Lisbon to Athens Grand Voyage

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians; today it’s renowned for an active culture of festivals, art and fashion.

The breathtaking scenery of Portugal’s southernmost region has long made the Algarve region a magnet for those seeking winter sun.

Home to the great cathedral and The Alcazar, Seville is credited with inventing tapas, and the passionate nature of Sevillanos is evident in their devotion to food as well as bullfighting, flamenco and fiesta.

Home to the great cathedral and The Alcazar, Seville is credited with inventing tapas, and the passionate nature of Sevillanos is evident in their devotion to food as well as bullfighting, flamenco and fiesta.

Home to the great cathedral and The Alcazar, Seville is credited with inventing tapas, and the passionate nature of Sevillanos is evident in their devotion to food as well as bullfighting, flamenco and fiesta.

The heart of Cadiz is its old town, cloistered within a bastion ringed by the sea. Here tiny cobblestone streets lead into beckoning café-filled squares, where you can sip while appreciating Moorish architecture.

Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, which is famed for its beaches and mild climate, and the birthplace of Picasso, as well as the gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish architectural heritage.

Overlooking the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea from 1,400’ high and in a strategic position to control all naval traffic between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold.

Renowned for its miles of pristine beaches and excellent weather, Alicante is a sun lover’s dream destination and popular for sailing, dining and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmeral of Elche.

Old world charm meets modern architectural genius in Valencia, where the abundant Gothic riches of a 15th century golden age contrast with the innovative and avant-garde buildings of the new millennium.

Dating back to Roman times, Palma de Mallorca features an amazing gothic Cathedral with some of the world’s largest stained glass windows, the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art and the mystical Caves of Drach.

Perched atop a cliff overlooking the natural harbor, Mahon is most striking when approached by sea, with shops, cafes, restaurants and the Church of Santa Maria lining the streets between the two plazas.

Home to the famed museum of its native son, Salvador Dali, Palamos sits right in the heart of the Costa Brava, and features a rugged, rocky shoreline, excellent beaches and picturesque fishing villages.

At the same time bustling and picturesque—filled with colorful markets, fabulous wine and food and sights like le Vieux Port—Marseille is one of Europe’s oldest cities and the largest port in the Mediterranean.

The tiny principality of Monaco, a sovereign state of just under one square mile, has an outsized resume, boasting some of the planet's most expensive real estate, and the world's most prestigious casino.

Pretty as a picture, set on the Gulf of Poets, and famed for its connection to the English romantic poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley who spent much time soaking up its inspiration, Portovenere oozes romance.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence and its historic center is bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, incredible art galleries and museums with an abundance of riches.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence and its historic center is bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, incredible art galleries and museums with an abundance of riches.

Whether it’s tossing a coin in a fabled fountain or being awestruck by the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Rome seems to live up to its sobriquet, the Eternal City.

A warming sun and gentle sea breezes have been attracting visitors to Sorrento for two millennia, and its reputation as a playground of the ancient rich and famous have resulted in lavish villas and palaces.

Wedged ravine, encircled by sheer cliffs, into the mouth of a facing blue waters and where terraced hillsides support lemon groves (and of course limoncello), Amalfi requires a camera with lots of memory.

Mountainous and rugged, Sicily’s highest point is the tip of that infamous and still active Mt. Etna, and as a result Catania is richly layered, having been buried under lava seven times in recorded history.

As one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world in 5th century BC, Siracusa is known for the archaeological and historical sights (like the tomb of Archimedes and Ear of Dionysus) that define its grand past.

Founded by the Spartans in 706 BC, and known as “the city of the two seas”, Taranto’s long and proud history is set against a countryside of gentle hills and valleys, beautiful stretches of beaches, rocky cliffs, and sapphire-blue waters.

One of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, Kotor’s walls were constructed right into the slopes of the mountain behind it, making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea.

An independent city-state and major power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Venice consists of more than 100 small islands connected by arched bridges and is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

An independent city-state and major power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Venice consists of more than 100 small islands connected by arched bridges and is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Koper is the gateway to an array of intercontinental adventures. Only 30 minutes away from Koper, Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skocjan Caves, which features the largest underground canyon in the world. Or stay local and enjoy the charms of Koper itself, with historic sites like the 12th century St. Mary’s of the Assumption Cathedral, the Praetorian Palace.

In 1844 Opatija began its life as a resort; with stunning coastal views and a mild climate it quickly drew an aristocratic clientele and became the fashionable seaside retreat for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Perched on Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Zadar is a truly captivating city, where history-drenched cobblestone streets meet contemporary life, and are then surrounded by blue sea, green olive groves and white stone.

With its fertile plains, fresh water springs, fields of lavender, fruit orchards, ancient olive trees and vineyards, it’s no wonder Hvar frequently appears on lists of the world’s most appealing islands.

To visit Dubrovnik is to step back in time to the Middle Ages, as the town is one massive museum of fountains, palaces and churches, with thick walls that date back to the 13th century and encircle the city.

One of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, Kotor’s walls were constructed right into the slopes of the mountain behind it, making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea.

With its millions of olive trees, scent of lemon blossoms and sapphire bay, Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and is said to cast a spell upon those who land upon its shores.

The capital and “heart” of the Greek Island of Kefalonia, Argostoli is a modern town with a traditional soul, with the famous Drogati Cave and underground Melissani Lake routinely topping must-see lists.

One look at Monemvasia as you pull in to port and it’s easy to understand why locals nicknamed it The Rock. Shrouded by precipitous cliffs along the brilliant teal waters of the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is a castle town suspended in history.

The second-largest city in Crete and capital of the Homonym Prefecture, Chania is located in Minoan Kidonia at the end of the Homonym Gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. Chania City is divided into two parts; the Old Town, which is comprised of several connected districts built around the old Venetian Harbour, and New Town, a larger, more modern city whose centre is situated next to, and south of, the Old Town. The Old Town is home to Venetian buildings and Turkish elements that combine to create a unique architectural style, and is considered to be the most beautiful urban district on Crete. It was once surrounded by old Venetian fortifications that separated it from the New Town; however, only the eastern and western parts remain today. Due to its compact size, Skiathos can be easily explored in just a single day.