Best Of Greece Cruise 7 Nights • Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Brilliance of the Seas

Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife— the Island of the Winds carries you away with colorful upscale adventures. Explore Hora’s bougainvillea-laced pathways and see the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join the raucous party on the shimmering sands of Super Paradise beach. Or watch the sunset from an open-air taverna— all nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades islands.

Head straight to the ancient city of Ephesus, a 20-minute drive from the port. Plan your visit based on how much you want to walk and how many sites you want to check out. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John hold historical import as well as the traditional brick and stone architecture of the ancient near east. And of course, you can see the one remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, where adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in breathtaking ways. Take a cable car to see Fira’s old cathedrals and enthralling museums. Swim in deep blue waters that lap black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of history in excavated Akrotiri— all while relishing the dramatic scenery of this Cyclades isle.

Dating back to Mycenaean times, Chania places you in its deep cultural roots and longstanding traditions. The ancient buildings bear marks of many battles fought here throughout the centuries. Today, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more peaceful spot — pick a shaded spot beside the beach and dip your feet into the Greek sun-kissed waters.

A small fishing village on the Ionian Sea, Katakolon offers visitors a look inside authentic Greek lifestyle. Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring local crafts, sampling fresh-caught seafood and soaking up the idyllic views. Or take the short drive to Olympia to discover the origins of the Olympic games and relive history while strolling through ancient ruins.

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.