From the Peloponnese to the Floating City

"A ship will come...", declared the singer Melina Mercouri to the port of Piraeus. Later, as Greek Minister for Culture, she made Athens the first European Capital of Culture in 1985. The city is considered the birthplace of Europe, of philosophy and of democracy, and is the embodiment of the Olympic ideal. World-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, its landmark is the magnificent Parthenon temple, lying high up on the Acropolis in all its glory. At the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens, and the world's most modern archaeological museum, the new Acropolis Museum, has been here since 2009.

Discover the upscale affluent island of Spetses in Attica, Greece. Explore Greece’s Saronic Islands (or Argo-Saronic Islands), off the mainland and Peloponnese peninsula in the Aegean's Saronic Gulf which is famous for its beaches and ancient ruins, a popular day-trip and weekend destinations.

Enjoy the onboard amenities and facilities as you cruise along the sea.

Close to the small seaport of Sarande, amidst a national park, lies Butrint, one of Albania's greatest attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city became a spa and festival town in the ancient world as early as 2,500 years ago, and every era in Greek, Roman and Byzantine history has left behind evidence in stone. Discover the spectacular Lion Gate from the 4th century BC. Four-fifths of this archaeological site still remains to be uncovered.

Otranto is the most easterly port in Italy and, due to its geographic location in the Adriatic, has had an extremely eventful history over the centuries. Not far away is Lecce, one of the most beautiful and affluent cities in southern Italy whose heyday was immortalized in stone over 200 years. The Baroque cityscape, in the idiosyncratic "Barocco leccese" style, is characterized by a marble-like stone known as Lecce stone. The numerous palaces and the Basilica di Santa Croce have profusely decorated facades and art feels right at home here. There is a good reason why people are proud of its evocative nickname, the Florence of the South.

When Venice still ruled the Adriatic, Dubrovnik was an important maritime republic and the floating city's chief rival. Dubrovnik proudly calls itself the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and its fortress is one of the best preserved in Europe. As you walk around the imposing walls of the old town, you can look out across two seas - the deep blue Adriatic and a sea of red roof shingles. The old town, with its beautiful squares, magnificent boulevards, and narrow winding alleyways, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rovinj lies on the western coast of Istria. The old town was built on a hill and was part of the Republic of Venice for over 500 years. St Euphemia's Basilica sits above the terracotta roofs in solitary splendor and its tower has become the town's landmark. A stroll through the winding lanes transports you straight into the Mediterranean lifestyle and the region's culinary delights. Istrian wines seem to embody the sun's rich heat, the oak forests conceal precious white truffles and the region's olive oil is among the finest in the world.

The floating city of Venice sits on millions of wooden piles and more than 400 bridges cross 150 canals. No other city possesses such an abundance of stunningly beautiful churches, monasteries, palaces, and artistic treasures, and nowhere else has plaster that crumbles so elegantly. Venice is a unique work of art and, with its lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gateway to the city is probably the most magical of any in the world. Slowly and majestically you glide past the proud palaces along the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, giving you a long look at the fairytale setting of St Mark's Square with the Doge's Palace and Campanile.