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.
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 ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the magnificent Celsus Library.
Bozcaada, Turkey
Day Seven | Thursday, June 3
The tiny island of Bozcaada sits off the western coast of Turkey in the Dardanelles Strait that connects the Marmara to the Aegean. This charming port boasts untouched bays with a rich marine life, delightful local culture, significant historical heritage, and world-class wine.
Istanbul, Turkey
Days Eight–Nine | Friday, June 4–Saturday, June 5
Bridging Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Spend time in the Old City to explore the renowned Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Kavala/Philippi, Greece
Day Ten | Sunday, June 6
Explore Kavala, once part of the Byzantine Empire and now the second largest city in northern Greece. Its numerous historical sites include a Byzantine castle, 16th-century aqueduct, and its old town of Panagia. Spend time in nearby Philippi for its incredible archaeological ruins, including a Roman forum and theater.
Mykonos, Greece
Day Eleven | Monday, June 7
Mykonos is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its whitewashed buildings, thatch-roofed windmills, beaches, and growing nightlife. Walk through the narrow streets of “Little Venice,” visit a 16th-century monastery, or cruise to the sacred island of Delos and meander through excavated ruins of temples, statues, and mosaics
Santorini, Greece
Day Twelve | Tuesday, June 8
With dramatic views and stunning beaches of white and red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder this may be the most photographed scenery in the world. See the excavated ruins of Akrotiri that were once covered in volcanic ash, sample wines made from grapes that flourish in Santorini’s volcanic soil, or behold the beauty of Oia, a classic whitewashed village perched high above the sea.
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. Tonight, join fellow cruisers for a Hillsdale College farewell reception.
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Day Sixteen | Saturday, June 12
Disembark the Regent Seven Seas Voyager for your return flight home.