Athens to Rome on Seven Seas Grandeur

After included VIP airport lounge access, board your flight to Athens where, if time allows, you'll explore its world-famous wonders, from the Parthenon to the Temple of Zeus. Later, transfer to the ship to board Regent's brand-new ship, Seven Seas Grandeur. Expect unrivalled space and unparalleled service, with highlights including an authentic cooking school experience at the Culinary Arts Kitchen, Art Deco-style bars, newly-imagined restaurants and an infinity-edge pool.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

Sail to Turkey today and the tiny island of Bozcaada, home to a charming harbour filled with remote bays and an abundance of local culture and history. Your included excursions range from wine tasting at esteemed vineyards to walking tours among the ancient architecture and coastal drives past the area's famed lighthouses. Later, return to the ship for a gourmet dinner, perhaps at the Prime 7 steakhouse, its interiors inspired by the romance of 1920s rail travel. At each port, there's the chance to take advantage of private car hire for a more personalised tour in optimal comfort. Remember, all tours can be organised directly from the ship, either before departure or once on board.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul today abounds with impressive architecture and world-famous historic sites. Take an included tour to the Old City to discover its renowned places, from the Hagia Sophia to the UNESCO-listed Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, as well as the chance to enjoy a nighttime sightseeing tour, sample Turkish cuisine in the buzzing Kumpkapi quarter and journey across the world’s fifth-longest suspension bridge. The next day, perhaps wander the city's iconic Spice Market before heading on a cruise of the Bosphorus strait for a different view of the mosques, palaces and mansions that line the waterways.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

Famed for its myriad archaeological sites, Izmir is a melange of ancient history and a distinct cosmopolitan city feel. It's all set to a backdrop of turquoise sea, best viewed on the cable car for panoramic views. Endless other excursions are also on offer – we'd recommend a tour to the UNESCO-listed Pergamum, Ephusus and the House of the Virgin Mary with an expert archaeologist. Then, be sure to find time to browse the 18th-century Kizlaragasi Hani Bazaar for souvenirs and hand-made jewellery.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

Sail to the famously romantic island of Santorini today, its dramatic volcano views and whitewashed houses the postcard-perfect setting for exploring ancient volcanic sites or tasting tours to some of the area's most well-known wineries. Alternatively, embark on a walking tour among Oia's fishing villages and cobblestone lanes, witness panoramic views of the area's active volcanoes, sample ouzo at charming tavernas or indulge in hot springs soaks.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

You've got a full day at sea today to explore all the ship has to offer. Perhaps lounge on the pool deck with a frozen cocktail before a barbecue lunch at the Pool Grill and a massage at the spa. Then, the Art Deco features and live music of the Observation Lounge are the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink before a three-course feast at Chartreuse, its furnishings evocative of 1920s Paris, for excellent French fare.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

The entirety of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the 19th century Mosta Dome to the San Anton Palace Gardens. We'd highly recommend a trip to the rugged coastline of the Dingli Cliffs, nearby Mdina and its Baroque cathedral and the beautiful island of Gozo and its sea caves. Later, there's the chance to explore the traditional villages of Siggiewi and Lija to watch limestone sculpting and head out to local wineries for wine, cheese, olive oil and wine tastings in the most bucolic of settings. 

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

The beautifully-restored Catania is packed full of ancient architecture, such as the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale, containing a collection of Roman mosaics considered to be one of the finest in the world. Explore the enchanting Old Town of Taormina with a wonderfully picturesque drive up the coast, or discover Mount Etna with a thrilling 4x4 adventure. You may also like to visit an esteemed vineyard with a sommelier guide and indulge in a sumptuous Sicilian lunch before a tour of ancient Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For something extra special, why not book on to a Culinary Arts Kitchen tour with a private chef for an in-depth, authentic introduction to Sicilian cuisine and Sicilian wines? Later, in keeping with your surroundings, enjoy another sommelier-matched, gourmet dinner at Sette Mari at La Veranda, where classic Italian specialties are served in spectacular over-water alcoves.

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Your penultimate stop today sees you sail to the chic Amalfi Coast. All white Moorish-style houses and sparkling bays filled with colourful fishing boats and luxury yachts, it's all best discovered with a guided tour, pausing among the cobbles of Sorrento, excavated ruins of Pompeii and archetypal Amalfi Coast vistas with an ultra-scenic drive. Alternatively, simply enjoy some free time to stroll around chic Positano and its luxurious clifftop villas before finishing your day with an aperitif at one of the area's most exclusive hotels, Belmond Caruso. Then, return to the ship for your final dinner with new-found friends.

Stay: Seven Seas Grandeur

After breakfast, disembark and, if time allows, take a few hours to explore the wonders of Rome, from the famed columns of the Colosseum to the abundance of Renaissance art galleries. Then, transfer to Rome airport in time for your flight back to the UK.