Piraeus (Athens), Greece
The largest port in the Mediterranean and primary departure point for Greek Island cruises from Athens, Piraeus is a hubbub of activity that will bring your senses to life. With a sun-soaked promenade, al-fresco cafes and bars and countless shops, it’s a place where you can easily relax with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

A port since antiquity, its seemingly infinite rows of quays are filled with luxury yachts and the comings and goings of people visiting the city of Athens or heading out to the blissful Greek islands. Further along the bay, you’ll find the charming port of Pasalimani where the laid-back atmosphere provides an escape with boutiques and secluded eateries.

Piraeus is your gateway into one of the world’s oldest cities. Venture into Athens alone or join a guided excursion from the cruise ship to discover the city’s ancient monuments, iconic landmarks and an open-air museum that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Kusadasi, Turkey
Arriving in the port of Kusadasi, Turkey you’ll instantly feel at home. A huge covered bazaar stretches out in front of you and the buzz from trendy seaside bars and restaurants floats through the air. Follow your instincts and lose track of time ambling from café to café and exploring its myriad of shops and historic sites.

Find time for yourself on one of the many white sandy beaches in and around Kusadasi such as Diamond Beach, Paradise Beach or Love Beach, where you can try your hand at windsurfing or even jet skiing. And there’s no shortage of good times in Kusadasi: weather that’s always on your side, a chilled, laid-back atmosphere and ancient sites on its doorstep.

In the city, itself, stroll around the Fortress of Kusadasi on Pigeon Island and discover city walls that protect historic gems such as the Fortress Mosque. But head out into the sun-soaked hills above the Aegean coast, and you’ll come across some of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.

Rhodes, Greece
Beaches, castles and butterflies – Rhodes is an island like no other. Approaching Rhodes island by sea is an experience all of its own. The clifftop Acropolis at Lindos rises slowly from the still blue waters, evoking the ancient Colossus which once adorned the harbor, and modern hillside villages lay in the shadow of the imposing medieval fortification.

Stepping off the cruise ship, an island of contrasts awaits; a tranquil paradise, rich with nature and layered with history. Wandering the Old Town, you’ll feel the presence of the Crusaders who once walked the same cobbled streets. The ruins left behind by Byzantines, Romans and ancient Greeks will whisk you even further back in time.

Heraklion (Crete), Greece
Sailing into Heraklion port, the intimidating walls of Koules Fortress emerge from the sea to guard the ancient treasures found within the city. Capital of Crete, Heraklion is brimming with landmarks, world-class museums, golden beaches and a stylish nightlife scene that shape a destination to please everyone’s taste.

Pedestrianized streets wind their way around the historic center connecting squares, ornate Ottoman fountains and arcaded walkways within the secure Venetian walls. Strolling along the picturesque harbor-front promenade, you’ll spot traditional fishing boats coming and going, old vaulted shipyards in the distance as well as tavernas spilling out onto the seafront grilling freshly-caught fish and serving ice-cold drinks.

As the birthplace of Minoan civilization, Heraklion shows you the best of Crete history and culture. Exploring the Archaeological Museum, you’ll lose track of time looking at exhibitions covering more than 5,000 years, and you’ll soon uncover the city’s rich artistic heritage having given the world El Greco, poet Odysseas Elytis and novelist Nikos Kazantzakis.

Santorini, Greece
Cruising towards Santorini is like being swept away on a current to somewhere truly magical. You will its pull almost instantly. The island will greet you with its striking cliffs, promising adventure and legendary tales. The almost vertical towns of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches will rise above the blue Aegean like an oasis of beauty and calm.

As you leave the comforts of the ship behind, you’ll trade them for the unique indulgences of Santorini. A sense of serenity and mystery washes over you as you step off deck and make your way through the winding, narrow streets of Fira. Start your days chasing thrills at the top of a dormant volcano and end them with mojitos on cliffs overlooking sunsets that will stay with you for a lifetime.

While the island is most famous for its striking landscape, Santorini provides a feast for all senses: Feel the heat of the sun under your feet as you walk along the black sand of its volcanic beaches. Savor the flavors of local products by pairing one of the island’s most famous dishes, creamy Greek fava, with a bottle of locally-produced Vinsanto wine. Listen to the calls of the seagulls and the crashing waves create a perfect harmony with the traditional music of the island. There is no doubt, you will leave Santorini with your own Greek myth.

Milos, Greece
Dramatically emerging from the Aegean Sea before you, you’ll be spellbound by Milos’ contrasting volcanic landscape that’s full of refreshing surprises. Its coastline reveals surreal shapes of sculpted rock that captivate viewers for hours, juxtaposed with quaint white stone fishing villages that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Stepping off the cruise ship, a laid-back Cycladic island retreat awaits. Find peace and tranquility on one of the many beaches and feel the cooling, refreshing effect of the Aegean as you swim in its serene sea caves. Marvel at Cape Vani’s geological formations and travel along its ever-changing coastline to admire multi-colored sea cliffs at Paleochori and see evidence of how the island’s history was shaped by mining.

Arching its way around a central caldera, the island’s volcanic coastline spoils you for choice. Near Trypiti village, you’ll be able to explore one of the most ancient monuments in Christianity - the Milos Catacombs, where expansive underground chambers and passages were carved into the volcanic rock. Or sit back and relax in one of Milos’ quality terraced tavernas serving only the freshest catch of the day, discover colorful boathouses that magically emerge from the sea in Klima and stroll along Plaka’s hilltop cobblestone streets.

Mykonos, Greece
The Greek Island, Mykonos, flaunts its double personality the moment you set eyes on its coastline. Basking in year-round sunshine, its rugged rocky landscape blends seamlessly with smooth sandy beaches. In the distance, undulating hills host the island’s iconic windmills turning in symphony with the seasonal winds that have branded Mykonos ‘island of the winds’.

On appearance, traditional white-washed villages seem untouched by time, but delve deeper into their maze of cobbled streets and you’ll find cosmopolitan bars, exclusive boutiques and gourmet restaurants. High-energy nightlife gives way to calming, picture-perfect beaches where it’s easy to find your inner peace.

And travel back through the centuries at Mykonos’ archaeological sites where you’ll encounter the Sanctuary of Apollo and many other fascinating ancient relics that reveal the island’s varied past. Then explore traditional villages such as Ano Mera where the pure white walls of Panagia Tourliani monastery appear crafted from the landscape.