Symphony of the Senses - Athens to Trieste Luxury Cruise

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the "Cradle of Western Civilization" because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian's delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world's finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Volos is a city situated at the center of the Greek mainland, north of Athens. It is the capital of Magnesia prefecture. Modern Volos is built on the ancient cities of Demetrias, Pagasae and Iolkos. To the west of Volos there are the Neolithic settlements of Dimini with a ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dated between 4000-1200 BC, and Sesklo with the remains of the oldest acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), as well as examples of Neolithic civilizations.

Day at sea - enjoy the ship's amenities and relax as you cruise to your next destination.

With a history spanning more than two millennia, Thessaloniki reigned alongside Constantinople as a capital of the Byzantine Empire. So numerous are the outstanding Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments that as a group they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the ornate church and sacred crypt of St. Demetrius, the city's martyred patron saint, or the palace complex of Galerius and the mosaics in the Rotunda. The Archaeological Museum holds even more ancient treasures.

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where "East meets West." The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul's highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city's numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where "East meets West." The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul's highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city's numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Day at sea - enjoy the ship's amenities and relax as you cruise to your next destination.

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo's grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece's most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archaeological dig at Delos.

With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it's no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archaeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the Archaeological Museum housing many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7000 windmills and ancient villages. Take home fine reproduction Minoan pottery, a traditional Cretan knife, local embroidery, hand-woven rugs, gold and silver jewellery. Relax over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki in a taverna, washed down with local wine or beer.

Katakolon is gateway to ancient Olympia, the chief sanctuary of Zeus. After many centuries of competition which began as early as the eighth century BC, the panhellenic festival was created in 776 AD. Ancient competitions included boxing, wrestling, running, jumping, and the discus throw. It is still honored with the Olympics Games every four years. The ancient site of Olympia is also home to the Temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Day at sea - enjoy the ship's amenities and relax as you cruise to your next destination.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the House of Nemanjicc, is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous other attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch directly above the city. Nightlife also attracts tourists to Kotor with pubs, taverns, cafes, and nightclubs.

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.