Greece, Egypt & Italy
Cruise: Athens, Alexandria &
Naples

Athens

Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets,
vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and
high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the
capital's attractions are accessible by foot.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against
Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back
thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western
civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and
where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing
but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged
as independent Greece's capital in 1834.

Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic
gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open
beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's
beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon,
and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will
always lure travellers.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a vibrant and historic city located on the coast of Egypt. As the second-largest city in Egypt and a major economic hub, Alexandria offers visitors a unique blend of ancient wonders and modern attractions. Its rich history, Mediterranean charm, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for travelers.

One of the main attractions in Alexandria is the Citadel of Qaitbay. Built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, this fortress offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is a testament to the city's ancient past. Visitors can explore the fortress, stroll along its walls, and learn about its fascinating history.

Another iconic landmark in Alexandria is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural center that aims to recreate the grandeur of the ancient Library of Alexandria. It houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts, making it a haven for scholars and researchers. The library also hosts exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's intellectual heritage.

For those interested in ancient history, a visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is a must. This underground burial site dates back to the 2nd century AD and showcases a blend of Roman and Egyptian architectural influences. Visitors can explore the maze-like tunnels, admire the intricate carvings, and witness the unique fusion of cultures in this underground marvel.

Alexandria is also known for its beautiful beaches. The Stanley Beach is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim, indulge in water sports, or simply soak up the sun while enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

When it comes to cuisine, Alexandria offers a diverse range of culinary delights. Seafood is the city's specialty, and visitors can enjoy fresh and delicious seafood dishes in one of the many seafood restaurants scattered along the coast. From traditional Egyptian dishes to international cuisines, Alexandria's dining scene has something to suit every palate.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Alexandria offers visitors a bustling cityscape filled with modern amenities. The Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade, is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is also home to modern shopping malls, vibrant markets, and lively nightlife, ensuring that there is always something to do or see.

Transportation in Alexandria is convenient and efficient, with a well-developed public transportation system including buses and trams. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available for those who prefer more convenience and flexibility in getting around the city.

In conclusion, Alexandria offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or someone who simply wants to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of a cosmopolitan city, Alexandria has something to offer everyone. Its ancient wonders, beautiful beaches, and thriving food scene make it a captivating destination that should not be missed during a visit to Egypt.

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete

Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, Crete is by far the
largest of the many Greek Islands and offers something for every
kinds of traveller.

The island has experienced thousands of years of conquest and
habitation and has a complicated and diverse heritage. Sightseers
can investigate the remains of the ancient Minoan culture that
flourished here thousands of years before Christ. Years of Roman,
Venetian and Turkish rule have also left their mark and there are
fascinating sights scattered throughout the island.

Its northern coastline is home to busy holiday resorts and a
wealth of powdery white beaches where couples and families come to
soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. The gateway to the island is
the large, modern city of Heraklion, which is not so much an island
idyll as a vital commercial centre. Other major holiday resorts in
Greece include nearby Malia, lively Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon with
its lovely old town, and Chania, to the west, which known for its
14th-century Venetian harbour and waterfront restaurants.

The wild interior of Crete offers some spectacular mountain
scenery drives and many opportunities for hikers and serious
cyclists. The White Mountains in the west soar to over 2000m, while
the more gentle mountains in the east hide the extraordinary
Lasithi plateau in their midst, which is dotted with white
windmills. The south coast of Crete is much more remote and rugged
than the north. It is crisscrossed with gorges and dotted with
unspoilt villages, pretty coves, and secluded beaches.

Valletta

Valletta, which is the capital of Malta, embraces the famed
charm of an Italian city, its many Baroque palaces set on narrow
steep streets that form a grid pattern. Grandmaster Fra Jean de la
Valette, together with the Knights of the Order of St John, founded
and carefully planned the city.

As the saying goes, the city was 'built by gentlemen for
gentlemen', with the first stone being ceremonially laid in 1566
after Ottoman forces withdrew their siege of the Maltese Islands
and the Knights of St John took over. The purpose of the city,
built in a short span of 15 years on a plateau between two harbours
on Malta's northeast coast, was primarily to fortify the island.
Secondly, it was to provide palaces, inns for the eight Knight's
groupings, churches for worship, and gardens for recreation. These
grand remnants of the Knight's occupation still adorn Valletta in
the form of some splendid Baroque buildings and fortifications.

But the majestic architecture manages not to overwhelm the
island's carefree personality. Valletta balances its sombre
grandeur and religious tone with colour and jollity. The city has a
fun but not raucous nightlife, along with some great restaurants
and magnificent chances to see the sights. It's a very safe and
friendly city, welcoming of tourists, and well-equipped to host
them.

Catania

The largest island in the Mediterranean
Sea, Sicily may be just a short hop from the Italian mainland,
across the narrow strait of Messina, but it's worlds apart in
atmosphere and attitude. Everything Italian seems a little more
appetising here - not only the food, but the history and culture
too.

For a long time, Sicily was ignored as a
holiday destination, largely because of the mafia stranglehold and
the poverty of the people. But today, the island is experiencing a
tourism boom and a surge in development as the destructive
influences of the organised crime wane. Visitors discover that the
Sicilian people are gracious and welcoming, and that the island
itself offers natural and historic attractions of great beauty and
interest.

The main cities of Palermo and Catania
feature some of the most exquisite architecture in the world, a
legacy of the many great civilisations that have vied for control
of this strategically-situated island over the centuries, from the
Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans, to the French, Spanish and
Italians. There are massive Romanesque cathedrals, the
best-preserved Greek temples in the world and Roman amphitheatres,
as well as magnificent Baroque palaces.

The continuous blue skies and temperate
climate, lush vegetation and rich marine life all add to the
island's appeal. Indeed, nature has given Sicily Europe's tallest
active volcano, Mt Etna; a dramatic coastline; and fertile soil
that gives forth much of the bounty on which the island's unique
and delicious cuisine is based.

Sicily has a coastal Mediterranean climate
of mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The mountainous interior
has cooler temperatures, with snowfall during winter; while along
the coast, winter temperatures average about 50°F (10°C), and
summer temperatures about 84°F (28°C).

Naples

Italy's third-largest city thrives on the
chaos that prevails amid its busy streets. This is the place where
pizza was allegedly invented, its restaurants continuing to serve
some of Italy's finest cuisine.

Sheltered by the Bay of Naples and
dominated by the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is imbued with
the best of nature's bounty. The city juxtaposes superb museums,
Renaissance structures and Baroque churches, against crumbling
tenement blocks and poor neighbourhoods. Noisy markets sell a
collection of items, from high-quality fresh produce to fake
designer goods.

Roads are characteristically hectic with
gung-ho moped drivers weaving wildly through the streets and
frustrating traffic jams clogging the city's arteries. Despite
these less refined elements, Naples is a fascinating destination
and a great base from which to explore popular attractions like the
Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The city's transport hub is located around
the immense Piazza Garibaldi, on the east side of Naples. Southwest
from here is the Piazza Bovio, and branching to the left of it, the
Piazza Municipio and nearby Piazza del Plebiscito. On the watery
edges are the Molo Beverollo and the Stazione Marittima, the point
of departure for ferries. From the reaches of Spaccanapoli, one can
explore the historic part of Naples with its numerous palaces and
churches.

Civitavecchia

Rome is like a living museum, liberally
dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological
sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each
new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and
gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy
sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of
Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio
Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the
architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need
only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona
or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance
splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically
Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From
early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and
the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying
heights of the empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but
Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the
new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced
with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.