CME Cruise Conference

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.

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.

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.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Alexandria, Egypt - Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt. Its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse, that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius), Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. Visit the old Roman theater, the Greco-Roman Museum, the magnificent new Library, Zoological Gardens and more.

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.

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel - Ashdod, located in the South District of Israel on the Mediterranean Sea coast, is Israel's largest port. Ashdod was first settled during the Canaanite era in the 17th century BC, making the city one of the most ancient in the world. Ashdod is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. Now a well-planned modern city, Ashdod is a welcoming combination of ancient history and cosmopolitan port life, as well as a starting point for a day-trip to Jerusalem.

Haifa, Israel - Considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East, Haifa offers sweeping views of the sea with the Carmel Mountains as a glorious backdrop. Be sure to visit the Tikotin Japanese Museum, Stella Maris Monastery and the stunning gold-domed Bahai Shrine.

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.