SeaDream II - October 11, 2023

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

Hydra, or Idhra, is located in the Aegean Sea, off the Argolis peninsula of the Peloponnesus. It is mostly barren and rocky. Idhra town is the center of population. Sponge fishing, shipbuilding, textile manufacturing, and tourism are the main industries.

Few ships are able to navigate this narrow passage between mainland Greece and the Peloponnesian peninsula. A 19th century engineering feat, you can almost reach out and touch the walls of the Canal--and where else will you find a drawbridge that actually sinks into the water to let ships pass over it?

Itea is the port for Delphi, one of the ancient wonders of classical Greece. A short drive there reveals the Sacred Way and the famed Shrine of Delphi, where the mythological Oracle was said to foretell the future. An amazing bronze charioteer is among the many treasures in the Delphi Museum.

With the smoking cone of Mt. Etna as a backdrop, the chic resort of Taormina, is absolutely stunning. The town's ancient Greek theater is a wonder. Built in the third century B.C., with apparently perfect acoustics, it is still used today for open-air concerts. Spend some leisurely time along the Corso Umberto, where there are many interesting places to shop and dine.

Be sure to visit the Aeolian Archeological Regional Museum in Lipari, with its impressive volcano, prehistoric, and classic archaeology sections.

Known as the "Island of Love" since the days of the Roman Empire, Capri offers stunning views, dozens of international cafes, fine Mediterranean restaurants and sophisticated resort shopping. Enjoy a boat trip around the coast to witness the hypnotic beauty of the Blue Grotto.

Just southwest of Naples, you'll find the ancient port city of Amalfi. Visit the Cathedral of Amalfi, which dates back to the Ninth Century, and the Arsenal gateway to the sea. Five kilometers from Amalfi is the bay of Conca dei Marini, home of the Emerald Cave, named for the color that it takes when the light of the sun comes through its tunnel. Notice the Arab influence on the local architecture in the Cathedral of S. Andrew and the Duomo of Amalfi.

Just southwest of Naples, you'll find the ancient port city of Amalfi. Visit the Cathedral of Amalfi, which dates back to the Ninth Century, and the Arsenal gateway to the sea. Five kilometers from Amalfi is the bay of Conca dei Marini, home of the Emerald Cave, named for the color that it takes when the light of the sun comes through its tunnel. Notice the Arab influence on the local architecture in the Cathedral of S. Andrew and the Duomo of Amalfi.

The Ponza Islands, also called the Pontine Islands, are a volcanic island group located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ponza is the largest of the five islands. A places of exile during ancient times and also during the fascists' reign of Italy, Ponza has recently recovered and become a popular tourist destination.

Bonifacio is the southernmost port of Corsica and enjoys a breathtakingly dramatic and isolated position. The old town perches precariously on a peninsula of magnificent stratified, white limestone cliffs. Ferries from Sardinia berth at the natural harbour created between this peninsula and the mainland. The tortuous maze of shaded, cobbled streets of the old town, nestling within the imposing Citadel walls, reveal buildings which are historical treasures of a bygone era.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.