8-Night Piraeus to Aqaba

The capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi's Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city's historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla you'll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

The capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi's Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city's historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla you'll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

The small fishing village of Cassis, near Marseille, traces its roots back over 2,500 years. The town is well known for its inlets, small beaches, seafood, and white wine. Relax and drink in the amazing scenery of pastel-colored houses, limestone cliffs, vineyards, and fig and olive trees. Traditional sailboats line the water's edge and cafe terraces spill out onto the wide pavement. On sunny days, it's a hub of activity and the perfect place to park up, enjoy a glass of wine and people-watch. Your experience in this picturesque region would not be complete without a swim in Plage de la Grande Mer.

Tropezian beaches are located along the coast in the Baie de Pampelonne, which lies south of Saint-Tropez and east of Ramatuelle. Pampelonne offers a collection of beautiful beaches along its three-mile shore. Relax and enjoy the spectacular sands from a rented beach chair at one of the posh beach clubs. One of the most exclusive beaches is Bagatelle, a popular destination of many wealthy people from around the world. Others include La Voile Rouge, Tahiti, and the most revered, Le Club 55. Le Club 55 is the most famous beach club on Pampelonne Beach. It was used in a scene of the famous Bridgette Bardot film, And then God Created Woman.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d'Azur. La Musée de l'Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l'Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

One of the smallest sovereign states in the world - second only to the Vatican City - the Principality of Monaco is sure to mesmerize you. The most recognized building in Monte Carlo is Place du Casino. Try your luck at this opulent and iconic gaming house, a favorite spot of James Bond movies and real-life celebrities. Another icon is the Prince's Palace, which you can enter for a glimpse at the Throne Room, with ceiling frescoes painted by Orazio de Ferrari depicting the surrender of Alexander the Great. Every day at five minutes before noon, the white-uniformed guards perform the changing of the guard with the pomp and circumstance you would expect in Monaco.

Nestled in the Ligurian Coast is the village of Santa Margherita Ligure, a gateway to the neighboring villages of Portofino, Genoa and the renowned Cinque Terre. Strolling the streets of Santa Margherita, you'll come across a 17th-century basilica that shares the village's name, the Chiesa Cappuccini and Church of San Giacomo. Mixed in with churches and antiquated buildings you'll find a medley of modern stores, bakeries, restaurants and gelato shops. Climb the hill to the Castillo di Santa Margherita for breathtaking views over the bay. Further above lies Villa Durazzo, a collection of three grand villas settled among lush grounds with vibrant facades

From the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Italian city of Florence contains much to explore. The port city of Livorno's colorful building facades rises above the canal waters as a sight to behold. The long and storied history of Lucca call out to curious explorers seeking a mentally stimulating adventure. Cathedrals, art, culture, food, these iconic Italian cities have it all, and Livorno acts as the hub to make your way to each.

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.