Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece - Experience ancient history and modern charm in Katakolon, a vibrant cruise port on the Greek coast. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games and a shrine to the ancient Greek gods. Cruise to Greece and walk through the Olympia complex to get a historical tour of architectural styles, from the classical ruins to the red-tiled roofs of the traditional homes. Then, stroll through the Katakolon's lively center to discover unique local galleries and shops, and grab a seat at an oceanfront taverna with a glass of white wine and a dish of locally caught calamari.

Nafplio, Greece - Nafplio (or Nafplion) was the first capital of Greece after independence. Today Nafplion is a lovely seaside town about a 2.5 hour drive southwest of Athens on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Many visitors to Greece use Nafplion as a base for visiting the many ancient archeological sites nearby. Cruise ships love Nafplion because of its picturesque harbor, which is dominated by three citadels -- the vast Palamidi Fortress, the Akronafplia Fortress, and the Bourtzi Fortress. Cruise ships anchor in this wonderful harbor and passengers take a tender ashore.

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.

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.

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!

Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete - Sail into the stunning port of Heraklion, a charming seaside city that was once ruled by Arabs, Ottomans, and Venetians. Behind the striking fortified walls that line its waterfront, you’ll discover medieval monuments, ancient palaces, and a trove of archeological wonders that span back millennia. As the capital of Crete, Heraklion is also an important commercial port full of modern museums, a bustling culinary scene, and a walkable historic center. This heavenly port makes it easy to enjoy the wonders of Greece including fresh seafood, azure blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets.

Messina, Sicily - A beautiful sheltered harbor is your gateway to Taormina, a small town at heart despite its major tourist attraction: the sublime Teatro Greco, offering panoramic views of the coastline and snow-capped Mt. Etna.

Naples, Italy - Capital of Southern Italy, the largest city of Campania, Naples is the third most populated city in Italy (after Rome and Milan), with over a million inhabitants, and is 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.