Greek Isles & Italy Cruise 7 Nights • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Brilliance of the Seas

The Eternal City endures with endless adventures, so it’s definitely worth exploring before your cruise from Civitavecchia. Rome is just an hour from the port by train, so spending a few days here is easy and convenient. Start each morning with a frothy cappuccino and a warm, flaky cornetto in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Then head to the Palazzo Massimo, home to one of the world's biggest collections of ancient art. Or visit the thermal Baths of Diocletian, where you can see two ancient, decorated tombs dating back to the early second century AD. And of course, no visit to Rome is complete without a trip to the famous Colosseum, which once hosted gladiator contests, battle reenactments and Roman dramas. If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right city. Roman cuisine is all about simple, fresh, unfussy flavors. Think thin and crispy pizza cooked in wood ovens, homemade pasta tossed in simple sauces, crispy fried vegetables and decadent breakfast pastries often stuffed with cream.

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.

The third-largest Italian city and one of the oldest in Europe, Naples combines deep history and modern verve. Check out the extravagant Royal Palace of Naples, the former home of the royal family, with its beautiful tapestries and frescoes. People-watch from a streetside cafe in the Sanita district with a glass of wine and slice of classic margherita pizza.

Catania's warm embrace invites you to relax and immerse yourself in its splendid Mediterranean climate. Take time to enjoy the diverse architecture — see Catania's ancient roots in the Roman Amphitheatre and the Odeon, built mainly from black lava. Explore more recent history in the Baroque structures of the city center: Don't miss the spectacular spires and interior of Catania Cathedral, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693. When you're tuckered out from sightseeing, head to one of the idyllic piazzas to take in the lively city's exuberance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.