Grecian Gods with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Your adventures begin in Rome, the Eternal City, renowned for its historical and architectural treasures. You may choose to visit striking St. Peter’s Basilica, make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, take a trip back to Roman times at the Coliseum, or enjoy the street performers at the Spanish Steps.

Discover the chic charm of Positano, characterised by its hillside houses and sparkling bay, perhaps browsing the town’s boutiques or enjoying delicious fresh pasta. You can also explore enchanting Amalfi and its historic buildings – including the 12th-century Capuchin monastery and the 11th-century cathedral. There are various complimentary excursions to choose from today – including a visit to ancient Pompeii, a dedicated food and wine tour, and a boat trip to the Emerald Grotto cavern along the Amalfi Coast.

Spend some time admiring the scenery as you cruise aboard the Seven Seas Mariner along the Strait of Messina, embracing the fabulous facilities on board.

One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siracusa boasts several ancient sites to explore – including the Catacombs of Vigna Cassia, Saint Lucia and the Basilica of St. John, three sites that consist of a series of tunnels dug into the rock, where men and women of the Christian faith were buried, which at that time was prohibited. Made between the third and fourth century AD, they are visible along with sarcophagi paintings, frescoes, and altars. Various excursions are yours to choose from here (for no additional cost) including a visit to the nearby necropolis of Pantalica, sampling distinctive wines produced from grapes grown in volcanic soil from Mount Etna, or a tour exploring the late Baroque architecture of the town of Noto.

Crotone is an historic port city in Calabria in the south of Italy, founded in 710 BC. Among the most renowned sites here is the Castle of Charles V, the Cathedral, the historic city centre and the National Archaeological Museum, filled with unique artefacts. Complimentary excursions include a walking tour of Crotone with an expert, a visit to the hilltop village of Santa Severina, or a trip to admire the hand-made pottery crafted by local artisans at a ceramics workshop.

Dreamy Dubrovnik is your next port to explore. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, there is much to discover here – including the unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Complimentary Regent excursions in Dubrovnik include kayaking along the ancient city walls, sampling local wine at a family-owned winery or visiting locations used as a setting for Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Alternatively, you can head out of the city on a bicycle excursion through the marvellous Croatian countryside, or cruise the Elaphite Islands by private yacht.

A night is spent docked in Venice, giving you two days to thoroughly explore this unique Italian destination, famed for its gondola-filled canals, charming bridges, bustling squares and awe-inspiring art collections. Excursions here are unique, varied and completely free of charge. They include a sipping tea with a countess at the glorious Palazzo Nani Bernarde, listening to an orchestra play Baroque classics in a 16th century concert hall, and observing a master glassworker manufacturing beautiful crystalline objects at a glass factory on the island of Murano.

A day spent at sea invites you to embrace the delights aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. Relax by the pool, compete in a friendly game of trivia or bocce ball, indulge in treats at afternoon tea and gain insight from an expert lecturer.

Katakolon is the gateway to Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine Greek athletes competing in events such as the pentathlon, boxing and foot races, and survey the stadium, the largest of its day, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators. There are several guided tours of the site on offer, while other complimentary excursions from this port include a visit to the Mercouri Estate, renowned for its quality wines and pastoral location.

Spend a day exploring stunning Santorini, an island recognised by its classic whitewashed, blue roofed houses clinging to the cliffside. A huge variety of complimentary excursions is yours to choose from. You may opt to climb to the crater’s rim of a still-active volcano on the islet of Nea Kameni, participate in a cooking demonstration of popular Santorini specialties, discover the captivating ruins of Santorini’s famed windmills, visit the archaeological site of Ancient Akrotiri, or stroll the cobbled streets of the fishing village of Oia.

Your final stop is Athens, the ‘Cradle of Western Civilization’ and a delight for historians, home to a range of fascinating ancient wonders – including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum.