Detailed Port Descriptions

VENICE (RAVENNA), ITALY

One of the world’s most beautiful cities also happens to be one of its most unusual. Venice is actually spread over 120 islands in the Adriatic Sea. Because the city is connected by canals instead of streets, a good way to see Venice is by boat or, if you prefer, a romantic gondola ride. The epicenter of the city is St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll find the 900-year-old St. Mark’s Basilica. On your cruise to Venice you’ll admire all the buildings that line the banks of the Grand Canal and enjoy morning espressos, in this capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The city has been immortalized in art, literature, and film over the centuries and one of the prime buildings found reflected in these mediums is the Palazzo Ducale. This proud, ornate building on the waterfront represents Venice’s seat of power. Make your way to the countless galleries and landmarks this city has to offer, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be thrilled to be in a city that takes its food very seriously. Squid-ink spaghetti, risotto with prawns and zucchini, and marinated sardines are a specialty, while the world-favorite tiramisu, originally invented in nearby Treviso, has found a happy second home in Venice. The ship departs from Ravenna (2.5 hours from Venice).  

KATAKOLON, GREECE

This small port on the Ionian coast is your gateway to ancient Olympia, the home of the original Olympic Games. Olympia has preserved both athletic and mythological monuments, many dating back to 776 BC. Most intriguing is the stadium, which is still standing, and the gymnasium. The museum also offers a peek at fabulous Greek sculptures. This Grecian port city is also the gateway to one of the most important archeological sites in the world, the ruins of ancient Olympia. You can relive the glory of ancient Greece on your Katakolon cruise. As the birthplace of the Olympics, the great stadium still echoes the cheering of the first superstars of sport. Enter the stadium and pose in the marble starting blocks where the first marathoners once stood. Take a scenic drive through the small Greek villages on the way to Kouroutas Beach and spend three hours relaxing under the sun, swimming, and soaking up a perfect Greek beach day. Soak up the gorgeous Katakolon waterfront views while savoring traditional Greek specialties, like pastitsio or moussaka at one of the quaint tavernas and cafes offering shady outdoor tables. And of course, an abundance of calamari and other fresh seafood brought in by local fishermen are always on menus.

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. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera-- a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Santorini cruise. Some of the best on the island can be found in Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.

EPHESUS (KUSADASI), TURKEY

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. 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. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.  

MYKONOS, GREECE

Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE

Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once home to the world's most powerful and civilized empires, Athens is now the world's foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand in homage to the virgin goddess Athena. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and watches over the city where it can be seen from just about anywhere in Athens. Make it a point to visit the incredible Acropolis Museum on your cruise to Athens. The joint effort between two architects, one American and the other Greek, this outstanding building was completed and opened to the public in 2009. It focuses primarily on the Greek period dating to 5 B.C., considered to be the apex of art, culture, and philosophy in ancient Greece, but it also has artifacts from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine Ages. There’s even a Plexiglas walkway from which an excavated section of an old Athenian neighborhood can be viewed. In addition to an abundance of historical riches, modern Athens has plenty on offer—from scenic beaches to restaurants with superb Mediterranean cuisine and bustling central markets.

CHANIA (SOUDA), CRETE, GREECE

Like many ports in this part of the world, archeological ruins dating back to antiquity are found everywhere. There are also hundreds of gorges around the island and over 1,500 land and sea caves, including Elefantos, noted for its remarkable white and red stalactites. Over the millennia, this harbor city was conquered many times over by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks. Chania remains crisscrossed with Ottoman architecture and historic Venetian mansions, many of which have been transformed into quaint shops, inviting cafes, and boutique hotels.Experience Cretan hospitality and history on your cruise to Chania with a tour to the traditional Village of Vamos, the Karidi Monastery, the Braoudakis winery, and the Folklore Museum. Admire the local flora, the ancient homes, and time-worn old mill, with its 12 arches built in 1862. A stroll through Chania’s breathtaking Botanical Park, featuring 50 acres of exotic fruit trees, plants, and herbs. You’ll learn about the Cretan diet and prepare a traditional dish using local products and extra virgin olive oil. A historic Venetian lighthouse still watches over the harbor and local artisans can still be seen crafting their wares in the older streets. However, beyond its rich history, Chania is a beachcomber’s paradise, with some of the finest sands and most inviting waters in all of Crete.

ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE

A Greek island in the Ionian Sea, the popular summer resort Zakynthos is also known by its Italian name, Zante. Surrounded by bright turquoise waters, the island boasts wonderful sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and woods so captivating, they were a favorite spot for godly twins Artemis and Apollo, according to ancient myths. Popular beaches like Agios Nikolaos, Alykanas and Tsilivi offer swimming and water sports. Accessed only by boat, Instagram-worthy Navagio beach is the site of a famed 1980 smugglers’ shipwreck resting in a sandy cove dramatically framed by towering limestone cliffs.