Trieste (Venice), Italy - The Old World city of Trieste occupies a northeastern Italian crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures on the Adriatic Sea. The reign of the Austrian House of Hapsburg accounts for gastronomy featuring beer, sauerkraut, and strudel. Roman and Byzantine empires ruled here once upon a time.

The many cultures can be sampled in cozy coffeehouses and seafood restaurants, as well as breezy plazas, Old World churches, and prolific museums. There's even a high-tech photography museum and an expanding nightlife area. Must-see attractions include Castello di Miramare, the fanciful neo-Gothic home of the hapless Archduke Maximilian of Austria; Risiera di San Sabba, the World War II concentration camp now a national monument; and Civico Museo Sartorio, a villa bursting with art, ceramics, and jewelry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Argostoli, Greece - Situated on the largest of the Ionion Islands on Kefalonia, Argostoli is perfect for nature and history lovers. Tour the ruins of St. George Castle, see loggerhead turtles feeding and take in sweeping views atop its cliffs.