Mediterranean: Athens to Rome

The Mediterranean: Athens to Rome is a 9-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Scarlet Lady, operated by Virgin Voyages. Departing Athens (Piraeus), Greece on August 29, 2027, the voyage visits 8 ports. Fares start from $1,890 per person.

Length: 9 nights
Departs: Aug 29, 2027
Returns: Sep 7, 2027
Ports of call: 8
Days at sea: 2

from $1,890

$210 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 29, 2027 Athens (Piraeus), Greece Departs 17:00 A city of legend, civilisation and enduring culture, Athens is a majestic and magical urban sprawl. Extraordinary elegance and grace combine with grit and graft in Greece's capital, where highways encase ruins from antiquity, and gleaming museums and galleries stand beside concrete sprayed with edgy street art. These contrasts enhance and elevate the wonders of this 2,500-year-old city, however, which can count notable contributions to philosophy, drama and democracy, among its global legacy. Piraeus' giant port and naval base welcome you to the edge of the Athens' urban area. From there it's a simple jaunt to the centre. The majestic ancient citadel of the Acropolis dominates an elevated platform and is a constant presence as you explore the city. The wonderful remains of the columned temple of the Parthenon - which date back to the 5th century BC - stand here, representing the pinnacle of classical architecture. The nearby Acropolis Museum adds context to your visit and frames the broad views from its giant glass windows. Or rise up Mount Lycabettus, to be rewarded with perhaps Athens' best panorama of the Acropolis sitting high over the city on its grand stage. See the marble horseshoe of the Old Olympic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, for more of the city's enduring legacy. Elsewhere, golden beaches and temples stretch out along the coastline, should you wish to explore a little further afield. Coffee is an art form to the Greeks, and it's an unwritten rule that coffee time must never be rushed. So prepare to settle down for a couple of hours and lose yourself in a good chat. Feeling hungry - try traditional souvlaki made with sauces handed from generation to generation. Athens (Piraeus), Greece port guide Search cruises visiting Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Day 3 Aug 31, 2027 Bodrum 08:30 – 18:00 9.5 hrs ashore Today Bodrum is a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional wood-varnished sailboats, charming outdoor cafes and streets bursting with small shops selling carpets, leatherwear, jewelry and local artwork. In antiquity, it was the site of ancient Halicarnassus. Under King Mausolus, the city prospered, and in death, the king left the city its most enduring legacy, his majestic tomb, from which we derive the term "mausoleum." Only its massive foundations remain today but it was the largest tomb ever built by the Greeks and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Models on the site recreate its form for visitors. Alexander the Great attacked the city in 334 BC, leveling all but the Mausoleum, which was later destroyed by an earthquake. When the Knights of St. John lost their castle in Smyrna in 1402, they came here. Finding the mausoleum in ruins, they used the stone to construct the Castle of St. Peter, which proudly stood sentinel to the city. Together with their fortifications on Kos and Rhodes, the Knights dominated the southeastern Aegean, running a hospital for passing pilgrims and ruling the seas as privateers in swift vessels. They remained until 1523, when Ottoman ruler, Suleyman the Magnificent, conquered Rhodes and the Knights' position became untenable. The castle still dominates the harbor and houses an archeological museum. Bodrum port guide Search cruises visiting Bodrum

Bodrum photo — Day 3 Aug 31, 2027 Bodrum 08:30 – 18:00 9.5 hrs ashore Today Bodrum is a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional wood-varnished sailboats, charming outdoor cafes and streets bursting with small shops selling carpets, leatherwear, jewelry and local artwork. In antiquity, it was the site of ancient Halicarnassus. Under King Mausolus, the city prospered, and in death, the king left the city its most enduring legacy, his majestic tomb, from which we derive the term "mausoleum." Only its massive foundations remain today but it was the largest tomb ever built by the Greeks and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Models on the site recreate its form for visitors. Alexander the Great attacked the city in 334 BC, leveling all but the Mausoleum, which was later destroyed by an earthquake. When the Knights of St. John lost their castle in Smyrna in 1402, they came here. Finding the mausoleum in ruins, they used the stone to construct the Castle of St. Peter, which proudly stood sentinel to the city. Together with their fortifications on Kos and Rhodes, the Knights dominated the southeastern Aegean, running a hospital for passing pilgrims and ruling the seas as privateers in swift vessels. They remained until 1523, when Ottoman ruler, Suleyman the Magnificent, conquered Rhodes and the Knights' position became untenable. The castle still dominates the harbor and houses an archeological museum. Bodrum port guide Search cruises visiting Bodrum

Day 4 Sep 1, 2027 Santorini 08:30 – 18:00 9.5 hrs ashore The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Santorini port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Santorini photo — Day 4 Sep 1, 2027 Santorini 08:30 – 18:00 9.5 hrs ashore The guests look for a place on board the ship in good time to enjoy the entrance to the port of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Santorin refers to a Greek archipelago in the south of the Cyclades and at the same time its main island. Here a cliff rises up to 350 m above sea level. Nowhere else in the Aegean Sea is the volcanic origin of the Cyclades so clearly visible as here. Because the impressively high and many kilometers wide rock massif is nothing more than a crater wall. Santorini consists of the main island of the same name, Santorini, which is optionally also called Santorini and Thira, as well as four other Cyclades. With Thirasia, the second largest island and the small uninhabited rock Aspronisi, Santorini forms the geological remains of an outer crater rim. In the middle of the 400 m deep caldera rise the two volcanic islands Palea Kamini and Nea Kamini. They are also uninhabited, apart from the people who receive boat excursions here during the day. On a cruise you will experience this extraordinary island of Greece with the dreamy white houses, black beaches and volcanic stories. Santorini port guide Search cruises visiting Santorini

Day 5 Sep 2, 2027 Mykonos 08:30 – 20:00 11.5 hrs ashore Think of a trip to Greece and you will imagine Mykonos. The port of Mykonos, or perhaps it would be more correct to say of Chora, is located on the west coast of the island. The Cyclades islands in the Aegean are wonderful and the beaches are no less marvellous, with the pleasant distinction of being among the most festive in the archipelago. After docking at the port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. You can enjoy the clean, azure sea of Paradise Beach, while in the evening let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of this cosmopolitan and youthful island. The harbour district, the Kastro, is known as the 'little Venice'. In its alleys, the shops and restaurants alternate with white houses with blue doors and windows. On a trip to Mykonos, take advantage of the stop to go on shore excursions, stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the design of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you. Mykonos port guide Search cruises visiting Mykonos

Mykonos photo — Day 5 Sep 2, 2027 Mykonos 08:30 – 20:00 11.5 hrs ashore Think of a trip to Greece and you will imagine Mykonos. The port of Mykonos, or perhaps it would be more correct to say of Chora, is located on the west coast of the island. The Cyclades islands in the Aegean are wonderful and the beaches are no less marvellous, with the pleasant distinction of being among the most festive in the archipelago. After docking at the port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. You can enjoy the clean, azure sea of Paradise Beach, while in the evening let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of this cosmopolitan and youthful island. The harbour district, the Kastro, is known as the 'little Venice'. In its alleys, the shops and restaurants alternate with white houses with blue doors and windows. On a trip to Mykonos, take advantage of the stop to go on shore excursions, stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the design of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you. Mykonos port guide Search cruises visiting Mykonos

Day 7 Sep 4, 2027 Malta 08:30 – 20:00 11.5 hrs ashore The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit. You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your MSC ship even before disembarking. The over 300 monuments rising in little more than half a square kilometre make this a place with one of the greatest density of historical attractions to visit during a cruise, not mentioning other attractions such as its beaches, seaside locales and restaurants. An excursion to the island can start right from its capital, Valletta, which enchants the cruise-goer with its famous Maltese balconies, which decorate the facades of houses in its old quarter. Surrounded by a multitude of churches, which the islanders assure are as many as the days of the year, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Malta’s biggest tourist attractions. The National Museum of Archaeology, on the other hand, hosts prehistoric artefacts found on the island. By the Grand Harbour, one can visit the underground passages of Auberge de Castille and the beautiful Baracca Gardens, which overlook the harbour; at night, when the city gates would close, its porticoes served as shelter for travellers. To get a taste of the life of Malta’s ancient nobility, visit Casa Rocca Piccola. A 16th century Palazzo now the residence of the 9th Marquis De Piro, it has period furnishings and has a bomb shelter built for protection against bombings during the Second World War. The set of the film Popeye can still be seen from Malta’s largest beach, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha with a fresco of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Christ; according to tradition, Saint Luke, who was shipwrecked on the island with Saint Paul, is the author of this Byzantine-style fresco. Malta port guide Search cruises visiting Malta

Malta photo — Day 7 Sep 4, 2027 Malta 08:30 – 20:00 11.5 hrs ashore The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit. You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your MSC ship even before disembarking. The over 300 monuments rising in little more than half a square kilometre make this a place with one of the greatest density of historical attractions to visit during a cruise, not mentioning other attractions such as its beaches, seaside locales and restaurants. An excursion to the island can start right from its capital, Valletta, which enchants the cruise-goer with its famous Maltese balconies, which decorate the facades of houses in its old quarter. Surrounded by a multitude of churches, which the islanders assure are as many as the days of the year, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Malta’s biggest tourist attractions. The National Museum of Archaeology, on the other hand, hosts prehistoric artefacts found on the island. By the Grand Harbour, one can visit the underground passages of Auberge de Castille and the beautiful Baracca Gardens, which overlook the harbour; at night, when the city gates would close, its porticoes served as shelter for travellers. To get a taste of the life of Malta’s ancient nobility, visit Casa Rocca Piccola. A 16th century Palazzo now the residence of the 9th Marquis De Piro, it has period furnishings and has a bomb shelter built for protection against bombings during the Second World War. The set of the film Popeye can still be seen from Malta’s largest beach, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha with a fresco of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Christ; according to tradition, Saint Luke, who was shipwrecked on the island with Saint Paul, is the author of this Byzantine-style fresco. Malta port guide Search cruises visiting Malta

Day 8 Sep 5, 2027 Catania, Sicily 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore There’s a famous centuries-old quote about how important Sicily is — basically, if you skip it when visiting Italy, you might as well have just stayed home. We don’t exactly agree, but we know where the guy was coming from. Catania is the island’s second-largest city and an excellent place to kick off an exploration of Sicily. There’s no missing the gigantic Mt. Etna volcano — really, it’s impossible since it literally overshadows much of the island’s eastern region, and Catania puts you right in a primo position to see it. Compared to Etna, historical sites from Greek and Roman times are only a couple-thousand years old, but you can see them all — and some are even still in use today, like the amphitheater in Siracusa. Piazza Armerina features a villa once home to a Roman emperor, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that’s still decked out in well-preserved mosaics. Also, don’t miss the nearby town of Savoca, which you actually may have already seen… in a famous mobster trilogy. Capiche? Catania, Sicily port guide Search cruises visiting Catania, Sicily

Catania, Sicily photo — Day 8 Sep 5, 2027 Catania, Sicily 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore There’s a famous centuries-old quote about how important Sicily is — basically, if you skip it when visiting Italy, you might as well have just stayed home. We don’t exactly agree, but we know where the guy was coming from. Catania is the island’s second-largest city and an excellent place to kick off an exploration of Sicily. There’s no missing the gigantic Mt. Etna volcano — really, it’s impossible since it literally overshadows much of the island’s eastern region, and Catania puts you right in a primo position to see it. Compared to Etna, historical sites from Greek and Roman times are only a couple-thousand years old, but you can see them all — and some are even still in use today, like the amphitheater in Siracusa. Piazza Armerina features a villa once home to a Roman emperor, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that’s still decked out in well-preserved mosaics. Also, don’t miss the nearby town of Savoca, which you actually may have already seen… in a famous mobster trilogy. Capiche? Catania, Sicily port guide Search cruises visiting Catania, Sicily

Day 9 Sep 6, 2027 Salerno 07:30 – 18:30 11.0 hrs ashore Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin. Salerno port guide Search cruises visiting Salerno

Salerno photo — Day 9 Sep 6, 2027 Salerno 07:30 – 18:30 11.0 hrs ashore Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin. Salerno port guide Search cruises visiting Salerno

Day 10 Sep 7, 2027 Civitavecchia, Rome Arrives 06:30 All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil. Civitavecchia, Rome port guide Search cruises visiting Civitavecchia, Rome

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 92-day span: $1,890 · range $1,890–$1,890

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,890

$210 / night

Fare rows

The Insider

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,890

$210 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $1,971

$219 / night

Fare rows

Seaview Lock It In Rate

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,971

$219 / night

per person · incl. taxes

The Sea View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,250

$250 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $2,151

$239 / night

Fare rows

Ltd View Sea Terrace Lock It In Rate

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,151

$239 / night

per person · incl. taxes

LTD View Sea Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,250

$250 / night

per person · incl. taxes

The Sea Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,520

$280 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Central Sea Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,610

$290 / night

per person · incl. taxes

XL Sea Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,925

$325 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $6,075

$675 / night

Fare rows

Seriously Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,075

$675 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Brilliant Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,390

$710 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sweet Aft Suite – Pretty Big Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,155

$795 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sweet Aft Suite – Even Bigger Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,200

$800 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sweet Aft Suite – Biggest Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,245

$805 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cheeky Corner Suite – Pretty Big Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,515

$835 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cheeky Corner Suite – Even Bigger Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,695

$855 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cheeky Corner Suite – Biggest Terrace

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,785

$865 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Gorgeous Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,685

$965 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Posh Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,375

$1,375 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Fab Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $14,175

$1,575 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Massive Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,975

$1,775 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 23, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Virgin Voyages and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 26 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Central Sea Terrace	TC	Balcony
LTD View Sea Terrace	TL	Balcony
The Sea Terrace	TR	Balcony
XL Sea Terrace	TX	Balcony
Ltd View Sea Terrace Lock It In Rate	TZ	Balcony
Solo Insider	I1	Inside
Social Insider	I4	Inside
The Insider	IN	Inside
Insider Lock It In Rate	IZ	Inside
Solo Sea View	V1	Oceanview
The Sea View	VW	Oceanview
Seaview Lock It In Rate	VZ	Oceanview
Mega RockStar Lock It In Rate	MZ	Suite
RockStar Lock It In Rate	RZ	Suite
Sweet Aft Suite – Biggest Terrace	SAB	Suite
Sweet Aft Suite – Even Bigger Terrace	SAE	Suite
Sweet Aft Suite – Pretty Big Terrace	SAP	Suite
Brilliant Suite	SB	Suite
Cheeky Corner Suite – Biggest Terrace	SCB	Suite
Cheeky Corner Suite – Even Bigger Terrace	SCE	Suite
Cheeky Corner Suite – Pretty Big Terrace	SCP	Suite
Fab Suite	SF	Suite
Gorgeous Suite	SG	Suite
Massive Suite	SM	Suite
Posh Suite	SP	Suite
Seriously Suite	SS	Suite