Hidden gems & Turkish shores
Rome Athens
12 nights Departs 28 September 2024 Seven Seas Navigator
Thread through islands rich in ancient treasures and secret lagoons at an unhurried pace on this Mediterranean cruise. Setting sail from Rome, you’ll travel south to Ponza, a moon-like island straight from a Fellini film (literally – the great director shot his movie Satyricon here). While other Italian islands such as Capri and Sicily steal the spotlight, Ponza has long been a hideaway of the rich and famous, who come entranced by its crystalline coves and elevated seafood. In between wandering through rare orchid gardens at Giardino Botanico Ponziano and splashing through underwater caves at Grotte di Pilato, sip a glass of earthy biancolella white wine at a charming local bar and nibble on sugar-soaked Neapolitan sponges from local pâtisseries. Or indulge in Michelin-starred waterfront dining at Acqua Pazza, where the shrimp carpaccio is non-negotiable.
In Gozo, a honey-hued Maltese island, explore megalithic temples and the commanding Cittadella fortress. Hike dramatic clifftop trails that drop precipitously into the ocean and spot archaeological remains such as burial sites along the way. Its hidden sea caves also make for excellent kayaking.
An overnight stay in Istanbul gives you time to luxuriate in a Turkish bath under a skylit dome, admire the towering minarets of Hagia Sophia and explore the scandalous history of the opulent Topkapi Palace.
As you drift through the Aegean Sea, you’ll make pit stops at sun-bleached Greek isles. On iconic Santorini, don’t miss seeing the pink sunset from Akrotiri Lighthouse.
Lemnos, a new addition to the itinerary, is a quieter beauty. Sip a herbaceous limnio red – indigenous to the island, it’s one of the oldest surviving grape varieties – or an aromatic glass of muscat from Alexandria. Pair them with local cheeses like delicate fetta-esque kalathaki or melichloro, rich with notes of the island’s herbs, wildflowers and salty Aegean air.
Dining on board is just as indulgent. Enjoy Italian fare with a side of ocean views at Sette Mari at La Veranda. Or try the elegant continental cuisine such as escargots and pan-seared foie gras at Compass Rose, where even the silverware is Versace.