Mediterranean Magic: 10-Day Cruise to Greece, Italy & Malta on the Norwegian Epic

Touch down in the Eternal City and head straight to the city center to check in to your hotel. Once settled, take a relaxed stroll through Rome’s charming streets — grab a gelato and soak in the lively atmosphere. Make your way to iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, then wander toward Piazza Navona or Piazza di Trevi to find a cozy restaurant for dinner and a glass of wine. If time allows, consider a guided tour of the Colosseum, including access to the arena floor and underground chambers. This is a great opportunity to book a private or small group tour for skip-the-line entry and a more immersive experience.

Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. To truly experience the city, we booked The Best of Athens Half-Day Private Tour, which turned out to be the perfect introduction. Our driver took us all over Athens, proudly sharing stories and history about his hometown.

We purchased tickets to the Acropolis and spent about an hour and a half exploring the ancient site — be ready for plenty of walking and climbing! It was a beautiful but very hot day, so comfortable shoes and water are a must. Afterward, we were taken to a nearby neighborhood for an authentic Greek meal at a hidden gem of a restaurant. There is no sign, no menu, just the owner who sat with us, shared stories and even joined us for drinks. It was an unforgettable experience. For rooftop bar recommendations, both Couleur Locale and A for Athens were highly suggested to us. Sadly, we didn’t have time to visit before heading back to the ship, but they’re at the top of our list for next time!

Santorini calls to every seafaring soul in the Aegean. Take in its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages and stunning views across the Cyclades Archipelago. We began our day by riding the famous cable car up to the main town, where we were greeted by the postcard-perfect charm of Santorini. Our first stop was a cozy local café for thick, creamy Greek yogurt and a strong cup of coffee — a perfect way to ease into the day.

Next, we headed to the iconic village of Oia. A quick note: if you're sensitive to motion, skip the city bus — the ride can be a bit intense, even for experienced travelers. Oia was everything we imagined, with its winding paths, striking blue domes and views takes took your breath away. We wandered the narrow streets, stopping for small bites and glasses of local wine while soaking up the scenery. Santorini is full of steep paths and stairs, so dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes. We capped off our day with a fantastic small-group wine tour, sampling some of the island’s most unique varietals. And whatever you do, make sure to pause for a Santorini sunset — it's nothing short of magical.

Mykonos is famed for its golden beaches, vibrant blue waters and iconic white windmills. The island radiates a festive, carefree energy that invites visitors to embrace the good life. We stepped off the ship and boarded a classic sailboat with Doukas Sailing for an unforgettable excursion to the nearby islands of Delos and Rhenia. On Delos, we wandered through ancient ruins steeped in Greek mythology and history. Then we sailed to the unspoiled shores of Rhenia, where we swam in the crystal-clear Aegean and took in the peaceful surroundings. Our adventure ended with a delicious, authentic Greek meal prepared and served on board by our captain and crew. It was fresh, flavorful and perfectly fitting for the day’s journey.

Tucked off the coast of Italy, Malta is a hidden gem that stole our hearts the moment we entered the port. The capital city of Valletta rose dramatically around us, a stunning blend of golden stone, historic charm and Mediterranean beauty. We began our day with a custom tour that took us to some of Malta’s most iconic sights: the dazzling Blue Grotto, the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, the ancient walled city of Mdina and finally Valletta. Mdina, with its winding medieval streets and grand palaces, felt like stepping into another time. In the afternoon, we joined a private walking tour of Valletta with Colour My Travel. We clocked in over nine miles that day — so comfortable clothes and good walking shoes are a must.

Our guide brought Malta’s rich history to life, sharing stories of World War II devastation and the city’s remarkable resilience and rebuilding. Valletta’s charm was everywhere — from lively outdoor cafés and music drifting through the narrow streets to locals enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon. Malta left a lasting impression, and we know it’s a place we’ll return to again.

Home to the first Olympic Games, Olympia, Greece, feels like stepping back in time. We booked a private excursion to explore the ancient city, where we walked the original Olympic stadium and marveled at the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. After exploring, we headed into the town of Olympia and found a quaint little restaurant that served the best gyros we've ever tasted. Over lunch and a conversation with our driver, we decided to change up our itinerary. It turned out to be the best decision of the day. He took us to a small, family-run honey farm where generations have been maintaining bees and harvesting honey for hundreds of years. It was a true glimpse into Greek country life. From there, we visited a local olive oil factory where our driver brings his own olives to be pressed each year. We toured the facility and sampled some of the freshest, most flavorful olive oil imaginable.

We returned to the ship loaded with honey and olive oil, grateful for the chance to experience a more personal side of Greek life. It was one that felt welcoming, authentic and unforgettable.

Rather than staying in Messina, we opted for a full-day tour to Taormina and Castelmola with Messina Shore Excursions. It was a long bus ride, but absolutely worth every minute. Our first stop was the charming hilltop village of Castelmola. With its winding, narrow streets and sweeping views of the sea, it felt like a step back in time. We paused at a small café to sip drinks while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before continuing down the mountain to Taormina. Taormina was simply spectacular. Perched above the coastline, the town is full of vibrant life, mouthwatering food and postcard-worthy views. We explored the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a beautifully preserved amphitheater with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea. Lunch followed on a quiet, tucked-away street where the flavors matched the scenery. As we wandered the cobbled paths, we witnessed a radiant bride walking into the Duomo di Taormina for her wedding. It was a magical moment that made an already memorable day feel even more special.

Naples was one of the stops we anticipated most — and it delivered everything we dreamed of: the Amalfi Coast, ancient ruins and incredible pizza. We disembarked and jumped straight into a private full-day tour with Leisure Italy and our guide, Antonio Davide, was a true highlight. His passion, knowledge and warmth made the day unforgettable. We began our journey driving along the coast, passing Mount Vesuvius on the way to the enchanting town of Positano. We wandered the famous steep steps, enjoyed coffee and fresh pastries and soaked in the coastal beauty. A quick stop in Sorrento followed, where we tasted the most delicious limoncello — so good I had to bring a bottle home. Then we made our way to Pompeii for a private guided tour of the ruins. Walking through the ancient streets brought history to life in a way that’s hard to describe. To end the day, Antonio took us to a hidden gem for dinner — quiet, authentic, and away from the crowds. The owner welcomed us like family, ordered for us and even shared a shot of limoncello before we left. The white lasagna was a revelation, and of course, we couldn’t leave Naples without tasting a true Neapolitan pizza. Every bite was perfection.

Florence, with its rich history and timeless beauty, absolutely lived up to its reputation. One day simply wasn’t enough — this is a city that deserves more time, and we know we’ll return to experience it fully. The drive from the port was long, which cut into our time in the city, but we made the most of every moment. Our visit to the Uffizi Gallery was a highlight — we stood in awe before some of the world’s most breathtaking masterpieces. For lunch, we skipped a sit-down meal and grabbed a famous Florentine sandwich from a small street vendor. It was simple, local, and absolutely delicious — highly recommended. We had pre-booked tickets to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower and visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and we’re so glad we did. The lines moved quickly, the weather was perfect and the architecture left us speechless. The Campanile di Giotto, Duomo and Baptistery of St. John are true marvels of craftsmanship and history. What will draw us back the most are the quiet, character-filled neighborhoods across the Arno River. There's a world within a world in those streets — just waiting to be explored.