Mediterranean, Greek Islands
From Magna Graecia to Greece - Italy & Greek Islands Cruise
Imagine sailing through the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, discovering ancient cities, charming islands, and stunning landscapes. Imagine witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of a volcanic eruption, exploring the ruins of a legendary oracle, and cruising through a narrow canal carved into the rock. Imagine experiencing the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Sicily, Italy, Albania, and Greece while enjoying the comfort and service of a first-class crew. This is not a dream. This is your cruise. Join us on this adventure that will take you from Palermo to Piraeus, and let us show you the wonders of the Mediterranean. This is a cruise you will never forget.
• Palermo, Sicily: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Sicily's capital, Palermo. Explore ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and bustling street markets. Don't miss the Arab-Norman cathedral and the Palazzo de Normanni.
• Lipari, Sicily: Discover the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari. Enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, visit Lipari Town with its pastel-colored buildings, and explore the fortified citadel and castle. Dive into the island's archaeological findings, some dating back 6,000 years.
• Crotone: Experience the beauty of the Calabrian coast in Crotone. Marvel at the 16th-century Castle of Charles V and explore the city's old walls and cathedral. Indulge in traditional Calabrese cuisine while enjoying the mix of old and new.
• Otranto: Visit the historic town of Otranto in Puglia. Explore the Otranto Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, and the Church of San Pietro. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets and indulge in some delicious Italian gelato.
Highlights
• Palermo, Sicily: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Sicily's capital, Palermo. Explore ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and bustling street markets. Don't miss the Arab-Norman cathedral and the Palazzo de Normanni.
• Lipari, Sicily: Discover the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari. Enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, visit Lipari Town with its pastel-colored buildings, and explore the fortified citadel and castle. Dive into the island's archaeological findings, some dating back 6,000 years.
• Crotone: Experience the beauty of the Calabrian coast in Crotone. Marvel at the 16th-century Castle of Charles V and explore the city's old walls and cathedral. Indulge in traditional Calabrese cuisine while enjoying the mix of old and new.
• Otranto: Visit the historic town of Otranto in Puglia. Explore the Otranto Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, and the Church of San Pietro. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets and indulge in some delicious Italian gelato.
A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot. Bustling street markets, ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and millennia of history await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Palermo’s history is complex, to say the least. Middle Eastern, Northern African, and European influences are all melded together here. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, and Vandals have come and gone through the ages, leaving countless treasures in their wake. The 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, built over a 9th-century mosque, houses the tombs of the Norman rulers and is a fitting manifestation of the city’s convoluted past. The opulent Palazzo de Normanni, once the seat of power for the kings of Sicily during Norman rule, is a dazzling display of the opulence that the city’s rulers once enjoyed.
The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is typically Mediterranean in its landscape. The island’s lava quarries, low-lying shrubbery and precipitous cliffs feel familiar yet unchartered. Lipari Town is a busy little port with pretty pastel-coloured buildings lining the harbour and plenty of cafes and restaurants where visitors can watch the world go by. Above the harbour is the fortified citadel and castle, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. The fascinating citadel houses archaeological findings that span aeons and empires, some thought to be as much as 6,000 years old.
Stromboli is a small island in the Aeolian archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has erupted almost continuously since 1932. The island also has beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Giardini Naxos is a seaside town on the eastern coast of Sicily known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The city also has a rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins and historic sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the ancient Greek city of Naxos, the Church of San Pancrazio, and the Museum of Archaeology.
Cruise along the Calabrian coast and enjoy the scenery of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. As we pull into the port town of Crotone, notice the 16th-century fortress, Castle of Charles V. Inside its museum is a golden tiara, found nearby in the Capo Colonna Archaeological Park named for its column that stands proud on a promontory. Crotone itself is a delightful mix of old and new, from the ancient city walls to the cathedral notable for its icon of the Black Madonna alongside Calabrese restaurants serving traditional pasta and sausage dishes.
Otranto is a town in the province of Lecce in the Puglia region of Italy. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is famous for its rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins and historic sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the Otranto Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, and the Church of San Pietro.
The Albanian Riviera stretches along a beautiful section of the Ionian coastline, packed with stunning beaches and ancient history. Once overlooked as a result of Albania’s political isolation from the rest of Europe, the area is now being rediscovered. Sarandë is its unofficial capital, whose original settlers were said to be the descendants of the ancient Greek hero Achilles. Today crowds flock to Sarandë in the summer months to enjoy the beaches and bustling nightlife. Just outside the city a plethora of ancient ruins, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites await. This includes the Ancient City of Butrint, which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.
Located at the mouth of Amvrakikos Gulf in Western Greece, Preveza is a charming city with bundles of character. The yacht-filled marina and carless seafront offer the perfect setting for a pleasant stroll. Sit and watch the world go by at the many restaurants and tavernas, or indulge in some retail therapy in the many interesting shops. Further afield you’ll find the ancient city of Nikopolis, founded by the Roman Emperor Octavian. During the Roman and early Byzantine periods, the city flourished as the capital of Old Epirus. Today visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman city walls, odeum, theatre and many other preserved archaeological features.
An important historical place, the harbour town sits below Mount Parnassus, home to the mythical Muses, and is near the ancient Greek sanctuary of Delphi, where Pythia, the Oracle, prophesied the words of Apollo to those who sought divine advice for the future. Parnassus was also home to the winged horse Pegasus of Bellerophon. More recently, Itea was the site of the Battle of Agali during the Greek War of Independence where Greece defeated the Ottoman–Egyptian fleet on 29/30 September 1827. The mountain area is also home to Greece’s largest olive grove and one of the oldest in the world.
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The canal is 6.4 kilometers long and only 21.3 meters wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships.
Greece’s buzzing cosmopolitan capital is served by Piraeus port and is an exciting mix of ancient and modern. Walk the Grand Promenade that winds beneath the city’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. This walkway, built during the 2004 Olympic Games, links the city’s main archaeological sites. No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis itself of course. Start with the Acropolis Museum for some informative context and then walk the marble path up Filopappou Hill for majestic views of the ‘high city’ with the iconic Parthenon perched on top (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city).
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.
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Balcony D5
$14,932 AUD pp
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony M5
$15,594 AUD pp
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D6
$17,066 AUD pp
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Junior Suite
$19,169 AUD pp
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
35 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview D4
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Premium Suite
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Suite
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Oceanview M4
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 125 meters
Passenger Capacity: 192
Built: 2022-2023
Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.
Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.
Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.
The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.
SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
2024 CRUISES
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
• Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation are only available for:
• Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia;
• Arctic cruises starting or ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq.
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Exclusions
• Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, private Zodiac tours
• Laundry
• Premium wines and spirits
• Purchases in the ship's boutique
• Any spa treatments
• Upgraded WiFi data packages
• Visas where required
• Travel Insurance
• Flights
• Domestic transfers
• The Explore & Restore Wellness Package is not included in the cruise fare.
Expedition
10 Days from
$14,932 AUD pp
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