Asia, Europe, Christians, Moslems, Turks, Persians and Asians have all had a hand in shaping this amazing city. Bargain at the Grand Bazaar. See the 17th century Blue Mosque. Visit Topkapi Palace built during the Ottoman Empire.

Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants.

Explore over 20 beaches or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with white-washed houses, blue-domed churches and perfect beaches. Wander the Hora or main village, a maze of winding streets.

This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!

Enjoy a glass of wine from the Santo Winery after strolling Fira’s streets. Visit Akrotiri, where Minoan Pompey was excavated. Whitewashed buildings and fascinating archeological sites set the tone here.

Named after Hercules, Crete’s capital is the gateway to ancient civilizations. Swim, snorkel, sail, scuba or windsurf at most of the beaches on Crete. Visit Knossos Palace, a spectacular ode to ancient Minoan civilization.

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

The third largest city on the island of Sicily, Messina welcomes cruise ship visitors with its lovely harbour, extraordinary architecture (much of which miraculously survived a horrendous earthquake and tidal wave in 1908) and wonderful food. Stroll through Messina’s Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe. Explore more of Messina on a European cruise!

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.

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What’s even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo’s David. Explore more of Florence & Pisa on a European cruise!

Endless adventures await in Rome. With two and a half thousand years of history, art and culture, it is no wonder Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet. Gaze at the masterpieces of the Vatican or walk into the past with visits to ancient relics, historic monuments and legendary museums. Or people-watch while sipping on an espresso in a quaint cafe.