8 Night Italy, Greece, & France Cruise

Athens offers a looking glass back in time into Greece's powerful ancient civilization. Art lovers, epicureans and history buffs will be delighted by the ancient ruins, museums and tavernas of this picturesque town. Just 10 minutes from the port, you'll find the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, filled with sculptures from the Bronze Age to the Romans. Walk to the Zea Harbour to discover how the Hellenic Maritime Museum will bring to life the grandeur of ancient Greece's naval capacities. Jump onboard an Athens cruise and relax at the small harbor of Mikrolimano, enjoying a meal of grilled octopus and chilled white wine at a small restaurant overlooking the sea.

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.

Experience ancient history and modern charm in Katakolon, a vibrant cruise port on the Greek coast. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games and a shrine to the ancient Greek gods. Cruise to Greece and walk through the Olympia complex to get a historical tour of architectural styles, from the classical ruins to the red-tiled roofs of the traditional homes. Then, stroll through the Katakolon's lively center to discover unique local galleries and shops, and grab a seat at an oceanfront taverna with a glass of white wine and a dish of locally caught calamari.

As your ship pulls into the harbor of Siracusa, it might be tempting to assume this Sicilian port is just another Italian city, but you would be mistaken. Historical icons, like the pre-Roman Empire Greek Theatre, to the piercingly blue, clear waters lapping at the shores of Ortygia island, make Siracusa stand apart from other places to vacation in Italy. A shopping trip through the Old Street Market or a fresh seafood meal along the water further cements the truth: Siracusa is a place of legends to visit with your cruise.

The lively cliffside village of Salerno is a gateway to the many historical and scenic coastal towns with cruises to the Amalfi Coast. Take a stroll by the water along the city's modern promenade, or stop into a cafe for a refreshing limoncello. Break a sweat with a hike up Mount Vesuvius before you wander through the ancient city of Pompeii. Or take a drive along the coast on the winding roads, and bask in views of steep cliffs over crystal blue water.

Located just south of France on the island of Corsica, Ajaccio is rich in history and astonishing views, all set in the sun-drenched Mediterranean climate. Napoleon is Corsica's most recognizable historical personality — when you're strolling through town, make sure to visit the Maison Bonaparte Napoleon's family home and a historical museum. Stop in the beautiful Baroque-style Notre Dame Cathedral, where Napoleon was baptized. Here, you'll also find important artwork by Tintoretto and Delacroix. Cruise to Corsica and hop on Le Petit Train, or "the little train," for a tour of town. For a taste of nature, head out to the Calanques de Piana, a range of dramatic red-rock cliffs.

Although originally called "Nakaia," France's Nice is as delightful as its name suggests to English speakers. Take a bus or taxi into Nice's Old City to explore its history-spanning architecture and pristine French Riviera beaches with your Nice cruise. Or stick closer to Villefranche-sur-Mer, where your ship will dock, and take a day-trip to the mountaintop town of Eze. No matter how you spend your time in the de facto hub of France's Cote d'Azur, you'll enjoy the added benefit of being close to Italy, which means delectable pizza, fragrant espresso and the sounds of a second Romance language.

Situated on the French Riviera, Toulon is more about small-town charm and natural beauty than glitz and glamor. As you pull into the city's huge natural harbor, you'll see towering Mont Faron — after you dock, take the 6-minute cable car ride to the summit, where you'll be greeted to sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the city below. Cruise to Provence to stroll down the Cours Lafayette and take in the smells of oregano, thyme and freshly baked pastries from the local street vendors. Then, explore the city's naval heritage — it's been the French Navy's base for over 500 years — at the Musee de la Marine, or take a boat tour of the Rade de Toulon, the city's military harbor.

Tarragona provides a window into the soul of the Catalonia region. A stroll through its cobbled streets is like a walk back in time, as well as a survey of Catalan gastronomy. Explore the ruins of Tarraco, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an amphitheater that dates back to the Roman era, or the 12th-century Tarragona Cathedral, built on the site of a destroyed Moorish mosque. Or follow your taste buds along the Neoclassical Plaça de la Font, where dozens of cafes serve classic Spanish tapas and sangria as well as some specialties you'll only find in Tarragona.