Day 1 - Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia, Italy: Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Day 2 - Agropoli

Agropoli, Italy: Nestled along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Agropoli boasts stunning coastal views and a charming historic centre, crowned by an ancient castle. This picturesque town serves as a gateway to the archaeological wonders of Paestum and the serene beauty of the Cilento National Park, offering both cultural enrichment and natural tranquillity.

Day 3 - Reggio di Calabria

Reggio di Calabria, Italy: Located at the southern tip of the Italian mainland, Reggio di Calabria is a city rich in history and culture. Explore its impressive National Archaeological Museum, home to the renowned Riace Bronzes, and stroll along the scenic Lungomare Falcomatà, known as the 'most beautiful kilometre in Italy'.

Day 4 - Catania

Catania, Italy: Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Day 5 - Katakolon

Katakolon, Greece: Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there.

Day 6 - Itea

Itea, Greece: Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of Delphi, Itea serves as a charming coastal town offering explorers an idyllic retreat. The town is a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, where the Oracle once spoke. Itea's serene beauty and inviting seafront make it a delightful spot for leisurely strolls and savoury local delicacies.

Day 7 - Náfplion

Náfplion, Greece: Oraia (beautiful) is the word Greeks use to describe Nafplion. The town's old section, on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos, mixes Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture; narrow streets, often just broad flights of stone stairs, climb the slopes beneath the walls of Acronafplia. Tree-shaded plazas surround neoclassic buildings. The Palamidi fortress—an elegant display of Venetian might from the early 1700s—guards the town. Nafplion deserves at least a leisurely day of your undivided attention, and you may want to spend several days or a week here and use the city as the base from which to explore the many surrounding ancient sights.

Day 8 - Hydra

Hydra, Greece: Rising from the turquoise expanse of the sunny Mediterranean, Hydra is the counterpoint of choice for Athenians - who can swap the city chaos for blissful relaxation with an hour’s boat journey. Known for its inspiring celebrity appeal - Leonard Cohen bought a house here in the 60s - Hydra is a pretty island of rising streets, whitewashed mansions, and carefree clamour. Located a stone's throw from the Greek mainland, the authorities have resisted the temptation to cash in, meaning Hydra remains an endearing time-warp, which revels in life in the slow lane. With cars and new building developments banned – discover an island of donkeys plodding cobbled streets, and fishing boats undulating gently on the harbour’s waves.