Piraeus (Athens) to Barcelona

Venture through Greece’s largest port city, Piraeus, as you make your way to the cradle of Western culture and the birthplace of democracy. Athens, among the world’s oldest cities with a history spanning 3,400 years, has long been the location of myth and muse, and its ancient heritage is still an incredible source of inspiration. Here, the Acropolis crowns the city as home to the Parthenon and other legendary temples and monuments.

Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic. Once an active volcano, it was known as Stongyle, or the Round Island. In about 1500 BC, the volcano erupted with such force that the center of the island literally exploded, leaving the haunting submerged crater into which Crystal Serenity sails. The island’s small villages were preserved in the ashes and recent excavations have uncovered a fascinating view of everyday life from 3,500 years ago.
Santorini’s dark landscape offsets its simple, yet refined Cycladic buildings, which glimmer in the sunlight. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for grapes and the local vines produce a cherished crop known for its “special volcanic taste.”
Thíra, or Fira Town, is laid out along the edge of a cliff that partially forms the rim of the now extinct caldera. A picturesque site, it exudes charm and an atmosphere of leisure that can be attributed to the easy-going Greek lifestyle.

Tethered to southern Greece’s mainland village of Gefyra by a causeway, Monemvasia rises above the sapphire-blue waters of the Aegean Sea looking like a giant slab of rock, and is often called the Gibraltar of the East. Its medieval Lower Town, encircled by ancient fortress walls, boasts an array of shops and restaurants. Crowning the islet is the Upper Town, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. It is also home to the 12th-century St. Sophia Church.

While the Katakolon’s main street is just a five-minute walk from the pier, you will probably want to venture farther out to see the ancient site of Olympia, the storied place where the Olympic Games originated in 776 BC. A look at the impressive monuments, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera and the famous stadium, along with a visit to the nearby Archaeological Museum, offers a fascinating introduction to the Games and ancient mythology. Back in town, stroll the oceanfront walkway, relax over ouzo in an open-air café, or engage in a friendly round of haggling for jewelry and handcrafts, a modern-day sporting event that enjoys widespread popularity.

Shaped like a scythe, the island of Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Its lush interior is covered in cypress and olive trees while the main downtown area has elegant Venetian architecture and a serene atmosphere. Strategically important due to its location, this island has managed to maintain its uniqueness despite numerous invasions by outside forces. Today, the culture of Corfu reflects its turbulent past as well as its origins.

Though it has only recently re-emerged as an independent nation, Croatia is by no means a new country. There were settlements along the Dalmatian Coast before recorded time. When Slavic people migrated here in the 6th century, they converted to Catholicism and adopted the local Latin alphabet. The region eventually became part of the powerful Kingdom of Croatia. Medieval Dubrovnik, formerly the Republic of Ragusa, was one of several walled cities established in the 7th century to guard the coastal approaches. Its fortification was completed in the 13th century and has remained relatively unchanged. The city walls are in excellent condition and today prevent invasion by automobiles. Within the walls, the lovely sleek lines of Venetian-style buildings complement a wealth of ancient stone architecture. Nearby islands feature beautiful beaches as well as intriguing ancient ruins.

In a region where the words “Baroque,” “medieval” and “Renaissance” – not to mention “beautiful” and “charming” – describe virtually every sight, one might think it would be difficult to find any one town that is a standout. Yet Trogir, Croatia, may just be that place. Located on a small island between the Croatian mainland and the island of Ciovo, the city of Trogir has a history that reaches back to the 3rd century BC, when it was founded by the Greeks. Later influenced by the Romans and Venetians, Trogir is nothing short of an open-air museum, sprinkled liberally with churches, palaces, towers and fortifications. Its Romanesque-Gothic quarter is one of the best-preserved not only in the Adriatic, but in all of Central Europe. UNESCO has recognized Trogir as the special place that it is, designating the historic center as a World Heritage Site.

In and around the bustling seaport of Trieste are several sights boasting the description of the “world’s largest.” Not far from the city, for instance, is the famous Grotta Gigante, the largest single-room cavern open to the public. But you needn’t venture beyond the beautiful city to experience such an impressive space. In the heart of the city you will find the neoclassic Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, the largest sea-bordering square in Italy.As for smaller pleasures, Trieste is a haven for antiques shoppers, who will relish shops filled with Biedermeier and Italian Art Nouveau furniture. A much sought-after candy store, La Bomboniera, offers fine chocolates and exquisite pastries. Of course there is what the locals do, daily if possible: sip a cappuccino in a café and then stroll along Trieste’s elegant avenues.

Celebrated as one of the best sailing areas in the world, Zadar is blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, mild winters and warm summers. Bordered by four national parks – the untouched Kornati Islands, the breathtaking Velebit mountains, the winding Krka River and the peaceful Plitvice Lakes – all ideal for hiking, boating, climbing and even skiing.

Few places in the world boast such clear architectural accounts of their full histories as does UNESCO-listed Kotor and its bay. Roam the city squares and enjoy sweeping ocean views as you follow footsteps through time, including fortifications dating from the 9th century, significant churches and cathedrals from the 12th-15th centuries, the 17th-century Prince’s Palace and the 19th-century Napoleon’s Theatre.

Trapani is a city in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline. At the western tip, offering views as far as the Aegadian Islands, is the 17th-century Torre di Ligny watchtower. It houses the Museo di Preistoria e del Mare, with archeological artifacts. North of the harbor, the Chiesa del Purgatorio church holds wooden sculptures that are paraded around the city during Easter’s Processione dei Misteri.

Naples, the center of southern Italian commerce, is located on the scenic Bay of Naples. View a moment frozen in time at the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, ancient cities buried by an eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to the Eternal City of Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino’s brilliant bay is ringed by lush green hills serenely profiled against the sky.

Barcelona’s seaside beauty, sprawling beaches, eclectic architecture, world-class tapas and Tempranillo are all reasons to fall in love with the city of Gaudí. Indeed, the treasures here are many and diverse, captivating travelers and experts alike. In fact, nine important sites in the city, seven designed by the famed architect himself, have earned the acclaim of UNESCO.