Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Rhodes

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.

Patmos boasts idyllic beaches and swimming coves and enviable historic hilltop mansions, as it is a favorite hideaway for the elite. Though many are drawn to Patmos for its natural beauty and seclusion, the island is also famous for being the site of where the Apostle John is said to have written The Book of Revelations. From visiting the Monastery of the Apocalypse – which includes a chapel over the cave where St. John lived and received his revelation – to sunbathing on pebbled beaches and strolling picturesque villages, exploring Patmos promises to be a relaxing and memorable day in the Mediterranean.

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.

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!

Looking at picturesque Argostoli, you wouldn’t know it suffered a devastating earthquake in 1953. The city and its surrounding area are full of treasures, including a 12th-century Byzantine cathedral and beautiful 16th century frescoes. And the nearby underground Lake of Melissani is simply magical. Enter the caves to find ancient stalactites, and marvel at the scattered rays of light beaming through, turning the water an intense blue.

One of the lushest of the Greek Isles, Corfu is rimmed in dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. A collection of quaint cafes in the town of Corfu feels very continental, but the island's secluded coves and sandy beaches could only be found in the Greek Isles. Explore more of Corfu 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.

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!