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Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
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11 Night Crossroads of the Mediterranean A Voyage Through Greece Malta and Sicily Cruise and Land Tour from Athens (Port of Piraeus)
Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 from Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
Ended: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Apr 27, 2024
departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing
, the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Arrive in Athens, the birthplace of Western Civilization, and set out on an afternoon visit to the Acropolis Museum. Through its collection of antiquities, learn about the daily lives, history, and culture of the people who inhabited the Acropolis for almost 4,500 years. Check into the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2 - Sunday - Apr 28, 2024
Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
This morning, explore the ruins of the Acropolis by foot. On a guided walking tour, pass by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theater completed in 161 AD, and the Propylaia, the ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis, on your hike to the hilltop site of the Parthenon. After lunch, head out into the city for a tour before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
Bus Travel
Cruise Begins
Athens (Port of Piraeus), Greece
This morning, explore the ruins of the Acropolis by foot. On a guided walking tour, pass by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theater completed in 161 AD, and the Propylaia, the ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis, on your hike to the hilltop site of the Parthenon. After lunch, head out into the city for a tour before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 3 - Monday - Apr 29, 2024
Chania, Greece
Known for its mix of Ottoman, Greek, and Venetian architecture from centuries of foreign rule, Chania's Old Town is an inviting labyrinth of charming streets. Take a guided walk through this area in the heart of the Venetian Port, and visit the Ottoman Kucuk Hasan Pasha Mosque, built in 1649. In the afternoon, choose to hike the Gorge of Samaria-a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, hosting typical Mediterranean fauna such as endemic species of wild goat. This majestic gorge, located in the White Mountains in West Crete, is a popular destination. Although it involves a long (5-7 hours), rigorous trek over rocky and uneven terrain, it is worth the effort to experience the beauty of the gorge. Or, delve into Crete's culinary traditions: sheep and goat's milk cheeses, kalitsounia (cheese pies), brandy distilled from grapes called raki, and more.
Day 4 - Tuesday - Apr 30, 2024
At Sea
Enjoy National Geographic Explorer's amenities during this day at sea. Listen to talks by onboard experts, get photo tips from a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor, or spend some time on the Bridge with the officers, who are happy to answer questions. A massage from a wellness specialist is an inviting option, or relax with a book on the observation deck.
Day 5 - Wednesday - May 1, 2024
Valletta, Malta
Be on deck this morning as we approach the impressive bastions, walls, and towers of Valletta, Malta's Baroque capital city. Heavily fortified in the 16th century by its founders, the Knights of St. John, Valletta is home to stunning palaces and domed churches. Take a leisurely walk within the city's walls and see the many fine auberges, or palaces of the Order of St. John. In the dazzling St. John's Co-Cathedral, view Caravaggio's famous 17th-century painting "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist". This afternoon, visit the medieval town of Mdina or contemplate the mysteries of Malta's early inhabitants at Bronze Age megalithic temples.
Day 6 - Thursday - May 2, 2024
Siracusa, Italy
Cross into the Ionian Sea overnight and awaken off the coast of Sicily. Head ashore at Siracusa, one of the most powerful cities in the classical world. Explore the archeological park, where a well-preserved Greek amphitheater with carved limestone seats is still used today. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone, and is the site of the curious Ear of Dionysius-a huge cave with incredible acoustics. Make the most of your time in port: explore the city's excellent market or explore the adjacent island of Ortigia, where a stunning cathedral was built on the columns of the 6th-century Temple of Athena. Alternatively, take an evening stroll through the city's piazzas.
Day 7 - Friday - May 3, 2024
Cruising the Strait of Messina, Italy
Day 8 - Saturday - May 4, 2024
Stromboli, Italy
Bonifacio, France
In the early hours of the morning, we pass through the narrow Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the "boot" of Italy. It is the purported location of Homer's monsters Scylla and Charybdis, the rock and the hard place through which Odysseus had to sail. We'll sail through the Aeolian Islands, not only famous for the winds of the god Aeolus, but also for some of the most well-known classical volcanoes. With a bit of luck, we will witness the pyrotechnics of the active volcanic island of Stromboli. We continue sailing to the northwest across the Tyrrhenian Sea, towards Corsica. During our time at sea, enjoy free time on the National Geographic Explorer's deck soaking up the blue hues of the Mediterranean, or in the lounge taking in fun facts and historical insights from the expert staff onboard. We'll arrive in Bonifacio in the evening of Day 8.
Day 9 - Sunday - May 5, 2024
Bonifacio, France
Wake up to the sunrise over the layered cliffs of Bonifacio. Enter the narrow harbor to dock and enjoy the day in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful towns. Begin with a walking orientation to the citadel, established by the powerful margraves of Tuscany in the ninth century. The rest of the morning is devoted to enjoying this lovely destination. In the afternoon, an option is on offer to drive inland to view some of the menhir standing stone alignments of the Sartene region of Corsica, or to experience the characteristic Corsican maquis, the herbal scrubland known for its fragrances.
Day 10 - Monday - May 6, 2024
Mine of Masua, Sardinia, Italy
Spend the morning at sea as we navigate along the western shores of Sardinia before docking in Masua. Mining has shaped the landscape and culture of Sardinia for two thousand years, with Phoenicians, Romans, and subsequent civilizations extracting precious metals like gold and silver as well as iron, zinc, and other natural resources. In the seaside cove of Porto Flavia, learn about the feats of engineering that enabled the twin tunnels of the Masua Mine to be dug directly into the cliffs, allowing workers to load ore directly onto cargo ships. Via kayak or Zodiac, see these unique mine entrances overlooking the sea.
Day 11 - Tuesday - May 7, 2024
At Sea
Ciutadella, Spain
The Vandals, the Moors, and the British Empire have ruled over this stunning little island where prehistoric civilizations left intriguing rock mounds and megalithic monuments dating back some 4,000 years. This afternoon, explore this history while traveling overland to the southeast of Menorca. Walk through the Bronze Age village of Torralba d'en Salort and see the characteristic T-shaped stone monuments left by the Talayotic peoples. This evening, set a course west toward Spain's eastern coast.
Day 12 - Wednesday - May 8, 2024
Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona this morning. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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