10 DAYS “Mediterranean Jewels” Cruise

From Genoa, visiting Naples, At sea, Piraeus, Kusadasi, Patmos, Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolon, Messina, At sea, Marseilles, ending at Genoa.

Onboard “ORIENT QUEEN”

Genoa, Italy
Genua was a city of the ancient Ligurians. Its name is probably .Ligurian, meaning "knee", i.e. "angle", from its geographical position, thus akin to the name of Geneva. Or it could derive from the Celtic root genu-, genawa (pl. genowe), meaning "mouth",i.e., estuary, or from the Latin word of Celtic origin "ianua", meaning "door". Part of the old city of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari,around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges.There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.

Naples, Italy
Ancient and rich town of the Oscan period, Pompei represents a magnificent and historical example of life in the 1st century A.C. The town was entirely covered by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.C. The excavations started in the XVIIth century and have brought to light items of immeasurable value. At the pier you will be met by your local guide and by coach you will reach Pompei in approximately 45 minutes. The tour of the excavations starts from Porta Marina, the gate to the forum that was the economical and political centre of the town. Afterwards you will walk through the remains of some ancient shops and homes. You will proceed visiting the Roman Baths. Afterwards drive back to the ship.

Piraeus, Greece
Piraeus is Greece's third largest city in terms of population and its biggest port. It was first settled in the ages of Themistocles, when the Long WallS were built (478 BC), and the town was being laid out to the plans of the architect Hippodamus. It gained considerably in importance when Athens became a naval power. The ancient harbours of Piraeus were Zea and Munichia. Zea, now called Pasalimani, is one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. Munichia, also known as Mikrolimano or Tourkolimano, is a pretty little harbour with yachts and fishing-boats and ringed with fish tavernas. Above Mikrolimano is the hill of Kastella, much mentioned in popular songs, with its traditional houses and offers a panoramic view. Above it is the Church of the Prophet Elijah and the Veakeio Theatre, well known for its summer performances, is nearby situated. The commercial harbour of Piraeus is one of the most important in the Mediterranean. The city itself with its suburbs is an industrial zone of particular importance or the Greek economy, but nevertheless its centre has broad streets,spacious squares, tree-lined avenues, and parks.

Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi is a popular Turkish port only is it a bustling resort town full of shops, bars and restaurants, but it is also the main access point for the famous archeological site at Ephesus, where extensive excavations have revealed an ancient city through which visitors can now wander and observe the wonders of a bygone civilization.

Patmos, Greece
This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. In the 11th century, the Abbot Christodoulos founded the Monastery of St. John on one of the island's highest points. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its treasury.

Mykonos, Greece
One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands and quite justifiably attracting visitors from all over the world, Mykonos is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colorful harbor in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts. The brilliant white cubic houses with white-washed balconies built close together with little shops and tiny churches, make up the backstreets of the town. The harbor is overlooked by a variety of tavernas, and is a popular meeting place as the sun goes down, turning the brilliant whites to beautiful shades of pinks and reds.

Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the center of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbor formed in the volcano's caldera.

Katakolon, Greece
Katakolon is a seaside town in western Ilia in the municipality of Pyrgos. The town center is within a gulf overlooking the Ionian Sea. Katakolon is situated on a peninsula and has a lighthouse found in the southwest. The Lighthouse of Katakolon was first opened in 1865 and the town has a population of 612 inhabitants.

Katakolon is your gateway to Olympia, where the ancient Greeks flocked every four years for more than a millennium to celebrate the sacred games dedicated to Zeus. Visit the ruins of the Sanctuary, with its athletic quadrangles, stadium,temples and treasuries; then browse in the modern Archaeological Museum, a treasure house of Archaic, Classical and Roman sculptures, including the famous Niki Winged Victory.Olympia Museum

Messina, Italy
Founded by Greek Colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina was originally called Zancle from the Greek: ζάγκλον meaning "scythe" (though a legend exist that attributes the name to King Zanclus), because of the shape of its natural harbour. A comune of its province, located at the southern entrance of the Strait of Messina, is to this day called 'Scaletta Zanclea'. In the early 5th century BC, Anaxilas of Rhegium renamed it Messene in honor of the Greek city Messene (Greek: Μεσσήνη). See also List of traditional Greek place names. The city was sacked in 397 BC by the Carthaginians, then reconquered by Dionysius I of Syracuse.

Marseilles, France
For 2,600 years, Marseilles has been a port: from Massalia, the Phocean city, to Marseilles gateway to the East, maritime adventure and the rapid expansion of trade in the 19th century are evoked from the Old Port. The large historic buildings representing many political and religious symbols, which tell the story of the city can be seen on this itinerary. These are all there: Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps, and the famous Old Port with The Canebière. Also, you can see all the large residences, villas or mansions, chose the exceptional site of the Corniche: architectural surprises, extravagance or elegance, splendid views of the sea, Castle of If, can be seen everywhere

Genoa, Italy
Genua was a city of the ancient Ligurians. Its name is probably .Ligurian, meaning "knee", i.e. "angle", from its geographical position, thus akin to the name of Geneva. Or it could derive from the Celtic root genu-, genawa (pl. genowe), meaning "mouth",i.e., estuary, or from the Latin word of Celtic origin "ianua", meaning "door". Part of the old city of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 The main features of central Genoa include Piazza De Ferrari,around which are sited the Opera and the Palace of the Doges.There is also a house where Christopher Columbus is said to have been born.