

    Siracusa, Italy

    Founded around 734 B.C. by Greek Corinthians, Siracusa was conquered and ruled by Romans, Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, and Ottomans, who each left a legacy of archaeological treasures that have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status. Tour the expansive archaeological park, home to the stunning Greek theater and Roman amphitheater that combine to make this one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy. Continue to the adjacent fortified island of Ortygia with highlights including a lively morning market, Cathedral Square, Santa Lucia Church with its famed Caravaggio, The Burial of Saint Lucy, and a Jewish mikveh (bath). Later, in a nearby private palazzo dating back to the Middle Ages, enjoy a reception hosted by a nobleman and view a collection of etchings of ancient Siracusa and Sicily. This evening, opt to join an after-dark architectural walk or explore independently before returning to the ship.

  • day 6

    Giardini Naxos/Taormina

    Today choose between three excursion options:
    1) An early departure for the slopes of Mt. Etna to see the Silvestri Crater and an opportunity to ride the cable car to the summit; 2) A visit to the 3rd century B.C. Greco-Roman amphitheater of Taormina followed by free time in town; 3) A journey through the Sicilian countryside for a hike in Alcantara Gorge, an impressive canyon formed by the Alcantara River and lava flows from Mt. Etna.

  • day 7

    Salerno/Amalfi Coast

    Dock this morning in Salerno for a short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paestum, an ancient Greek city famous for its three excellently preserved Greek temples, dating from 550 to 450 BC. Admire the magnificent Temple of Neptune—the most complete of the three—which is said to be modeled after the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. This afternoon cruise along the picturesque Amalfi Coast to Sorrento, a smal coastal city famous for its sea cliffs.

  • day 8

    Sorrento/Pompeii

    Sorrento, with its spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, is the base for today’s excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Roman Pompeii. This ancient city was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and its well-preserved ruins continue to provide a unique glimpse into ancient Roman daily life. Explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and discover an ancient city frozen
    in time.

  • day 9

    Civitavecchia / Home

    Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home or begin the optional post-tour extension in Rome.

Everything you need to know about the tour

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