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the itinerary 9th - 16th July 2023

 

 

day

destination

arrival

departure

Sunday

Ravenna

17:00

Monday

at sea

Tuesday

Sarandë

08:00

18:00

Wednesday

Argostoli

08:00

17:00

Thursday

Catania

08:00

18:00

Friday

Malta

10:00

17:00

Saturday

at sea

Sunday

Ravenna

08:00

day 1 Ravenna

Sunday July 9th

Ravenna, the departure and arrival port of The Cruise, is located 1h by train from Bologna, 2h from Florence and 2h30 from Venice. This is a great opportunity to visit these Italian pearls before or after the cruise.

Throughout history, Ravenna has been an important city in many different empires including the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Due to this elaborate ancient history, Ravenna has a lot of historical buildings and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites – its Byzantine era architecture and mosaics are some of the best preserved in the country.

In the center of the city, you can pay a visit to many decorative churches and basilicas and walk through the impressive squares. Or drop by the Ravenna Marina to relax and soak up the blazing sun.
Must do
Visit the various Unesco World Heritage sites, like the Neonian Baptistery and The Basilica di San Vitale
Visit one of the smallest countries in the world – San Marino, which is located one hour away
Head to Piazza del Popolo for an ‘Aperitivo’ and enjoy drinks and delicious snacks
Tips
Very closeby you will find the gay nudist beach of Lido di Dante
Hungry after all the discovering? Try a ‘Piadina’ (stuffed flatbread), which is home to Ravenna
Visit the canals of Comacchio, which is a mini Venice, but without the crowds
Discover Cesenatico by bike, a charming Resort town, with many bars and restaurants on offer
day 2 at sea

Monday July 10th

Slow down, relax, and lounge in the sun.

Dangle your feet in the pool. Maybe visit the gym. Enjoy the 'Mister The Cruise Election'... and get ready for the T-dance!
Must do
An early morning yoga session in the open air.
Offer yourself a spa treatment.
Try the climbing wall
day 3 Sarandë

Tuesday July 11th

Sarandë is the undiscovered gem in the sometimes overcrowded Mediterranean. It is a coastal town in Albania, by the Ionian Sea, counting roughly 50.000 inhabitants. Sarandë gets its name from the Byzantine monastery of the Agioi Saranda, meaning the "Forty Saints", in honour of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste.

It is considered the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera where one is awed by the countless bays, beaches, the rocky coastline, hills with olives and citrus and dramatic mountains that surround the landscape. With various dreamlike beaches and over 300 sunny days a year, this is a summer hot-spot waiting to be discovered. Near Sarandë the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage await to be discovered.
Must do
Visit the ancient city of Gjirokastra, the city of stone that due to its architecture, landed on the Unesco World Heritage list
Visit Syri Kalter, a natural spring and discover why it is also called the Blue Eye
Climb the ruins of Lakuresi Castle, for panoramic views over the city
Tips
Have a cocktail at the famous Jericho Beach Bar
Enjoy an Albanian sea food lunch at the palm tree fringed sea side promenade.
Relax and swim at the crystal clear beaches of Ksamil, Mirror beach being considered the best
day 4 Argostoli

Wednesday July 12th

Shielded from the open sea, the Greek quaint village of Argostoli lays on a small peninsula. Nearly completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1953, the town has been beautifully restored. When we step ashore we are awed by the deep blue sea, historic monasteries, authentic lighthouses, quiet fishing villages and wineries.

At the end of the bay, beneath the St George Castle, lays the Koutavos lagoon, the feeding ground of Loggerhead turtles. This nature reserve can be reached by walking over the Drapano bridge. The bridge offers a magical sight in a jaw dropping setting worth the walk. Discover all the wonders and amazement of the Greek island of Kefalonia!
Must do
Enjoy a boat ride to the underground lake of Melissani and to Myrtos Beach, the most photographed beach in the world
Discover the enchanting island of Ithaka, the ancient kingdom of mythical hero Odysseus
Take and island tour to the fishing village of Fiskardo. A picturesque town with intact Venetian style architecture
Tips
In the mood for shopping? Lithostroto, lined with stylish boutiques and cafes is the place to be
Treat yourself to fresh seafood and Kefalonian wine in the many restaurants on the promenade
day 5 Malta

Thursday July 13th

The Archipelago of Malta consists of 19 islands, from which only the larger three, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.

Malta's geographical location in the centre of the Mediterranean, made it an alluring and much-fought-over prize, which shows in the various above- and below-ground defences that can be found everywhere on the islands.

The capital, Valetta, built by the Knights of St John, is a harmonious grid. It is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. Do not miss the entrance into the harbour: exceptional! It is packed with interest, yet is laid-back and easy. Rocky stretches of coast, limestone cliffs with sheltered bays, gold beaches, beautiful towns, crystal clear sea, friendly people and breath-taking views, make this an ideal holiday destination.

In brief, Malta equals architectural elegance and layers of undisturbed history that are definitely worth a visit.
Must do
Take a boat trip to Gozo and swim in the pristine waters of the blue lagoon
Explore the Blue Grotto’s stunning sea caverns
Relax at the gay friendly secluded beach of Riviera Bay
Wander in the charming streets of Vittoriosa
Tips
Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch at Marsaxlokk fishing village
Hop off the ship and discover the medieval city of Valletta (UNESCO World heritage site) on foot or by Segway
Be out on deck for the sail away of the Grand Harbour, one of Europe’s most scenic sailings
day 6 Catania

Friday July 14th

Catania is Sicily’s second largest city and lies under the shadow of mount Etna. This stunning volcano shaped both the history and existence of Catania. The city, having been destroyed by lava eruptions on many occasions, was rebuilt in baroque style in the 17th century.

Nicknamed the ‘lava city’, this ‘grey city’ with large avenues and wide open squares is unique in the world.  Discover the splendid locations made famous by Coppola's Godfather films.
Must do
Climb up to the top of the Duomo for majestic views over the city. Your ideal starting point for a tour of the old city
Head out and explore the magnificent towns of Taormina or Siracusa
Ever hiked up a volcano? Discover the mighty Mount Etna by foot
Tips
Sample some of the best street food at the bustling market in the old town
Discover the nooks and crannies of the Roman amphitheatre in town
day 7 at sea

Saturday July 15th

Luxuriate in a long day to hang out with your new friends, enjoy the beauty of the wide blue sea and take full advantage of all the ship has to offer. And don’t worry: the fun isn’t over yet…this afternoon is the Goodbye T-dance!
Must do
Now is the time to exchange contact details with newly made friends
Participate in one of the pool activities