Europe from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.

Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey’s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire – when it was the Mediterranean’s main commercial center – to the spread of Christianity. Paved streets wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins

How’d you get so perfect, Mykonos? Check out some pics of the town and you might wonder why the buildings are so perfectly white. Or maybe you won’t wonder, since it’s easy to just get lost in awe of the island’s picturesque beauty, of how perfect it all just happens to be, from the Cycladic architecture with brilliant blue accents to the stoic windmills. Just why Mykonos became one of Greece’s most iconic international travel destinations, a nightlife capital for the rich in the ’60s and ’70s — and today continues to attract seekers of great shopping, dining and strolling — all becomes evident when you visit. Also, don’t miss Mykonos’s neighboring island, Delos, for another side of Greece, the side with archaeological ruins of temples and sanctuaries from ancient times.

Thira’s the capital of the island of Santorini, and the town features a landscape of beautiful whitewashed Cycladic buildings, many iconically topped with blue domes — and all built right into the side of plunging cliffs. Such drama! Such beauty! And with views such as these, it might be hard to believe that there’s more to Santorini than its incredible photo ops. But explore deeper, because the island is packing more serious stuff, such as a winery with some of the world’s oldest vineyards, beaches decked out with spectacular black sand and even a pair of offshore islands crafted long ago by volcanic eruptions. Did we mention that back in the ’60s, archaeologists uncovered remains of a Bronze Age city that some people believe could have been Atlantis? Honestly, who knows — but really, why wouldn’t Atlanteans want to live in beautiful Santorini?

Cruise from Athens, Greece and fall in love with the city’s unique claims to fame. This one-of-a-kind, history-rich destination can boast to not only be the home to the Olympic games throughout the ages… but also the birthplace of democracy. Talk about competitive team sports! To this day, Athens is a city as rich in history as it is immersed in mythology. On cruises from Athens, you’ll see ancient feats of architecture like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus mingling with modern museums, cafes and shops across the Athenian landscape. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination, and a must-see stop on any Greek Isles cruise.

A short distance from the fishing village and seaport of Katakolon you’ll find Olympia, where lies arguably the most important location in all of sports. It’s the site of the original Olympic Games, which went on for nearly 1,200 years, every four years, until a Roman emperor banned them in A.D. 393. The discarded ruins were uncovered only about 150 years ago — and today, Olympia’s importance is much better understood. It’s actually been declared a national park! There’s so much history on display in Olympia at the original sites, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium and the Olympia Archaeological Museum, which features fine sculptures such as the “Winged Victory” statue of Nike. (Did you know she was the Greek goddess of victory?)

This busy seaport, on the Strait of Messina, has a colorful history that includes occupation by the Arabs in the 9th century A.D. and an insurrection against the Bourbons in the late 1700s. Today this charming city entices tourists with its historical settings, including a museum with works by Caravaggio. Messina also serves as the gateway to Taormina where visitors can experience amazing views of snowcapped Mount Etna.

Not just one of Italy’s oldest cities, but among the world’s oldest, Naples and its surrounding area has over thousands of years contributed innovations to not only the culinary and visual arts, but the development of everything from language to music. Today, you’ll feel the friendly spirit of this sunny metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria and irresistible cuisine. But don’t limit yourself to the city itself — Mount Vesuvius, the spectacular Amalfi Coast, and the romantic isle of Capri’s famous Blue Grotto are all just a short distance away. The well-known, buried city of Pompeii is an archeological wonder, and not far from Naples.

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.