Date
Apr 28, 2025 - May 7, 2025
Trip Type
By Sea

Group Size: Hebridean Sky can accommodate up to 96 passengers for this voyage
Price: Starting from $6,990 per person double occupancy, $10,990 single occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Archaeological Institute of America, Cornell's Adult University, Williams Alumni Travel Study, Yale Alumni Academy

Activity Level
3

Trip Overview

Join us aboard the elegant 59-cabin, Hebridean Sky, for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise. This program highlights archaeological sites that are remnants of the grand civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Begin in Athens with either an in-depth exploration of the Acropolis and its incomparable Parthenon (including the Acropolis Museum) or with a special tour of the private Goulandris Museum. See where the Oracle spoke to Greek citizens at Delphi. Go for a run on the original track at Olympia. Marvel at the 3rd c. BC Greco-Roman amphitheater at Taormina and the stunning Greek Temple of Neptune at Paestum before visiting fascinating Pompeii for a look at what the Roman life was like before Mt. Vesuvius erupted. There will also be opportunities to participate in optional pre-and post-trip extensions in Athens and Rome.

You will be joined by expert study leaders throughout this program, offering a series of illustrated lectures and informal discussions along the way. With only 59 cabins available, we encourage you to reserve your space today!

Schedule by Day

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Athens, Greece.

Arrive Tuesday, April 28, and transfer to the centrally located Athens Capital Hotel—MGallery Collection adjacent to the Plaka for an orientation, welcome reception, and dinner

Overnight: Capital Center Hotel – MGallery Collection

Meals: R

In the morning, drive to Mt. Parnassus to climb the spectacular ruins of Delphi, the influential oracular sanctuary to Apollo. Considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and where the Oracle’s pronouncements were sought for centuries, the remarkable setting and architecture evoke the same reverence today as they did thousands of years ago.

Drive to the Port of Itea and embark the Hebridean Sky in the early evening.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Stroll the narrow streets of Galaxidi this morning, a picturesque town overlooking the Mediterranean. Enjoy time for independent exploration after a guided walking tour.

Enjoy an afternoon of cruising and attending on board lectures.

In the evening, attend the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner aboard the ship.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Today visit Olympia, the iconic site of the ancient Olympic Games. During the Games, the Greek citystates were bound by a truce that forbade hostilities and focused attention strictly on athletic competition. Visit the temples, stadium, sanctuary, and stoa and view the museum’s impressive statues and artifacts. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to race on the original Olympic track.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

 

Founded around 734 B.C. by Greek Corinthians, Siracusa was conquered and ruled by Romans, Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, and Ottomans, who each left a legacy of archaeological treasures that have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status.

Continue to the adjacent fortified island of Ortygia with highlights including Cathedral Square and a Jewish mikveh (bath). Later, in a nearby private palazzo dating back to the Middle Ages, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a nobleman and admire a collection of etchings of ancient Siracusa and Sicily.

This evening either join an after-dark architectural walk or explore independently before returning to the ship.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Today choose between three excursion options: 1) An early departure for the slopes of Mt. Etna to see the Silvestri Crater with an opportunity to ride the cable car to the summit; 2) A visit to the 3rd century B.C. Greco-Roman theater at Taormina followed by free time in town; 3) A journey through the Sicilian countryside for a hike in Alcantara Gorge, an impressive canyon formed by the Alcantara River and lava flows from Mt. Etna.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Dock this morning in Salerno for a short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Paestum, an ancient Greek city famous for its three excellently preserved Doric Greek temples, dating from 550 to 450 BC. Marvel at the magnificent Temple of Neptune—the most complete of the three temples—which is said to be modeled after the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. This afternoon cruise along the picturesque Amalfi Coast to Sorrento, a small coastal city famous for its sea cliffs.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Sorrento, with its spectacular views over the Bay of Naples, is the base for today’s excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman Pompeii. This ancient city was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 and its well-preserved ruins continue to provide a unique glimpse into ancient Roman daily life. View the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and uncover an ancient city frozen in time.

Overnight: Hebridean Sky

Meals: B, L, D

Disembark in Naples this morning and transfer to Naples-Capodichino International Airport for flights home or begin the optional post-tour extension in Rome.

Pricing

Per Person, Double Occupancy

  • Category A, Standard Cabin: $6,990 per person
  • Category B, Standard Cabin: $7,990 per person
  • Category C, Superior Cabin: $9,490 per person
  • Category D, Premium Cabin: $10,990 per person
  • Category E, Corner Suite: $11,990 per person
  • Category F, Deluxe Balcony Suite: $13,490 per person
  • Category G, Owner's Corner Balcony Suite: $14,490
  • Category H, Hebridean Suite: $16,490 per person

Single Occupancy

  • Category A, Standard Cabin: $10,990
  • Category B, Standard Cabin: $12,790
  • Category C, Superior Cabin: $15,190

Accommodations

  • 1 night Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery Collection
  • 7 nights aboard the Hebridean Sky

Extensions

  • Optional Pre-tour Extension in Athens; Post-Tour Extension in Rome: Information forthcoming

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

This is a moderately active program with considerable walking most days, often on cobblestoned and uneven terrain, and extended periods of standing. Participants must be in good health and able to keep up with the group with limited assistance from tour staff. Many historic buildings and archaeological sites do not have elevators, and you’ll occasionally encounter steps without handrails. These adventure-filled days are offset by relaxing time spent cruising at sea, with the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities and the full lecture program.

Anyone with a serious medical problem, whose medical situation might be adversely affected by active travel, or who might have difficulty walking, should not consider this program.

This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all of the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.

Study Leader(s)

To be announced

Mode of Travel

The 59-cabin, all-suite Hebridean Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. After a major refurbishment in 2016 and further enhancements since, she now boasts beautifully-designed public spaces that include a large lounge, elegant club and bar with piano, library, and two outdoor seating areas.

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.