Cruise Description

Inspired by the past and reimagined for the future, Seven Seas Grandeur™ personifies our heritage of perfection.

Valletta, Malta
Malta’s major port and capital, the entire city of Valletta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The centerpiece is the impressive 19th century Mosta Dome, visible from anywhere on the island, with its inlaid marble floor and the gilded, carved stone flowers set around the interior dome. For a tranquil afternoon, stroll the San Anton Palace Gardens, artistically laid out in Three Villages - Attard, Lija and Balzan. Or, for spectacular vistas, take a day tour to Dingli Cliffs, which offer striking views of the sea and rugged coastline. Valetta is also a portal to day trips to nearby Mdina, with its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St. John; and Rabat, the provincial township that was once part of the Roman city of Melita, where you can explore several fascinating archaeological digs.

Argostoli, Greece
Discover charming Argostoli, flowing up from the turquoise bay along the sides of white limestone hills with its colorful fishing boats, vibrant open-air market and relaxing atmosphere. Visit the archaeological museum and explore the rich artifacts of the Mycenean culture. See the Venetian-built St. Georges Castle dating from the 16th Century in the nearby village of Kastro. Stroll through Vallianos Square in Argostoli browsing the stalls and shops to take home popular gifts and keepsakes including thyme honey, fine gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and the excellent locally produced Robola Taoussi (white wine).

Alexandria, Egypt
Egypt’s second largest city and chief harbor was built in 332BC by Alexander the Great. As new technology augments exploration capabilities, columns and statuary from its glorious past are still being recovered from Alexandria’s bay. Discover the city’s intriguing past at the Roman Catacombs of Kom El Shuquafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, and the Citadel of Quait Bay, built on the foundation of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Walk among the fragrent splendor of the Montaza Gardens, with 115 acres of lush, botanical beauty.

Cairo (Port Said), Egypt
Travel to Cairo and marvel at the Giza pyramids and Sphinx standing at the edge of the vast Sahara. Visit the fabulous Egyptian Museum and see its awesome collection of artifacts or head for Alexandria and its ancient sites and museums. Browse Cairo’s bazaar for unusual jewelry like Eye of Horus amulets, hand-painted papyrus copies of ancient tomb paintings, glass, alabaster and artifact replicas. Or find an ancient relic approved for export. Relax over a cup of sweet tea and sample delicious vegetable appetizers or some spicy lamb kebabs, a typical Middle Eastern dish.

Limassol, Cyprus
Limassol is the jumping off point to explore the ancient riches of Cyprus.View ruins, vast groves of lemons, oranges and olives, majestic mountains and scenery, and stunning beaches. Visit Lemesos Castle, where Richard-the-Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and its fascinating museum. Or stroll through ancient Curium and admire its stunning mosaics, theater, basilica and panoramic views over the sea. Venture inland to Nicosia and its wonders, the Cathedral of St. John, the Venetian fortifications, a restored old town and mosque and the Museum. Take home some lovely lace, copper items, jewelry and pottery. Enjoy a selection of appetizers so extensive it can be a hearty meal as well as fresh seafood accompanied by a delicious glass of wine.

Rhodes, Greece
Renowned as the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes was home to the Knights of St. John from the 12th to 16th centuries. Their famous Palace of the Grand Masters remains a “must-see,” as are many of the inns occupied by the Crusaders and the replica of the old church. For a more in-depth look at the city, visitors can take in the Archeological where the Acropolis of Rhodes and the ancient stadium offer perfect photo opportunities.

Heraklion (Crete), Greece
The capital city of Greece’s largest island, Heraklion beguiles with a pair of Crete’s must-see sights: the state-of-the-art Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to treasures of Minoan civilization and finds covering over 5,500 years of Crete’s history; and the Palace of Knossos, a center of Minoan power that dates back to 2000 BC and revered as the location of the mythic Minotaur’s Labyrinth. Take in spectacular harbor views from Iraklion’s 13th-century fortress and revitalized waterfront, where ‘fish taverns’ serve authentic Cretan dishes like sweet or salty kaltsounia washed down with raki, Crete’s local spirit.

Santorini, Greece
With dramatic views of classic whitewashed houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera 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. Visit Ancient Akrotiri, the archeological site of a town frozen in time by ash from an eruption 3,600 years ago. Also worth a day trip is the Volcano of Santorini Palea (old) Kameni and Nea (new) Kameni , two small islands of black lava positioned in the centre of the basin of Santorini.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
Europe’s classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, 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.

Pergamum (Dikili), Turkey
Ancient history meets modern cable cars in Pergamum, one of Turkey’s most important archaeological destinations. Standing on a hilltop far above modern Pergamum, you’ll have spectacular views as you tour the Acropolis, a magnificent collection of monuments including an altar likely dedicated to Zeus and Athena and a hillside theater that once accommodated 10,000. After a day spent time traveling, stop in a local restaurant for kofte – spicy meatballs – and eggplant sautéed in olive oil. You might also head south to Izmir to shop for textiles, rugs and jewelry at Kemeralti Market, or stay closer to port and enjoy the golden beaches of Dikili.

Istanbul, Turkey
Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.