Greek Isles: Santorini, Rhodes & Mykonos

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.

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!

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.

Bodrum defines what makes the Aegean coast of Turkey so amazing. The ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are said to have provided some of the building materials for Bodrum Castle. Hidden within the medieval fortress is an Underwater Archaeology Museum featuring exhibits on shipwrecks and Turkish nautical history. When you’re not relaxing on the beautiful beaches, take a walk down Cumhuriyet Street, aka Bodrum Bar Street, to enjoy the many shops, clubs, and street food vendors.

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 savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Along the scenic coast lies the whitewashed town of Lindos with its ancient acropolis and stunning views.

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 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!