8-Night Piraeus Roundtrip

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.

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.

A Moroccan port in the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has acted as the connection between Europe and North Africa since Phoenician times. It's also a less-traveled port, so it offers a more authentic feel to city life in Morocco. Wander the medina to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets leading to the Grand Socco marketplace. The Kasbah Museum, the old sultan's palace restored to its former glory, contains a dazzling array of detailed maps, mesmerizing courtyards and signature Moorish architecture. Explore the Caves of Hercules, near Cap Spartel just outside of Tangier city limits.

A Moroccan port in the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has acted as the connection between Europe and North Africa since Phoenician times. It's also a less-traveled port, so it offers a more authentic feel to city life in Morocco. Wander the medina to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets leading to the Grand Socco marketplace. The Kasbah Museum, the old sultan's palace restored to its former glory, contains a dazzling array of detailed maps, mesmerizing courtyards and signature Moorish architecture. Explore the Caves of Hercules, near Cap Spartel just outside of Tangier city limits.

While Motril is often a gateway to the iconic city of Granada and Alhambra Palace — an outstanding example of Moorish architecture — this small Spanish town in the Andalusia region holds a charm all its own. Local parks, historic sites and independent restaurants make it easy to immerse yourself in an authentic, Spanish experience. Known as the lungs of the city, the Pueblos de América Park contains lush scenery with an abundance of picturesque shrubs, palms and a variety of tree species. In the town center, find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Head. Surrounded by tropical palm trees and impeccable garden space, the church offers a stunning view, including its own ornate decorations within its walls. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop at a local eatery for a helping of San Juan casserole, made with pumpkin, or tapas of shrimp, espichás and sardines. In Granada, discover more cultural history at the Albayzín, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s historical Arab quarter.

While Motril is often a gateway to the iconic city of Granada and Alhambra Palace — an outstanding example of Moorish architecture — this small Spanish town in the Andalusia region holds a charm all its own. Local parks, historic sites and independent restaurants make it easy to immerse yourself in an authentic, Spanish experience. Known as the lungs of the city, the Pueblos de América Park contains lush scenery with an abundance of picturesque shrubs, palms and a variety of tree species. In the town center, find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Head. Surrounded by tropical palm trees and impeccable garden space, the church offers a stunning view, including its own ornate decorations within its walls. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop at a local eatery for a helping of San Juan casserole, made with pumpkin, or tapas of shrimp, espichás and sardines. In Granada, discover more cultural history at the Albayzín, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s historical Arab quarter.

Amid France's famed Côte d'Azur stands the charming little town of Sanary-sur-Mer. It's also one of eight communes in the renowned Bandol wine region. Its picturesque harbor creates that image by strategically docking traditional blue and white fishing boats, known as pointus, and heritage vessels. Stroll around the harbor heading east to find a church dedicated to the town's namesake, Saint Nazaire, a 19th-century Byzantine-style construct. For explorers seeking aquatic excursions, Portissol beach is the place to go. The crescent-shaped shore offers access to an "underwater trail" where divers and snorkelers can jump in and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Amid France's famed Côte d'Azur stands the charming little town of Sanary-sur-Mer. It's also one of eight communes in the renowned Bandol wine region. Its picturesque harbor creates that image by strategically docking traditional blue and white fishing boats, known as pointus, and heritage vessels. Stroll around the harbor heading east to find a church dedicated to the town's namesake, Saint Nazaire, a 19th-century Byzantine-style construct. For explorers seeking aquatic excursions, Portissol beach is the place to go. The crescent-shaped shore offers access to an "underwater trail" where divers and snorkelers can jump in and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Take in the green-hued mountains with shady, palm-fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay of Corsica. On the northwest coast of the island is the glorious town of Calvi. One of the popular highlights of Calvi is its citadel, the magnificent, impregnable fortress towers above the red-tiled roofs below. Getting to the top of the citadel via its winding and cobbled lanes is definitely a great way to enjoy the best views of the village. You can also take a boat trip down the coast to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of Scandola, a marine and land reserve.

Take in the green-hued mountains with shady, palm-fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay of Corsica. On the northwest coast of the island is the glorious town of Calvi. One of the popular highlights of Calvi is its citadel, the magnificent, impregnable fortress towers above the red-tiled roofs below. Getting to the top of the citadel via its winding and cobbled lanes is definitely a great way to enjoy the best views of the village. You can also take a boat trip down the coast to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of Scandola, a marine and land reserve.

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d'Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d'Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

Referred to as Cinque Terre's "sixth town," Portovenere overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia along the Ligurian coast, providing much of what its five counterparts do - seaside scenes, rustic cuisine and stunning coastlines - with a fraction of the crowds. Seek out hidden gems like Byron's Grotto, a secluded cave named after the literary figure who frequented the area. Nearby lies the famous Cinque Terre, comprised of five small towns, hence its name. The region lies within the bounds of a national park and what's considered the Italian Riviera, giving it a magical aura.

Referred to as Cinque Terre's "sixth town," Portovenere overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia along the Ligurian coast, providing much of what its five counterparts do - seaside scenes, rustic cuisine and stunning coastlines - with a fraction of the crowds. Seek out hidden gems like Byron's Grotto, a secluded cave named after the literary figure who frequented the area. Nearby lies the famous Cinque Terre, comprised of five small towns, hence its name. The region lies within the bounds of a national park and what's considered the Italian Riviera, giving it a magical aura.

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome or the less-crowded, nearby Tarquinia. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where you can embark on adventures through the Eternal City. Rome maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past. From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well with countless rooftop bars that are a prime location for an evening sunset. For explorations further off the beaten path, Tarquinia offers historic treasures such as the Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an authentic, Italian small-town feel.

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome or the less-crowded, nearby Tarquinia. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where you can embark on adventures through the Eternal City. Rome maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past. From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well with countless rooftop bars that are a prime location for an evening sunset. For explorations further off the beaten path, Tarquinia offers historic treasures such as the Monterozzi Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an authentic, Italian small-town feel.

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell'Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell'Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.