Greece Cruises & Eastern Mediterranian Cruise Packages

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GREEK ISLES & EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

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Black Sea Serenade

Black Sea Serenade

12-day Cruise from Athens to Istanbul onboard Regatta

Vital to trade in the ancient world, the Black Sea exhibits its rich history throughout this voyage. But don't assume that the glories of the past always eclipse modern pleasures. After a morning exploring lovely Nessebur, settle in at a waterfront café for a traditional Bulgarian meal of slow-roasted lamb and creamy rice pudding for dessert. If you're curious about the indigenous marine life, don't miss Constanta's city aquarium; it holds one of the world's largest collections of sturgeon, the source of the treasured caviar here. Other diversions include sampling fine vintages in a winery near Yalta, strolling the beaches of Sevastopol, and shopping for cool cotton fashions in Sinop.

Temples & Palaces

Temples & Palaces

10-day Cruise from Athens to Istanbul onboard Marina

What a treat to experience such cultural, artistic and historic variety in a single voyage. There are so many avenues to follow, from eminent attractions like the ruins of Ephesus to those off the beaten path, including Limassol's curious St. Nicholas of the Cats, a convent whose resident felines are descendants of those kept here in the 4th century. To gain insight into ancient Alexandria, tour its National Museum; some of the walls are dark blue, symbolic of the Egyptian journey to the afterlife. For a modern perspective of life, you might join a guided tour of a kibbutz near Haifa. And wouldn't it be enthralling to see exotic belly dancing in an Istanbul nightclub?

Pearls of the Aegean

Pearls of the Aegean

10-day Cruise from Venice to Athens onboard Marina

If you could create your own itinerary, this might very well be it. The luminary destinations are all here with a sprinkling of unexpected gems such as diminutive Monemvasia, a medieval town that clings to the slope of a protective Gibraltar-like rock. Equally historic Kotor dazzles through architecture, especially its palaces and St. Ivan's Fortress. While Santorini is recognized first and foremost for natural beauty, don't overlook its wines, such as the velvety dessert wine Vinsanto. Similarly, many visitors to Venice only know the exterior of the Basilica of St. Mary of Health, as it sits prominently on the Grand Canal, but don't disregard the interior because it holds numerous Titian paintings.

Mediterranean Splendors

Mediterranean Splendors

12-day Cruise from Istanbul to Lisbon onboard Regatta

The Mediterranean offers endless vistas of stunning coastline, and this voyage explores these seas from the Aegean to the Adriatic. Cities both modern and historic have thrived along the shores of the Mediterranean. The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus have been magnificently restored. There is also a wealth of archaeological excavation in Mitilini, from a Greek theater to a medieval fortress. Of course, the capitals of Athens and Rome offer an abundance of historic monuments, but this journey features more modern pleasures as well. Browse the local boutiques in Positano or the high-end couture shops in Venice. Enjoy fresh seafood in Sorrento, a hand-tossed pizza in Capri or some local wine in Dubrovnik.

Lands of Time

Lands of Time

15-day Cruise from Barcelona to Istanbul onboard Riviera

Early civilizations thrived in the Eastern Mediterranean, and this voyage introduces many of the most significant ones. While in Malta, enjoy a ferry ride to Gozo Island and explore a prehistoric temple that predates Stonehenge by hundreds of years. The ruins are even more abundant at Ephesus, where the 2nd century Library of Celsus stands not far from the Great Theater where St. Paul preached. Sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims, Jerusalem offers a multitude of religious sites, including the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock. Best of all, after visiting the ancient icons, you'll have time for contemporary pleasures, such as shopping for carpets in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.