Mediterranean from Trieste

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Trieste (Venice), Italy

  Trieste sits on Italy's north-eastern coastline, almost entirely surrounded by neighbouring Slovenia. The city is filled with cobbled, cafe-lined piazzas and Baroque-style churches, and has a charming old town filled with pastel-coloured buildings. Explore the palaces in Piazza Unità d'Italia before strolling along the nearby Canale Grande. Ride the Opicina tramway around the scenic Carso plateau or spend a morning soaking up the sunshine at the seaside neighbourhood of Barcola. Drive up to Miramare Castle and get up close to local marine and animal life at Miramare Nature Reserve.

• Day 2: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 3: Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

  The sleepy fishing port of Katakolon sits on the west coast of the Peloponnese, close to Pyrgos. The port is gateway to one of Greece's most famous landmarks - Olympia. Visit the ancient ruins of the Olympic Stadium where the sacred flame is lit each Olympic year. Pay a visit to the remains of the 7th-century BC Temple of Hera and the Temple of Zeus. Admire the classical, Roman and Greek treasures at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Pay a visit to the Mercouri Estate Winery to enjoy a wine tour and taste the wine

• Day 4: Piraeus, Greece

  Piraeus is a charming port city in the region of Attica in Greece, located within the Athens urban area. The Archaeological Museum is one of the city's main attractions; discover fascinating artefacts from Mycenaean times to the Roman period here. Wander the beautiful bay and natural harbour and spot at the entrance the remains of Piraeus ancient walls and shipyard foundations of Athen's triremes ships. Hop on the Athens Metro and you'll be in the heart of the capital; marvel at the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and visit the Acropolis Museum to look at the friezes of the Parthenon. Check out old uniforms, photographs, and books at the Electric Railway Museum of Piraeus and take pictures next to the Agia Triada.

• Day 5: Kusadasi, Turkey

  The beach resort of Kuşadasi nestles on Turkey's western Aegean coastline. Stroll along the seafront promenade and around the marina and harbour; perhaps stop for lunch at a waterside eatery or sip a glass of ice-cold beer as you take in the view. Pay a visit the impressive 16th-century Kaleici Mosque or spend a few hours relaxing on the popular Ladies Beach. Take a walk along the causeway across to the off-shore Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasi) to explore its walled Byzantine castle. Fun times for all the family are on the menu on the lazy river, zip lines, waterslides, and water-coasters at Adaland Aquapark on the outskirts of the town. Kusadasi is also gateway to the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus; highlights include: Cukurici Mound, Ayasuluk Hill and its Selçuk Fortress, Saint John Basilica, Isa Bey Mosque, Isa Bey Bath, Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), House of the Virgin Mary, and Ephesus Ancient City itself.

• Day 6: Istanbul, Turkey

  Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a major Turkish city. Discover that its Old City reflects cultural influences from the many empires that used to rule. Visit one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, Hagia Sophia, and shop 'til you drop in the 5,000 shops covering 60 streets at the Grand Bazaar. The unforgettable views from Galata Tower cannot go a miss, as well as its 9-stories high restaurant and nightclub. Wander the Blue Mosque in the old city and spend time in the beating heart of Istanbul - Istiklal Avenue. The Archaeology Museum is well worth a visit to spot the magnificent sarcophagus of Alexander, blue tiled Karaman Mihrab, and the Treaty of Kadesh - the world's earliest surviving peace treaty.

• Day 7: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 8: Corfu, Greece

  The island of Corfu sits off the north coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lined with golden beach resorts, it's a cosmopolitan island with a strong, traditional character. Corfu has long been a hugely popular holiday destination due to its laid-back atmosphere, fun beaches, fantastic climate, and welcoming villages. Its old town is filled with Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and French-style houses. Spend time relaxing on the sand or enjoying water sports in the sea, before sampling the island's delicious cuisine — often a tasty blend of Greek and Italian — at a beachfront restaurant. The waterfront is lined with bars and cafes, and there are plenty of craft markets for buying souvenirs.

• Day 9: Bari, Italy

  The large port city of Bari is situated on the Adriatic coast in the Italian region of Puglia. Discover ancient Old Bari; this unmissable mediaeval neighbourhood is best explored on foot. Get lost in the maze of Bari Vecchia and make sure to visit the iconic Basilica of Saint Nicholas to catch a glimpse of its gold ceiling and eye-catching cathedra of Bishop Elias. Stroll along the waterfront and explore the Fortino of Saint Antony, or visit the local art gallery; this interesting building was once an old fort. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and taste traditional Italian cuisine including pasta, pizza, and a selection of meats.

• Day 10: Trieste (Venice), Italy

  Today you will disembark your cruise and be transferred to the airport for your return flight home