Above the city, looking out towards the blue Aegean, stands the Acropolis. Here lie the ruins of a culture 2,500 years old: the Propylaea; the Temple of Athena Nike; the Erechtheum temple, and, most famous of all, the Parthenon. Meanwhile, modern day Athens is a blend of past and present. Historical and archaeological museums are popular attractions along with performing arts and sporting events. Board the Wind Spirit here and prepare for your upcoming Greek Island cruise.

Situated near the site of ancient Sparta, the ancient castles and fortresses, faded palaces and narrow byways are more reminiscent of the city's Byzantine and Venetian days.

Truly one of the world’s original great urban centers, the port city of Gythion was founded by the ancient Phoenicians prior to 400 B.C. Gracing the isolated southern edge of the Peloponnese, the city has a rich political and cultural heritage. The site of many ancient battles, today Gythion is a port that is known for its ferries to Kythira and Crete as well as its superb seafood.

Relax aboard your ship as you cruise toward Italy.

The seaside resort of Giardini Naxos lies cozily situated on the coast of the Ionian Sea. Founded in 734 B.C., and a quiet fishing village until the early '70s, now it is famous for delightful beaches, panoramic views, and as the gateway to Taormina on Monte Tauro above. Before heading up to Taormina it’s worth checking out the Greek temple of Apollo Archegetes, the Naxos Museum of Archaeology, located in the Tower of Capo Schisò, where items from recent excavations in the area can be found, the Archaeological Park, with remains of the old Giardini Naxos wall, and Vignazza Tower, a watchtower built in 1544 and used to watch for pirate boats. Discover the winding medieval streets in lovely Taormina, Italy’s best-known resort, with a backdrop of Mount Etna and dramatic views of the bay. Easily explored on foot, see one of the most popular ruins in Sicily, the beautiful and remarkably preserved Ancient Theatre. Other sites to visit include Palazzo Corvaja, built in the 10th century, and whose central core is an Arabic tower, Corso Umberto, an energetic street lined with shops and bars, Madonna Della Rocca, a 1640 sanctuary, Greek Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C. and still used for performances, and Via Bagnoli Croce, an exotic public garden.

Celebrated by the poet Homer, who described it as “a floating island, a wall of bronze and splendid smooth sheer cliffs," Lipari is the largest of the 17 Aeolian Islands, and also the name of its only real town. Rising from the cobalt seas on the northeast of the Sicilian coast, Lipari’s location makes it a popular base for exploring the archipelago. However, this fascinating place more than holds its own as a worthy destination. Located on a plateau of red volcanic rock on the southeastern shore, Lipari boasts two beaches on either side. Its mountains, volcanoes and stunningly beautiful waters attract adventure-seekers from throughout the world. Settled in the 4th millennium B.C., the island offers such historic sites (and sights) as the impressive cliff top citadel. Built in the 1500s, the citadel’s high defensive wall still stands, enclosing the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, an archaeological museum and two baroque churches.

Continue your Greece tour with a stop at the glamorous Capri, which has been a haven for the rich and famous since the days of Roman Emperors Tiberius and Augustus. After centuries of pirate attacks, capture by Napoleon, and other distractions, the island was “rediscovered” as a resort destination in the latter half of the 19th century. Then again in the 1950s and ‘60s when it became a favorite haunt of movie stars like Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Kirk Douglas, Liz Taylor, Sophia Loren, and others. The beauty of the island is legendary, its limestone cliffs carved into magnificent caverns, grottoes, and stacks framed by cerulean blue waters. Don your sunglasses and scarf for an incognito ride up the funicular to town. Head to Positano, the iconic pastel village clinging to the Amalfi cliffs. Or take a small boat into the mysterious Blue Grotto where the eerie blue light feels like navigating through sky.

2,500 years of history are woven into the fabric of modern Rome. You can feel it in the glory of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Or as you wander sidestreets that open onto piazzas, fountains, Bernini sculpture, and elegant courtyards. Famous treasures are legion in Rome: the Colosseum…the Forum…St. Peter’s Cathedral…the Trevi Fountain…the Spanish Steps. Take time out between sights to do as the Romans do: enjoy a three-hour lunch, shop, people-watch, or savor the best gelati in the world.