Rome, Italy
Istanbul, Turkey
Depart for Italy
Your adventure begins as you depart on your overnight transatlantic flight.
Arrive in Rome, Italy
Arrive in historic Rome. This evening meet your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead, then relax over a tasty Italian dinner. (D)
Ergife Hotel or similar
A full-day sightseeing tour includes the highlights of this Eternal City. Today’s sights include outside views of the Roman Forum, once a marketplace and center of daily Roman life, the Piazza Navona and the renowned Spanish Steps along with the fabled Trevi Fountain. (B)
Ergife Hotel or similar
OPTION: Ostia Antica & Lunch
Join your fellow travelers for a guided tour of Ostia Antica, Rome’s seaport that lies at the mouth of of the Tiber River, after enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to your hotel. $109 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.
Rome and Embarkation in Civitavecchia (Departs at 5:00 PM)
Spend the morning at your leisure in Rome. Is there anything better than an authentic Italian breakfast in this legendary city? Rome is known for its spectacular culinary offerings, and a traditional meal of a sweet pastry and steaming cappuccino is the perfect way to start your day. Transfer to Civitavecchia for an afternoon departure aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s spacious Gem. Get settled into your comfortable state room and set sail for Naples. (B)
Naples, Italy (6:30 PM - 7:00 PM)
Naples was first settled by the Greeks over 3,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. It is home to the largest historic city center in Europe, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the stunning Amalfi Coast or picturesque Sorrento on an optional shore excursion.
Taormina (Sicily), Italy (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Enjoy a relaxing day in the Sicilian resort city of Taormina. Founded in the 4th century BC, this cliffside escape has breathtaking ocean views and an irresistibly chic atmosphere. Visit its ancient amphitheater, sample its outstanding cuisine, or simply lounge on its pristine sandy beaches and enjoy the salt-scented good life.
Zakynthos, Greece (8:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
While you spend a blissful day on one of Greece’s prettiest islands, don’t miss Shipwreck Beach, the photogenic secluded cove named for the smuggling ship washed up on its sandy shores.
At Sea
Alexandria, Egypt (7:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
Experience the wonders of the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, Egypt, founded in 331 B.C. by Alexander the Great. Enjoy the Greco-Roman landmarks, old-world cafes and sandy beaches, or visit the Citadel of Qaitbay which is a 15thcentury defensive fortress that is now a museum.)
Port Said, Egypt (7:30 AM - 9:00 PM)
Port Said transformed from an expanse of desert into a city during the construction of the Suez Canal in the 1860s, and many of its original buildings still stand.
Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Ashdod, found on Israel’s sunny Mediterranean coast, is a vital part of this area’s ancient history. Ashdod was founded in the 17th century BCE, and is mentioned over a dozen times in the Bible. The port city was ruled for many years by the Philistines, and houses the world’s only museum dedicated to the Philistine culture. Just an hour away is one of the oldest and most holy cities in the world, Jerusalem. Venture to the capitol of Israel and immerse yourself with a visit to the Temple Mount, a walled compound in the old city home to Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
Limassol, Cyprus (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Limassol is home to many archaeological sites, as well as plentiful contemporary boutiques. Don’t miss the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum’s collection of pottery and tombstones.
Rhodes, Greece (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
The remarkable walled city of this Greek island just off the coast of Turkey is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Discover the old fortified city on your own.
Kusadasi, Turkey (6:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus, now known as Kusadasi. An important city to the Ancient Greeks, Ephesus was built, destroyed, and rebuilt again. You can visit the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, or the Basilica of St. John.
Disembarkation in Istanbul, Turkey (Arrives at 7:00 AM)
Disembark the ship and enjoy a city tour of Istanbul with highlights such as the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Immerse yourself in history as you are guided through the Hippodrome and Obelisk. This afternoon, you’ll have an included lunch before continuing to the hotel. (L)
Renaissance Bosphorus Hotel or similar
OPTION: Turkish Dinner with Belly Dancing & Anatolian Cultural Show:
Enjoy belly dancers and Anatolian Cultural show, while you dine at a first class restaurant. Starts at $99 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking.
Istanbul, Turkey
This morning you will visit the Underground Cistern, which was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, as well as the Hagia Sophia, a mosque which was built as the Christian cathedral of Constantinople. Centuries later it was converted into a mosque and is now one of the most visited museums in the world. (B)
Renaissance Bosphorus Hotel or similar
Depart for Home
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.
See Dates & Prices
These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way for you to cruise. You’ll have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and of course you’ll have access to room service and all kinds of other great amenities on board. Approx. 138 sq ft.
Decks 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 & 11
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These Oceanview Staterooms have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed. You’ll have a porthole to enjoy an amazing view, and of course you’ll have access to room service and tons of other great amenities on board. Approx 155 sq ft.
Deck 4 & 5
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These staterooms have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, one Pullman, and one single sofabed. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony with an amazing view. Approx 200 sq ft.
Deck 8, 9 & 10
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Experience la dolce vita in Southern Italy and on a cruise of the Mediterranean. Visit 4 stunning nations whose food, scenery, and history are some of the finest in Europe.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Traverse the historic northeast during the peak of the fall foliage season. The vibrant oranges, yellows, and deep reds of the changing leaves are the stars of the show during this unforgettable fall foliage tour.
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Ancient, breathtakingly beautiful, and culturally rich, Greece travel is full of endless opportunities. You will enjoy sightseeing, island hopping, and fabulous meals.
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