Fly to Rome, overnight at hotel

You will be spoilt for choice in this infinitely intriguing city where an unsurpassed vibrancy of life mixes with epic history, tasty cuisine, top class shopping and a joyous nightlife. Peel back layer upon layer history with world class sights such as the Coliseum, The Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and more. The Pantheon is absolutely awe-inspiring dating back to 27 BC and is the only complete structure from the Roman Empire still standing. The circus maximus once seated 250,000 spectators for chariot races around 11 BC. While the oval shape of Piazza Navona, which houses the magnificent Four River Fountain, is a clue to its Stadium of Domitian heritage from 86 AD were gladiators fought and athletes competed. The Spanish steps , he home of John Keats, were built in 1723-1725 and are another of those must see places – a place to sit and people watch artists, poets and painters.

Embark the ship

Is situated just 3 miles from the mainland under the shadow of Mount Etna. Perhaps visit picturesque Taormina with its hilltop Saracen Castle and the Ancient Greek Ampitheatre.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

The most popular port of call on any cruise itinerary is the photographer’s paradise of Santorini. This volcanic island is made up of a crescent shaped Caldera which is the edge of an ancient volcano . Ancient legend suggests that this was the site of the lost city of Atlantis – when the volcano erupted the centre of this island disappeared in to the sea leaving the remnant known as Santorini.

(part of the Cyclades chain of Islands) is also frequently visited by many cruise ships for its Greek charm and upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere – plus there are some excellent beaches.

Where east meets west straddling the Bosphorous Strait. Visit either Asia Minor or Europe in one city, check out the Blue Mosque and St Sophia - its twin, haggle in the Grand Bazaar, visit Topkapi palace and try out an invigorating Turkish Bath.

Kusadasi is the staging post for Ephesus (the Turkish equivalent of Pompeii) well known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is a popular tourist destination. Nearby there is the opportunity for lazing on the beach, snorkelling and for the thrill seekers out there, try the aquapark.

Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. The Acropolis Museum, along with the National Archaeological Museum, preserves sculptures, vases, jewelry and more from Ancient Greece.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Most people head for the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius or scoot across the bay to the island of Capri.

Disembark ship for your flight home