24 nightsFrom Nice (Villefranche)20 ports of call
Spain, Italy & Greece Featuring Istanbul
Silversea · Silver Shadow
Overview
A 24-night voyage aboard Silver Shadow, departing Nice (Villefranche) on 20 Aug 2028 and arriving in Athens (Piraeus), Greece, calling at 20 destinations along the way.
Nice (Villefranche)St. Tropez, FranceBastia, CorsicaAlgheroMahon, SpainAlcudia, Mallorca, SpainBarcelonaPalamosSete, FranceCivitavecchia, RomeSorrentoGiardini Naxos, SicilyAgios Nikolaos, GreeceMykonosVolosThessalonikiIstanbulCesmeNafplionAthens (Piraeus), Greece
Cabin prices
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Itinerary
24 nights · 25 ports of call- 1
Day 1 ·NiceEmbark
20 Aug 2028Depart 19:00Nice, often called the Queen of the Riviera, is a delightful city that is fashionable yet relaxed and fun. Sprawling over an extensive area, Nice comprises a wonderful blend of old and new. The old town is one of the delights of the Riviera. Narrow streets and winding alleys are lined with faded 17th- and 18th-century buildings, where families sell crafts and produce. The Italian façades of modern Nice and the exuberant, early 20th-century residences, which made the city one of Europe's fashionable winter retreats, remain intact. Although not blessed with the best beaches, its pebbled sands continue to attract scores of visitors every year.
Adding to the city's attractions are relics of its ancient past. Greek seafarers founded Nice around 350 BC. The Romans took control 196 years later, settling farther uphill in the area that is now Cimiez. By the 10th century, Nice was ruled by the Counts of Provence and in the 14th century fell to the House of Savoy. Although the French occupied Nice for short periods during the 18th and 19th centuries, the city did not become a definitive part of France until 1860 when Napoleon III made a deal with the House of Savoy. Nice grew in popularity during the Victorian period when the English aristocracy favored it as a winter retreat because of the mild climate.
Backed by scenic mountains, the city is generally divided into the Old Town and modern Nice. The look of the old town has changed little since the 1700s. Its colorful flower market should not be missed. The celebrated, palm-lined Promenade des Anglais follows the gently curved beachfront for about three miles and visitors as well as residents enjoy strolling along its path. Everything costs more along this famed strip; expensive shops, restaurants and art galleries blend with more modest establishments. The showpiece of the Promenade des Anglais is the palatial Hotel Negresco.
North of the Old Town, the stately Place Massena is the main hub of Nice. The square is surrounded by neo-classical, arcaded buildings painted in shades of ochre and red. The central part of the city contains fine restaurants and hotels and is particularly known for its pedestrian zone with many boutiques of well-known designers. North of the city center is the posh suburb of Cimiez, where several museums are located. - 2
Day 2 ·St. Tropez, France
21 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00Once an insignificant fishing village, this jet set haven became popular as an artists' colony in the late 19th century. But it was Roger Vadim's movie, And God Created Woman, filmed here with Brigitte Bardot, that brought about the international cult of Tropezian sun, sex and celebrities. Located at the end of its own peninsula, St. Tropez suddenly became the talk of the jet set, which propelled the tiny port into world fame.
A hundred years ago not even a proper road led to St. Tropez; access was mainly by boat. Novelist Guy de Maupassant sailed his yacht into the port in 1880. The neo-Impressionist painter Paul Signac followed, as did a number of other famous artists and writers. By the time of World War I, St. Tropez was well established as a hangout for Bohemians.
The old part surrounding the harbour is the focal point. Here, narrow streets are packed between Quai Jean Jaurès, Place des Lices and what is left of the 16th-century citadel. The harbour is filled with sleek, gleaming yachts that have replaced the simple fishing boats. Pastel-coloured houses ring the waterfront, presenting the classic St. Tropez impression of sidewalk cafés and small boutiques with the latest fashions. - 3
Day 3 ·Bastia, Corsica
22 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00Corsica's northern capital, Bastia, is the center of commerce and industry and a thriving freight and passenger port. Commerce, more than tourism, is its main focus, providing employment for many Corsicans. Bastia's industrial sprawl is offset by its aged charm. The presence of an overwhelming Italian character adds to the city's attraction. - 4
Day 4 ·Alghero, Sardinia
23 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00Encircled by dramatic medieval walls, which rise abruptly from deep-blue waters, Alghero’s defences shelter one of Sardinia’s largest and most spectacular old towns. Uneven cobbled streets, rich history and a fiery Catalan flare provide a real depth of character, and the Coral Riviera’s pristine beaches, which stretch out nearby, help to make Alghero a real highlight of Sardinia. Alghero has changed hands numerous times over its tempestuous history, but it’s the Catalan influence that you’ll feel most acutely, as you explore.
It was the Catalans who upgraded the defensive ramparts of the ‘Sardinian Barcelonetta’ into the spectacular, imposing fortress we see today, enclosing the old town’s evocative knot of narrow streets and rose-gold-coloured masonry. Wander the streets at your leisure, enjoying the cooling shade of the tight, cobblestone streets with lemon-gelato in hand, or enjoying fresh tuna steak at the bustling La Boqueria market. Alghero Cathedral is hidden amid the labyrinth of narrow streets, but it’s the distinctive Baroque-dome of Chiesa di San Michele that you’ll immediately notice peeking ostentatiously over the terracotta roofs of the old town, flaunting its rainbow-coloured patterning. Plush restaurants revel in Alghero’s historical collision of cultures and produce delicious fare like plump clams tangled in tagliatelle, and succulent porcetto pork – slowly roasted to perfection in smoky wood ovens. Wash it down with mirto, a crushed berry liqueur, or sample the fruits of local vineyards, with a platter of Sardinia’s renowned pecorino sheep’s cheese. The city dominates Sardinia’s Coral Riviera – so named because of the red coral found here that’s been used for jewellery since Roman times. Lie back and listen to the waves washing ashore at Spiaggia di Maria Pia beach, breathing in the smell of pine-needles on the breeze. - 5
Day 5 ·Porto Mahon, Spain
24 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00Happy to sit out of the limelight that Ibiza and Majorca bathe in, Menorca lives life at its own pace, offering endless pine-tree fringed beaches and an appealing, mellow approach. The capital of Menorca is a bashful member of Balearic Islands, which wait off of the sunny Spanish coast. With atmospheric old towns, tiny fishing villages, and unspoiled beach coves, this is one of the group’s lesser-known and explored gems – and all the richer for it - 6
Day 6 ·Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
25 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00Nothing if not strategic, Alcúdia is the ideal base for exploring Mallorca's north coast, with the 13-km-long (8-mile-long) beach from Port d'Alcúdia to C'an Picafort and the adjacent Playa de Muro, the bird-watchers' paradise in the S'Albufera wetlands, and the spectacular drive along the corniche to Cap de Formentor. The charming little walled town itself is a capsule version of Mallorcan history: the first city here was a Roman settlement, in 123 BC. - 7
Day 7 ·Barcelona, Spain
26 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.
A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars. - 8
Day 8 ·Palamos, Spain
27 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00One of the best ways to arrive in Catalonia is by sea, especially via the Costa Brava. This coastline, also known as the Rugged or Wild Coast, stretches from Blanes to the French border. Its name aptly refers to the steep cliff of ancient twisted rocks, which runs its entire length and is bounded inland by the Catalan mountain ranges. The intensity of the coast's colour, the ruggedness of the rocks and the scent of the plants all combine to add to its attraction.
The port of Palamos, some 36 miles northeast of Barcelona, has been in existence for nearly 700 years thanks to its location on one of the deepest natural bays in the western Mediterranean. The town itself is the southernmost of a series of resorts popular with sun worshippers. For the most part, Palamos has managed to retain some of the charm of a fishing village.
The port also serves as a gateway to such inland locations as Girona, the capital of the province. Art lovers may want to visit Figueras, famous for its bizarre Teatre-Museu Dali, the foremost of a series of sites associated with the eccentric surrealist artist, Salvador Dali. - 9
Day 9 ·Sete, France
28 Aug 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 23:00The upper part of the town straddles the slopes of Mont St. Clair, offering wonderful views of the port and the vast Bassin de Thau, a breeding ground for mussels and oysters. The lower part is intersected by waterways lined with tall terraces and seafood restaurants. Its pedestrian streets allow visitors leisurely strolls, and scattered café tables invite you to relax, sip an apéritif and people-watch. Other interesting sightseeing destinations include the university city of Montpellier. - 10
Day 10 ·At Sea
29 Aug 2028 - 11
Day 11 ·Civitavecchia (Rome)
30 Aug 2028Arrive 07:00All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil. - 12
Day 12 ·Sorrento, Italy
31 Aug 2028Arrive 08:30Depart 18:00Set high atop the Mediterranean cliffs, Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty that has endured as a favoured resort for centuries. In addition to its own attractions, Sorrento is also known as a popular gateway to Pompeii, Italy's most celebrated classical ruins. They offer a look at the finest example of a Roman town and its way of life, presented to modern eyes by excavation.
The ever-popular Isle of Capri is just a short distance from Sorrento by jet-foil. It ranks as one of Italy's most beautiful islands and has captured the fancy of visitors for centuries. Its excellent year-round climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns ensure a never-ending stream of tourists. In addition, the island boasts lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants, making it easy to understand why Capri has become so popular.
Discover the charm of Sorrento, enjoy the famous archaeological sites and breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Drive, or sit in a shady sidewalk café with an espresso or a cold drink and savour the local ambiance. - 13
Day 13 ·Giardini Naxos (Sicily)
1 Sept 2028Arrive 08:30Depart 18:00Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement on Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves - and cool off with a dip into the sea's refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches - containing rich Roman and Greek history. View less
Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance. The majestic, honey-coloured Greek theatre is a highlight, standing before the distant loom of the volcano. Head towards the puffs of cloud, and wisps of smoke, that gather around the peak of Sicily’s mighty volcano, which is among the most active in Europe. Arrive through vineyards, thriving in this fertile soil, before taking the 1,737-metre incline to the summit of the legendary mountain of fire, across fields of solidified lava flows. Known to the Greeks as the home of the God of Fire, and the one-eyed Cyclops, the mountain continues to amaze and awe with its restless power. Vineyards carpet the scenery - interrupted by occasional cactai and citrus groves – and produce some of Sicily’s most refined flavors. Enjoy a glass of wine on Giardini Naxos’ seafront, and toast your time on these rich Sicilian shores. - 14
Day 14 ·At Sea
2 Sept 2028 - 15
Day 15 ·Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
3 Sept 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00 - 16
Day 16 ·Mykonos, Greece
4 Sept 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00The island of Mykonos is the most easterly of the northern Cyclades. Its attractive setting and other captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in Greece. Mykonos Town is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters. During the 1960s, it was the Bohemian jet set that discovered Mykonos. Many old houses along the waterfront are now restaurants, bars and discos, catering to an international yachting crowd. The tiny town of cube-shaped houses extends in a semicircle around the picturesque bay. As an attractive backdrop, the famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind the island's grain. - 17
Day 17 ·Volos, Greece
5 Sept 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 19:00Volos is a commercial and industrial city; it is Greece's third-largest port. Much of it has been rebuilt after a severe earthquake in 1955. The location in the gulf of the same name and near scenic Mount Pelion ensures this town an attractive setting. Interesting sites in the surrounding areas include imposing monasteries perched atop craggy mountains and a fine Archaeological Museum. Volos was founded in the 14th century in an area which has been occupied by man since the Neolithic era. A short distance out of Volos, the second millennium saw the establishment of the Mycenaen city of Iolkos, seat of King Pelias and home of his nephew Jason, who sailed from here with the Argonauts. Remains of Mycenaen buildings have been discovered near the river, where a palace stood around 1400 B.C. The main reason visitors come to Volos is to depart on excursions to the monasteries of Meteora. Their lofty position atop gigantic pinnacles makes them the area's foremost attraction. - 18
Day 18 ·Thessaloniki
6 Sept 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 21:00It is interesting to note that between the 17th and 20th centuries Jews made up more than half the population as a result of the arrival in 1492 of some 20,000 Jews who had been expelled from Spain. They engaged in all trades and professions and played a predominant part in commerce and industry. Thessaloniki's main hub centers around Aristotle Square, a traffic- free area surrounded by arcades that house cafes and restaurants. The pedestrian strip along the water's edge makes for a popular seafront promenade. Two of the main thoroughfares, Odos Mitropoleos and Odos Tsimski, are lined with luxury shops and boutiques. On either side of Aristotle Street extends the picturesque Central Market where you will find numerous shops supplying domestic needs - 19
Day 19 ·At Sea
7 Sept 2028 - 20
Day 20 ·Istanbul, Turkey
8 Sept 2028Arrive 07:00A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. Sprawling across two continents, the city has been toed, froed and yanked between countless civilisations over its history, leaving a multi-layered, majestic tapestry of culture to untangle. An army of narrow minarets puncture the skyline, while the soaring towers of palaces and labyrinths of bazaars - where bargains are the reward for brave hagglers - fill up this dynamic city of 15 million people. View less
With a rich portfolio of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul enjoys one of the world's most dynamic skylines and has an intense, infectious energy. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures. Built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was later transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque – and latterly a museum. Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue İznik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city. Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight, or baklava – try the smooth pistachio version called kuru baklava. - 21
Day 21 ·Istanbul, Turkey
9 Sept 2028Depart 23:00A chaotic, colossal collision of east and west – start your day in Europe and end it in Asia, all without breaking a sweat. Sprawling across two continents, the city has been toed, froed and yanked between countless civilisations over its history, leaving a multi-layered, majestic tapestry of culture to untangle. An army of narrow minarets puncture the skyline, while the soaring towers of palaces and labyrinths of bazaars - where bargains are the reward for brave hagglers - fill up this dynamic city of 15 million people. View less
With a rich portfolio of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul enjoys one of the world's most dynamic skylines and has an intense, infectious energy. The vast Aya Sofya is the starting point for exploring this huge city's deep wealth of cultural treasures. Built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox church, it was later transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque – and latterly a museum. Cast your eyes up to take in the full scale of the colossal dome, one of the world's largest, which floats on a magnificent bed of light. See the Blue Mosque, with its glorious blue İznik tiles, or head to the Galata Tower which was once the tallest structure in Istanbul, and is ideal for a panoramic view of the city. Grab handfuls of dates and spices, shop for jewellery and patterned fabrics as you're swallowed whole by the Grand Bazaar - one of the world's biggest and busiest covered indoor markets. To understand Istanbul is to visit its kahvehans. Few rituals are taken as seriously as Turkish coffee - prepared to be incredibly strong. Sweeten the aftertaste with Turkish delight, or baklava – try the smooth pistachio version called kuru baklava. - 22
Day 22 ·At Sea
10 Sept 2028 - 23
Day 23 ·Cesme, Turkey
11 Sept 2028Arrive 08:00Depart 18:30Çeşme is a Turkish resort town west of Izmir, on the Aegean Sea. Overlooking the harbor is Çeşme Castle, a restored military fortress. It now houses the Çeşme Archaeology Museum, with displays of marble busts, metal coins and artifacts from nearby excavations. On the east side of the Çeşme peninsula is sandy Ilica Beach, with warm thermal sulfur springs. Around Çeşme are clear waters and accessible dive sites - 24
Day 24 ·Nafplion, Greece
12 Sept 2028Arrive 09:00Depart 19:00The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town.
The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum.
Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere. - 25
Day 25 ·Athens (Piraeus), GreeceDisembark
13 Sept 2028Arrive 07:00A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area.
From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation.
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