Greek Isles & Italy: Santorini, Athens & Florence

from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Cruise into the history, culture and dramatic landscapes of the Mediterranean aboard Norwegian Epic. Enjoy a short ferry ride from Mykonos to the island of Delos — the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and visit ancient ruins. From Naples, step back in time while exploring the ruins of Pompeii — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and journey to Sorrento to savor lunch at a local family-owned farm. Nestled on the west coast of Tuscany, charming Livorno offers the freshest seafood, awe-inspiring forts and splendid coastal views with ample cafes and boutiques awaiting your discovery. 

Discover the best of the Mediterranean on Norwegian Pearl. From Naples, step back in time while exploring the ruins of Pompeii — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and journey to Sorrento to savor lunch at a local family-owned farm. Then travel from Kusadasi to explore the spectacular ancient ruins in Ephesus, which was once the Roman Empire’s second largest city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Rhodes, travel back in time at the Acropolis of Lindos while exploring ancient temples, sanctuaries and residences. 

ITINERARY

• Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.
• Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.

EMBARKATION + DISEMBARKATION

• Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing on Day 1 of cruise.
• Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking on final day of cruise.

Flight

05:00 PM Embark

Endless adventures await in Rome. With two and a half thousand years of history, art and culture, it is no wonder Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet. Gaze at the masterpieces of the Vatican or walk into the past with visits to ancient relics, historic monuments and legendary museums. Or people-watch while sipping on an espresso in a quaint cafe. 

06:00 AM - 06:00 PM

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What's even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo's David. 

10:30AM - 09:00 PM

Cruise to Naples, located on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples' grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old center will take you back centuries. Pompeii is not too far either, a dashing city which boasts diverse cultural offerings and charming streets. 

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

The third largest city on the island of Sicily, Messina welcomes cruise ship visitors with its lovely harbor, extraordinary architecture (much of which miraculously survived a horrendous earthquake and tidal wave in 1908) and wonderful food. Stroll through Messina's Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe. 

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Although it's on the Greek Island of Crete, Heraklion offers a wealth of Venetian architecture from their rule in the 13th century, including magnificent fortified walls. Don't miss the Minoan Palace of Knosos Knossos, immortalized in Greek Mythology by the legend of the Minotaur. 

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Tender Port)

Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis. 

06:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants. 

08:30 AM - 06:30 PM

There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this center of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. 

01:30 PM - 10:30 PM (Tender Port)

Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. 

08:45 AM - 03:00 PM

This Greek island just off the coast of Turkey exudes beauty and history. Take a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master’s Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes, a onetime Wonder of the World, once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Along the scenic coast lies the whitewashed town of Lindos with its ancient acropolis and stunning views. 

06:00 AM Disembark and return home (flight)

This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping.