Mediterranean
Ancient Kingdoms

No modern metropolis is more steeped in myth than Athens. From the gritty port of Piraeus—gateway to Greece’s fabled isles—to the Parthenon—eternal symbol of Western civilization—Athens has attracted adventurers and classicists for centuries. This heritage is still very much alive for modern visitors sightseeing in Athens: ancient stadiums and temples dwell alongside apartment blocks, modern performances are staged in the marble amphitheaters where Greek drama was born and millennia-old monuments are scattered in the archaeological park that circles the Acropolis. One of the world’s oldest maritime powers, Athens is blessed with a balmy climate and stunning coastline.

Antiquity lovers will find plenty to explore in this city. Best known as the place where Richard the Lionheart (Britain’s King Richard I) wed Berengaria of Navarre after his conquest of the island in 1191, it now houses the Medieval Museum of Cyprus. Another option for history buffs is the small Archaeological Museum showcasing artifacts from the Neolithic to Roman periods. Kolossi Castle, about 14 km away, is a military-style fortress that was a command post during the Crusades, first to the 13th-century Knights Templar and later to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The ancient city of Kourion is a top archaeological site, and the small village of Omodos features wineries, a market square and a well-known monastery.

Jerusalem is a fabled city with a rich history spanning over 26 centuries. Its ancient layers are revealed at countless sites, creating an overwhelming sense of antiquity. The Western Wall stands as the spiritual heart of Judaism, being the last remnant of the Temple of Jerusalem. For those interested in early Christianity, visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Garden of Gethsemane is an unforgettable experience. Jerusalem is also a holy city for Islam, with the Al Aqsa Mosque being the third most important holy site for Muslims, located on the Temple Mount, the holiest site of Judaism.

Much of the magic of Jerusalem, however, is that it’s also a living vibrant city.  Its bustling neighborhoods host a diverse mix of Israelis, Palestinians, and global travelers.

Haifa, the largest city in northern Israel, has an enviable location, built along the slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the Mediterranean. The port is also a gateway to a region with an almost unreal collection of captivating historic sites and natural beauty—snowcapped mountains, undeveloped wilderness and diverse, culturally rich cities.

The area can claim some of the oldest continuously occupied sites in the world, as well as archaeological ruins where ancient Roman, early Christian and Byzantine relics have been unearthed.

For many travelers, Haifa and the surrounding area offer the chance to visit sites associated with the life of Jesus. Travelers can follow in his footsteps in Nazareth and along the Sea of Galilee. Others are drawn by the area’s natural wonders and scenic beauty, such as the forests and volcanic hills of the Golan Heights.

It’s a breezy, 10-minute taxi ride to get from the cruise port to the Old City (Kaleiçi). Once there, meander a maze of streets lined with Ottoman-era houses, ornate mosques and lush parks. Historical sites top the list of things to see in Antalya. Discover the world-renowned archeological exhibitions at the Antalya Museum or marvel at an ancient amphitheater in Perge. When the afternoon sun is blazing, cool down in the spray of the Düden Waterfalls. Should you become hungry, choose from many riverside terraces.

Once a sleepy fishing village, the town transformed into a tourism hotspot in the 1980s. The town was an ancient trading port and a safe haven for armies like Alexander the Great and Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent due to its landscape and proximity to the Aegean and Mediterranean sea. Once docked at the cruise terminal, walk to the old town to find the Grand Bazaar, Marmaris Museum and most restaurants lined up by the superyachts and Turkish gulets (wooden sailboats) of the encircling marina. Sunbeds by the beach are within walking distance, though the more attractive Içmeler Beach is just a quick trip by taxi or public bus.

The gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theater, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a center of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis/Diana (one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its ruins. Other historic sites nearby include: The House of Mary, the Basilica of St. John and the Selcuk fortress which reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. From ancient wonders to holy sites, there are few ports in the Mediterranean as magical as Kusadasi.

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and a popular destination. Its capital, Rhodes Town, boasts a unique blend of history and architecture, while the interior of the island is filled with lush, forested hills. To the south lies Lindos, a stunning village featuring an ancient ruin atop a hill. The island's strategic location between Asia and Europe, as well as its pleasant climate, have contributed to its rich history. Additionally, the island boasts a fine natural port where the Colossus of Rhodes, an immense statue of the sun god Helios and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, once stood. The statue made Rhodes a must-visit destination for ancient world travelers until it collapsed in an earthquake in 226 B.C.E. Even the statue’s ruins were grand enough to bring curious travellers to Rhodes for another 800 years until the metal pieces were melted and sold off by an occupying army. Despite the many civilizations that have left their mark on Rhodes, the island's independent spirit has endured, and it has managed to retain its natural beauty.