Athens (Piraeus) to Civitavecchia (Rome)

Ports

• Athens (Piraeus)
  

  Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. It is 12 kilometers from the municipality of Athens, considered the fourth largest and is the third most populous amongst all the municipalities of Greece. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in early 5th Century B.C. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th Century, it wasn’t until the 6th Century B.C. that Piraeus began catching attention. The land of Piraeus was essentially impassable, flooded by the sea most of the year until centuries passed and the flooding ceased. By the 5th Century B.C. it became a navy base for the Athenian fleet for the natural harbors and the strategic potential they carried. Athenian general and politician Themistocles fortified Piraeus’ three harbors Kantharos, Zea and Munichia, created ship houses and completed his walls in 471 B.C., which led to the port becoming a great military and commercial harbor. There are many archaeological sites, points of interest and entertainment available in Piraeus. Most famous for its tavernas and cuisine, several popular events take place in Piraeus, such as the Ecocinema International Film Festival, the Maritime Festival, the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival and the Three Kings’ Way Festival. There are also many theaters, including the Municipal Theater, the open air Veakeio Theater, and the Menandreio Theater. Museums in Piraeus include the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Merchant Shipping History Institute Exhibition, the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum, the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways. Be sure to catch the panoramic views available from the hill of Kastella, overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf!

• Hydra
  

  There is one main town on Hydra, known simply as "Hydra port". It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals (Hydriots). Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area. The charm of Hydra town certainly lies in her rich history, beautiful port and waterfront unspoiled by motorized vehicles. The island offers a rugged charm and some spectacular scenes and makes the perfect place for some self-exploration.

• Monemvasia
  

  Monemvasia is on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese archipelago. The town is a part of the municipality of Laconia, and draws its name from the Greek terms “mone” and “emvasia”, meaning “single entrance”. Within the last few decades, the medieval buildings were restored, GR-86 was built to connect to the mainland, and tourism had begun to flourish. It's known for its hidden Byzantine fortress town, bearing Venetian, Frankish, Ottoman and, of course, Byzantine influence. Its nickname is “The Rock”, and “the Gibraltar of the East”. 8,000 years ago, in ancient Cape Minoa, Monemvasia was a port of call for travelers between Greece, the Cyclades, and Crete. It is believed that the rock was a Minoan trading post in its antiquity, and helped join the Mycenaean and Minoan cultures. Monemvasia was joined with the Peloponnese mainland until 375 AD when a massive earthquake compromised the region’s geomorphology. Historical towns such as Asopos, Vies, Epidaurus Limera and Plythra were either partly or completely submerged as a result of the earthquake. Earliest Laconian settlers were Greek refugees escaping the Arab and Visigoth invasions in 583 AD. From the 10th century AD on, the town became a core maritime and trade port. The town’s geographic positioning made it a strategic stronghold for the Byzantine military operations - so much so that it ultimately became the last Byzantine stronghold to fall to Greece and the first liberated fortress in the Peloponnese for Greece which led to success during the ongoing fight against the Turks in 1821. Over the centuries, there were many battles between the Venetians, Byzantines, Franks, Turks, as well as the Pope, as they realized the geopolitical importance of Monemvasia. Its recent resurgence in importance was born from its increase in tourist interest. Tourists visit the Monemvasia Fortress, as well as the Christos Elkomenos Church, and archeological site of Epidavros Limera. Climb to the church of Hagia Sophia to catch a glimpse of the most magnificent views of the town and the Myrtoan Sea.

• Elafonisos Island
  

  Elafonisos is a lesser-known Greek island in the Lakonikos Kolpos (Bay of Laconia), between Kythira and Peloponnese (which is not to be confused with the island of Elafonisi by Crete). In the Peloponnese archipelago, Elafonisos is the largest inhabited island, measuring in at an area of 7 miles. It is also the only island in the Peloponnese to be its own separate municipality. The island’s beauty is reminiscent of the Cyclades, with pristine turquoise waters, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Fragos (Simos) Beach. Tourists typically ride one of the ferries in Vingliafa to Elafonisos, and Athenians often visit on the weekends on their yachts – it is also just a 5-hour drive from Athens. Native residents are known for having one of the bigger fishing fleets in Greece (60% of locals are fishermen), as well as impeccable woodwork shipbuilding. Elafonisos means “Island of the Deers”, and in ancient times, the island was named “Onou Gnathos”, meaning “Donkey Jawbone”. Originally a peninsula, the sandy isthmus to this day is only 10 feet underwater. The Elafonisos Channel is the main passage for vessels sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean, and in the 16th and 17th centuries was utilized by Corsairs and Pirates. In Greek Mythology, the Channel is also known as being the starting point for Odysseus’s epic journey. The oldest archeological town site, Pavlopetri, is off the southern coast of Laconia, and is 5000 years old, completely submerged in the sea due to a massive earthquake. Enjoying seafood, drinks, and the beach is what Elafonisos is all about. Although it is unclear if it is allowed, many beach-goers pitch tents among the dunes and trees at the beach, adding to the laid-back feel of this destination. Elafonisos’s charm lives in the intimate and natural beautiful environment. Be sure to explore the castle “Pyrgos ton Meladon” to catch a beautiful panoramic view of Laconic Bay!

• At Sea
  

• Valletta
  

  Valletta, The Fortress City, is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Ottoman forces numbering 40,000 laid siege to the island from May to September 1565, without success. The heavily outnumbered army of 700 knights and around 8000 Maltese regular troops took refuge in the fortified town on the Grand Harbour. Started in 1566, the city of Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts, and cathedral, in the astonishingly short time of 15 years. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces. Walking around Valletta you'll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafes, while Valletta's main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewelry and much more.

• Xlendi Bay, Gozo Island
  

  The famous fishing village of Xlendi has now become a major resort town. The assemblage of high-end hotels is low-rise and perfectly framed to get unobstructed views of the beautiful bay. Xlendi has long been a tourist favorite for a beach fling, exciting snorkeling adventures, and diving experiences.

• Taormina (Etna) Sicily
  

  SeaDream yachts anchor in the bay of Giardini Naxos and offer fantastic views of recently awarded UNESCO Natural Site of Mt. Etna (2013) as well as Taormina perched on the cliffside. Shuttle bus service has been arranged to transport guests from Giardini Naxos to the entrance gate of Taormina town. For the SeaDream active guests, office led hikes and bike rides could also transport you to Taormina town or continue up to Castelmola which provides amazing views of the surrounding areas. Perhaps the “must do” adventure here would be to ascend Mt. Etna with your fellow SeaDreamers. Kindly check the Land Adventure tab for the specifics. Other options include an incredible and authentic feast at the Godfather Villa. This “SeaDream Exclusive” Land Adventure requires a high minimum to operate, but it’s worth every penny! As we are anchored and if conditions allow, we will offer water sports both in the morning and in the afternoon. Multo Bene!

• Scenic Sailing, Stromboli Volcano
  

  On certain routes, SeaDream has planned to stop late evening so guests can view and hear the power and beauty of this active volcano. Stromboli is one of 8 small islands in the Aeolian group in Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s located just off the north coast of Sicily, containing one of the three active volcanoes in Italy. It has been almost constantly erupting in some manor for the past 200 years. Some refer to this island as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean".

• Capri
  

  Capri may very well be the most popular island on the planet. It is a beautiful Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Bay of Naples. Capri town is the island’s main population center. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate village of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west. From there, visitors can continue up to the highest point Mt. Solero. Besides some simply amazing shopping boutiques, the island has so much to offer including the famous Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni rocks. SeaDream has put together most of the sights into one adventure called “Discovering the Island of Love” Kindly check the Land Adventures tab for more information. There’s also some great hikes available on the island, check with the activities team on board for details.

• Amalfi
  

  Amalfi is a picturesque town in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of Italy. With its incredible views, it is the central town that makes up the very famous and UNESCO awarded Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana). Amalfi sports some impressive medieval architecture including; its cathedral of Sant'Andrea (St. Andrew), the church tower, the convent of the Cappuccini, founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano. They richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy. From Amalfi, we have created two exciting land adventures for you. One to Scenic Ravello and the other to Fascinating Pompeii. You may also choose to play from the yacht’s marina (Permission and conditions pending) or go on a very scenic hike with one of the officers.

• Rome (Civitavecchia)
  

  Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.