Greek & Italian Isles

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome or the less-crowded, nearby Tarquinia. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where you can embark on adventures through the Eternal City. Rome maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past. From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well with countless rooftop bars that are a prime location for an evening sunset. For explorations further off the beaten path, Tarquinia offers historic treasures such as the Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an authentic, Italian small-town feel.

Of the six Pontine Islands that dot the Mediterranean, Ponza, the archipelago’s largest island, is certain to capture your imagination. Relish the opportunity to explore Pontius Pilates’ grottos, a subterranean and underwater archeological complex. This is where Romans raised fish and eels for consumption. The caves were dug into the island’s volcanic rock around the first century CE and formed five basins connected to each other via underwater passages. Combine history and hiking with a trek to the ancient Roman necropolis of Ponza. The spectacular view from the top of the island alone is worth the climb.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

The vertical town of Positano sits on a cliff along the renowned Amalfi Coast. Every adventurer agrees that a view of the horizon from atop the village is a sight to behold. The colors of the houses along the coast mixed with the majestic shades of a sunrise or sunset paint an unparalleled picture that must be seen in person to appreciate its full beauty. Amid the labyrinthine staircases and walkways you may find a local ceramics shop where their wares make the perfect memento to take home. While it may be a small town, Positano is anything but boring with a thriving nightlife in hot spots like Music on the Rocks, a night club on cliff’s edge that takes its name literally.

Off the coast of Sicily you find the volcanic Aeolian Islands, the largest of which is Lipari. But not to worry, as the island’s last eruption took place over 1,000 years ago and the only signs of volcanic activity today are fumaroles and thermal springs. From a place in ancient Greek mythology to UNESCO World Heritage status, the Aeolian Islands and Lipari hold a rich and intriguing history. Seek the ultimate views with an invigorating hike through Monte Rosa. Archaeological excavations within the citadel tell a story dating as far back as the Neolithic era.

Syracuse holds many wonders for the venturesome traveler seeking something far from the ordinary. From archaeological parks to World War II battlefield remnants to the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, the vast and diverse environment contains any level of challenge for the explorer at heart. It holds 2,700 years of history with influence from other cultures like Spanish, Greek, Norman, and Arabic that have made a mark on their cuisine. It is also a gateway to various small villages that are perfect for a leisurely stroll through local history. Among the most notable is Noto, the “Baroque Capital” of the world. This UNESCO-protected city holds all the charms of small-town living on the island.

Sailing the Ionian Sea reveals a mesmerizing expanse of blue water that shimmers beneath the Mediterranean sun. As you glide along ancient maritime routes, the horizon gives way to verdant island coastlines and dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into the deep. High above the shoreline, hillside villages and terraced olive groves paint a picture of enduring tranquility, with pale stonework contrasting against the lush green. The sea itself feels alive with gentle movement. Traditional fishing boats bob rhythmically in the distance, while seabirds glide effortlessly on the ocean breezes just overhead. If you look closely at the yacht’s wake, you might even spot a pod of dolphins playfully breaking the surface. This serene journey builds quiet anticipation for the cultural treasures awaiting on the next shore.

The preserved, sixth-century medieval town of Monemvasia sits on an islet known as "the Gibraltar of the East." One of the oldest Byzantine churches in Greece, Agia Sophia, resides here, sitting atop a hill overlooking the Myrtoan Sea and giving way to stunning views of the town. Delve into ancient history at the Archaeological Museum of Monemvasia, housed in a Muslim mosque. From Xifias to Pera Kakavos, the quaint beaches here provide a leisurely respite for a day spent basking in the sun. Charming shops along side streets offer handmade leather goods and jewelry from local vendors. Enjoy seafood straight from the source at a local restaurant while taking in the ocean views.

One of the most sophisticated of the Greek Isles, Hydra, lies in the Argo Saronic Gulf. This island is a popular getaway for celebrities and the elite, making it an exceptional destination for the explorer that wants cultural immersions. Various historical sites and landmarks like the bastions surrounding the port, the Merchant Marine Academy and Monastery of Agia Efpraxia tell the island’s story throughout the years. The three main villages – Hydra Town, Vlichos and Kaminia – each hold a different facet of Greek life. Hydra also offers a surplus of beaches to bask in the sun on the sandy shores.

A coastal town whose ancient silver mines once funded the golden age of Athens, Lavrion invites you to discover the maritime heart of the Athenian Riviera. Today the Archaeological Museum of Lavrion preserves that storied industrial heritage, while the marina offers a picturesque setting for waterfront strolls and fresh seafood at a traditional taverna. A short drive leads to the majestic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea and sunsets rank among the most celebrated in Greece. Athens itself lies only about an hour away, placing iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the winding streets of the Plaka neighborhood within easy reach for a compelling excursion. Closer to port, pristine beaches and scattered historical sites dot the scenic coastline, blending deep cultural roots with the relaxed rhythms of the Greek seaside.