Mediterranean Gardens and Wildflowers of Greece and Italy by Small Ship

Arrive in Athens today before 3.00 pm. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to get to know your fellow travellers.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we head to Sparoza Garden. Originally a private retreat, the garden has been meticulously maintained by the Mediterranean Garden Society. The experimental garden serves as a horticultural laboratory, putting the resilience of Mediterranean plants to the test during the region’s trying summer conditions. Featured on Monty Don's Adriatic Gardens series, Sparoza boasts a diversity of plant species sourced from Greece, as well as South Africa, California, Mexico, and Australia. Later this afternoon, we embark MS Hebridean Sky.

Our vessel takes us across the waters of the Aegean Sea to arrive at the enchanting island of Paros. Discover the natural beauty and traditional charm of Paros with a choice of two morning experiences:  

Visit Petaloudes Butterfly Valley, a tranquil spring-fed oasis featuring 500-year-old Cyprus trees, shaded pathways, and flourishing fig, olive and fruit orchards.  

Or discover the beauty of Paros during a moderate hike through the charming hillside village of Lefkes. Continue along the Byzantine Way, an ancient, marble-paved route which offers spectacular island scenery and a glimpse into authentic local life. Spring rains transform the typically dry Cycladic landscape into a surprisingly green tapestry of wildflowers, herbs, and flowering shrubs. 

This afternoon is yours to explore Paros at your leisure. Perhaps wander through the island’s whitewashed villages, browse local boutiques, relax at a waterfront cafe, or simply soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Today, we arrive on the iconic island of Santorini, a Greek gem renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Embark on a panoramic tour highlighting the island's stunning landscapes and culminating in a visit to Oia, widely regarded as Santorini's most picturesque village. Join a guided walking tour across cobblestone streets to admire the cliffside mansions and historic houses of Oia. The afternoon is yours to explore Santorini at your own pace or simply unwind aboard the ship.

We cross the waters of the Aegean to arrive on the island of Crete. Choose to embark on a full-day adventure to the Lasithi Plateau. Here you will discover an array of spring wildflowers, including vibrant tulips and anemones. Explore the charming village of Tzermiado and savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a morning tour to Knossos Palace, the ancient capital of King Minos. Discover the ruins of the palace complex, encountering several of the 1,300 rooms, adorned with ancient frescoes.

Further west along the island, visit the plateau between Spili and Gerakari, known as Gious Kambos. This area is renowned for endemic Cretan plants. We may also spot various orchid hybrids, and possibly the Snake Iris and Crete Iris. This afternoon, you have the option of visiting the Botanical Garden of Crete, which features almost 20 hectares of fruit trees, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants. Alternatively, visit an olive oil farm to gain insight into its harvesting, pressing, bottling and, of course, tasting. Or simply spend time exploring the old venetian harbour in Chania. 

Our ship docks in the port of Gythio this morning. From here, we set out for the enchanting town of Monemvasia. Crossing the sea by means of a causeway, we approach the colossal rock that harbours the town beyond. Entering Monemvasia’s fortifications, we then discover the true allure of this medieval town, where a labyrinth of narrow streets and winding stairways brings us to a collection of stone houses, walled gardens and courtyards. Join a guided walking tour to explore the town’s castle, before arriving at the historic Liotrivi mansion. The estate was once cultivated by the family of Eleftherios Ritsos, father of renowned Greek poet, Yiannis Ritsos. Taste the local olive oil specialties and enjoy a lunch of regional delicacies and wine. Return to the ship for a leisurely afternoon in Gythio.

Step back in time as we reach the historic site of Olympia, nestled amid the shade of Aleppo pines and olive trees, linked forever to the Olympic Games. Explore the gymnasium, stadium, and the palestra (wrestling school). Make your approach to the Altis, the sacred precinct which reveals the Temple of Zeus, the largest temple on the Peloponnesian peninsula. At the Archaeological Museum, we see several exquisite sculptures and artefacts which were unearthed from the site. Enjoy a free afternoon ashore in Katakalon before we make our way to Argostoli this evening, on the island of Kefalonia.

Made famous by the filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the Ionian island of Kefalonia has great charm. In the capital, Argostoli, we see the distinctive Doric form of its lighthouse, before driving to the otherworldly Cave of Melissani. Hidden from view by the surrounding trees, the lake within the cave boasts crystal-clear waters that shimmer in response to the sunlight streaming through the opening of the cave. Afterwards, we visit Kefalonia Botanical Garden, before returning to the ship for lunch. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard the ship or explore the town of Argostoli and its many shops.

Corfu has long been known as ‘The Garden Isle,’ owing to its higher-than-average rainfall, which results in a lush environment. While here, you have the option to explore some of the island’s private gardens. Otherwise, enjoy your morning at leisure, before participating in a cooking demonstration this afternoon.

Our crossing of the Ionian Sea brings us to Italy’s south-eastern shores and the port city of Brindisi. From here, choose to visit the town of Alberobello, where rows of distinctive trulli houses populate the region. Alternatively, head to La Cutura Botanical Garden. Designed in the classic rural style of the late nineteenth century, the former estate’s renowned botanical garden hosts one of the region’s richest collections of rare plants.

Navigating the Gulf of Taranto, our ship soon delivers us south to Crotone, a coastal city in the Calabria region. Explore the ruins of its ancient settlement and delve into the history of the town during a visit to the Castle of Carlos V. Visit the Pythagoras Garden, a tribute to the philosopher whose school was established here around 530 BCE. The Park Project, a blend of science, art and history, demonstrates the mathematical and philosophical legacy of Pythagoras through its 17 exhibits.

Arrive in the Sicilian city of Catania, where you will choose between two excursions:  

Visit the stunning hilltop town of Taormina, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a walking tour and discover the Greek-Roman amphitheatre, as well as the garden of Florence Trevelyan. Florence was an English gardener, as well as a pioneering wildlife conservationist. The scandal which followed a royal romance saw her leave England for Sicily, where she created a beautiful garden on the tiny island of Isola Bella. Afterwards, free time allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of Taormina and its stunning town square.  

Alternatively, visit nearby San Giuliano Garden. The garden is owned by the current Marquis of San Giuliano, who commissioned three distinct garden spaces: an Arabic room, a tropical room and a scented room, all divided by low stone walls and enclosed by the estate’s huge and bountiful citrus orchard.  

Enjoy a Farewell Dinner aboard the ship this evening.

Dock this morning in the Maltese port of Valletta. Here, we disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or choose to extend your journey in Malta with our three-day Stately Homes and Gardens of Malta tour (BTMAL3).