Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.
Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.
Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.
With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.
Amalfi is on Italy's western coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby is Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the ancient city of Pompeii. The island of Capri is just offshore. Naples, the region's largest city, lies northwest of Amalfi.
The port of Civitavecchia is the gateway to The Eternal City, where all roads lead. Mad traffic careens past monuments of the great civilizations of the past. You will want to see it all: the soaring inspiration of St. Peter's, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel; the flow of life along the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the Via Veneto and Trevi Fountain. Be sure to leave time for la dolce vita in one of the piazzas.
Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.
Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.
Founded by Phoenicians in 1100 B.C., Cádiz may be the oldest continuously occupied city in the West. The Cathedral's gold dome dates from 1722, when New World treasures flowed here. But is also the gateway to the Moorish marvels of Seville: the Alcazar and Giralda Tower, the fountains and palaces of Maria Luisa Park, and the great Cathedral, whose altar is decorated with 4,000 pounds of gold from the Americas!
This is a city of incredible lights and sights, a place of dreamy sunsets and gorgeous scenery.The wildlife is remarkable, and the museums are outstanding.Although Funchal is quite built up, the surrounding area is remote and made up of dense jungle.
A hidden treasure, the remote Azores islands lie 900 miles west of Portugal and 2,110 miles east of New York. Ponta Delgada's stunning Portuguese architecture and luxuriant, flower-filled parks make walking through this city a joy. Venture out of the city and prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever witnessed. Dramatic rocky cliffs descend to pristine bays, where you may find a virtually deserted stretch of gorgeous beach. Extinct craters are filled with turquoise waters, and surrounded by gardens of hydrangeas and greenery that thrive in the rich volcanic soil.
Horta enjoys an almost eternal spring, thanks to the Gulf Stream. The docks are filled with pictures, names and insignias painted by the sailors who pass by. Whole hedges of hydrangeas give the place a nickname: Blue Isle. Go up to Cabeca Gordo, the volcanic crater lake, or enjoy the view of Pico's Peak across the channel.
St. John's, Antigua is one of the oldest trading posts in the Caribbean Sea. It is a mixture of restored buildings that date back to the 1600s and some more modern buildings. One of the great things about St. John's is that most of the sights are within walking distance; so go explore the town as soon as you disembark. As you take a stroll along the streets lining the wharf, you will notice vendors hawking everything from clothing to local crafts, artwork, and jewelry. The Public Market is arrayed with an assortment of tropical fruits that you may not recognize. If you are up for a little bit adventure, sample something that appeals to you. Just make sure to ask if it needs any preparation first.
The only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City has a distinct French flavor and is blessed with a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Dominating the skyline is the splendid hotel Chateau Frontenac, a romantic sight with its steep-pitched roofs and French-style turrets. Quebec City is an explorer's delight with cobblestoned streets, 17th and 18th-century buildings, an immense star-shaped fortress and a funicular that you can ride between the upper and lower towns. Visit the Petit Champlain quarter, the oldest part, the Place des Armes and Plains of Abraham-all with a genteel, European character.
Founded by fur trappers, Montreal is now the largest French-speaking city outside France. Cosmopolitan and lively, it is a center for cinema, high fashion and finance. Here the finest shops are underground, around the modern subway. Ascend Mont-Royal for a view, or venture into the Laurentian Mountains for the stunning scenery.