Civitavecchia is a coastal town northwest of Rome, in Italy. Built in the 2nd century, the Port of Civitavecchia still retains some of its original features, like the Roman Dock. The port area also includes the 16th-century Michelangelo Fort. Nearby, the National Archaeological Museum displays bronze and ceramic artifacts. Northeast of town are the Terme Taurine, the ruins of a Roman thermal bath complex.

Explore the well-preserved, ancient city of Pompeii. This working port offers a modern skyline framed by Mount Vesuvius. Visit the town of Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast and the Isle of Capri.

Become enchanted with Palermo’s unique mix of Romanesque, Arab, Norman, and Byzantine monuments which represent the city’s historic past. All of these cultural influences are represented in the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, which houses the jewel collection of the Sicily Kings. And no visit to Palermo would be complete without experiencing one of the city’s outdoor markets, which vibrate with the energy of this unique city.

History buffs will love St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters. Once you see it, you’ll see why the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop for silver filigree, photograph the luzzo boats or taste a pastizzi (a meat pastry

Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is more temperate than it’s Aegean neighbors. The view from the village of Paleokastritsa looks down onto the coves below. Visit the Palace of Achilleion, and the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. Featured Shore Excursions

Cavtat, a picture postcard-perfect seaside resort offers shopping and more. The ancient walled city of Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic Coast. Wander the old city of what is now modern-day Croatia.

The largest town on the Slovenian coast, Koper boasts a colourful history dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome that springs to life in the Old Town. Here cruise guests can explore narrow intertwining streets lined with Istrian limestone facades. Enjoy open air festivals and plays, shop for local handicrafts, and savour the local favourites like jota soup, fish specialties and local wines. Explore more of Koper on a European cruise!

Along the northeast coast of Italy is where you’ll discover the historic town of Ravenna. Once a thriving seaport in ancient times (it now lies five miles inland), Ravenna was also the westernmost pillar of the Byzantine Empire. Just as everyone who visits, you too will marvel at the exquisite Byzantine mosaics. At first glance the old streets, peaceful squares and fine shops resemble any other Italian city, but the Byzantine domes of its churches still evoke its Eastern heritage. As an added bonus, Ravenna is a great place to taste the famously delicious food of the Emilia-Romagna region.

You could start a discussion about Venice by praising its restaurants, wine bars, marble churches or blown glass. But you probably won’t. You’ll likely start with the fact that Venice is built on water. It is a place where people either float slowly down palace-lined man-made waterways or stroll down narrow alleyways. There’s no more extraordinary place to find yourself, or lose yourself. Be sure to stay in Venice before your next European cruise.