With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivalled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live ‘la dolce vita’, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy – The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle

Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece’s powerful ancient civilization. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans. Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece’s naval capacities. Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea.

The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Opened in 1869 and built to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal is home to some of Egypt’s most picturesque sights. As you pass through, you’ll pass canal-side cities and villages: At the northern entrance is Port Said, a cosmopolitan port city with lush public gardens, sandy-hued mosques and European-inspired architecture. Halfway along the Suez Canal during your cruise, you’ll sail by Ismailia – admire the city’s 19th-century colonial villas and expansive, manicured lawns. In the south, you’ll be treated to views of the seaport city Suez, including ornate mosques, the gardens of the Ganayen neighboruhood and the towering Suez Canal bridge that connects Africa and Asia.

Opened in 1869 and built to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal is home to some of Egypt’s most picturesque sights. As you pass through, you’ll pass canal-side cities and villages: At the northern entrance is Port Said, a cosmopolitan port city with lush public gardens, sandy-hued mosques and European-inspired architecture. Halfway along the Suez Canal during your cruise, you’ll sail by Ismailia – admire the city’s 19th-century colonial villas and expansive, manicured lawns. In the south, you’ll be treated to views of the seaport city Suez, including ornate mosques, the gardens of the Ganayen neighboruhood and the towering Suez Canal bridge that connects Africa and Asia.

Aqaba is a thoroughly modern and energetic resort town with a few glimpses into Middle Eastern antiquity. Visit the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Aqaba, along the Red Sea, and you’re likely to encounter a fascinating mix of revellers: Scores of bikinis and tanned muscles, with the occasional local in more traditional and modest Muslim garb. Explore this port city enough, and you’ll find touches of the old, sleepy fishing town Aqaba once was existing harmoniously with 5-star hotels and modern shopping and dining destinations

Dubai, one of the seven territories that make up the United Arab Emirates, is a sprawling multicultural city that has grown enormously in recent decades. Here, you’ll find everything you could possibly ask for in a modern metropolis: world-class shopping, architectural triumphs and luxurious ways to dine and relax. Cruise to Dubai and stroll along the Dubai Marina waterfront past the many large yachts and futuristic high-rises. Relax on the sandy beach at Kite Beach or Sunset Beach, overlooking the iconic sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab. Explore the charming Souq Madinat Jumeirah village, with its network of canals that pass Arabian-style hotels and lush gardens. Then, check out the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood and its distinctive sand-colored traditional buildings.

Dubai, one of the seven territories that make up the United Arab Emirates, is a sprawling multicultural city that has grown enormously in recent decades. Here, you’ll find everything you could possibly ask for in a modern metropolis: world-class shopping, architectural triumphs and luxurious ways to dine and relax. Cruise to Dubai and stroll along the Dubai Marina waterfront past the many large yachts and futuristic high-rises. Relax on the sandy beach at Kite Beach or Sunset Beach, overlooking the iconic sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab. Explore the charming Souq Madinat Jumeirah village, with its network of canals that pass Arabian-style hotels and lush gardens. Then, check out the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood and its distinctive sand-colored traditional buildings.