Greece, Egypt & Malta Cruise 11 netter • Barcelona, Spain til Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Rhapsody of the Seas

A cruise from Barcelona is one of the best ways to experience all the brightest jewels of the Mediterranean — but it’s also a great opportunity to spend some time discovering one of the coolest cultural hubs in western Europe. This lively seaside city checks all the boxes — history, culture, amazing food, a thriving art scene and so much more. When you visit Barcelona, you can start every day with a steamy cortado in a charming sidewalk café. After that, the options for adventure are endless. Swim with sharks at Aquarium de Barcelona, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Check out ancient Roman relics at the Barcelona City History Museum, located in the vibrant Gothic Quarter. Make a reservation to see a sultry flamenco show. And when hunger hits, head to Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, a pilgrimage site for foodies. It was a covered market back in the 1200s. Now it’s one of the top food markets in the world and a must-visit stop before your cruise out of Barcelona.

Begin your Malta adventure by wandering Valletta's Grand Harbor, with its 16th-century fortifications and sweeping ocean views. Then, learn more about this island nation at the Malta Experience Museum — here, an audio-visual show guides you through 7,000 years of the island's history. Savor Malta's eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Arabic and European flavors through dishes like aljotta, a hearty fish stew with tomatoes and garlic, thickened with rice.

Cruises to Alexandria, Egypt, come with an unparalleled introduction to ancient sights. As soon as you arrive in this storied city, you'll want to make a beeline for one of its many museums. The Antiquities Museum is a great first stop to get a better sense of the city's history and status within the ancient world. It's also located at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern reimagining of the lost and legendary Library of Alexandria. If you want to keep the history crawl going strong, stop by the Alexandria National Museum to immerse yourself in the world of Egyptian Pharaohs, the Greek and Roman era, and the Muslim conquest. Or, enjoy a taste of semi-modern-day Alexandria with a visit to the beautiful Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, which dates back to the 18th century. Then, tour the gorgeous 19th-century gardens at the Montaza Palace. It's hands-down one of the best things to do in Alexandria, Egypt.

Limassol's new marina sits between the old and new ports, and the entire area is ripe for exploration. Head up to the 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum on a journey that will take you through the historic heart of the city. Then wander over to the zoo or the impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, that dates back to the Romans.

Start your exploration of Rhodes at its harbor, where you'll find the site where the city's famous Colossus once stood. Then, traipse through the ancient streets of its Old Town. Discover the diverse history of Rhodes at the Palace of the Grand Master and the Suleiman Mosque, both near the Gate of Saint Anthony. Then, sun yourself on one of the pristine beaches, and enjoy a plate fried baby shrimp and a glass of white wine while overlooking the waters.

Go back in time at the Palace of Knossos, the adjacent Heraklion Archaeological Museum, or climb the Venetian Walls that surround the Old City. Take a dip in the azure Aegean at beaches like Amoudara and Karteros or follow up a shopping trip at Meidani Square with a shot of the local spirit known as raki.

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.