Greece & Croatia 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.

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.

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.

Zadar is one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets. See its timeworn history among old city walls and Venetian gates. Walk along the waterfront Riva promenade or plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. Mingle over coffee in People’s Square, bicycle around Old Town, or check out museum exhibits teeming with artifacts. Here, you’ll adventure away from the crowds and discover off-the-radar wonders.

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.