Ports

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

CRUISE TO THE CRADLE OF EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION

You could spend a lifetime in Europe’s oldest city and still not see everything it has to offer. Settled over 3,500 years ago, Athens is like a mythological crossroads of the past and present, where modern buildings share the skyline with spectacular ruins like the Parthenon.
To see a veritable “greatest hits” line-up, make your way to Vasilissis Amalias Street for the archaeological walk. Winding through the heart of the ancient city, the route leads to landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the Acropolis.

After all that archaeological digging, metaphorically speaking, you’re probably going to work up quite an appetite. So, head to the Central Market for fresh fruit and veggies, nuts, olives, and Grecian cheese like feta, graviera, and aged kefalotyri. (Snacking is not a bad idea since Athenians usually don’t head out for dinner until at least 9:00 PM.)

And if you need a little extra pick-me-up to make it that late, have a frappe—a Greek creation of strong iced coffee with milk and sugar. Neighborhoods like Pangrati, Exarhia, and Petralona feature fantastic tavernas where you can rub elbows with the locals while dining on the sidewalk well into the wee hours of the night. Opa!

Mikonos, Greece

CRUISE TO AN IRRESISTIBLE PICTURE-POSTCARD DESTINATION

Mykonos looks like a scene straight from a postcard: whiter-than-white houses with brilliant blue shutters, vibrant bougainvillea, and a beautiful blue harbor drenched in warm sunlight. Iconic 16th century Venetian windmills stand in a row, their paddles spinning in the wind, and the district of Little Venice, which rises like a brightly colored wall coming out of the sea.

But beneath the idyllic scenery, Mykonos is vibrant and cosmopolitan, with a penchant for all-night parties and hedonistic good times. By day, stroll along the maze-like cobblestone streets (originally designed to thwart pirate attacks), exploring artists’ shops and enjoying a glass or two of ouzo.

As soon as the sun goes down, it’s time to let loose. Known as “the Ibiza of Greece”, Mykonos has a serious party scene that’s not for the faint of heart.

Mykonos is also a perfect jumping off point for Delos. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the uninhabited island is said to be the birthplace of the twin deities Apollo (god of the sun) and Artemis (goddess of the moon). So, it’s little wonder so many flock here to worship the sun by day, and dance beneath the moon at night.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

CRUISE TO EPHESUS, AN AGE-OLD CIVILIZATION

Sure, we could chat about the resort town of Kusadasi and its beaches and restaurants, or nearby places like Dilek Peninsula National Park, but let’s talk Turkey: The star attraction in this neck of the woods is Ephesus. Once the second largest city in the Roman Empire, eclipsed only by Rome, here are just a few of the incredible sights just waiting to be gobbled up! (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)There’s the Library of Celsus, still magnificent almost 2,000 years later, and the 24,000-capacity Great Theatre, where St. Paul used to preach. Stretching from this jaw-dropping amphitheatre to the harbor is the marble-made Arcadian Street. Stroll past the marketplaces, colonnades, and fields of wild fennel, and into bath complexes that once offered piped-in hot water and a sauna.Surrounding Ephesus, the sites are equally spellbinding. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Basilica of St. John, which stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle; and the House of Virgin Mary, where Mary is supposed to have spent her last days. (And see what it feels like to be truly struck with awe.)

Marmaris, Turkey

TURKISH RIVIERA: YES, THERE IS SUCH A THING

Marmaris, Turkey, is a beautiful port on the Turkish Mediterranean that is said to be the location of the courtship between Antony and Cleopatra. For those cruise passengers wanting to pay homage to Cleopatra, enjoy a shore excursions tour to Sedir Island.

Marmaris is a pedestrian friendly city. Be sure and visit Marmaris Castle. Getting there is half the battle, but the steep climb is well worth the effort. See the Turkish flag flying high from the top of the castle, with a 270-degree breathtaking view from the top.

Santorini, Greece

CRUISE TO THE GEM OF THE AEGEAN

It’s been said the sunset from Oia on the island of Santorini is the most beautiful in the world. But you don’t have to wait until dusk to see your share of postcard-worthy views. Santorini is stunning any time of day.The capital, Fira, clings to the rim of the caldera 900 feet above the sea. Take the cable car—or if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, giddy up on a donkey to climb the 588 zigzagging steps to the top. The white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, and cafés perfect for sampling the tomatoes and white eggplant for which Santorini is renowned.If you’re feeling ambitious, hike to nearby Oia, a quintessential Greek village. Plan your day accordingly to “schedule” yourself on a patio enjoying a glass of Vinsanto (a sweet, strong dessert wine) as the sun sinks into the sea, and then make up your own mind about the village’s famed sunset.Drive by black, white, and red volcanic beaches and head south to the 3,500-year-old Minoan town Akrotiri. Often called Greece’s answer to Pompeii, the well-preserved ruins provide a glimpse into Santorini’s storied (and explosive) past.