Sights
At your home port in Barcelona, Spain, if there's one thing you can't miss it's the architectural marvels of famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi in the Gothic Quarter. Gaze up at the spiraling La Sagrada Familia church, his iconic unfinished masterpiece, in awe and wonder.
Villefranche—renowned for a collection of historic French monuments, such as its 16th-century citadel—offers easy access to the nearby upscale seaside communities of Nice and Monaco.
La Spezia is near Florence and Pisa, where you can immerse yourself in the artistic and architectural marvels of the Italian Renaissance from such immortals as Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. From Civitavecchia, head to the "Eternal City" of Rome. Walk in the shadow of the Colosseum and through the ornate halls of the Vatican.
Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, cradle of Western Civilization and home to many of Greece's ancient monuments, from the Acropolis to the Parthenon to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
In Kusadasi, you can visit the ancient Roman city of Ephesus where the Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries of the ancient world resides, housing some 15,000 ancient scrolls.
The windmills of Mykonos have withstood the test of time from as early as the 16th century. They are one of the most charming and photographed landmarks on the island.
Explore the architectural wonders in Valletta, Malta, home to the 16th-century St. John's Cathedral and Grand Master's Palace.
Shopping
Be sure to visit Republic and Merchant streets in Malta, known for art galleries, shops and cafés. At the base of the Acropolis in Athens, explore the historic neighborhood of the Plaka—packed with souvenir shops and tourists, or bargain for antiques and collectibles at the Monastiraki Flea Market. And for Turkish goods? Kusadasi is a fabulous place to find Turkish rugs, ceramics, jewelry and pashmina shawls.
Activities
After a dip in the crystalline waters, soak up the sun on the idyllic white-sand beaches of Mykonos. Love Italian food? While docked at La Spezia, learn the secrets of Italian cuisine from a master chef. For something a little more Euro-tech, take a tour of Rome—on an advanced Segway Personal Transporter. Or, go the traditional route, on foot, with a walking tour of the ancient ruins in Athens.
