Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Bay of Naples, the lemon-scented town of Sorrento is pure romance. It's no surprise that literary greats Keats, Dickens, and Byron all sought inspiration here. At its heart is the old town, a warren of cobblestoned streets flanked by churches, trattorias, and gelaterias, while a short stroll away is Marina Grande, a charming fishing village where seafood restaurants line the harbor. From here, it's a gentle hike to Bagni Regina Giovanna, a secluded swimming spot based at the site of an ancient villa. Or take a day trip to the glamorous island of Capri, a mere 30-minute ferry ride across the peninsula.

Igoumenitsa is a bustling port city that serves as the gateway to the Ionian coast. But linger here a while and you'll discover a place with plenty to offer of its own – from sun-drenched sands and glassy waters to verdant forests and ancient artefacts. With its calm, shallow waters, Drepano Beach is ideal for swimming and its sandy shore is lined with charming beach bars serving fresh smoothies and cold beer. Pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa to discover a wealth of treasures spanning from the middle Paleolithic period, 100,000 years ago, to the years of the Ottoman domination. And hiking enthusiasts should head for the hills, where trails abound and walkers are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Ionian Sea and surrounding islands.

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.

Travel beyond the walls of one of the most majestic cities on the Croatian Adriatic Coast. Split has a prestigious reputation for impressive architecture, famous museums, and cultural constructs that should not be missed.

This quiet and dreamy seaside city holds around 3000 years of history in its red-tinted buildings. Stroll the picturesque streets and alleyways of its old town to discover important monuments such as the Roman cathedral of St. Anastasia or the Land Gate. Don't forget to visit the beautiful white beach of Sakarun near the city, which is popular with tourists and locals.

Trieste is a city where cultures come together. According to legend, Jason and the Argonauts arrived with the Golden Fleece in 1300 BC, and literary greats, including Maria Rilke and James Joyce, have called Trieste home at one time or another. However, it is the city's Austrian past that has had the most significant influence; Trieste was a vital part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1382 to 1918. This heritage is visible in the wide Habsburg piazzas, elegant cafés, and a culinary scene where sauerkraut and strudel are as common as pasta and pizza. The grand Piazza Unità d'Italia, opening to the sea, showcases Trieste's stately charm. Walk along the Canale Grande, lined with neoclassical buildings, two pretty bridges, and a pedestrian walkway, or visit the 19th-century Miramare Castle for breathtaking views of the Gulf of Trieste below.

In 2019, UNESCO warned the Italian government that Venice risked being added to the “World Heritage Sites in Danger” list due to the continuous damage caused by large ships to the city's fragile architecture and ecosystem. In response, the government designated Venice's waterways as national monuments—a status typically reserved for artworks and historical buildings—granting the lagoon enhanced state protection. The new regulations require ships longer than 590 feet to find alternative berthing locations. Fusina, a nearby industrial port adhering to maritime safety and environmental laws, emerged as the solution. Although the port is not as picturesque as Venice's Grand Canal, a scenic 30-minute boat ride from Fusina brings visitors to a central city pier, offering a perfect starting point to explore all of Venice's romantic, watery attractions.

Ancona in Le Marche is often overlooked as a mere jumping-off point for more glamorous European destinations. But there's an undeniable charm to this harborfront city, which was founded by ancient Greek settlers from Syracuse and maintains an identity characterized by a rich, layered history. Just meters from the port, you'll find lively piazzas, ancient architecture, and bustling trattorias serving up bowls of hearty brodetto, the city's famous fish stew. Journey through time, from the Paleolithic Period to the Middle Ages, at the fascinating Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche, housed in the elaborately frescoed 16th-century Palazzo Feretti. From the old town, a stroll up Guasco Hill leads to the majestic Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, a Roman-Gothic basilica built atop the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite, where sweeping views stretch across the city and out over the riviera.

Embark on a cultural journey to the picturesque island of Korcula, a Croatian treasure surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters. As one of the oldest settlements in Croatia, the island dates back to ancient Greece and was once a hub for medieval trade. Stroll through the well-preserved medieval town, with its narrow cobbled streets, and uncover remnants of Roman rule and Illyrian settlements. Marvel at the grand Gothic-Renaissance architecture of St. Mark's Cathedral and the 15th-century walls that once guarded the city, and soak the vibrant cultural pulse, from traditional folk music and dance, to savory seafood cuisine and lively festivals.

From its origins as a Messapian settlement to its role as a strategic center of Roman naval power, and later as a passageway for pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land, the ancient Puglian city of Brindisi has always been a pivotal portal to other places. But this under-the-radar coastal treasure has plenty to offer of its own. Wander along its palm-lined seafront and weave your way through narrow streets to discover the quiet charm of a city steeped in history. Roman and medieval ruins pepper the center: look out for the Roman Columns, so significant to the city that they appear on its coat of arms; the Area Archeologica di San Pietro degli Schiavoni, which showcases remains of ancient houses, mosaic floors, and thermal baths; and the 12th-century Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with its fantastic frescoes and lush gardens.

Immerse yourself in this immaculately preserved island covered in cypress and olive trees. Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean's best kept secrets and its elegant downtown area, serene beaches and warm breezes will keep leave you truly captivated.

Today, its Old Town is alive with contemporary shops and traditional bazaars that teem with locals and visitors, surrounded by lively cafés. But this charming “old” quarter is infantile compared to one of Bodrum's most important sites: the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Dating back to 350 B.C., the 140-foot white marble structure still captivates even the savviest scientists, ranking as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Syros may lack the glitz of Mykonos and the Instagram appeal of Santorini, but this unsung Cyclades gem stands proudly apart from its neighbors with an identity all its own. Steeped in a rich Venetian heritage, the island offers a lesson in architectural diversity: its bougainvillea-lined streets showcase a mélange of grand neoclassical mansions, traditional whitewashed houses, Greek Orthodox churches, and Roman Catholic cathedrals. The pace is unhurried and easy-going: tavernas and bars are buzzy but never overrun – so you can linger over your meal and order another ouzo – and there's plenty of space on the sandy shores to spread your towel, even in peak season.

Experience the vibrant and historic port of Piraeus, Athens gateway to the Aegean islands and beyond, and find a rich maritime heritage, a bustling local culture, and access to the wonders of Athens. 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.

This lesser-known Greek island in the Cyclades may be small but it punches above its weight when it comes to world-class scenery, historic wonders, and laid-back living. For it was here, amid the white-rock, lunar-like landscape, that the Venus di Milo statue was found – a replica remains on the island but the prized original is on display in the Louvre in Paris. Other sites of interest include a Roman amphitheater, ancient catacombs, sea caves, and an obsidian quarry dating back to prehistoric times. Then there are pretty whitewashed villages with winding alleys leading down to the shimmering sea, spectacular beaches framed by blue-green waters of astonishing clarity, and charming tavernas offering freshly caught seafood and delicious Greek specialities.

Founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the sun-kissed capital of Malta maintains much of its old-world charm, with honey-hued buildings, original bastioned city walls, and beautiful Baroque architecture. Take in the historic details as you explore the city's cobblestoned streets, stopping to snack on golden, ricotta-stuffed parcels of pastizzi and qassatat. Don't miss the wonderfully ornate interiors of St. John's Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio's masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, sits on display in the Oratory, and soak in sweeping views of Valletta's Grand Harbour from the pretty Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant and eclectic destination known for its stunning architecture, cultural landmarks, ornate palazzos, and bustling markets. At first blush, Palermo dazzles with colorful and energetic vibe, creating a captivating façade throughout the streets, which are lined with cupolas and vestiges of the Byzantine era and baroque periods. Look further and find less apparent delights like hidden chapels and vintage shops amidst a growing landscape of innovative eateries and grand historical treasures.

The port town of La Goulette is the gateway to Tunisia’s thrumming capital Tunis, a Mediterranean melting pot where French colonial influences meet North African flair. Explore the city’s maze-like medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the ninth century; admire the impressive Al-Zaytuna Mosque; and brush up on North African history at the National Museum of Bardo. No port call at La Goulette is complete without a visit to the ancient city of Carthage, once a key trading hub and Mediterranean maritime power, and now a fascinating archaeological site.

Cagliari, capital of Sardinia, sprawls across the hills promising awe-inspiring views for those who venture to Monte Urpinu Park. At its heart lies the historic Castello district, where a Roman amphitheater, medieval towers built by the Pisans, and a 13th-century cathedral with an intricately carved crypt sit beside the monolithic architecture of the Mussolini era. Down by the harbor, the eateries and bars in the Marina buzz with life. In Via Sardegna and Via Cavour taste local flavors such as the peppery salami mustela, salty pecorino cheese, and carta musica, a wafer-thin flatbread said to sound like music when it snaps. They all go well with a glass of cannonau or vernaccia, the island's robust wines.

To arrive at this old fishing port on the Costa Tropical is to instantly fall into an Iberian trance. The air is fragranced with jasmine, the walls are laced with the clashing scarlet and magenta blooms of bougainvillea and hibiscus. Warmed by the winds off Africa and cradled by the Sierra Nevada, this corner of Spain is mild and sunny even in the winter months. Mango and avocado thrive here, as does sugarcane, which gave this place its nickname, Little Cuba (make sure to try the local rum). Boats glide in and out daily to add the fruits of the sea to the menus at local restaurants and bodegas with fresh ingredients for tapas – a tradition which was invented here in Andalucia. Stroll for 45 minutes (or take a bus or taxi) to the Old Town, find a shady spot beneath the spreading palms in the Plaza Espana, and sit back and sample some of the regional delicacies. Start with a refreshing gazpacho, then select gambas pil pil (shrimp sizzling in chili oil), Padron peppers, patatas bravas, and seafood croquetas... washed down with a chilled glass of Tinto de Verano, the red wine of summer, and a lighter, less touristy choice than sangria. Afterwards, there are lengthy stretches of golden sand near the port on which to snooze off your decadent lunch before heading back to the ship.Exploring the Alhambra in nearby Granada, taking in the sea and mountain views from the clifftop Balcony of Europe in nearby Nerja, birdwatching in the Charca de Suárez wetlands.

Sunbathe in one of Spain's most exhilarating cities. Valencia is vibrant town with dynamic nightlife, outdoor activities and sports, and its mezcla of architectural wonders. In Old Town, see everything from a 15th-century palaces, to recent wonders of modern art.

Sunbathe in one of Spain's most exhilarating cities. Valencia is vibrant town with dynamic nightlife, outdoor activities and sports, and its mezcla of architectural wonders. In Old Town, see everything from a 15th-century palaces, to recent wonders of modern art.