12-NIGHTS ISRAEL & MEDITERRANEAN

This small port on the Ionian coast is your gateway to ancient Olympia, the home of the original Olympic Games. Olympia has preserved both athletic and mythological monuments, many dating back to 776 BC. Most intriguing is the stadium, which is still standing, and the gymnasium. The museum also offers a peek at fabulous Greek sculptures.This Grecian port city is also the gateway to one of the most important archeological sites in the world, the ruins of ancient Olympia. You can relive the glory of ancient Greece on your Katakolon cruise. As the birthplace of the Olympics, the great stadium still echoes the cheering of the first superstars of sport.  Enter the stadium and pose in the marble starting blocks where the first marathoners once stood. Take a scenic drive through the small Greek villages on the way to Kouroutas Beach and spend three hours relaxing under the sun, swimming, and soaking up a perfect Greek beach day. Soak up the gorgeous Katakolon waterfront views while savoring traditional Greek specialties, like pastitsio or moussaka at one of the quaint tavernas and cafes offering shady outdoor tables. And of course, an abundance of calamari and other fresh seafood brought in by local fishermen are always on menus.

Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once home to the world’s most powerful and civilized empires, Athens is now the world’s foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand in homage to the virgin goddess Athena. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and watches over the city where it can be seen from just about anywhere in Athens. Make it a point to visit the incredible Acropolis Museum on your cruise to Athens. The joint effort between two architects, one American and the other Greek, this outstanding building was completed and opened to the public in 2009. It focuses primarily on the Greek period dating to 5 B.C., considered to be the apex of art, culture, and philosophy in ancient Greece, but it also has artifacts from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine Ages. There’s even a Plexiglas walkway from which an excavated section of an old Athenian neighborhood can be viewed. In addition to an abundance of historical riches, modern Athens has plenty on offer—from scenic beaches to restaurants with superb Mediterranean cuisine and bustling central markets.

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

HAIFA, ISRAEL

The largest city in northern Israel has an incredible history.

This spectacular city rises dramatically from the Mediterranean on terraced hillsides, which culminate with Mount Carmel. From that viewpoint on a cruise to Haifa, all the world seems to lie at your feet. On a clear day you can see north all the way to the Lebanese border, as well as the snowcapped Mount Hermon to the east. Travel to Galilee—Israel’s luscious region and the scene of Christ’s youth. Here Jesus was baptized and preached. Or, stand at the banks of the River Jordan, visit where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount, get close to the grotto in Nazareth where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary — plus take in panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy lunch on a kibbutz or at a restaurant.

Sacred to three of the world’s major religions, Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history dating back to 4000 BC, the ravages of time and generational conflicts have not crumbled its fascinating architecture. Gaze at the Western Wall, which is all that’s left of the fabled Second Temple, watch the sunlight bounce off the golden-roofed Dome of the Rock or the shimmering silver al-Aqsa Mosque.

Located less than an hour’s drive from Ashdod, you’ll be swept up by the magnitude and beauty of this treasured city. Wander the Old City and you’re sure to find a kaleidoscope of local artisan and merchant shops for handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Then, head over to the modern part of the city on your cruise to Jerusalem and sample delicious Middle Eastern classics like falafel, hummus, and shawarma.

Sacred to three of the world’s major religions, Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history dating back to 4000 BC, the ravages of time and generational conflicts have not crumbled its fascinating architecture. Gaze at the Western Wall, which is all that’s left of the fabled Second Temple, watch the sunlight bounce off the golden-roofed Dome of the Rock or the shimmering silver al-Aqsa Mosque.

Located less than an hour’s drive from Ashdod, you’ll be swept up by the magnitude and beauty of this treasured city. Wander the Old City and you’re sure to find a kaleidoscope of local artisan and merchant shops for handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Then, head over to the modern part of the city on your cruise to Jerusalem and sample delicious Middle Eastern classics like falafel, hummus, and shawarma.

Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, located on the island’s southern coast. Stroll around Old City, an historic part of town with stylish cafés, restaurants, shops, bars, the Old Fishing Harbour and the former Turkish quarter. Visit the Medieval Castle & Museum, the scene of spectacular, shady gardens and a 12th-century wedding between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria. Swim and picnic at Petra tou Romiou, the spot where the Greek goddess Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Rome, Italy: Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.