16-Night Lisbon To Piraeus

Portugal's capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.While Western Europe's oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city's restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Along the southwestern coast of the Algarve region of Portugal lies the vibrant port city of Portimão, equal parts history come to life and modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar contain prehistoric remnants of the country's beginnings while Praia da Rocha (Rock Beach) presents the quintessential beach scene that makes this an ideal, tropical getaway. Not far from here you'll find Praia dos Três Castelos, a beach well-known for its strange and dramatic rock formations of limestone. Located in the urban setting of Portimão, the Fort of Santa Catarina creates a stark contrast with its medieval construct, where walking the ancient paths call to your inner child and make you feel a sense of wonder and imagination.

With the only inland port in Spain - accessible only by small ship - and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World's Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.

With the only inland port in Spain - accessible only by small ship - and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World's Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.

Perched on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula between Europe and Africa lies the famous Rock of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean Steps, once a military path, now act as a pedestrian walkway for visitors that seek a challenging adventure that leads to rewarding panoramas. Atop the promontory the 300 Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild-monkey population, greet you and await their feeding.

Down in the Neolithic limestone caves of Gibraltar, where Europe's Neanderthal ancestors once lived, stalactites and stalagmites tell the story of thousands of years of history. Among this system lies St. Michael's Cave, where the residents of Gibraltar turned the natural formations into an event auditorium where the staging's lights cast an ethereal glow against the rocks for a truly magnificent show.

Along the south of Spain on the Mediterranean coast sits Cartagena, founded in 227 BCE and inhabited for more than two millennia. From the 2,000-year-old Roman theater to the ARQUA Marine Archaeology Museum, it’s a place rife with stories for the curious mind to dive into. Driving down dirt roads about 30 minutes outside of Cartagena, you find yourself at the tip of Cape Tiñoso, where the impressive Batería de Castillitos resides. Bring yourself back to the present with shopping, bars, cafes and restaurants on Calle Mayor. While Cartagena only has one beach, Cala Cortina, it’s an oasis jewel located within a tiny cove.

Dalt Vila, also known as Ibiza Town, is one of the Balearic's most picturesque cities and a fabulous place to wander around. It's home to an old port and historic city ramparts and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Ibiza has some of the most beautiful and well-known beaches in the Mediterranean, including Ses Figueretes and Playa D'en Bossa. Wherever you choose to swim or sunbathe, you will find inviting clear blue waters and golden sands lined with beach bars. For a more relaxing excursion, head toward S'Espalmador, a small, uninhabited island between Ibiza and Formentera.

The small town of La Goulette contains all the charm and splendor of Tunisia's rich cultures and history away from the crowds of a major city. The Lake of Tunis draws you in with its glistening waters and ancient ties to the Roman Empire. Venturing north outside of the town, find your way to the ruins of Carthage, a historical city built over 3,000 years ago. Head into the capital city of Tunis to explore its magnificent highlights, such as the renowned medina and UNESCO-listed old town. Take a stroll along the picturesque promenade of the nearby Berges Du Lac II. Stop at a local cafe to taste the flavors of Tunisia, such as the popular harissa, a rich and spicy paste made from hot chili peppers and garlic.

The town and commune of Porto Empedocle on the coast of the Strait of Sicily leads the way to the province of Agrigento. Here you find the connection between ancient Greece and Italy, with a smattering of ruins to explore, from the Valley of the Temples to the Temple of Juno. Spend a pleasant beach day at Lido Azzurro, lying on the warm golden sands with blue sky and sea stretching as far as the eye can see. Take a stroll through Jardin de la Kolymbethra, amid olive, citrus and almond trees, terebinth, myrtle and many other plants.

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.

Within Crete's Mirabello Bay lies the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, a mix of cosmopolitan luxury, ancient ruins and intriguing mythology. The picturesque inner harbor of Voulismeni, which legend has it that the lake is bottomless and where once the goddess Athena bathed in it, paints a quaint scene with colorful bobbing boats, tavernas, cafes and bars. Savor the fresh catch of the day at a local eatery as you and your fellow explorers get ready for an adventure. Share a bottle of Cretan raki (or Tsikoudia) with new friends, a traditional ritual that represents hospitality, communication and friendship. Tucked within the waterfront are cozy beaches Kitroplatiea and Amnos, offering glittering views of the gulf. Up the road sits the elegant resort village of Elounda and just across the way is the Spinalonga Peninsula. Here you and your friends will find pristine wilderness and immaculate beaches, hidden away from the crowds.

From its sunbathing corners shaded by olive groves to gourmet cuisine and a lively night life, Bodrum has been deemed the St. Tropez of Turkey. The vibrant city has become a celebrity hot spot for a getaway away from prying eyes.

Located along the southern coast of Bodrum Province, this town offers vistas of deep blue sea that only the Aegean Sea can provide. Whitewashed houses mixed with the more colorful buildings reaching up into the hills creates a magnificent sight that calls travelers to come further explore the city’s shores.

Further into the backstreets and side paths of Bodrum, you pass between the iconic Greek style houses adorned by brightly colored flowers and lush foliage. These narrow streets and paths beckon with the sense of adventure and taking the road less traveled.

From the street markets and into the Bodrum Bazaar, you get the chance to test your haggling skills as you shop among the locals for fresh herbs and produce. The spice markets of Bodrum tantalize with a rainbow of colors and fresh, aromatic scents that drift through the air as you peruse the stalls for what will become part of your next culinary adventure.

Fresh seafood abounds at the restaurants along the waterfront. Savory smoked mackerel fillets send a whiff of pure deliciousness through the air that will make your nose lead the way. If you have a sweet tooth, then lokmasi is the way to go. These deep fried dough balls submerged in syrup will leave your mouth watering for more once the very last one is gone.

The "Holy Island" of Patmos holds religious history as the site where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations. Venturing over to the Cave of the Apocalypse amid the hills between Skala and Chora, you get a whole new view of the countryside. Along the seaside village you find an array of restaurants with the fresh catch of the day. With quintessential whitewashed houses in the Greek style and iconic windmills against a backdrop of blue skies, the Sacred Land of the Aegean also offers breathtaking panoramas that will impress the most experienced travelers.

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.