Asia, Europe, Christians, Moslems, Turks, Persians and Asians have all had a hand in shaping this amazing city.
Bargain at the Grand Bazaar. See the 17th century Blue Mosque.
Visit Topkapi Palace built during the Ottoman Empire.

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants.

Enjoy a glass of wine from the Santo Winery after strolling Fira’s streets.
Visit Akrotiri, where Minoan Pompey was excavated.
Whitewashed buildings and fascinating archeological sites set the tone here.

Explore over 20 beaches or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos.
Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with white-washed houses, blue-domed churches and perfect beaches.
Wander the Hora or main village, a maze of winding streets.

This quaint little seaside town on the Ionian Sea is the gateway to Ancient Olympia, where Greek mythology was born and the first Olympiad was held. You may still be able to hear the distant echoes of the ancient Greeks cheering as you tour the ruins of one of the most important and exciting sanctuaries of antiquity. Explore more of Katakolon on a European cruise!

Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is more temperate than it’s Aegean neighbors.
The view from the village of Paleokastritsa looks down onto the coves below.
Visit the Palace of Achilleion, and the Monastery of the Virgin Mary.

Featured Shore Excursions

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It’s also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Đorđe, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

Cavtat, a picture postcard-perfect seaside resort offers shopping and more.
The ancient walled city of Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic Coast.
Wander the old city of what is now modern-day Croatia.

Along the northeast coast of Italy is where you’ll discover the historic town of Ravenna. Once a thriving seaport in ancient times (it now lies five miles inland), Ravenna was also the westernmost pillar of the Byzantine Empire. Just as everyone who visits, you too will marvel at the exquisite Byzantine mosaics. At first glance the old streets, peaceful squares and fine shops resemble any other Italian city, but the Byzantine domes of its churches still evoke its Eastern heritage. As an added bonus, Ravenna is a great place to taste the famously delicious food of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Get to know the city of Zadar, Croatia, the historical centre of Dalmatia on the Adriatic Sea. Rich with architecture left behind from its Roman influences, Zadar is a scenic location with abounding churches and cathedrals. But it is also home to more than several national parks and attractions, such as the stunning seaside Paklenica, the hidden gem of Telascica overlooking the turquoise waters, and the impressive Sea Organ, which plays music by way of ocean waves crashing against it.

You could start a discussion about Venice by praising its restaurants, wine bars, marble churches or blown glass. But you probably won’t. You’ll likely start with the fact that Venice is built on water. It is a place where people either float slowly down palace-lined man-made waterways or stroll down narrow alleyways. There’s no more extraordinary place to find yourself, or lose yourself. Be sure to stay in Venice before your next European cruise.