Cruises to & from Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Explore the most iconic sights of the Greek Islands, from volcanic Santorini, where whitewashed villages spill over dramatic cliffs, to boho, arty Hydra, where donkeys, not cars, are the local mode of transportation. Learn about the legend of the Minotaur in Crete and snap a shot of the historic windmills guarding Mykonos Town. Lose track of time in a dreamy beachfront taverna. Taste island-produced wines, local olive oil, and salty cheeses, imprinting the flavors of Greece on your memory.

Valletta, Malta's pocket-sized capital, is a vision of honey-colored stone that glows in the sunshine. The city was built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, its Baroque facades concealing unimaginable riches. Step into St. John's Co-Cathedral and marvel at the gleaming gold interiors and priceless art. Wander medieval Mdina, encircled by walls, or hop on the ferry to tiny Gozo for clifftop hikes, crystal-clear water, and temples dating back 5,500 years. 

The graceful Parthenon, a white marble temple built in the 5th century B.C. and dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous site in Athens. It sits atop Acropolis Hill, a treasure trove of antiquities including sanctuaries, caves, and ancient theaters. Spend half a day exploring the site, then visit the excellent Acropolis Museum, which houses more than 3,000 exquisite artifacts found in the area. Unwind in the second-floor restaurant and take in the glorious views of the Parthenon.

Athens is known for its hilly landscape. Its highest point is Mount Lycabettus, a wooded peak towering 908 feet above sea level. Getting to the summit is half the fun. Start by taking a cable car toward the top of the mountain. Then, climb around 100 steps from the cable car station to the summit. You'll be rewarded with views of the whole metropolis stretched out below you, the Parthenon in the distance, and beyond the port area, the blue sweep of the Aegean Sea. 

The Acropolis Museum may be the superstar, but Athens has many other impressive cultural attractions. The National Archaeological Museum houses Greece’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, from Mycenaean gold to classical sculptures, while the Numismatic Museum of Athens has the largest collection of ancient coins in the world. Gaze in wonder at the dazzling icons and mosaics in the Byzantine and Christian Museum or check out the Benaki Museum, a one-stop overview of Greek culture. 

Magnificent ruins are dotted all over the city. The Parthenon is the big attraction, but the Acropolis site also features the 2nd-century AD Theatre of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea, the former entrance to the Acropolis. Other notable sites include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Agora, a former marketplace, and the Arch of Hadrian. Don’t miss the Temple of Hephaestus, either; it’s regarded as the best-preserved Doric temple in Greece.