Sea of Antiquity

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.

When you think of the quintessential whitewashed houses of Greece with blue domes and windmills sprinkled throughout the landscape, it’s Santorini that comes to mind. This island of the Cyclades contains lush scenery, a quaint charm and cosmopolitan feel all at once. Just 300 steps down from the northern city of Oia you will find Amoudi Bay, an exquisite vista of vibrant red cliffs and the caldera that demand you stop and take in the view. In the little village of the bay you will find the Greek island life thriving amid the local tavernas serving the catch of the day. Discover one of the most prominent excavations of prehistoric settlements in the Aegean at the Akrotiri archaeological village. Ruins from the ancient city date back as far as 1700 BCE before it was buried by a volcanic eruption. But the first inhabitants date even further back to the Late Neolithic period (fourth millennium BCE). For the wine lovers who are curious about the history and process of their favorite drink, the Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum is a must-visit. Nestled within a natural cave six meters underground, a tour of the museum and tasting of the vineyard’s Volcan wines is an experience like none other. A visit to Santorini is not complete until you sample the local fare – fava me koukia. Mashed fava beans are prepped with lemon, parsley, dill and fennel for a delectable Greek dish popular among the islanders. Or opt for tomato gefthedes (tomato fritters) for another savory selection.

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean, Folegandros is a hidden gem that enchants explorers with its charming port and picturesque landscapes. As you sail into the cozy port of Karavostasis, you’re greeted by azure waters lapping at sandy shores, setting the stage for a serene escape. The island’s charm is mirrored in its traditional Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed houses and vibrant bougainvillea. Meandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll discover delightful tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine. Folegandros invites you to unwind, explore hidden beaches, and immerse in a quintessentially Greek ambiance that captures the heart.

The Aegean boasts many treasures, a few of which you can find on the Sporades archipelago. Skiathos, the westernmost island of this chain, is blessed with more than 60 legendary beaches. Among the most popular is Koukounaries Beach, backed by pine trees and touted as the best beach in Greece. The northwest coast’s beaches are less crowded, but are subject to the strong summer northeasterly winds. For incredible windsurfing, head west of Koukounaries to Agia Eleni Beach. Perched dramatically on a rocky headland above the north coast is the original site of Kastro, the fortified pirate-proof capital of the island from 1540 to 1829.

Narrow, winding streets between the iconic architecture of whitewashed houses with blue domes create the archetypal image of modern-day Greece. Dotting the horizon up on the hill lie the renowned windmills among the Cyclades. The aroma of an old bakery, which still uses a 15th-century, wood-burning stove, entices you with the delicious scents of Greek pastries and baked goods. It is not a visit to Mykonos without sampling the local favorite, loukoumádes, fried dough dripped in honey, and sometimes topped with sesame seeds. Raise a glass to new friends and adventure with a round of ouzo and a serving of mostra at a local taverna. Taking the ferry to Delos, you reach an uninhabited island dedicated solely as an archaeological site known as the birth site of the sun god Apollo. It’s the only island in the world entirely comprised of ruins..

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Sitting along the Straits of Messina just grazing the boot of Italy is Messina, the gateway to Sicily. Its medieval paths lead to historic architecture, such as the 12th-century Catania Church and bell tower with a unique astronomical clock. Gather your fellow history buffs and architectural admirers to pass by the stunning Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Adventures to the famed Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often begin in Messina. Together with your expedition friends, hike the natural trails of this impressive mountain, leading you to views of lunar landscapes and lava flows that are centuries old. Take a journey to the nearby village of Savoca and immerse yourselves in scenes from the classic film, The Godfather. Shared conversations are even better when paired with true Sicilian flavors, such as vermicelli alla Siciliana, a delicious pasta tossed in a savory sauce made from roasted bell peppers, eggplant, anchovies, tomatoes, olives, capers and basil, all topped off with grated pecorino cheese.

The small town of Amalfi lies amid the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour as the Path of Lemons takes you through the famous groves from where Italy’s famed limoncello derives. As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you may find your way to Ravello. Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city.

The small town of Amalfi lies amid the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour as the Path of Lemons takes you through the famous groves from where Italy’s famed limoncello derives. As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you may find your way to Ravello. Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city.

Nestled in the romantic Tyrrhenian Sea, Isola di Ponza is an enchanting gem. The cuisine is an artful blend of fresh, local ingredients and time-honored recipes. Dive into a gastronomic paradise where flavors of the sea dominate the table, like freshly caught seafood, handcrafted pasta, and the island’s beloved zuppa di pesce, fish soup simmered to perfection with local herbs and spices. Visit local vineyards to sample Ponza’s exquisite wines and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions as you enjoy the picturesque surrounding scenery. Beyond the table, the island’s villages are steeped in history, their charming streets echoing the whispers of ancient times. Be sure to explore the intricate architectural tapestry crafted by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. On Ponza, life is savored slowly. Relish the island’s leisurely ambiance as you sip espresso al fresco, watch the gentle roll of azure waves, and enjoy the sunset’s warm embrace. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a seeker of serenity, Isola di Ponza promises an enriching journey through Italy’s heart and soul.

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome or the less-crowded, nearby Tarquinia. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where you can embark on adventures through the Eternal City. Rome maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past. From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well with countless rooftop bars that are a prime location for an evening sunset. For explorations further off the beaten path, Tarquinia offers historic treasures such as the Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an authentic, Italian small-town feel.