Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Zadar, Trieste, Rijeka, Split, Santorini, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Istanbul, Piraeus/Athens

Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures, a global capital of commerce, fashion, culture and sunshine. Cruise visitors should start with a walk down Las Ramblas, the glorious tree-shaded thoroughfare at the heart of the city, enjoy a dive in the wonderful beaches nearby, but, most of all, see what visionary architect Antoni Gaudi wrought. Seven of his creations have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell and Casa Mila. Time provided, you can also visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic, home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.

Marseille is the largest port on the Mediterranean, France's second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is a unique city with a feel and culture all its own. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d'If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" escaped. If you have time, explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence. 

Livorno, Tuscany's second-largest city, is the maritime gateway to the Tuscany region and its two most known cities, Florence (to the west) and Pisa (to the north). Among Livorno's main attractions are the Cisternone, an impressive neoclassical building on Viale Giosue Carducci, designed like a Roman bath, the main city square Piazza della Repubblica with Fortezza Nuova (the castle dating back to around 1576) in the background and a number of interesting shops in the city centre that visitors can explore. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is home to the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio. Pisa contains a host of beautiful cathedrals, palaces and bridges over the Arno River, as well as its glorious Leaning Tower, monument to faulty engineering.

Our gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century, boasting a long and venerable history. Its location near the modern city, made it a perfect vacation resort for emperor Trajan, who built a pleasure villa. while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City, the ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2.000 years, is our main reason to be here. YYou can visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi to make sure you return to Rome one day, take a photo in front of the Vatican, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter and enjoy a delicious gelato, in the glamorous area.

Naples is the third-largest municipality in Italy, after Rome and Milan and one of the chief commercial cities of Europe. The city center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surrounding areas are dotted with cultural and historical treasures, with most notable, the restored ruins of Pompeii. Naples itself is mere enduring greatness. Highlights include Castel dell' Ovo, Castelnuovo, Castel Sant'Elmo, a medieval fortress located on a hilltop and national museums dedicated to art and archaeology. There is also a docile bay; the peaceful cypress-tufted islands of Ischia, Procida and Capri and over the city, Mount Vesuvius, volcano and national park. Take the opportunity to see the only active volcano on the European mainland, which blew in A.D. 79 and buried the city of Pompeii, or visit the magnificent Amalfi and Sorrento coasts.

Fortresses flank your entrance to magnificent Corfu, one of the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town or head north of the island, for dramatic seascapes. Explore the legacies of Greek, Roman and Venetian Empires or simply marvel at nature’s treasures that are hidden in this beautiful island, swathed in emerald green, lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with golden sand. The once pastel colours on Venetian buildings may have faded, but the welcoming scent of eucalyptus, fig and lemon trees are fragrant as ever. 

Dubrovnik, the so rightfully called "Adriatic jewel", is walled all around with ramparts that drop to the sea and enclose a town of closely clustered buildings, mostly attired in white walls and brilliant red rooftops. A walk along its cobblestone streets, where time seems to stand still, will reveal an idyllic small town, with many highlights, such as Roland's Column, the Bell Tower or the Old Port, the Franciscan Monastery/ Old Pharmacy Museum, Rector’s Palace (the most historic monument in Dubrovnik), Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery, between the Sponza Palace and the Ploče Gate. Time allowing, take the cable car and enjoy the best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, from the top of the Srd Hill.

Kotor, which was first settled during the days of ancient Rome, is located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful fjord-like bays. It is a precious gem, with a well preserved urban center, which hosts ample medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage that have designated the town, a UNESCO “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site". Walking along the streets and alleys, you will enjoy a fairy-tale setting, where medieval spires rise dreamily over orange rooftops beside mountainous scenery. 

Zadar is the harbor of Croatia on the Adriatic coast and the historic center of Dalmatia. It was an old Roman town and nowadays there are buildings with unique architecture, many of which are classified as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

Trieste is a city and port in northeastern Italy, near the borders of Slovenia. It is located on the homonymous gulf, in the Adriatic Sea, in one of the richest regions of Italy.

Trieste is a city and port in northeastern Italy, near the borders of Slovenia. It is located on the homonymous gulf, in the Adriatic Sea, in one of the richest regions of Italy.

Rijeka Bay is situated in the gulf of Kvaner, in the Adriatic. It is the main port of Croatia.

Split, built under the orders of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who lived out his last days after abdicating in AD 305, is located between Venice and the Ionian Islands, on the Dalmatian coast and is one of the most important ports of Croatia. Today, the remarkable residence of the Roman Emperor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your discovery. The white limestone palace, part luxurious villa, part military camp, is enclosed by imposing walls and connected by roads linking the eastern Silver Gate with the Iron Gate to the west. Within its premices, you can see an octagonal domed mausoleum, temples and a monumental court accessing the imperial apartments.

Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion dated back 3,600 years (between 1627- 1600 BC) and which created the current geological caldera: a giant central lagoon, more or less rectangular, measuring about 12 by 7 km. The effect is still explosive: 300-m-high steep cliffs on three sides rise from sea level, cubic white houses surrounded by pink bougainvilleas glow in the Aegean sun. The wild beauty, the fascinating Caldera, the gold sunset, of the Number 1 destination in Greece will steal your heart away! 

Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Whether you are an entertainment junkie out for a real good time or a visitor who wishes to explore the island’s history and tradition, Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations, as one of the most quaint destinations of this cruise. Ramble along narrow streets past white-washed houses and blue-domed churches, bougainvillea-covered walls and thread-like, step-laden footpaths leading everywhere. Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. 

Kusadasi is a popular resort along the coasts of Asia Minor, our base of the exploration of nearby ancient town of Ephesus, which has one of the largest collections of ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. In the first century B.C., it was one of the largest cities in the world, boasting the Great Theater which 24.000 people, the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Library of Celsus, which was considered the finest in creation. Today, we can see only parts of the ancient glory but still, you will definitely be enchanted. Don't miss the chance to visit the local bazaar in Kusadasi.

A cruise to Istanbul (nee Constantinople nee Byzantium) takes you to the world's only two-continent metropolis, steeped with nearly 10 millennia of history. We will cross Galata Bridge to the old city, go past the Süleymaniye Mosque, whose 174-foot dome was once the highest in the Ottoman Empire, pass from the ancient city walls, built by Constantine, and beneath the epic Roman aqueduct. Don't miss the visit to the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Agia Sophia, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and enjoy the views to Bosphorus and Galata Tower. The aromas and scents of curry, saffron, and myrrh fill the air. A unique city of unparalleled beauty that will enchant you.

A cruise to Istanbul (nee Constantinople nee Byzantium) takes you to the world's only two-continent metropolis, steeped with nearly 10 millennia of history. We will cross Galata Bridge to the old city, go past the Süleymaniye Mosque, whose 174-foot dome was once the highest in the Ottoman Empire, pass from the ancient city walls, built by Constantine, and beneath the epic Roman aqueduct. Don't miss the visit to the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Agia Sophia, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and enjoy the views to Bosphorus and Galata Tower. The aromas and scents of curry, saffron, and myrrh fill the air. A unique city of unparalleled beauty that will enchant you.

Piraeus port is the gateway to Athens center. Don't miss the Parthenon, the temple to Athena which looms over Athens from its perch atop the Acropolis, an eternal icon of art and civilization. Completed in 438 B.C., the temple still astounds as the flowering of Greek art and architecture. When you come down off the hill, don't miss a visit to the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the Acropolis Museum and the city's historic centre, around Plaka. Ideally, sit and relax at a cafe on the foot of the hill, sample some Greek souvlaki or a frappe, take a glance back up the hill from time to time and give the goddess her due.