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.

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.

This Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic has a long and eventful history dating back to the awesome Diocletian’s Palace (circa 295 A.D.) in the centre of the city. Split offers cruise guests a wealth of exciting places to visit, from the majestic cathedral and marble streets in the centre of town to the harbour area with its café-lined promenades and views of coastal mountains.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!