Douglas Mawson, 17 nights Athens to Naples: Myths of the Mediterranean ex Athens to Naples

14 Night small ship cruise sailing from Athens to Naples aboard Douglas Mawson. 2 nights hotel stay pre-cruise in Athens and 1 night hotel stay post-cruise in Naples.

Day 1 Athens, Greece
Welcome to Athens. On arrival at Athens airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Athens.

You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for tomorrow.

Accommodation: Athens Hotel

Day 2 Athens
After breakfast, enjoy a morning ‘Your Choice’ experience. Walk in Socrates' footsteps, explore the ancient wonders of the Acropolis, or immerse yourself in Athens' vibrant food scene with a local guide. You can then rejoin the coach to return to our hotel or take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Plaka district. This charming area is filled with streets and alleys lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops—ideal for a bite to eat or picking up gifts (lunch at your own expense). Tonight, we kick off our journey with a Welcome Event, celebrating Greek style.

With a rich recorded history spanning 3,500 years, Athens is a city brimming with stories. Widely hailed as the ‘cradle of civilisation’ and revered as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and theatre, Athens seamlessly merges its illustrious past with its vibrant present. This bustling metropolis, home to three million inhabitants, is adorned with a wealth of ancient sites that punctuate its landscape like temples, iconic columns and former city centres. Athens’ influence in antiquity transcended its borders, ushering in a Golden Age characterised by political discussion, education and philosophy, hosting luminaries such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The democratic principles forged in Athens laid the groundwork for modern governance systems worldwide.

Yet, Athens is more than just a relic of ancient history. As a historical seat of power, it has weathered waves of invasions, shaping its contemporary identity with a diverse fusion of architectural styles, culinary delights and cultural traditions. Whether you are wandering amid ancient ruins or indulging in the flavours of modern Greek cuisine, Athens offers a captivating journey through the ages, beckoning travellers from across the globe to explore its timeless allure.

Accommodation: Athens Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Event canapés

Day 3 Embark Athens (Port: Piraeus)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Athens. Revisit your favourite sites, explore the city’s markets and shops, or discover hidden treasures on an independent exploration. Athens’ extensive metro network makes it easy to navigate the city, while the warm Greek hospitality ensures you are never far from helpful advice on how to make the most of your time.

Mid-afternoon, we transfer from our hotel to the port of Piraeus to board the Douglas Mawson and sail towards the famed island of Mykonos. This evening, we enjoy a ‘Welcome Aboard’ dinner where we meet our crew and Aurora Expeditions team.

Day 4 Mykonos (Tender Port: Mykonos)
This morning, we arrive at one of Greece’s most renowned islands. The island of Mykonos, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and charming cobblestone lanes, has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. Renowned for their hospitality, the people of Mykonos excel at making visitors feel at home amid the island’s historical treasures and picturesque landscapes. From ancient ruins to traditional windmills, Mykonos offers a captivating glimpse into a storied past. The local cuisine, festivals and vibrant arts scene reflect a deep cultural heritage, making Mykonos a unique and enriching destination. While recent years have boosted its reputation for vibrant nightlife, bustling beaches, and world-famous beach clubs, there is much more to discover beyond the surface of this famed island. Delve deeper, and you will find a community that embraces tradition, a fact that truly shines when you engage with the locals. Take the time to chat with them, and you will find that the true wealth of Mykonos lies in its people.

Spending time at one of Mykonos’s famous beaches is a popular way to enjoy your day. If this is your preference, we recommend taking a taxi from the port to your chosen beach. Many of Mykonos’ beaches are lined with restaurants, clubs, and hotels, which provide rows of recliners on the section of the beach adjacent to their property. These establishments often offer food and beverages to their beachfront clients and charge a fee for using their facilities. Therefore, be prepared to pay when visiting many of Mykonos’ beaches.

Day 5 Kuşadasi, Turkey (Port: Kuşadasi)
We meet the Turkish coast at Kuşadası which draws visitors with its vibrant bazaars, waterfront cafes, and nearby beaches. This historic settlement, with roots in the Leleges and Carian civilizations, is close to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the Ottoman era, Kuşadası thrived as a key port city, highlighted by the impressive Kuşadası Castle, or Pigeon Island, built to defend against pirates. The 17th-century Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai, originally for traders and their animals, now operates as a hotel and marketplace. A day in Kuşadası offers a delightful mix of historical significance, Ottoman architecture, and lively shopping.

Day 6 Santorini, Greece (Tender Port: Santorini)
Arriving at Santorini, it is easy to see why this iconic island is a favourite among travellers. The sheer cliffs soaring above the Aegean Sea are awe-inspiring as we cross the immense crater of a submerged volcano that leads to its shores. Shaped by a cataclysmic eruption 3,600 years ago, Santorini is famed for its striking sunsets and unique caldera views. Named Thira in ancient times, Santorini has always attracted the curious. Its ancient ruins, including the Minoan site of Akrotiri, offer a rich cultural heritage reflected in local cuisine, wine production, vibrant festivals, and artisanal crafts. Whether wandering through the charming streets of Oia or enjoying the unique black sand beaches, Santorini offers a deeply enriching experience that melds history and natural beauty into the ideal Grecian Island. We enjoy a day on Santorini, before sailing at sunset.

Day 7 Chania, Crete (Port: Souda)
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands hosts our journey this morning. This land of myths, history, and natural wonders is steeped in ancient mythology. In fact, Crete is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, king of the gods. Its labyrinthine ruins resonate with tales of the Minotaur and King Minos. Crete’s landscape is equally captivating, with rugged mountains, fertile plains, and idyllic beaches kissed by azure waters. Charming villages dot the countryside, where time stands still amidst whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea.

Our port of call is Souda, the lively gateway to Chania, renowned for its eclectic Old Town and picturesque surrounding plains. This region offers a variety of engaging experiences to discover before we return to the ship for lunch and sail westward to the Peloponnese Peninsula.

Day 8 Katakolon (Port: Katakolon)
Today, our ‘Your Choice’ experiences are truly Olympic in scope, offering you two classic Greek treats. A brief ten-minute walk from our berth, finds a variety of shops and restaurants to explore. Just a short distance away, the popular pebbled Plakes Beach awaits, and the sandy stretch of Agios Andreas Beach is a mere five-minute taxi ride.

Steeped in maritime history, the picturesque port town of Katakolon remains the gateway to the ancient site of Olympia, and our port for today. One of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece, Olympia was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. Every four years, athletes from across the Greek world gathered here to compete in various sports, honouring Zeus and fostering unity among the city states. The busy port town of Katakolon itself is a hub of activity, with its quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, while the Katakolon Lighthouse and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology offer insights into the region’s rich history.

Day 9 Corfu (Port: Corfu)
We spend the morning on the island of Corfu before sailing in the early afternoon north to Montenegro.

Located in the Ionian Sea, the island of Corfu is a captivating fusion of past dynasties, including the Venetians and the British, with notable ties to Queen Elizabeth II consort, Prince Philip, who was born on Corfu. Its rich history is evident in its diverse architectural styles, Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses, and British colonial buildings. Corfu’s Old Town stands as a testament to its cultural heritage, enclosed by Venetian fortifications. Wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets reveals elegant mansions, Byzantine churches and charming squares. Venetian influences adorn the architecture, with arched colonnades, grand palaces, and picturesque bell towers.

A leisurely stroll along the iconic Liston Promenade, lined with cafes and boutiques, offers views of the surrounding sea and distant mountains. Every street seems to lead to a quintessential British icon: a cricket pitch. Beyond the Old Town, Corfu unveils a Greek lifestyle and seaside resorts.

Day 10 Kotor, Montenegro (Tender Port: Kotor)
Early morning we cruise the fjord system leading us to the bayside city of Kotor. Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor boasts stunning steep cliffs descending to a narrow inlet of the Adriatic Sea. Unlike true fjords shaped by glaciers, this bay is a ria—formed when rising sea levels submerged an ancient river valley. Characterised by its branching outline and large estuary, a ria like the Bay of Kotor offers exceptional natural harbour conditions. The bay’s unique bay-within-a-bay configuration, featuring the 300-meter-wide Verige Strait, adds to its striking beauty.

Our tenders transfer us ashore from our point at anchor in the Fjord to Kotor, where we find a selection of experiences. The boutique Balkan country of Montenegro, famed for its rugged mountains and stunning Adriatic coastline, is home to one of the region’s most enchanting destinations: Kotor. This historical town is packed with medieval charm. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and clear waters, the bay itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The people of Kotor and Montenegro are known for their warm hospitality and deep connection to their land and traditions. Montenegrins take considerable pride in their history and cultural heritage, which is reflected in their vibrant festivals, local cuisine, and traditional music. The city’s history, coupled with the stunning landscapes of the fjord and the genuine warmth of its people, makes Kotor a highlight of any voyage.

Day 11 Dubrovnik, Croatia (Tender Port: Dubrovnik)
Experience a ‘Your Choice’ adventure before boarding the Douglas Mawson. If you prefer a morning excursion, you’ll have ample time to explore Dubrovnik until mid-afternoon. We’ll arrange a convenient transfer from our hotel to the port, making your embarkation smooth and effortless. Once aboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our essential safety briefings. Later in the evening, join us for a Welcome drink with the crew and the Aurora Expeditions team, followed by dinner as we set sail across the Adriatic.

This stunning walled city boasts a history spanning over a millennium. Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik thrived as the Republic of Ragusa, a prominent maritime power. Its strategic location encouraged trade across the Mediterranean, with the associated wealth shaping its unique blend of architecture and culture. Throughout its history, Dubrovnik faced periods of prosperity and challenges, including conflicts with rival states and invasions. The city’s formidable defensive walls, begun in the 9th century and expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries, symbolise its strategic significance. In modern times, Dubrovnik gained global recognition as a filming location for motion pictures such as “Game of Thrones,” where its ancient walls and historic streets provided the backdrop for King’s Landing. Today, Dubrovnik’s well-preserved medieval architecture, including churches, monasteries, and palaces, continues to attract visitors seeking to explore its rich heritage and cinematic allure along the scenic Adriatic coast.

Day 12 Bari, Italy (Port: Bari)
Bari acts as our gateway today with its popular neighbours of Alberobello, Matera and Castel di Monte in our sights. As the capital of Italy’s up-and-coming Puglia region, Bari is undergoing a renaissance, transforming once-neglected suburbs into colourful neighbourhoods. The city’s bustling port has been a hub of trade and culture for centuries, showcasing its rich maritime heritage, while Bari’s charming old town, Bari Vecchia, features narrow, winding streets leading to historical sites like the Basilica di San Nicola and the imposing Norman-Swabian Castle. Famed for its orecchiette pasta, often handmade by local women right on the streets, Bari adds a personal touch to its culinary scene, with seafood a local specialty. Stories rich in legends such as that of Saint Nicholas, whose relics were brought to Bari from Myra in 1087, further enrich the city’s mystical allure as does a devotion to the 150,000 tons of olive oil produced in the region annually, which funds its ongoing facelift.

Day 13 Gallipoli (Port: Gallipoli)
As a small ship we moor alongside at the walled coastal town of Gallipoli, our gateway to the ‘bottom of the boot’. This unique town acts as our gateway to the southern tip of Italy, offering time to explore the regions hidden treasures on one of our ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Day 14 Crotone (Port: Crotone)
We follow the Italian coast west towards Sicily, with a stop at the Calabrian city of Crotone. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Crotone boasts a fascinating old town where the medieval Castello di Carlo V stands as a testament to its storied past. Founded by Greek colonists, this ancient city was once home to everyone’s favourite mathematician: Pythagoras. A symbol of Crotone is the Capo Colonna promontory, housing the last standing column of the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia. Dedicated to the queen of the Greek gods, this temple was a significant religious sanctuary during the days of Magna Graecia, drawing pilgrims and worshippers from across the region. In recent years, Crotone has revitalised its marina and beachfront, becoming a perfect spot for sailing and sunbathing. Despite modern development, remnants of its old-town charm persist, while its coastal waters, stretching to Capo Rizzuto, form Italy’s largest protected marine reserve.

Day 15 Messina, Sicily (Port: Messina)
This morning, we arrive in Messina, the guardian of Sicily. Overlooking the entrance to the Straits of Messina, just a short 15-minute ferry ride from the Italian mainland, Messina has long been a pivotal city in the region. Though it has endured numerous invasions and disasters, including two major earthquakes and a tsunami that devastated the town, Messina remains resilient. Historically notable for its role in World War II, when it was the site of a famous race between Generals Montgomery and Eisenhower to reach the city first, Messina now serves as our gateway to Europe’s highest active volcano and the surrounding coastal treasures.

Our morning experiences offer a variety of activities. Scale Mt. Etna, take a seat at an ancient Roman Ampitheatre for one of the best views in Sicily, or follow Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic trilogy on a ‘Godfather’ tour. Returning to the ship, we sail north through the Straits of Messina in the early afternoon enjoying lunch onboard as we return to the Italian mainland.

Day 16 Salerno (Port: Salerno)
The port town of Salerno plays gateway to one of Europe’s most famous coastlines; the Amalfi Coast. A magnet to both ancient and modern visitors its interspersed villages appear to almost grow from the rockface on which they are built. The dramatic cliffs and natural harbours of the Amalfi Coast have hosted holiday homes of the rich and revered throughout time. Our excursions offer a hint of the coast’s abundant past and present as we view the excavations of luxurious villas, theatres and bathhouses at Pompeii, or search the beachfront villages of the Amalfi for tantalising tales at the heart of Amalfi life.

Day 17 Disembark Naples (Port: Naples)
We disembark at the northern edge of the Bay of Naples, in Naples itself. There’s time today to enjoy a morning ‘Your Choice’ experience, before an afternoon at leisure to explore Naples independently. Mid-afternoon, we transfer to our Naples hotel, before gathering to enjoy an evening together at a Farewell Event.

Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naple’s ‘underworld’ reputation has mellowed in recent years providing the perfect culmination of our explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plagues and infamous natural disasters Neapolitans are well-known for their dramatic personalities. Developed by Romes elite as a series of holiday resorts and prosperous towns, the southern coastline of the Bay of Naples offers a wealth of insights into the ancient world, while the modern city of Naples is an eclectic mix of winding lanes, underground channels and glass fronted high-rises, making it a town with more than its share of tall tales.

Day 18 Depart Naples
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast