Athens (Piraeus), Greece - As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture, and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.

Mykonos, Greece - For pure Mediterranean pizzazz, Mykonos can't be beat. Designer boutiques and beautifully bronzed Greek gods and goddesses lie on Mykonos' beaches. And Mykonos' famous five white churches look down on it all in oblivious serenity.

Santorini, Greece - Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape‐whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo.

Rhodes, Greece - The crusader Knights of St. John made Rhodes their headquarters. Explore the massive fortress of the Palace of Grand Masters, and peer into tiny rooms of the Inns which once housed the knights. See where the towering Colossus of Rhodes once stood -- it could be seen for miles at sea!

Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece - Chania is the second largest city of Crete, and one of the most beautiful. It lies along the north coast of the island at the east end of the Gulf of Chania. Chania is the site of the ancient Minoan settlement the Greeks called Cydonia (Kydonia), which was mentioned in Virgil's Aeneid. The site has been continuously inhabited from Neolithic times-at least 5000 years. The city's rich history can be traced through historic buildings and monuments with Venetian, Turkish and Greek architecture.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Limassol, Cyprus - A strategic garrison for Richard the Lionhearted during the Third Crusade, Limassol provides many archaeological sites, as well as an array of contemporary designer shops for exploring. The island of Cyprus is also home to two ancient kingdoms - Kourion and Amathus.

Bodrum, Turkey - When Turkish history and culture meets the blue waters of the Aegean, magical things are bound to happen. Some travelers will begin right at the sea, whether that means lounging under an umbrella on the shimmering sands of Bodrum Beach or sipping Raki cocktails at a waterfront bar along Milta Bodrum Marina. If you want to work up a sweat before you relax, one of the best things to do in Bodrum, Turkey, is explore its ancient history. The 15th-century Bodrum Castle pairs sweeping views of the sea with impressive architecture and historical exhibitions, while Halicarnassus is home to an ancient city and mausoleum from the Greek period nearly 2,500 years ago. Restaurant or retail therapy is the perfect way to cap off any day in Bodrum. Tear into tender, grilled octopus, or shop Turkish mosaic lamps and olive oil products amid the raucous stalls of Bodrum Market.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - 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.