Venice to Athens

Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat). It is known worldwide for its unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains. The city walls, once used to as protection against its enemies, now keep motorists at bay in this picturesque town. UNESCO named the Old City a World Heritage Site, and Dubrovnik’s beautiful historic sites have been restored to their former glory.

Legendary Corfu is a lush and romantic island, written about by Homer in his famous Odyssey. The island’s history is full of battles, indicative of Corfu’s turbulent position that lasted until modern times with unification with modern Greece in 1864. Corfu offers a combination of cosmopolitan and time-honored Greece. As well as a flower-strewn countryside and Adriatic-style villages, Corfu has splendid coastal scenery and some excellent secluded beaches.

Discover charming Argostoli, flowing up from the turquoise bay along the sides of white limestone hills with its colorful fishing boats, vibrant open-air market and relaxing atmosphere. Visit the archaeological museum and explore the rich artifacts of the Mycenean culture. See the Venetian-built St. Georges Castle dating from the 16th Century in the nearby village of Kastro. Stroll through Vallianos Square in Argostoli browsing the stalls and shops to take home popular gifts and keepsakes including thyme honey, fine gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and the excellent locally produced Robola Taoussi (white wine).

Steeped in Greek mythological history, Mykonos was named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons, and was the location of the grand battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today, this island is one of Greece’s most adored destinations due to its picture- postcard setting and growing nightlife. Mykonos is a superb example of Cycladic architecture, and by law even new buildings have to be built in the same style of whitewashed, organic, cube-like buildings. Be sure to plan a day trip to take in picturesque Little Venice, the unique Paraportiani church, and the archeological dig at Delos.

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts. Shore excursions on the first and last day of a cruise are only available for guests who are combining back-to-back voyages to create a longer cruise. Those guests may organize custom tours through the Destination Services Desk on board