Rome, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Greece Wine Voyage

Description

Discover the diverse beauty of the Mediterranean and enticing vintage wines with this 7-day wine-tasting cruise of Italy, Sicily and Greece, featuring Rome, the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast and Taormina in Sicily, as well as Itea, Corinth Canal, Hydra and ending in Athens. This Italy and Greece wine cruise of the Mediterranean aboard the exclusive SeaDream II cruise ship departs September 1st, 2018 from Civitavecchia (near Rome) and takes you on a relaxing 7-day cruise of Italy’s idyllic coastal landscapes and islands, as well as the sublime beauty of the Greek coast. As well as the opportunity to explore the idyllic fishing villages that line the coast in Italy and absorb stunning Greek landscapes, this special Mediterranean wine cruise has been designed to enhance both your culinary and yachting experience. As a part of the wine cruise, you can enjoy two complimentary wine-tasting experiences with two visiting winemakers and you will also be treated to two special evening culinary experiences, featuring an exclusive menu with selected wines to celebrate the vintages that you have discovered.

With refined accommodation aboard the SeaDream II luxury cruise ship, exclusive on-board services and catering, and the chance to visit some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful towns and wineries, this is the perfect sea cruise on which to discover the overwhelming beauty of this part of Europe.

Trip itinerary at a glance

• Day 1: Evening departure from Civitavecchia near Rome in Italy (boarding starts at 2pm)
• Day 2: Capri and Positano (Italy) and on-board wine-tasting experience
• Day 3: Positano and Amalfi (Amalfi Coast, Italy) and the Winemaker’s Dinner
• Day 4: Taormina (Sicily)
• Day 5: At sea and on-board wine-tasting experience
• Day 6: Itea (Delphi, Greece) with transit through the Corinth Canal, and the Winemaker’s Dinner
• Day 7: Hydra (Greece)
• Day 8: Athens in Greece (disembarkation starts at 8am)

Pricing

Our prices include accommodation on board the SeaDream II luxury cruise ship, all gourmet meals, an open bar with select spirits, wine with lunch and dinner, use of water toys such as paddleboards, entertainment, and complimentary morning yoga, as well as access to the on-board services, such as the spa and golf simulator. The SeaDream II cruise ship accommodates a maximum of 112 guests and is fully staffed with an award-winning crew of 95, including professional chefs and waiting staff, meaning you can be sure of a high level of dedicated service. To find out more about the SeaDream II cruise ship and the luxury suites, please click on the relevant tabs at the top of the page.

Yacht Club Stateroom (Deck 2)*
£3615 per person (£7230 per cabin)                 $4699 per person ($9398 per cabin)
Yacht Club Stateroom (Deck 4)*
£4615 per person (£9230 per cabin)                 $5999 per person ($11,998 per cabin)

Commodore Suite (Deck 2)*
£6384 per person (£12,768 per cabin)               $8299 per person ($16,598 per cabin)

How to book

To book this Italy and Greece wine cruise, please use the drop-down boxes at the top of the page to select your accommodation. Then enter the number of cabins required in the box before clicking “Add to basket” (note that the total price is based on two people sharing a double cabin). This will take you through to our reservation system, where you can enter your details. Once your reservation request has been submitted, a member of our team will be in contact to take payment and confirm your booking.

If you would prefer to speak to an adviser or you would like to find out more about this Italy, Sicily and Greece cruise before booking, please call a member of our friendly team on (UK) 01223 637331 or (US) 347-594-5500, or click here to send us an enquiry.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome on board the SeaDream II
This Mediterranean cruise departs from Civitavecchia, near Rome, with boarding beginning in the evening, including a personal meet and greet with the captain. Civitavecchia is an historic port town with roots dating back to Etruscan times and has many intriguing attractions that you can enjoy before boarding, such as Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is also a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture to enjoy, as well as fascinating museums.
Our recommended tours: We offer a complete holiday planning service, which means that we have the pleasure of offering you exclusive tours to enhance your experience. Before beginning your cruise, you can enjoy one of our VIP tours of Rome – simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page for more information.

Day 2: Discover the Pearl of the Mediterranean
On the first full day of your Mediterranean wine cruise you will dock at the idyllic Italian island of Capri, which is not far from Sorrento on the south coast of Italy. The island is known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean thanks to its stunning island scenery with vibrant flowers and magical sea caves, as well as its charming boutique stores. The island has so much to offer, including the famous Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto sea cave), Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni rocks.
Our recommended tour: Take advantage of our exclusive Private Island Tour to discover the top attractions, including the hill-top town of Anacapri and the Blue Grotto, or for something cultural, you can opt for our VIP Land Excursion to Pompeii, giving you the opportunity to step back in time at this thought-provoking archaeological site. Simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page for more information.

Day 2 & 3: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Positano
After exploring the island attractions in Capri, in the evening of day 2 you will sail toward the stunning Amalfi Coast, stopping ovenight at the port of Positano, which is a UNESCO-protected coastal town known for its unique architecture. As well as its pebble beachfront, one of the town’s most notable sights is the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, which features a majolica-tiled dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. We are sure that you will delight at the coastal vistas you can enjoy from the SeaDream II as Positano lights up in the evening sky – it is something quite remarkable! After some time appreciating the sublime beauty of Positano as the sun sets, you will be treated to a complimentary wine-tasting experience with Gaia Gaja, featuring Barbaresco and Barolo wines from the Gaja family estate, which is known for its innovative wine-growing and winemaking solutions – a truly special and unique treat that we’re sure will be a highlight of your Mediterranean wine cruise.

Day 3: Visit Amalfi – a highlight of the Amalfi Coast
On day 3 of your luxury Mediterranean cruise, you will have time to explore a highlight of the UNESCO-protected Amalfi Coast in this famous stretch of coastline’s namesake: the tranquil village of Amalfi. This fishing village sports some impressive medieval architecture, including its Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, the church tower and the convent of the Cappuccini, which was founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano. The charming sights in Amalfi richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy, making this town a particularly enjoyable stop for those interested in art and architecture. After discovering the delights of the Amalfi Coast, in the evening you will have a chance to relax at a special Winemaker’s Dinner hosted by Gaia Gaja. As a part of this luxury evening experience you will sit down to an elegant meal that has been expertly crafted by the SeaDream chefs to complement the glorious vintage wines of the Gaja estate.*
Our recommended tours: We offer a range of day tours from Amalfi. Choose from: a Private Amalfi Coast Driving Tour, featuring the prettiest coastal towns, a Day Trip to Pompeii with VIP Tour or a Wine-tasting Experience in the Foothills of Mount Vesuvius – the region’s resident volcano. To find out more, simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page.
*Note that SeaDream offers a by-the-glass pairing package for the Winemaker’s Dinner for an additional cost.

Day 4: Marvel at Mount Etna in Taormina
After discovering the enticing beauty of South Italy, today you can explore the chic town of Taormina, which sits at the foothills of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. SeaDream anchors in the bay of Giardini Naxos, allowing you to appreciate fantastic views of the UNESCO-protected natural site of Mount Etna and Taormina. A shuttle bus will be waiting to take you from Giardini Naxos to Taormina, where you can explore the fascinating attractions, such as the Duomo (Cathedral), Palazzo Corvaja, the Anglican Church of Saint George, the Church of San Domenico and the exquisite Baroque fountain. Alternatively, opt for one of our exclusive land excursions to see the wider region.
Our recommended tour: We highly recommend enjoying our Mount Etna Wine-tasting Experience, featuring local wines produced from the Etna vineyards. Or for something a little more exhilarating, enjoy our Quad Bike Tour to the Etna Lava Fields. To find out more, simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5: Wine-tasting at sea
On day 5 of your Italy and Greece cruise, you will sail through the tranquil waters in the direction of Greece. There will be plenty of time to relax on the yacht and enjoy the luxury services, such as the golf simulator, swimming pool and spa, as well as take in glorious views that will lull you into complete relaxation. As a finale to your day at sea, you will be treated to a wine-tasting experience with the fine Palladino wine from Barolo. As a part of this experience, you will have the opportunity to sample the quite simply amazing Barolo from the Parafada vineyard, which sits at the top of the ridge in Serralunga d’Alba – one of Italy’s premier wine-making towns. Only a few producers have vineyards in this prized area and the Palladino Parafada has received numerous awards and accolades, including 94 points in Wine Spectator.

Day 6: Itea and the Corinth Canal
On day 6 of your Italy and Greece cruise you will arrive in Itea – a small town situated on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. As well as having a pretty beach and vibrant cafes, Itea allows the closest access to the incredible site of Delphi, which is within the top three archaeological attractions in Greece and is a UNESCO Heritage Site. According to legend, Greek god Zeus wanted to find the center of the Earth so he sent two eagles flying from the eastern and western extremities, and where they met was Delphi – becoming the “navel/centre of the Earth”. From Itea, you will have the chance to discover this unmissable site in all its glory, including the Delphi Museum, which is home to such treasures as the Omphalos, which marked the centre of the world, and the magnificent bronze Charioteer, one of the finest pieces surviving from the 5th century BC. After discovering the thought-provoking beauty of Delphi, in the evening you will have a chance to reflect on your day with a special Winemaker’s Dinner featuring Palladino wines as you pass through the famous Corinth Canal. As a part of this luxury evening experience you will sit down to an elegant meal that has been expertly crafted by the SeaDream chefs to complement the glorious vintage wines that you have enjoyed during your wine voyage.*
Our recommended tours: Our Walking Tour of Delphi is a must during your stop in Itea and gives you the chance to discover iconic attractions, such as the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and the Temple of Apollo, as well as the Delphi Museum. Alternatively, perhaps you would prefer our Mountain Bike Tour of the National Park of Parnassos – it features alpine landscapes and forest areas, and you will also have the chance to enjoy a picnic in the forest with local delicacies. To find out more, simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page.
*Note that SeaDream offers a by-the-glass pairing package for the Winemaker’s Dinner for an additional cost.

Day 7: Relax amongst unspoiled island scenery in Hydra
After discovering the thought-provoking cultural site of Delphi, today you can completely relax and rejuvenate on the idyllic island of Hydra. There is just one main town in Hydra, known simply as Hydra Port, which is home to a crescent-shaped harbour, around which is centred a strand of restaurants, shops, markets and galleries that cater to tourists and locals, known as Hydriots. The charm of Hydra Port certainly lies in its rich history, beautiful port and a waterfront unspoiled by motorised vehicles, and the island offers a rugged charm and some spectacular scenery that we’re sure you will delight in.
Our recommended tours: If you want to enjoy a traditional experience in Hydra, opt for our Donkey Ride & Hydra Walking Tour, which takes you through the narrow, winding streets to the best attractions, including breathtaking views of the harbour. Alternatively, if you’re eager to relax on your last full day at sea and soak up the Greek sunshine, we can arrange a Water-taxi Transfer to Vlihos Beach, where you can wander barefoot across the sun-drenched grey-pebble beach. To find out more, simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8: Departure in Athens
And so your luxury Mediterreanean wine voyage comes to an end today, with the SeaDream leaving you in the famous city of Athens at the port of Piraeus. Disembarkation begins at 8 am, giving you ample time to discover the famous attractions, including Piraeus’ many archaeological sites and museums.
Our recommended tours: As a finale to your special wine cruise of the Mediterranean, why not treat yourself to one last cultural experience with our Guided Tour of Athens & the Acropolis, featuring the most intriguing ruins, such as the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, as well as the Acropolis. To find out more, simply click the “Tours & Land Excursions” tab at the top of the page.

Important information

Please note that this Italy and Greece wine cruise does not include outbound/inbound flights or airport transfers. When booking flights from your chosen airline, we recommend that you fly into Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport, and out of Athens International Airport.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to take advantage of our expert travel planning service then we have the pleasure of offering you additional extras to supplement this Italy and Greece wine cruise, such as:

• Return flights
• Private airport transfers with a meet and greet service
• Tours and land excursions in the ports docked at during the cruise

If you require additional extras for this Italy and Greece wine cruise, please contact us for a personalised quote by clicking here – we typically reply within 24 hours. You can also call a member of our friendly team on (UK) 01223 637331 or (US) 347-594-5500 to find out more.

Alternatively, to reserve this cruise package online without optional extras, please use the drop-down boxes at the top of the page.

Why choose us

We think there are lots of reasons why you should choose us for your Italy and Greece wine cruise. Here are just a few, but to find out more about us, our customised Italy cruise packages and our expert holiday planning service, please contact a member of our friendly team on (UK) 01223 637331 or (US) 347-594-5500.

• Complete vacation planning service: We can arrange optional extras as a part of your Mediterranean cruise package, such as return flights, private airport transfers, and tours and land excursions, allowing you to relax knowing that all the details of your cruise package have been taken care of.
• ATOL protection: We are ATOL protected and full members of ABTA, ASTA and AFTA, which means that, no matter what, your holiday money is safe.
• Award-winning customer service: We were recently awarded the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award for our customised Italy holidays and 5-star customer service, and we have also been honoured with the Zicasso Top Travel Specialist Award for our hand-crafted Europe tours.
• Italy experts: We are experts in travel around Italy and every one of our travel specialists was born and raised in Italy or has lived there, meaning we know Italy like no other!

If you are interested in booking this Italy and Greece wine cruise, please contact a member of our friendly team on (UK) 01223 637331 or (US) 347-594-5500. Alternatively, please click here to send an online enquiry and we will get back to you right away – typically within 24 hours.