Port Descriptions
Sail the glorious Mediterranean Sea and explore the roots of Western
Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel
Days One–Two | Friday, May 28– Saturday, May 29
Embark on board the Regent Seven Seas Voyager and join fellow cruisers for a Hillsdale College welcome reception.
Visit the land of miracles, including Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, and Nazareth. See the largest hanging gardens in the world at the Bahai Gardens of Haifa. For antiques and crafts, head to the boutiques on Masada Street. South of Haifa, explore the Ein Hod artists’ village.
Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel
Day Three | Sunday, May 30
Ashdod, located near the bustling seaside city of Tel Aviv, is the gateway to Jerusalem and its Old City, Bethlehem, Masada, and Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.
Limassol, Cyprus
Day Four | Monday, May 31
Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus. Pass through the surrounding countryside of citrus groves and vineyards on the way to Aphrodite’s Rock. Visit ancient sites such as Curium—with its theater, stunning mosaics, basilica, and panoramic views—the well-preserved Kolossi Castle, or the impressive Greco-Roman ruins of the city of Kourion.
Seminars-at-Sea & Rhodes, Greece
Day Five | Tuesday, June 1
Renowned as the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John. Explore the Old City and pass through the Gate d’Amboise to the Grand Master’s Palace. Or journey to the picturesque village of Lindos to take in the stunning architecture of its Acropolis.
Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
Day Six | Wednesday, June 2
Ephesus is one of the world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, sit in the great theater carved from a hillside, and see the impressive Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Library of Celsus.
Bozcaada, Turkey & Afternoon Seminars
Day Seven | Thursday, June 3
The charming island of Bozcaada sits off the western coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, near the entrance to the Dardanelles, and is famous for its wines. Known as Tenedos in Greek, it is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid.
Istanbul, Turkey
Days Eight–Nine | Friday, June 4–Saturday, June 5
Bridging Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul was founded as Constantinople by Constantine the Great in 330 A.D. It served as the capital of Byzantium until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Must-see attractions include the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, underground cisterns, and the Grand Bazaar.
Seminars-at-Sea & Kavala/Philippi, Greece
Day Ten | Sunday, June 6
Explore Kavala, whose highlights include a Byzantine fortress, a 16th century aqueduct, and the old town of Panagia. Visit nearby Philippi—location of the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC and later visited by the Apostle Paul—and see Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian ruins.
Mykonos, Greece
Day Eleven | Monday, June 7
Mykonos is renowned for its thatched roof windmills, whitewashed buildings, and sandy beaches. Stroll along the narrow streets of Little Venice, visit a 16th century monastery, or join an excursion to the island of Delos and see its many archaeological treasures.
Santorini, Greece
Day Twelve | Tuesday, June 8
Santorini is famous for its whitewashed buildings and beaches of white, red, and black sand. It is also home to the excavated ruins of Akrotiri, which was covered in volcanic ash in the 17th century BC. Be sure to sample delicious local wines made from grapes that flourish in the volcanic soil.
Seminars-at-Sea
Day Thirteen | Wednesday, June 9
Enjoy Hillsdale College seminars-at-sea, as well as the luxurious amenities of the Regent Seven Seas Voyager.
Taormina (Sicily), Italy
Day Fourteen | Thursday, June 10
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina features an ancient Greek Theater and offers spectacular views of Mount Etna. See the town square, Piazza IX Aprile, and visit one of the many shops and cafes along the main street, Corso Umberto.
Sorrento/Capri, Italy
Day Fifteen | Friday, June 11
From Sorrento, take an excursion to Positano on the Amalfi Coast, where pastel-colored homes cling to the cliffside, visit the island of Capri, or see the ruins of Pompeii, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Later, join fellow cruisers for a Hillsdale College farewell reception.
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Day Sixteen | Saturday, June 12
Disembark from the Regent Seven Seas Voyager for your return flight home.