There’s very little that can top a luxury cruise among the magic of the Mediterranean. However, this particular offering has something extra sprinkled in.

This luxury Europe deal with Imagine Holidays offers guests the chance to be one of the first passengers on Silversea’s brand new ship, Silver Ray. Set to start sailing in June 2024, this deal offers the chance to step onto Silver Ray when she’s barely been sailing for a month.

Silver Ray will be Silversea’s second Nova Class ship, elevating the already luxurious offerings of the cruise line. The new class of ships have some of the highest guest to space ratios across the cruise industry, as well as butler service in every suite.

The offer also includes a two-night pre-cruise stay in Athens, which comes with a fully escorted Acropolis tour. As well as a four-night hotel stay where mountains meets bright blue water meets colourful architecture in Lake Garda.

Just as you’re settled into the beauty of Lake Garda, guests will get a fresh dose of magic from Lake Maggiore, with a three-night stay to finish. While in Lake Maggiore, guests will get a special scenic rail journey to St. Moritz, as well as completing their trio of lake exploration with a full-day excursion at Lake Como.

Come the end of the 20-night journey, guests will have had the history of Athens, the luxury of Silver Ray and some of Italy’s best scenery.

The full journey starts from $15,999 with all flights, transfers, accommodation, and most meals included.

There are two possible departure dates, July 17, 2024, and August 23, 2024. Prices will vary slightly based on your departure date and which city you leave from.

See a day-by-day outline of the journey here.

Start with Athens

You’ll start by touching down amongst the breathing history of Athens. Guests will be the in the Grand Hyatt or similar.

On your second day there will be a full-tour of the Acropolis. Guests will explore the birthplace of the Olympic games, ancient Byzantine churches, learn of Greek mythology and more.

What’s onboard Silver Ray?

Fine-dining is central to the Silversea and Nova Class experience. Even when aboard you can feel like you’re dining locally with luxury European flavours. Spaccanapoli offers fine-dining reflective of Silverseas Italian heritage. Alternatively, La Dame offers contemporary French dining with fresh ingredients.

There’ll always be plenty to choose from cuisine-wise with another six dining options onboard. There’s plenty to try, from the Asian fusion of Kaiseki to the modern dining and ocean views of La Terrazza.

Guests can also look forward to expansive spa and wellness facilities, high-class entertainment and lively yet sophisticated bars and lounges.

Many suites offer 270-degree views of sea and sky and all suites feature balconies and butler service.

Silver Nova, which is Silver Ray is modelled after.

Where are you cruising?

The cruise won’t take long to kick into gear. On the second day guests will trade the luxurious facilities of Silver Ray for the blue shores and white houses of Santorini. Following this will be a sea day, where guests can explore the wellness facilities, and drink at the open-air bar or do whatever they choose.

The following day, guests will wake up in Corfu and are free to explore the impossibly photogenic island.

After falling asleep off the Greek Coast, guests will then be treated to medieval Montenegro. The port of Kotor is a UNESCO-listed destination, with an architectural journey back in time meeting flourishing greenery and mountains.

Next up is a lesser-visited destination, where cruisers will see the medieval buildings of Bari in Italy. Sandstone cliffs formed a gate into the city and its old churches, theatres and marina.

The Europe luxury continues on the Croatian coast. The next four days will feature stops in Croatian ports, with Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and Zadar. Croatia is famous for its picturesque coastline, but going between cities will offer insights into the nuances of its culture, cuisine and history.

Before disembarking in Fusina there’ll be one more treat on the cruise. The Italian city of Trieste is a small yet striking coastal town. The town square and surrounding streets are packed with culturally and architecturally significant buildings.

Santorini will be your first stop on Silver Ray.

Italian lakes

As you step off Silver Ray, guests woes will be nursed by kicking off your tour of the Italian lakes. While the Italian Lakes tour will involve a visit to the headline stealing Lake Como, guests will also get to experience less explored gems.

Four-nights in Lake Garda will not only offer a day-trip to Lake Como, but also enough time to see Lake Garda is probably even more beautiful.

After falling in love with Lake Garda, a quick love triangle with Lake Maggiore. Just off the foot of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. The small Borromean Islands off its shores are ripe for exploring and Instagram-ready views are everywhere you turn.

As the perfect farewell to Europe luxury, next will be a train journey through the Italian Alps. The Bernina express will give you panoramic views as you weave between snow-capped mountains and rich green alpine trees. Then there’ll be one more night to say goodbye to Lake Maggiore before heading home with a suitcase full of memories.

What’s included?

All-Inclusive Cruise

11 night all-inclusive luxury cruise on board the brand-new Silver Ray
- Complimentary premium shore excursions included at every port*
- Pre-paid gratuities and complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- In-suite butler service and fully stocked fridge for all suites
- All-inclusive beverages including fine wines, beers and premium spirits

Hotel Stays

2 night five-star hotel stay at the Grand Hyatt Athens or similar
FREE 4 night four-star stay in Lake Garda at the Solho Hotel Bardolino or similar
FREE 3 night four-star stay in Lake Maggiore at the Zacchera Hotels or similar
All hotel stays include breakfast