Greek Isles: Santorini, Athens & Croatia

The port city of Rijeka is brimming with rich history and culture. Over the centuries, many different nations and empires made their mark on the city, something you can still see in the architecture today. Explore ruins left behind by Rijeka’s first settlers, the Romans, and enjoy the ornate, Baroque buildings left behind by the Austrian empire. People joke that while everywhere else has 4 seasons, Rijeka has 5: winter, spring, summer, fall, and carnival. If you’re visiting around February, you might be in luck and witness the spectacular festivities.

This Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic has a long and eventful history dating back to the awesome Diocletian's Palace (circa 295 A.D.) in the center of the city. Split offers cruise guests a wealth of exciting places to visit, from the majestic cathedral and marble streets in the center of town to the harbour area with its café-lined promenades and views of coastal mountains.

Bathed in more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Sarande merges the past and present into one picture-perfect town famous for its natural beauty and historic sites. Nestled along the Ionian Sea, the region has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Visitors can spend a whirlwind day journeying through the town’s dramatic past on a guided tour of some of the many archaeological sites. Or choose to slow things down, way down, reclining on a picturesque beach or dipping into the calm, warm turquoise waters softly caressing its pebbled shores. Whether you choose to dive into the past or linger in the present among its famous coastline, get ready for an unforgettable day in Sarande.

This quaint little seaside town on the Ionian Sea is the gateway to Ancient Olympia, where Greek mythology was born and the first Olympiad was held. You may still be able to hear the distant echoes of the ancient Greeks cheering as you tour the ruins of one of the most important and exciting sanctuaries of antiquity. Explore more of Katakolon on a Greek Isles cruise!

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.

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!

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!

Touring the impressive historic sites of Thessaloniki is akin to rolling back history to the times of sweeping empires, mighty fortresses and imposing palaces. Dating back to 315 BC, the city is considered the cultural hub of Greece. Weaved in among the ancient ruins are vibrant streets lined with a diverse selection of delicious restaurants, boutique shops, popular festivals and beautiful beaches and scenic views of the sea. Whether you’re looking to dive into the region’s storied past, explore the modern-day culture or soak in its natural beauty, Thessaloniki truly offers something for everyone.

Archaeologically rich, historic Izmir dates back over 5,000 years. Virtually rebuilt from scratch in 1922, Izmir is a booming city today. The ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Artemis Temple and the Zeus Altar, is one of the world's best preserved archaeological sites.

There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this center 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!