Mediterranean: Greece, Turkey & Egypt

Dating back to 17th-century BC, Jerusalem (Ashdod) is one of the most ancient cities in the world. It's almost hard to believe when looking at today's modern port with its wide boulevards and meticulous planning. Don't miss the Ashdod Art Museum, Corinne Maman Museum, Beit Guvrin National Park and the pastoral setting of Tel Lachish. Explore more of Ashdod on a European cruise!

Founded in 1859 during the construction of the Suez Canal, Port Said has been linked to the famous waterway since its earliest days. Considered a vibrant global city, Port Said's greater metropolitan area spans across the Asia side of the canal. Only one other city in the world, Istanbul, can claim the distinction of encompassing two continents. Spend the day enjoying the historic sites and delicious cuisine of Port Said or journey to the larger, more bustling city of Cairo on a guided tour. Or travel through the seemingly endless desert to see Egypt's world-famous pyramids. Whatever you choose to do, get ready to take a walk on the historic side!

Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and a history buff's paradise. Alexandria was the largest city in the ancient world for centuries before eventually being overtaken by Rome. It is considered the birthplace of civilization and has numerous ruins, tombs, and ancient sites to explore. The city is also a relaxed, beachside destination with a Mediterranean atmosphere and the Nile River running through it.

Although it's on the Greek Island of Crete, Heraklion offers a wealth of Venetian architecture from their rule in the 13th century, including magnificent fortified walls. Don't miss the Minoan Palace of Knosos Knossos, immortalized in Greek Mythology by the legend of the Minotaur. Explore more of Heraklion on a Greek Isles cruise!

This Greek island just off the coast of Turkey exudes beauty and history. Take a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes, a onetime Wonder of the World, once stood and savour the charm of this remarkable walled town. Along the scenic coast lies the whitewashed town of Lindos with its ancient acropolis and stunning views.

Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.

Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Explore more of Mykonos on a European cruise!

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!

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.

There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this centre of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on a Middle Eastern cruise!