11 Night Holy Land Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

11 Night Holy Land Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas from Rome, Civitavecchia, Italy Jerusalem, Israel Tower of David

The 11 Night Holy Land Cruise from Rome, Civitavecchia, Italy visits Haifa, Israel; Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Chania (Souda), Crete; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Priced from: $897.0 per person 1 sailing dates available

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11 Night Holy Land Cruise

Leaving from

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Onboard

Odyssey of the Seas

Day	Port
1	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Departs at 5:00 PM
2 - 3	Cruising Day at sea
4	Haifa, Israel From 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
5	Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel From 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
6	Cruising Day at sea
7	Santorini, Greece Tendered from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
8	Rhodes, Greece From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
9	Mykonos, Greece Tendered from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
10	Chania (Souda), Crete From 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
11	Cruising Day at sea
12	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Arrives at 5:00 AM
	*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.

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Your ship Odyssey of the Seas

Your ship

Odyssey of the Seas

It’s time to see just how far adventure can take you. Introducing the newest Royal Caribbean® gamechanger, Odyssey of the Seas℠. Spring into action on Sky Pad®, or soak up the sun at a newly designed resort-style pool deck that brings island vibes poolside. Take play time to the next level at SeaPlex®, with bumper cars, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and VR games. Or kick back and watch all the action from above at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.

A TOP DECK TAKEOVER

There's never been a top deck that maxes out memory making like this one. Tame the tide on the FlowRider®or feel the freedom of freefall on RipCord®by iFLY®. Get your game on at the largest SeaPlex® ever, with bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark laser tag —plus hit the reimagined upper deck for the most interactive arcade ever to set sail, including classics like skeeball and the first fully immersive free roaming 4D virtual reality experience at sea, Virtual Adventure Zone.

North Star^®

It’s time to raise the bar on adventure — with 360-degree views of the world from 300 feet above sea level in the North Star® observation capsule — winner of the Guinness World Record for tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship.

Sky Pad®

Strap in, put on your virtual reality headset and soar high into the sky for gravity-defying fun at Sky Pad®. Whether you’re smashing candies in a sugar-coated world or traveling light years into the future — this brand-new bungee trampoline experience opens up a whole new universe of possibility.

Splashaway Bay℠

The fun comes in gallons. This bigger, better kids aqua park features slides, water cannons, waterfalls and more. And when the drench bucket gets full, everyone gets wet.

RipCord^® by iFLY^®

There’s no rush in the world like skydiving — and on the RipCord® by iFLY® simulator you can feel the freedom of freefall without even leaving the deck.

NEW DISHES FOR DAYS

Prep your taste buds for a culinary journey. The new Odyssey of the Seas℠ is primed to please every palate and satisfy any craving. Get a taste of authentic trattoria fare with a modern spin at the new Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Enjoy gameday classics and ice-cold brews at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Head to Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine for creative plates served with a heaping helping of awe. And sample Far East favorites, from sizzling hot teppanyaki cooked at your table to hand-rolled sushi that rivals any on land.

Wonderland

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine is all about pushing the culinary envelope. Dishes are designed to tantalize your taste buds and present a visual feast. Find crispy crab cones topped with fluffy avocado mousse, gazpacho served with pepper spheres and bread foam, and dreamy desserts that will take your breath away. Pair your meal with cocktails described as “magical” elixirs crafted to deliver full-sensory experiences.

Odyssey of the Seas Pizza with White Wine

Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Sunday supper is served every day at the new Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. The menu highlights Old World classics, including veal meatballs in sauce like they make in Sardinia and Pappardelle served with rich radicchio cream. Save room for one of the hand-tossed pizzas, delivered straight from the oven. And ask a sommelier on staff to suggest the perfect pairing from a wine list that ranges from Sangiovese to Super Tuscan.

Teppanyaki

At Teppanyaki, expert chefs elevate cooking to a performance art form — and you’ve got front row seats to the show. Enjoy authentic Far East flavors prepared right at your table and served up with a sizzle, from succulent seafood to top-grade steaks seared to perfection.

Chops Grille℠

For more than a decade, the chefs at Chops Grille have specialized in serving up quality, hand-cut meat. Dinner at this hallmark Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant goes far beyond the typical steakhouse experience, though, with reimagined classics like succulent Maine lobster, gruyere cheese tater tots, white truffle-scented mushroom soup, and of course, expertly prepared prime beef.

DOWNTIME THAT’S UP FOR ANYTHING

Give your downtime a major upgrade. Set your mood to serene at the adults only Solarium. Get a front row view from the Music Hall dance floor while cover bands rock like the real thing. Experience the cutting edge tech at Two70®as the space comes alive with aerialists, robots and much more. Prep your taste buds for a culinary journey, from gameday classics and ice-cold brews to sizzling hot teppanyaki and hand-rolled sushi. This is how you unwind, redefined.

Navigator of the Seas Playmaker Table — Man Playing Pool at Playmakers

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

With a menu of game-day favorites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a winner. And while you’re working on a signature Playmakers Burger or the five-scoop Touchdown Sundae, you can catch your home team live on dozens of screens or face off against your friends in the arcade.

Two70^®

By day, it's an open area living room with panoramic views through windows two decks high. By night, the lights go down, the windows become screens and the space comes alive with aerialists, robots and much more. This is Two70® — a place that can take you anyplace.

Bionic Bar^®

At Bionic Bar®, meet two robotic bartenders who know how to shake, stir, and mix up your night out. With moves as fluid as the Pimm’s in your cup, these mecha mixologists can create an almost endless combination of cocktails, from classic cosmos to custom-crafted sips designed by you.

Music Hall

The set list is always changing at Music Hall. Get a front row view from anywhere on the dance floor while cover bands rock like the real thing — or take in the scene in an intimate hideaway corner with your favorite cocktails. This is the premier place for live music lovers.

Day 1: Rome, Italy

Day 1

Rome

Civitavecchia, Italy

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.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Pantheon — The Pantheon in Rome, Italy

ANCIENT AND AMAZING

Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill— and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.

Insider tip

The train ride between Civitavecchia and Rome is approximately 80 minutes each way.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Piazza Navona — A fountain in Piazza Navona in Italy

ADVENTURE SQUARED

Roam around Rome’s piazzas, as each offers a unique perspective. Dine al fresco in Piazza Navona and climb The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. Wander cobbled alleys in bustling Trastevere and browse Campo de’ Fiori’s artisan stalls. Be sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good measure.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Trevi Fountain — The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Statues — Statues in the Vatican Museum

SACRED SPACES

Explore the Vatican Museums’ extraordinary collection of tapestries and classical statues. Step inside the Sistine Chapel and be awed by Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Then enter St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches, to stand under its enormous sky-piercing dome.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Vatican — The Vatican dome in Italy

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Pizza and pasta — Pizza, pasta, and antipasta on a table in Rome

LOCAL CUISINE

Romans live to eat, whether it’s family-style or in a sidewalk café. For an authentic taste of Cucina Romana, try carciofi alla Romana (braised artichokes) or spaghetti alla carbonara. Enjoy panino (stuffed sandwiches) or thin-crusted Roman pizza. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of gelato. Then finish the night with a glass of white wine from the surrounding Lazio region.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, Colosseum Vatican Models — Minitature models of the Colosseum and Vatican

SHOPPING

Street stalls throughout the city are your best bet for souvenirs. Via Condotti offers a string of couture Italian designers. Browse artist studios along Via Margutta, or the indie artisan retailers of the Monti neighborhood. Porta Portese is the city’s largest flea market— and La Rinascente, the first department store.

Day 2 - 3: Cruising

Day 2 - 3

Cruising

At Sea

Mom and Son on Bumper Cars — Mon and Son Driving and Enjoying the Bumper Cars

Splashaway Bay℠

The fun comes in gallons. This bigger, better kids aqua park features slides, water cannons, waterfalls and more. And when the drench bucket gets full, everyone gets wet.

Odyssey of the Seas Aerial Pool Deck Close Up

RipCord^® by iFLY^®

There’s no rush in the world like skydiving — and on the RipCord® by iFLY® simulator you can feel the freedom of freefall without even leaving the deck.

Sky Pad®

Girl Trying the Circus School — Girl Trapeze at the Circus School

Trapeze School

Within SeaPlex®, a cutting edge indoor activity space, the complimentary Trapeze School offers lessons you’ll flip for.

Day 4: Haifa, Israel

Day 4

Haifa

Israel

Set on the slopes of Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel's Mediterranean oasis. Stroll around the smart German Colony, with its restored streets settled in the 1860s lined with restaurants, cafes and art galleries. Continue toward the tropical Bah'ai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a meditative walk around the 19 different terraced gardens. Cruise to Haifa, Israel and visit the Shrine of the Bab, with its striking golden dome composed of 12,000 tiles. For even better views, climb up to the Viewing Balcony to look down on the shrine and out toward the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps it's time to relax on the beach now? Pop down to Bat Galim for windsurfing or a stroll along the boardwalk.

Haifa, Israel Shrine of the bab — Shrine of the Bab and lower terraces at the Bahai World Center in Haifa, Israel

Better in Bab

Visit the Shrine of the Bab, a pilgrimage site built in 1953. It's said to hold the remains of the Bab, the spiritual predecessor to the Baha'i faith's prophet Baha'ullah. Canadian architect William Sutherland Maxwell unified Middle Eastern and European styles here. Then, visit the symmetric Baha'i Gardens with their 19 steep terraces.

Insider tip

There are banks in Hadar and around Carmel Center where you can get the local currency, New Israeli Shekel (NIS).

Haifa, Israel Cable Car — Three cable cars in Haifa, Israel

Star of the Sea

Take the cable car up to Mt Carmel (546 meters) and enjoy the magnificent views. Visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, Latin for "Star of the Sea." Admire the church's beautifully painted ceiling and dome. Stretching back to the Crusader era, the monks originally inhabited the mountain caves.

Insider tip

Make sure the cab driver uses the meter or negotiate a price before you get in a taxi.

Haifa, Israel Typical House German Colony — A typical house from the German colony surrounded by trees and flower beds in Haifa, Israel

Romantic Quarter

Stroll around the picturesque, restored German Colony at the foot of the Baha'i Gardens. German Templars who came to establish a Christian community here built the houses in the 19th century. Cruise to Israel to admire the pretty stone houses, browse the little shops, and meet the locals in the lively cafes.

Insider tip

Dress modestly if you want to visit the Shrine of the Bab or a church.

Haifa, Israel Shawarma Falafel — Traditional Israeli shawarma and falafel with fried eggplant

Local Cuisine

Fill up for your Haifa adventure with some burekas, a crispy phyllo dough pastry often filled with vegetables, spices and cheese. Enjoy Middle Eastern fare like falafel wraps slathered in tahini sauce or lamb shawarma brightened up with herbaceous parsley in the Wadi Nisnas or Hadar neighborhoods. For desert, taste sweet baklava, with layers of flaky pastry and pistachio sweetened with honey, or knefah, a light cheesecake soaked in sweet syrup.

Stone arch in the Lagoon of Nahsholim Beach, Haifa, Israel

Haifa, Israel Ceramic Plates — Ceramic plates and other souvenirs in the flea markets in Haifa, Israel

Shopping

Haifa's largest shopping mall is the Grand Canyon and includes over 200 designer and boutique shops. In the Haifa Flea Market, you can find vintage and secondhand items, including handmade silver and gold jewelry. During your Israel cruise, look for decorative plates and ceramics hand-painted with traditional geometric patterns or Holy Land-themed designs.

Day 5: Jerusalem, Israel

Day 5

Jerusalem

Ashdod, Israel

After you arrive at the port at Ashdod, it's a one-hour drive to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent — see the ferocious-looking animal carvings of the Lion's Gate or the flower rosettes carved above Herod's Gate. Cruise to Jerusalem and take in the smell of Arabian coffee, incense and spices at one of the markets of the Old City as you venture to the historic Wailing Wall. Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and see its ornate shrines and austere icons. Then, head to the nearby Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive gold dome and traditional Islamic geometric designs.

Jerusalem, Israel Dome of the Rock Mosque — The Dome of the Rock Mosque with a golden dome and mosaic tiles in Jerusalem, Israel

Houses of the Holy

Head to the Temple Mount, an large public space sacred to all three monotheist religions. Visit the iconic gold-plated Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built in 705 AD. The plaza is surrounded by walls, including the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site. Tourists and pilgrims alike write prayers on pieces of paper and crumple them into the crevices of the wall.

Insider tip

Check the opening hours before your visits, especially during Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath that begins on Fridays at sunset.

Jerusalem, Israel Old Church — Church of the Holy Sepulchre made out of stones with a blue dome and cross over it with blue skies in Jerusalem, Israel

Join the Pilgrims

Join the pilgrims to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity's most sacred sites. It is believed by many Christians that the church that stands today was built on the spot where Jesus' resurrection occurred. It was built in 335, destroyed in 1009 and gradually rebuilt. When you enter the sanctuary, take in the smell of frankincense and the contemplative candlelight.

Insider tip

Dress modestly — no bare legs, shoulders or backs — if you would like to visit a church, mosque or synagogue.

Jerusalem, Israel Holocaust Sculpture — The Holocaust Sculpture with broken columns coming out of the ground in Jerusalem, Israel

Powerful Memorial

Yad Vashem, an 18-hectare site, is Israel's official memorial to the 6 million Jews who perished during World War II. Photos of those killed completely cover one of the ceilings. There is a collection of works created in ghettos and camps, and an eternal flame burns near a crypt containing the ashes of the victims.

Jerusalem, Israel Old Church Pine Trees — The Church of Pater Noster with beautiful classical architecture and green pine trees in Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem, Israel Pita Bread Israeli Salad — A warm toasted pita bread topped with eggplant, tzaziki sauce, and israeli salad

Local Cuisine

The culinary scene is a creative mixture of cuisines from Jerusalem's countless immigrants. Enjoy some hummus with bread, falafel, kebab, shawarma or other Middle Eastern fare in the Old City during your Jerusalem cruise. For Mediterranean-style eateries, go to Jaffa Gate where you can find a bounty of street vendors selling local fare like burekas, a flaky pastry filled with savor cheese and vegetables.

Jerusalem, Israel Sunny City View — Top view of Jerusalem's Old City, Christian Quarter and the Church of Holy Sepulchre on a sunny bright day

Jerusalem, Israel Ceramic Plates Souvenirs — Blue painted ceramic plates sold at souvenir shops at Arab bazaar in Jerusalem

Shopping

Browse the arcade with art boutiques at Cardo in the Old City. In the Muslim Quarter and Mahane Yehuda Market, you'll find Arabic ceramics, embroidery, coffee, spices and sweets. For hand-stitched clothing and bags from a collective of West Bank women go to the Bint Al Balad Workshop and Cafe on HaAhim Pereire St.

Day 6: Cruising

Day 6

Cruising

At Sea

Crusted scallops - Giovanni's Table — Oven baked almond crusted scallops w/red bell pepper pesto served at Giovanni's Table. Cruise fine dining Italian Restaurant

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

El Loco Fresh^®

Give your taste buds something to go wild over. El Loco Fresh® serves up Mexican fare that's insanely delicious. With classic mole sauce and tangy salsa verde topping beef burritos, carnitas and more, it's a fiesta of flavor from south of the border. The craziest thing about it is just how good it is.

Giovannis Table Interior Pizza Brick Oven

Teppanyaki

Chef's Table

Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. Join an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. You’ll sit down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.

Day 7: Santorini, Greece

Day 7

Santorini

Greece

Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.

Santorini, Greece Volcano — Nea Kameni volcanic island in Santorini, Greece

VOLCANIC WONDERS

Explore the volcanic history and geology of Santorini, site of an immense eruption 3,500 years ago. Trek the rocky landscape of Nea Kameni, an island in the center of the Santorini caldera, to see its smoking craters. Then soak in the soothing hot springs of Palea Kameni.

Insider tip

Wear hiking boots or comfortable sneakers and plenty of sunscreen when hiking the caldera.

Santorini, Greece Byzantine Castle Ruins — Early morning in Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia village, Santorini, Greece

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Considered the island’s most picturesque village, Oia radiates authentic Cyclades charm. Meander along tiny paths squeezed between stark-white villas. Snap selfies with the blue-domed St. Gerasimos Church, and view Byzantine castle ruins. Or dine on Greek seafood in a waterfront taverna— also the perfect perch for watching Oia’s fabulous sunsets.

Insider tip

Don’t be in a rush— dining in Greece is a laid-back, drawn-out affair.

Santorini, Greece Grapes Vineyard — Bunch of white grapes in the vineyard in the Wine Museum of Thira, Santorini, Greece

THE GLASS HALF FULL

Indulge your taste buds in a delectable tasting journey among the island’s traditional wine cellars. Vineyards dapple Santorini’s countryside, and many are among some of Europe’s oldest. White Assyrtiko and red Mantilaria are both popular varietals— and be sure to sample Santorini’s beloved dessert wine, Vinsanto.

Santorini, Greece Terrace Flowers — View of the sea from a beautiful terrace with flowers in Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece Raki — Alcohol drink Raki with anis on wooden board in Santorini, Greece

LOCAL CUISINE

Thanks to Santorini’s rich volcanic soil, the island has a solid reputation for producing fantastic wines and vegetables— fresh cherry tomatoes, fava beans and white eggplant included. Try egg-based sfougato and fried tomatokeftedes fritters, two Santorini specialties. Pick up melitinia cookies from a local bakery. And for an after-dinner drink, sip unsweetened, anise-flavored raki.

Santorini, Greece Fishing Boats — Beautiful landscape of two fishing boats anchored in blue water at the old port in Oia, Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece Small white and blue houses — Small white and blue house souvenirs in Santorini, Greece

SHOPPING

Ypapantis Street in Fira is known for its dozens of jewelry stores selling pieces inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine designs. You’ll find local artwork in the galleries of Oia and books about the Cyclades in Atlantis Books. A bottle of Santorini wine or Canava ouzo makes for a tasty souvenir.

Day 8: Rhodes, Greece

Day 8

Rhodes

Greece

The Colossus might not be standing anymore, but the Greek island of Rhodes still delivers beauty and allure on a giant scale. The island instantly greets you with serene white-sand beaches and wide-open blue skies. See the site in the harbor where the now-destroyed wonder of the ancient world once stood. Then, head to the Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls and seven ancient gates. Don't miss the Palace of the Grandmaster, with its mosaic floors dating from Hellenic, Roman and early Christian times. Shop for a colorful menagerie of seashells by the shoreline — and don't forget to spend some time relaxing beside the translucent blue waves with your Greece cruise.

Rhodes, Greece, Ruins — Ancient ruins in Rhodes, Greece

Colossal History

The site where the Colossus once stood is a momentary stop, but Rhodes offers plenty of other history. Ascend the Acropolis of Rhode, which rises above the port. Or stroll through the scenic Old Town, where you can climb the clock tower for a bird's-eye view of the city.

Insider tip

Don't be fooled by how small Rhodes looks on the map. Put fewer items on your itinerary rather than more to avoid missing your boat.

Rhodes, Greece, Filerimos Monastery — Filerimos monastery in Rhodes, Greece

Monestary on the Mount

Take the 20-minute drive to Phileremos. It's a moderately difficult hike to scale the hill here. At the summit, you'll encounter a priceless panorama and a peaceful monastery lined with cypress trees.

Insider tip

It might seem tempting to rent a car if you want to explore the outer reaches of Rhodes, but since driving and parking within the city are highly regulated, a taxi is a better bet.

Rhodes, Greece, Panoramic view of Lindos Bay — View of Lindos Bay in Greece

Land Meets Sea

If you're up for an excursion, hail a cab to Lindos Bay. Here, with your Greece cruise, you'll find the perfect balance of idyllic scenery and convenience — it's less than an hour drive each way from the port.

Rhodes, Greece, Lindos ancient columns — Ancient columns at Lindos in Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, Greece, Baked Sea Bass — A baked sea bass filet with a side of rice

Local Cuisine

If seafood is your thing, you've come to the right place. Some of Rhodes' specialities include stuffed clams shells, grilled sea bass and squid, served grilled or fried. For dessert, try tangy local feta drizzled with sweet honey and topped with crunchy sesame seeds. Cruise to Greece and stick around the harbor at the northern tip of the island for seaside dining.

Rhodes, Greece, Ruins of a church in Monolithos Castle — The ruins of a church in Monolithos Castle in Rhodes, Greece

Shopping

The most scenic spots to shop in Rhodes are the many boats parked along the sides of the port, where you can pick up colorful sea shells to bring back home. Once you're done here, visit Labryinthos Arts and Crafts to browse creations by local artists.

Day 9: Mykonos, Greece

Day 9

Mykonos

Greece

Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms, or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse, and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.

Mykonos, Greece Panagia Paraportiani — A beautiful old white chapel, the Panagia Paraportiani Church, in Mykonos, Greece

COASTAL COSMOPOLITAN

Mykonos’ main town of Hora is a mixture of classic Cycladic architecture and buzzing street culture. Admire the stark-white Panagia Paraportiani chapel and meet the town’s famous pelican Pétros. See the island’s trademark 16th-century windmills spinning high above the port. Then explore the strip of medieval houses and waterfront cafés in Little Venice.

Insider tip

Hop on one of the many seawater-taxi services around the island for transport to the beaches.

Mykonos, Greece Agios Stefanos Beach — Agios Stefanos Beach in Mykonos, Greece

INTO THE BLUE

The multihued waters surrounding Mykonos are perfect for surfing and scuba diving, while prevailing winds invite sailing and windsurfing. Get your fill of aquatic thrills, then hit the beach— Psaroú for family fun, Agrari for seaside serenity, Paradise for epic beach parties, or Elia for a blend of all three.

Insider tip

With frequent openings and closings, listen to locals and other travelers to find the island’s best restaurants.

Mykonos, Greece Isis Temple Delos — The Temple of Isis in archaeological site of Delos island, Mykonos, Greece

DIG UP THE PAST

Enjoy a short boat trip to the island of Delos, a sacred Greek archeological site and the mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Comb the crumbling ruins of its ancient theater, Doric temples, markets, and mosaic-laced houses— plus the Terrace of Lions statues and amphitheater.

Mykonos, Greece Windmills Sunset — Famous windmills during sunset in Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece Greek Salad — Greek salad and olive oil on sunny seaside restaurant in Mykonos, Greece

LOCAL CUISINE

Some of the Mediterranean’s most delectable restaurants are found on Mykonos. Its trademark kopanisti (peppered cheese) is a must-try, while you can’t go wrong with classic kremmydopita (onion pie). Enjoy fresh seafood by the sea— or a glass of sweet Heliophilos wine in a beach bar. Then for dessert go for amygdalota (almond cookies) or melopita (honey cake).

Mykonos, Greece White Blue Street — A street of white buildings with blue accents in Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece Souvenirs — Souvenirs hanging on a wall outside a shop, Mykonos, Greece

SHOPPING

Hora is a hub for top designer fashions, including the world-famous Soho-Soho clothing boutique. Family-owned and operated Greek Light sells handmade jewelry with Greece’s traditional maiandros symbol. And don’t leave Mykonos without buying a pair of house-designed sandals or hand-loomed weavings— scarves, rugs or tablecloths.

Day 10: Chania, Crete

Day 10

Chania

Souda, Crete

Chania is rich in remnants of the past. Start your adventure in Crete's second-largest city at Venetian Harbor, the entry to the old port. Soak in the vibe while wandering the narrow streets lined with shops and waterfront restaurants serving local fare like zucchini fritters and sardines stuffed with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Then head to Souda Bay, a strategic commercial and military harbor since ancient times, where you'll find the Aptera Fortress and the oldest Ottoman building in Crete. Cruise to Crete and stop into Archeological Museum of Chania, with artifacts from neolithic to Roman times. Or splash around in the translucent waters of Fallasarna, a beach surrounded by olive groves.

Chania, Crete Ottoman Fortress — The exterior walls of the ottoman fortress in Crete

Active Archaeology

One of ancient Crete's most important city-states, Aptera sits on a hill just south of the bay, with two seaports at the entrance to Souda Bay. Check out this active archaeological site to learn about new discoveries that shed light on the most powerful city of western Crete during Minoan times.

Insider tip

Known as the "temple of gastronomy," the architecturally distinctive Chania Municipal Market is the place to discover local delicacies.Known as the "temple of gastronomy," the architecturally distinctive Chania Municipal Market is the place to discover local delicacies.

Chania, Crete Katholiko Monastery Ruins — The ruins of the Katholiko Monastery in Crete

Mountain Monasteries

Stroll the sandy beach at Stavros Bay, where Anthony Quinn danced in 1964's "Zorba the Greek." Explore the three monasteries — Agias Triada, Gouverneto and Katholika — set on this rocky peninsula. Discover Bear Cave on the footpath leading to Katholiko built into the cliff.

Insider tip

With a history dating back to around 2,200 BC, the Archaeological Museum housed in the Church of San Francesco stores artifacts dating from Neolithic to Roman times.

Chania, Crete Samaria Gorge — View of the Samaria Gorge in Chania, Crete

Hike to the Gorge

At 18 kilometers, Samaria is the longest of the many deep gorges that cut into Crete's mountains. The entrance is 42 kilometers south of Chania, and you can hike independently or with a guide. On the way, you might run into some kri kri, the wild goats found only on Crete. The gorge opens out to the black-sand beach at Ayia Roumeli.

Insider tip

Head to the Old Harbor, filled with wooden fishing boats and lined with cafes and restaurants, and to see remarkable changes of light throughout the day.

Chania, Crete Lobster With Vegetables — A plate with lobster served with vegetables in Chania, Crete

Local Cuisine

Restaurants with fresh seafood abound at the Chania waterfront. Local signatures of savory lamb, mini cheese pies and fresh vegetables also bring something special to the plate. And don't miss the dacos, a traditional Cretan bread served with tomato, mizithra cheese and rivers of virgin Cretan olive oil.

Chania, Crete Panoramic View of City — A panoramic view of the buildings lining the coast of Chania, Crete

Chania, Crete Traditional Ceramic Dishes — Traditional ceramic dishes in Crete

Shopping

Chania's Old Town is packed with unique shops selling handmade ceramic kitchenware and decorations with classic geometric designs, one-of-a-kind jewelry made from pearl and coral — and of course, the local extra virgin olive oil, which is typically cold-pressed and retains distinctive flavors of green apple and fresh-cut grass. Take the time to explore the narrow, less-traveled streets to find both bargains and unique items during your Crete cruise.

Day 11: Cruising

Day 11

Cruising

At Sea

Solarium Bar Cocktail with Sunset in the Background

Two70^®

Music Hall

Navigator of the Seas Lime and Coconut at Night

The Lime and Coconut^®

The search for your favorite island bar is over. The Lime and Coconut® turns the vacay vibes way, way up with DJs, live music and two bars serving all your favorite poolside cocktails — including the signature Lime & Coconut. And when the sun goes down, this pool bar just might be the hottest spot onboard.