The Mediterranean Experience

Enjoy the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the Apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, “I found an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23). As you stroll the agora (ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the Apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the resurrection” to the skeptical Athenians. Or, if you have already visited Athens, visit one of Greece’s most picturesque coastal viewpoints on a half-day tour from Athens to Cape Sounion. Travel along South Attica’s scenic shoreline roads to reach the ancient Temple of Poseidon built atop a towering sea cliff with fantastic views of the Aegean. Explore the ruins of this temple dedicated to the Greek god of the sea. This afternoon, board the Silver Whisper ship.

A town of rustic, lyrically romantic beauty, Monemvasia boasts a glorious natural setting, perched on a colossal rock island, which rears spectacularly from the waves. A truly unique castle city, the island is linked to the mainland by just a single solitary causeway. It is hard to imagine a better, and more impenetrable, setting for a fortress town than this, and the rock is laced with tight cobbled streets, exposed stone masonry, and pretty Byzantine churches. Known as the Gibraltar of Greece, you would be forgiven for assuming that the limestone monolith was unoccupied as you approach from the seas. Look a little closer, however, and you’ll begin to pick out the ancient walls and terracotta roofs of the quaint town clinging to its steep, dramatic slopes, and the walls of the fortress crowning it. A natural stronghold of overwhelming romantic beauty, the rock is said to lend couples wedded here extra strong foundations from which to build. Arrive on the island to wander the historic knot of streets of a true Adriatic wonder. Encounter gorgeous, tree-shaded terraces, which look out across the rippling blue waves. Visit the picturesque Church of Christ Elkomenos, where you can shelter in the cool interior, and see storied religious iconography. A historic paved pathway twists back on itself, rising sharply up the slope on a daunting ascent to the now uninhabited upper fortress. The views from here are even more incredible, as you look down across the rustic domes of the lower village’s churches and stone-paved streets below.

Enjoy Silversea’s personalized and polished service today as you glide on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Sun on the pool deck, relax in the spa, enjoy a show, and savor the exquisite cuisine available onboard, inspired by Relais & Châteaux. In addition to the wonderful amenities of the Whisper, this day at sea will give us a great opportunity to hear from our Host, Mike Huckabee.

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovcen mountain, and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular, imposing staging that few can match. Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach in itself, as you arrive via one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic, Kotor’s warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity. Under Venetian influence for four centuries, the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site old town invites you to wander amid atmospheric stone-clad streets, overlooked by a sea of terracotta roofs and the double towers of the cathedral. Protected by thick stone walls and the mountains behind, Kotor compares with another fortified Adriatic wonder in Dubrovnik. Many favor Kotor for its compact layout, smaller crowds, and authenticity, however - having been ITINERARY Message from MIKE HUCKABEE Every time I get the chance to announce another trip by Blue Diamond Travel, I am beyond thrilled, and this time is no different. We have another unforgettable trip to the Mediterranean in the fall of 2025! Join us for “The Mediterranean Experience 2025”! This all-inclusive cruise will feature some of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean Sea, and we will get to travel to and absorb these destinations aboard a luxury cruise ship, the SilverSea “Silver Whisper.” If you have traveled with us before, you already know that all-inclusive means exactly that, and there are no surprises along the way. The Mediterranean Experience will be no different, with mouth-watering cuisine on and off the ship and more extras than we can list. Once again, we will have the entire ship to ourselves, and we will fill our time on board with spectacular entertainment and engaging lectures from special guest speakers and unbelievable musical talent. In addition to the cruise, we have multiple pre and post-cruise offerings you can choose from to extend your trip. We expect this Mediterranean experience cruise to fill up quickly, so we encourage you to get your cabin secured ASAP. We look forward to traveling with you, and as always, we will bring you THE GREATEST TRIP! See you on the ship, Mike Huckabeespared from shelling during Yugoslavia’s breakup. The tightknit streets here are patrolled by a slinking population of feline residents, who were adopted as the town’s mascots, after being left behind by transient trader ships. Learn of the city’s extensive heritage on the waves, in the dedicated maritime museum that is contained within Grgurina Palace. Pick your way through tight alleys of workshops and studios, walking below fresh laundry strung from windows, before settling into shiny, paved piazzas for an afternoon coffee or seafood meal. If you’re up for an aerobic challenge, tackle the 1,350 steps up the steep walls to St John’s fortress. The views over the gorgeous bay make the arduous slog worth it, as you rise past the city’s eye-catching 15th-century church bell tower.

Croatia’s crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik’s daunting fortresses town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set, this city’s unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows - from Star Wars to Robin Hood, Game of Thrones and every production in between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavor. This fantasy fortress’s walls, which are no less than 12 meters thick at places, are certainly not just for show, however. They kept Dubrovnik safe when it was a maritime republic, and they were besieged as recently as 1991 when Serbian and Montenegrin forces attacked as Yugoslavia broke apart. Fully restored now, the stone streets of the city take you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendor, baroque churches, and splashing fountains. Tapering alleys rocket up from the central boulevard of Stradun, offering spectacular views down, but you’ll need to walk the city walls to appreciate the fortress city’s full scale. Banking up sharply to the rear, you can gaze across an ocean of terracotta roofs and church spires, clamoring together before the sparkling Adriatic. Visit the neighboring fort of Lovrijenac for another perspective, or swing up to Srd fortress’s glorious panorama on a cable car. Dubrovnik’s streets are crammed with eateries and candlelit tables, where couples splash wine into glasses and enjoy gnocchi mixed with creamy truffle sauces. Nearby beaches like Banje are also nearby, and hidden bays reward the intrepid who venture out beyond the old town. Take sunset drinks to sit back and watch as flotillas of sea kayaks roll by, or sail on the pristine waters to explore island gems like Lokrum, where peacocks are the only permanent residents.

Combining a touch of Venetian beauty with Crete’s rugged landscape and dazzling beaches, Chania is an enchanting welcome to this legendary Greek island. Waterfront restaurants spill out onto the gorgeous 14th-century Venetian harbor, which hums with clinking coffee cups and laidback chatter during sunny afternoons. Later, the sounds of popping corks and rattling cocktail shakers take over as the harbor’s lights sparkle romantically and the stars glitter overhead. Chania is Crete’s second-largest and undoubtedly the most beautiful town. The showpiece harbor is a cluster of colorful buildings, guiding you amiably towards the scenic old town - a mesmerizing interplay of narrow cobbled streets. There’s a Turkish touch to some of the architecture, and the dusty domes of an Ottoman-era former mosque overlook the undulating waterfront. It now serves as a unique venue for art exhibitions. Wander out across the thin sea walls to the 16th-century lighthouse, a charming hodgepodge of architectural styles, with influences from the major occupations of Crete’s history. Leave the gentle clamor of the old town to unwind on the luxurious Agia Marina, a coral-specked stretch of clear turquoise water lapping gently against a band of soft golden sand. Bali’s beaches are another option, with curves of protected sandy sheltering inside rocky coves. Flip through the pages of a paperback, or enjoy strolls with the lazy loll of the waves washing over your feet. Back in the city, settle in to eat on that evocative waterfront and rip freshly baked bread drizzled with golden olive oil squeezed from olive groves nearby. Afterward, enjoy platters of mussels, prawns, and grilled seabream from the Cretan waters. Be sure to try local mizithra, a rich, creamy cheese with echoes of ricotta.