Azamara Mediterranean: 7 nights from Athens with Azamara Quest
Oct 31, 2026

Katakolon

Katakolon is known as the 'gateway to Olympia' in fact it is located just east of the ancient city of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Katakolon is a seaside town in the municipality of Pyrgos in western Greece. It is located on a picturesque promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Gulf of Kyparissia from the rest of the Ionian Sea. It is 11 km west of the center of Pyrgos. The small village of Agios Andreas is located north-west of Katakolon. The port of Katakolon is a very popular stop for cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to visit the site of ancient Olympia. Low hills with forests surround Katakolo. In 1865 the Katakolon lighthouse was built. One of the most important sites in Katakolon is the Museum of Ancient Greek technology.

Saranda

Located in the extreme south-west of Albania along the Ionian Sea, opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is a popular Albanian city, one of the most important tourist cities on the Ionian coast.

The most welcoming and tourist city in Albania, draped along a curved bay with a thin strip of beach. The city developed in antiquity, from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, archaeological excavations have revealed the remains in the center of the metropolis.
Despite its lack of popularity, it has a fascinating heritage: a promenade decorated with palm and eucalyptus trees, surrounded by numerous clubs.
The beaches also offer the opportunity to practice numerous water activities.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Kakome Bay north of Seranda: The beach is huge, absolutely stunning.
Blue Eye is a lagoon, so called thanks to its turquoise shades similar to the color of the iris of an eye. At 45 meters deep, the water is incredibly transparent.
Ksamil is a small village near Saranda (15 km) and also has a beautiful beach surrounded by small islands accessible by swimming.

Castle Lekures dating back to the 16th century is located on the hills of Saranda and offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. The dominant position of the castle was a strategic point for protecting the city from invasions: on one side the sea and on the other a large tray suitable for cultivation and breeding. The castle has a splendid terrace and a restaurant. It is reachable by car or on foot.
The Butrint National Heritage Park World Heritage by UNESCO, is a natural park, rich in wildlife such as foxes, reptiles, martens, seals, turtles and various birds. The climate is mild and sunny for most of the year. The economy of the city of Saranda is mainly based on agricultural products from the Valtos valley, on the cultivation of mussels from the salt lake of Vouthrotos (Butrint).
In addition to the slow and constant growth of tourism, fishing is another source of wealth.

Syracuse

Syracuse is an ancient city in the Mediterranean and Europe.
Its vast archaeological site, on the edge of the modern city, is a rare treasure of temples, amphitheaters and an ancient castle.
The island of Ortigia, a labyrinth of fascinating ancient and medieval streets, allows a holiday of sightseeing and shopping.

Syracuse was a center of Greek, Byzantine and Jewish civilization. Testimonies of these three cultures can still be seen today,
making Ortygia a fascinating place to visit for anyone curious about the historical heritage we have inherited from classical mythology,
ancient Christianity and medieval Judaism.
Located near the southeastern corner of Sicily on the Ionian coast, Syracuse is built on an ancient Greek settlement founded by the Corinthians in 734 BC.
More than any other modern city in Sicily, Syracuse manifests a visible continuity from its ancient Greek past, both historical and mythological.

Catania

Set sail from Catania for your Mediterranean Cruise Holiday. Discover on our website all departures with embarkation from Catania and visit Barcelona, Marseille and Naples on board the best cruise ships. The city's Baroque historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
Catania is a beautiful city on the east coast of Sicily, the second largest after Palermo, located at the foot of Europe's largest volcanic site: Mount Etna. Besides being really beautiful and full of tourist attractions, Catania is also a very important and complete city.
The hub of the city is the port, the main economic center of the region, and one of the busiest in Italy, it is bustling both day and night. An ideal city to enjoy the pleasures of life and savour true Mediterranean
gastronomy Catania will offer you magical moments. Visit the city's various markets, the colourful and lively Pescheria, where you will find the best fresh fish in town, or stop at the market in Piazza Carlo Alberto, also known as Fera'o Luni, where a characteristic flea market is also held on Sundays.
If you want a snack, don't miss the typical Sicilian cannoli with ricotta cheese or have breakfast with a Sicilian brioche and almond granita, a real treat for your palate before arriving at the port and embarking on your Mediterranean cruise from Catania.

Set sail from Catania, the vibrant baroque city at the foot of Mount Etna, on Sicily's eastern coast. This bustling port offers a dramatic backdrop for your cruise departure, blending ancient history with a dynamic modern spirit. Before embarking, explore the city's UNESCO-listed architecture, taste its famous street food, and gaze upon the majestic volcano. Catania provides a unique and culturally rich starting point for an unforgettable journey across the Mediterranean.

Cruises departing from Catania offer diverse itineraries that span the enchanting Mediterranean. Whether you dream of exploring the Greek Isles, the historical cities of mainland Italy, or the sun-kissed coasts of North Africa, Catania serves as an excellent launchpad. Enjoy the seamless transition from the lively streets of Sicily to the luxurious comfort of your cruise ship, ready for days of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Each voyage from Catania promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences on the open water.

Salerno

Salerno is an Italian municipality with 133,693 inhabitants, capital of the province of the same name in Campania, the second municipality in the region by number of inhabitants and the thirtieth at national level. The city of Salerno occupies a spectacular position overlooking the Gulf, where the splendid Amalfi Coast is located, a famous tourist destination in Italian Campania. It has a rich history and a deep-rooted tradition.

During the Middle Ages the city was the capital of the homonymous Lombard principality and then of the Norman duchy of Puglia and Calabria which included a large part of the continental South and was the original nucleus of the future Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies.

Salerno was home to the School of Medicine, which was the first and most important medical institution in Europe at the beginning of the Middle Ages and as such is considered by many a forerunner of modern universities. Ideal heir to the famous medical school is the University of Salerno, located since 1988, in the form of a campus, in the neighboring municipalities of Fisciano and Baronissi.

From February to August 1944 Salerno was the seat of the Italian government,[10] hosting the governments Badoglio I, Badoglio II and Bonomi II which led to the Turn of Salerno.

Starting from the second half of the nineties, the city began a series of policies aimed at improving livability, urban decor and projecting, especially as regards tourism, Salerno at national and international level. The city is therefore a candidate to become one of the poles of cruise tourism and contemporary architecture, hosting works by the greatest architects of the 21st century, such as Fuksas, Zaha Hadid, Bohigas, Chipperfield, Calatrava and Bofill.

Salerno

Salerno is an Italian municipality with 133,693 inhabitants, capital of the province of the same name in Campania, the second municipality in the region by number of inhabitants and the thirtieth at national level. The city of Salerno occupies a spectacular position overlooking the Gulf, where the splendid Amalfi Coast is located, a famous tourist destination in Italian Campania. It has a rich history and a deep-rooted tradition.

During the Middle Ages the city was the capital of the homonymous Lombard principality and then of the Norman duchy of Puglia and Calabria which included a large part of the continental South and was the original nucleus of the future Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies.

Salerno was home to the School of Medicine, which was the first and most important medical institution in Europe at the beginning of the Middle Ages and as such is considered by many a forerunner of modern universities. Ideal heir to the famous medical school is the University of Salerno, located since 1988, in the form of a campus, in the neighboring municipalities of Fisciano and Baronissi.

From February to August 1944 Salerno was the seat of the Italian government,[10] hosting the governments Badoglio I, Badoglio II and Bonomi II which led to the Turn of Salerno.

Starting from the second half of the nineties, the city began a series of policies aimed at improving livability, urban decor and projecting, especially as regards tourism, Salerno at national and international level. The city is therefore a candidate to become one of the poles of cruise tourism and contemporary architecture, hosting works by the greatest architects of the 21st century, such as Fuksas, Zaha Hadid, Bohigas, Chipperfield, Calatrava and Bofill.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.