Greece Cruise from Piraeus to Rome Italy — 11 Days

Piraeus-Athens, Greece

Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)

Mykonos Island, Greece

Mykonos rewards an early start: whitewashed lanes, blue-domed churches and waterfront cafés are quieter before the cruise crowds arrive. In Little Venice, old captains’ houses lean over the Aegean, while the island’s windmills stand above the harbor. Beyond town, beaches range from lively Psarou to the broad sands of Elia. Take a short boat ride to Delos, where ancient sanctuaries and marble streets mark one of Greece’s great archaeological sites.

Paros Island, Greece

Your first glimpse of Paros is its whitewashed capital, Parikia, gathered around a sheltered harbour in the Cyclades. Walk to Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. Then choose your pleasure: Naoussa’s fishing harbour and lanes, or a swim at an island beach. Paros is also known for the fine marble prized by sculptors across the ancient world.

Corinth Canal, Greece

Few passages put engineering so close at hand. The 6.3-kilometre Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus, linking the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. Limestone walls rise nearly 80 metres above a channel just 24 metres wide. Opened in 1893, it shortened the voyage around the Peloponnese. Beyond the canal, explore ancient Corinth, where temples, mosaics and the Acrocorinth fortress reveal Greece’s layered past.

Itea, Greece

At Itea, the Gulf of Corinth meets the foothills of Mount Parnassus. Delphi lies about 16 kilometres inland, on a dramatic mountainside. Its sanctuary of Apollo and ancient theatre reward the visit. Back in Itea, waterfront cafés look across the gulf. Nearby Amfissa is famed for its extensive olive groves. Choose Itea for a measured day ashore: sacred history above, sea air and an easy promenade below.

At Sea (At Sea)

Siracusa, Italy

Siracusa rewards visitors who look beyond its handsome waterfront. On Ortigia, the old island heart, Greek temples, Baroque palaces and lively markets sit within an easy walk. Across the channel, Neapolis Archaeological Park preserves a Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and the famed Ear of Dionysius. Pause for granita or fresh seafood, then watch the light soften over the Ionian Sea.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta makes a powerful first impression, its honey-coloured walls rising above Grand Harbour. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s compact capital rewards exploration on foot. Enter St John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s monumental paintings, then follow Republic Street to cafés, palaces and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the terraces, watch ferries cross the harbour and look towards the Three Cities. Allow time for steep lanes and quiet side streets.

Trapani, Italy

Trapani sits on Sicily’s western tip, where salt pans, fishing boats and old stone streets define the waterfront. Erice rises above the coast, reached from Trapani by cable car in about ten minutes. Stay in town for the Basilica-Santuario di Maria Santissima Annunziata and the lively lanes around the fish market. Local menus bring couscous, tuna and seafood to the table, reflecting Trapani’s long links with North Africa.

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento rises above the Bay of Naples, facing Mount Vesuvius across water busy with ferries. From here, ferries connect with Capri, while the town rewards a slower day among old lanes, churches, and sea-view terraces. Follow the scent of citrus to shops selling Sorrento lemons, locally made limoncello, and finely crafted marquetry. Then pause over lunch: the region’s seafood and Campanian produce are best enjoyed without hurry.

Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy

Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.

Rome City, Italy

Civitavecchia, Rome’s cruise port, lies about 50 miles northwest of the capital. From the town station, trains reach central Rome in around 70 minutes, depending on service. The Colosseum, Vatican and Baroque piazzas reward a day spent exploring. Choose your priorities before you arrive; traffic and queues can consume precious hours. Then make room for a Roman lunch.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)