Timeless Mediterranean

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Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.

   Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

2. 2

   Day 2 Agrigento for Valley of the Temples, Sicily.

   Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern coast port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains, a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, we can admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.

3. 3

   Day 3 Syracuse.

   Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean, rivalling Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. This morning there will be a choice of excursions, visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park to discover the well-preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the curious ‘Ear of Dionysius', a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. Alternatively, drive to Noto, a picturesque city built in 1703 located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei. A guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some of the Baroque churches. After lunch on board we have an afternoon at leisure to explore independently before we sail this evening.

4. 4

   Day 4 Crotone, Italy.

   After a morning at sea, we arrive in Calabria and the port of Crotone which is on the site of the ancient Greek City of Kroton. Whilst little remains of the Greek city it was one of the most important settlements of Magna Graecia, where Pythagoras set up a school in 530 BC and whose athletes were very successful at the Olympic Games. We will take a scenic drive inland this afternoon to Santa Severina, one of Italy's prettiest towns overlooking the Neto River valley. We will explore the majestic Carafa Castle, which was built by the Normans in 1076 and is surrounded by strong, crenellated walls with a moat on three sides and contains intricate underground labyrinths and stables, with the remains of Medieval frescoes. Also see the cathedral, the beautiful Byzantine baptistery and a chance to wander the town's tangled streets. On our return to the ship, we will stop at a local farmhouse for a tasting of typical Calabrian food served with local wine.

5. 5

   Day 5 Gallipoli.

   This morning we drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South' with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore historic Gallipoli, with its whitewashed houses and attractive old quarter that still has a Greek air about it.

6. 6

   Day 6 Sarande, Albania.

   The port of Sarande is our base to discover the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour explore the ruins that feature the remains of many eras and cultures. From the Hellenistic period there are temples, the promenade and the 4th century BC theatre. From the Roman era are the public baths, gymnasium and fountains. From the Byzantine era we see chapels and the large Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, whilst the Venetians are represented by a watchtower and a small castle with commanding views over the Straits of Corfu. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace.

7. 7

   Day 7 Corfu, Greece.

   Praised by Homer in ‘The Odyssey' and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for ‘The Tempest', Corfu retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers - Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain. Our guided tour will include the famous Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin at Paleokastritsa which is still inhabited by a community of monks. The small museum houses some priceless Byzantine icons. Spend some time in the serene monastery gardens that afford a splendid view over the turquoise waters of the bay. Continue to Mon Repos Palace, the summer residence of the British Governors of Corfu which now houses a museum including many Ionian treasures and is surrounded by a large park. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing.

8. 8

   Day 8 Itea for Delphi.

   The port of Itea is our gateway to the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece's most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi's Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5,000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing to Corinth.

9. 9

   Day 9 Corinth & Corinth Canal.

   Corinth flourished under both Greek and Roman rule due to its significant location on the Isthmus of Corinth which controlled trade routes as well as being home to the naval power which took colonies in Syracuse and Corfu. It has also been closely linked to St Paul who lived here for a number of years and is known through his letters to the Christian community. On a morning tour we explore the site of Ancient Corinth seeing the Temple of Aphrodite, the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the marketplace, and the Roman Forum. Be on deck later this afternoon as we navigate the narrow Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like the MS Monet which can now make this journey.

10. 10

    Day 10 Athens to London.

    Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.

Meet your Experts

A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.

Sir Roderick Beaton

Sir Roderick Beaton has been travelling in and around Italy and the Mediterranean since his teens and has many years' experience of lecturing on cruises to the region. In his recent books, The Greeks: A Global History and Europe: A New History (soon to be a Penguin paperback), he has authoritatively explored the legacy of the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome to modern Europe and the wider world. He is also a leading expert on the life and work of Lord Byron and the poet's contribution to the history of Italy and Greece in the early nineteenth century.

The Ship

Monet

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