Greece & Adriatic Cruise 7 Nights • Ravenna (Venice), Italy • Explorer of the Seas

Discover enchanting Ravenna, home of some of Italy’s most captivating hidden gems including 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. This charming seaside port is a haven for art and architecture lovers showcasing Christian mosaics, majestic churches and impressive palaces. Before your cruise, spend a couple of days exploring Ravenna — once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to visit Venice or Bologna — both less than 2-and-a-half hours by car. Wander through Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge or eat your way around Bologna’s Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower. Cruising from Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets.

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.

Cruises to the Bay of Kotor are defined by the bay's stunning beauty and the storied past of the towns along its shores. A blend of inlet and fjord, the bay was created when rising sea levels overtook an ancient river valley. On land, the towns are connected by winding, picturesque roads, linking the region's historic citadels, plazas and churches. You don't even have to set foot on land to have an epic Bay of Kotor trip. One of the best things to do in the Bay of Kotor is simply to enjoy the panoramic landscape from the deck of your cruise ship. That means admiring Perast — a charming coastal town dating back to the 13th century — whose waterfront neighborhood is full of historic villas. Kotor itself is cozily situated in a secluded part of the bay, with 9th-century fortress walls throughout the city and an Old Town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps the most unique features of the bay, however, are on the water. Our Lady of the Rocks and the Islands of St. George are two tiny islets with their own unique architecture, which make for perfect photo-ops on your Bay of Kotor vacation.

Discover all Kotor has to offer. Explore the monuments and museums inside the city's picturesque Old Town, where you can also enjoy a fresh seafood lunch — try riblja corba, the local fish soup. Or enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Kotor, either from the fortifications that rise above it or across the bay in Prcanj.

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.

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.

The Ionian island of Cephalonia packs in idyllic beaches, forest-clad mountains and crystal clear waters. And the small capital town of Argostoli is full of big adventure. Go snorkeling with endangered sea turtles. Taste Robola wine in a local vineyard. Rumble in a jeep to Mount Ainos’ summit. Or go coasteering down rock faces dangling over the Ionian Sea.

Discover enchanting Ravenna — once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. This charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture boasting a staggering 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Which makes it an excellent place to spend a couple of days exploring after your cruise. Wander through majestic churches and impressive palaces that showcase some of the world’s finest Christian mosaics. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to Venice and Bologna — both less than 2-and-a-half hours by car. Stroll through the iconic St. Mark’s Square and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Or eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower in Bologna. Visiting Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets.

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.