Star Collector: Southern Italy & Northern Greece Odessey

Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi, but you can find countless reasons to love it for itself. The Sorrentine people are fair-minded and hardworking, bubbling with life and warmth. The tuff cliff on which the town rests is spread over the bay, absorbing sunlight, while orange and lemon trees waft their perfume in spring. Winding along a cliff above a small beach and two harbors, the town is split in two by a narrow ravine formed by a former mountain stream. To the east, dozens of hotels line busy Via Correale along the cliff—many have “grand” included in their names, and some indeed still are. To the west, however, is the historic sector, which still enchants. It’s a relatively flat area, with winding, stone-paved lanes bordered by balconied buildings, some joined by medieval stone arches. The central piazza is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, born here in 1544. This part of town is a delightful place to walk through. Craftspeople are often at work in their stalls and shops and are happy to let you watch; in fact, that’s the point. Music spots and bars cluster in the side streets near Piazza Tasso.

Day itinerary:

UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Sorrento. Optional tours will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4th century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perhaps your choice will be a boat ride to Positano, the legendary home of the Sirens. Perched on a terrace on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

Day itinerary:

Take time on shore to explore the beautiful village and enjoy the exclusive access that only a small ship can provide in a port large cruise ships cannot reach. An optional tour will introduce you to the highlights of the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, well-known for its mythological connections and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to the Museo Regionale of Messina, known for featuring two of Caravaggio’s paintings, the city is also famous for having been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sicily.

Day itinerary:

The Straits of Messina, a narrow passage between Sicily and mainland Italy, are famed for their dramatic scenery, strong currents, and mythological legends. Linking the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, this strategic waterway has long been a crossroads of history and culture. As you sail through, you’ll be treated to views of rugged coastlines, picturesque villages, and possibly even the whirlpools that inspired the ancient tales of Scylla and Charybdis.

Malta’s capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta’s compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Day itinerary:

Malta’s capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the world’s smallest, yet definitely most charming. Graced with the paintings of Caravaggio and kissed by beautiful shorelines, you’ll find photographic icons at almost every turn. Not to be missed is a visit to the stately Palazzo Parisio to glimpse the enchanting lifestyle of Malta’s nobility.

Day itinerary:

Reggio Calabria is a small ship exclusive port located at the tip of Italy’s “boot”. Known for its stunning seaside promenade, Lungomare Falcomata, it offers beautiful views of Sicily across the Strait of Messina. Key attractions include the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Riace Bronzes, and the Aragonese Castle. Additionally, Reggio Calabria is renowned for its rich culinary scene and features specialties such as ‘nduja’. This unique soft, spreadable, and spicy sausage is made with a blend of local chili peppers. Traditionally, nduja is served on crispy bread and fresh pasta.

Day itinerary:

Today you’ll discover one of Sicily’s jewels, the charming village of Giardini Naxos, nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful bays. An optional excursion to the popular hillside town of Taormina will be a highlight of your voyage — from the stunning setting of the iconic Greek Theater to the sparkling beaches along the Ionian Sea. Take a more adventurous tack and explore the UNESCO site of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

Day itinerary:

Taranto, located in the Puglia region of Italy, charms with its historic district featuring Greek ruins and a labyrinth of narrow streets. The Aragonese Castle and the 11th-century Cathedral of San Cataldo highlight its historic charm. Taranto is famous for its two seas, the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, which define its unique geography and provide beautiful beaches with sandy shores for sunbathing. Taranto is also known for its Puglian cuisine, featuring orechiette pasta, mussels, tarali (traditional biscuits), and local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli’s citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in its art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata with its majestic 17th-century façade. Inside, the church contains a rich and important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola.

Day itinerary:

Gallipoli, a sun-soaked gem on Italy’s Ionian coast linked to the mainland by a bridge. Its Baroque churches, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively piazzas offer a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by stunning beaches and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli is also famous for fresh seafood, especially its prized red prawns.

Day itinerary:

The picturesque harbor of Fiskardo retains the flavor of a by-gone time with its Venetian-styled houses painted in pleasing pastel colors, a harbor full of small boats and various-sized yachts all moored just a few feet from the restaurants and cafes circling the harbor. The seafood is particularly fresh here where they take great pride in their preparation of delicious Greek cuisine.

Day itinerary:

Galaxidi is a picturesque seaside town on the Gulf of Corinth, close to Delphi. Known for its rich maritime history, neoclassical mansions, and charming harbor, it offers a peaceful escape with fresh seafood tavernas, scenic walks, and views of the sea framed by mountains.

Day itinerary:

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.

Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.

Day itinerary:

Few places offer such a rich combination of history and scenic beauty. In Ephesus, one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world, you’ll explore legendary sites steeped in history. Also visit the houses of Bulbul Mountain, where the roof of one forms the terrace of the next. This evening we present our Destination Discovery Event — dinner in the moonlight and a concert near the Celsus Library or on Harbour Street in ancient Ephesus.

Day itinerary:

Kavala, a vibrant port city in northern Greece, is known for its rich history and stunning coastal scenery. The city’s landscape is dominated by the imposing Kavala Castle, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The historic old town, with its narrow streets and traditional houses, reflects Kavala’s Ottoman and Byzantine heritage. Kavala is also known for its local cuisine – make sure you try traditional dishes, like kovourmas (cured meat), soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs), and local cheeses.

Day itinerary:

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural and historical hub. The city boasts numerous landmarks, including the iconic White Tower, the Rotunda, and the Arch of Galerius. The Byzantine Walls, a remnant of the city’s ancient fortifications, offer panoramic views and lead to the impressive Trigonian Tower, a key defensive structure. Nearby, the archaeological site of Vergina, home to the royal tombs of Macedonian kings, adds to the city’s historical allure. Thessaloniki also has a lively waterfront lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, offering stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf.

Day itinerary:

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural and historical hub. The city boasts numerous landmarks, including the iconic White Tower, the Rotunda, and the Arch of Galerius. The Byzantine Walls, a remnant of the city’s ancient fortifications, offer panoramic views and lead to the impressive Trigonian Tower, a key defensive structure. Nearby, the archaeological site of Vergina, home to the royal tombs of Macedonian kings, adds to the city’s historical allure. Thessaloniki also has a lively waterfront lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, offering stunning views of the Thermaic Gulf.

Day itinerary:

Volos is known for its picturesque waterfront and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled at the foot of Mount Pelion and serving as the gateway to the Pelion Peninsula, Volos offers stunning views and easy access to beautiful beaches, lush forests, and charming mountain villages. The city’s promenade is lined with lively cafes, restaurants, and bars, perfect for enjoying local cuisine and fresh seafood. Volos is only a few hours’ drive from the breathtaking Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations, blend spiritual history with awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Day itinerary:

Skopelos is an island known for its lush green landscapes, blue waters, and charming whitewashed villages. The setting for the film, Mamma Mia!, Skopelos exudes a serene and laid-back beauty that captivates visitors. The island’s coastline is dotted with idyllic beaches, including the famous Kastani Beach, with its golden sands and clear waters. The main town, Skopelos Town, charms with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional tavernas, and quaint shops. History echoes through ancient churches and monasteries scattered across the island.

Day itinerary:

With 3,000 years of history, you can’t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek komboloi (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.