Europe from Civitavecchia (Rome)

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.

Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey’s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire – when it was the Mediterranean’s main commercial center – to the spread of Christianity. Paved streets wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins

Cruise from Athens, Greece and fall in love with the city’s unique claims to fame. This one-of-a-kind, history-rich destination can boast to not only be the home to the Olympic games throughout the ages… but also the birthplace of democracy. Talk about competitive team sports! To this day, Athens is a city as rich in history as it is immersed in mythology. On cruises from Athens, you’ll see ancient feats of architecture like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus mingling with modern museums, cafes and shops across the Athenian landscape. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination, and a must-see stop on any Greek Isles cruise.

A short distance from the fishing village and seaport of Katakolon you’ll find Olympia, where lies arguably the most important location in all of sports. It’s the site of the original Olympic Games, which went on for nearly 1,200 years, every four years, until a Roman emperor banned them in A.D. 393. The discarded ruins were uncovered only about 150 years ago — and today, Olympia’s importance is much better understood. It’s actually been declared a national park! There’s so much history on display in Olympia at the original sites, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium and the Olympia Archaeological Museum, which features fine sculptures such as the “Winged Victory” statue of Nike. (Did you know she was the Greek goddess of victory?)

This busy seaport, on the Strait of Messina, has a colorful history that includes occupation by the Arabs in the 9th century A.D. and an insurrection against the Bourbons in the late 1700s. Today this charming city entices tourists with its historical settings, including a museum with works by Caravaggio. Messina also serves as the gateway to Taormina where visitors can experience amazing views of snowcapped Mount Etna.

Not just one of Italy’s oldest cities, but among the world’s oldest, Naples and its surrounding area has over thousands of years contributed innovations to not only the culinary and visual arts, but the development of everything from language to music. Today, you’ll feel the friendly spirit of this sunny metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria and irresistible cuisine. But don’t limit yourself to the city itself — Mount Vesuvius, the spectacular Amalfi Coast, and the romantic isle of Capri’s famous Blue Grotto are all just a short distance away. The well-known, buried city of Pompeii is an archeological wonder, and not far from Naples.

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.