CME Cruise Conference

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas await you just an hour from your port of Civitavecchia. Art greets you on every corner in Rome, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Consider extending your vacation either before or after your round-trip cruise to explore the eternal city – stroll the ancient center where history comes to life as you discover the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

With easy access to Rome via regular train service or organized transfers, Civitavecchia serves as both your departure and return point, making it simple to add a few days in Rome to either end of your Mediterranean cruise. Whether you choose to arrive early or linger afterward, experiencing Rome's treasures adds an unforgettable dimension to your adventure at sea.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

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.

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.

Istanbul, Turkey - Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, stands on the shores of the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus) where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Here on this splendid site Istanbul guards the precious relics of the three empires of which she has been capital; a unique link between East and West, past and present.

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.

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

Naples, Italy - Capital of Southern Italy and the largest city in Campania, Naples is the third most populated city in Italy (after Rome and Milan) with over a million inhabitants. It's the most important industrial center and trading port for the South. Naples itself can provide a day's fun and entertainment, if its somewhat rundown appearance doesn't dissuade you. Or, join a tour of incredible Pompeii, frozen in time since A.D. 79 when Mt. Vesuvius brought an end to that then-thriving city. Or, take a quick ferry across the bay to the flowery Isle of Capri. Or, (yes, there's more) visit fabulous Sorrento, vacation spot for the well to do.