Italy, Greece & Croatia Cruise 7 netter • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy til Ravenna (Venice), Italy • Explorer 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.

Begin your Amalfi Coast adventure by roaming the ancient streets of Pompeii. Later, stroll Salerno's waterside promenade, and stop in a cafe to sip on an expertly pulled espresso shot. Or take a drive along the coast to soak in the jaw-dropping vistas.

Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral — its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.

A small fishing village on the Ionian Sea, Katakolon offers visitors a look inside authentic Greek lifestyle. Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring local crafts, sampling fresh-caught seafood and soaking up the idyllic views. Or take the short drive to Olympia to discover the origins of the Olympic games and relive history while strolling through ancient ruins.

Old Town — which is filled with cafes, shops, restaurants and the Old Fortress — is a must. Close by you'll find the Asian Art Museum, as well as the medieval church Antivouniotissa Basilica. Once you've had your fill of history and culture, take a transfer bus to Paleokastritsa for swimming, pedal boating, kayaking, parasailing and even diving at one of its stunning beaches.

Zadar is one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets. See its timeworn history among old city walls and Venetian gates. Walk along the waterfront Riva promenade or plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. Mingle over coffee in People’s Square, bicycle around Old Town, or check out museum exhibits teeming with artifacts. Here, you’ll adventure away from the crowds and discover off-the-radar wonders.

Discover enchanting Ravenna — once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. This charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture boasting a staggering 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Which makes it an excellent place to spend a couple of days exploring after your cruise. Wander through majestic churches and impressive palaces that showcase some of the world’s finest Christian mosaics. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to Venice and Bologna — both less than 2-and-a-half hours by car. Stroll through the iconic St. Mark’s Square and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Or eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower in Bologna. Visiting Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets.