Star Collector: Songs of Sicily & Southern Italy via the Corinth Canal

With 3,000 years of history, you can&rsquo;t turn around in Athens without encountering the past. The Acropolis, a UNESCO site, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. But leave time if you can to climb Pnyx Hill for photos of the Parthenon at sunset, to buy your own set of Greek <em>komboloi</em> (worry beads), and to explore the metro stations that serve as mini-museums for the relics that are constantly being unearthed.&nbsp;

You&rsquo;ll want to be on deck today as we transit the narrow Corinth Canal with other private yachts and Greek mail steamers. It&rsquo;s a shortcut reserved for petite ships like ours, and as we cruise between the narrow limestone walls we are the envy of all the ancient Romans who once portaged their ships along this very route before there was a canal.<br />
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<em>Canal transit time and duration is subject to change based on traffic and canal authorities</em>.

The picturesque harbor of Fiskardo retains the flavor of a by-gone time with its Venetian-styled houses painted in pleasing pastel colors, a harbor full of small boats and various-sized yachts all moored just a few feet from the restaurants and cafes circling the harbor. The seafood is particularly fresh here where they take great pride in their preparation of delicious Greek cuisine.

Gallipoli, a sun-soaked gem on Italy&rsquo;s Ionian coast&nbsp; linked to the mainland by a bridge. Its Baroque churches, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively piazzas offer a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by stunning beaches and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli is also famous for fresh seafood, especially its prized red prawns.

Taranto, located in the Puglia region of Italy, charms with its historic district featuring Greek ruins and a labyrinth of narrow streets.&nbsp; The Aragonese Castle and the 11th-century Cathedral of San Cataldo highlight its historic charm. Taranto is famous for its two seas, the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, which define its unique geography and provide beautiful beaches with sandy shores for sunbathing. Taranto is also known for its Puglian cuisine, featuring orechiette pasta, mussels, tarali (traditional biscuits), and local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Today you&rsquo;ll discover one of Sicily&rsquo;s jewels, the charming village of Giardini Naxos, nestled in one of the world&rsquo;s most beautiful bays. An optional excursion to the popular hillside town of Taormina will be a highlight of your voyage &mdash; from the stunning setting of the iconic Greek Theater to the sparkling beaches along the Ionian Sea. Take a more adventurous tack and explore the UNESCO site of Mount Etna, Europe&rsquo;s most active volcano.

Reggio Calabria is a small ship exclusive port located at the tip of Italy&rsquo;s &ldquo;boot&rdquo;. Known for its stunning seaside promenade, Lungomare Falcomata, it offers beautiful views of Sicily across the Strait of Messina. Key attractions include the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Riace Bronzes, and the Aragonese Castle. Additionally, Reggio Calabria is renowned for its rich culinary scene and features specialties such as &lsquo;nduja&rsquo;. &nbsp;This unique soft, spreadable, and spicy sausage is made with a blend of local chili peppers. Traditionally, nduja is served on crispy bread and fresh pasta.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Sorrento.&nbsp; &nbsp;Optional tours will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4^th century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perhaps your choice will be a boat ride to Positano, the legendary home of the Sirens. Perched on a terrace on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.&nbsp;

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. &nbsp;A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins&mdash;Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

Weather conditions depending, you will see the volcano that never sleeps as you cruise by Stromboli and with any luck observe the active lava stream by day or the glowing lava at night.

Take time on shore to explore the beautiful village and enjoy the exclusive access that only a small ship can provide in a port large cruise ships cannot reach.&nbsp;&nbsp; An optional tour will introduce you to the highlights of the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, well-known for its mythological connections and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.&nbsp;

At once ancient and contemporary, Trapani is a city of contrasts. From the salt marshes that produce much of the Mediterranean&rsquo;s signature colored salts, to the intricate mosaics of Mozia and the famous wines of Marsala, to the best view in all of Sicily from the medieval hill town of Erice where the colorful gardens are rivaled only by the cannolis for pure sensory delight. The line of 17th century windmills, still hard at work in ancient Phoenician salt marshes beckons you to return to Trapani again and again.&nbsp;

Here you&rsquo;ll find what are widely acclaimed as the best, ancient ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Imagine the wonders of Athens, of Ephesus, of legendary Olympia itself. Then imagine them all in one place, at Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander the verdant ridge overlooking the Mediterranean you will be transported to the 5th and 6th centuries. The irresistible scent of olive, almond, and eucalyptus trees will entice you back to the present. This is one of the world&rsquo;s most beautiful sites.&nbsp;