The Best of the Mediterranean

Wednesday 10 September

An evening departure on Emirates to Dubai from Auckland Airport. 

Thursday 11 September

Arrive Dubai and connect with your flight to Athens. Arrive in Athens late afternoon with a transfer to your centrally-located hotel and a welcome dinner in the evening.

Friday 12 September

Explore the stunning architectural wonders of Athens on an immersive sightseeing tour, led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. We discover the timeless beauty of the Temple of Nike, visit the grand Parthenon and the iconic Acropolis and its renowned museum. 

Saturday 13 September

Board the luxurious Sun Princess and set sail for 22 days of the best that the Mediterranean has to offer. A transfer to the port is included.

Sunday 14 September

A day at sea to relax or explore the impressive features and events onboard the Sun Princess. 

Monday 15 September

Today visit picturesque Kotor which lies at the head of Southern Europe’s longest and most dramatic fjord. This superb UNESCO Heritage city, is well-known for its narrow streets well-preserved architecture, and historic buildings such as St. Tryphon’s Cathedral. This medieval gem is the gateway to Montenegro’s old royal capital at Cetinje and the wildlife at Lake Skadar National Park.

Tuesday 16 September

Nestled in the azure Ionian Sea, Corfu beckons with its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning coastal scenery, with olive groves stretching to the horizon and delightful villages that have charmed travellers for centuries. 

Wednesday 17 September

A prominent port for both Romans and Crusaders, Messina has preserved its historic treasures, including the Annunziata dei Catalani Church. Perhaps travel to the rugged beauty of southeast Sicily, offering access to the seaside resort of Taormina and the majestic Mt. Etna.

Thursday 18 September

Why not treat yourself and dine at one of the delicious specialty restaurants this evening and later catch a Broadway-style show in the theatre - an ideal way to complete a perfect evening onboard.

Friday 19 September

Tour Palma, the largest city and capital of Mallorca, beautifully situated between two pristine beaches, complemented by the majestic La Seu Gothic Cathedral. The circular Bellver Castle offers stunning views of the bay, while the island’s natural beauty and simple lifestyle have inspired renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Frédéric Chopin.

Saturday 20 September

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Las Ramblas’ expansive, tree-lined promenades and admire the soaring spires of Gaudi’s impressive Basilica La Sagrada Familia. Explore Montjuic’s former Olympic Ring or the whimsical mosaic-adorned Güell Park, another Gaudi masterpiece. Barcelona is brimming with wonderful sights for all tastes.

Sunday 21 September

Relax onboard and enjoy a wide range of entertainment options.

Monday 22 September

‘The Rock’ crouches over the sea like an ancient stone beast, looking Sphinx-like to Africa. Gibraltar is a fascinating place, from its caves and batteries to the Barbary apes gambolling on the slopes of the Rock.

Tuesday 23 September

Wednesday 24 September

Today we dock at the largest port on the Mediterranean, Marseille is France’s second largest city. Dominating the harbour is the infamous Chateau d’If, the rocky prison from which Monte Cristo escaped. Marseille is the gateway to exploring Arles or Avignon cities which are immortalized in the canvases of Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.

Thursday 25 September

La Spezia offers easy access to two enchanting regions, Tuscany and its great cities, Florence and Pisa, and the Liguria’s rugged coast with its terraced villages known as Cinque Terre. An opportunity to visit Florence’s Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Tower of Pisa, or soak up the atmosphere in a cozy trattoria showcasing the Ligurian kitchen’s finest.  

Friday 26 September

Saturday 27 September

Arrive in the beautiful city of Naples - rich in centuries-old culture and customs. The third largest city in Italy boasts an ideal location, with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach. Optional excursions from here include the Isle of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

Sunday 28 September

Palermo is a cultural treasure trove with vibrant attractions, from the grand neo-classical Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, to the eerie catacombs under the Capuchin convent.

Monday 29 September

Tuesday 30 September

Today, experience Chania which boasts a mesmerising Old Town with labyrinthine passageways and the atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. The legendary city of Knossos, often described as Europe’s oldest urbanization, offers breath-taking 4,000-year-old Minoan ruins, home to the legendary King Minos and the mythical Minotaur. 

Wednesday 01 October

Thursday 02 October

Istanbul rises from the Bosporus Strait with a different skyline - lined with minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of Turkey is the meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim. Browse the stalls of the world’s largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.

Friday 03 October

Located on the coast, Mykonos features trendy boutiques, jewellery stores, and charming cafés. Just south of the waterfront are the island’s iconic windmills. Nearby is the island of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which has vast ruins, including three temples dedicated to the Sun God.

Saturday 04 October

Arrive in Athens and disembark the Sun Princess to begin a scenic coach tour of the city. Enjoy a guided tour of Athens, including the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Prime Minister’s Palace – formerly the royal palace – and  the colourful Evzone parliamentary guards. Free time for lunch and some last-minute retail therapy before an evening flight.

Sunday 05 October

Mid-morning arrival in Dubai. Change planes and depart for Auckland.

Monday 06 October

Arrive Auckland mid-morning.

Option to extend your holiday in Athens or other European destinations.