Portsmouth to Athens Grand Voyage

Step into the vibrant city of Portsmouth. Explore iconic ships like the HMS Victory at the National Musuem of the Royal Navy. Or wander through Gunwharf Quays, a lively waterfront destination filled with designer outlets and trendy restaurants.

The walled city of St. Malo is a quaint maze of fine old buildings, museums and cafés serving Breton specialties of crepes and cider, where you can stroll along the ramparts and walk the cobblestone streets.

Since the 14th century, Bordeaux’s fortunes have been tied to viticulture, resulting in a city of classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and fine mansions financed by the almighty grape.

Since the 14th century, Bordeaux’s fortunes have been tied to viticulture, resulting in a city of classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and fine mansions financed by the almighty grape.

Since the 14th century, Bordeaux’s fortunes have been tied to viticulture, resulting in a city of classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and fine mansions financed by the almighty grape.

If Bilbao wasn't quite a household name, it was transformed with the opening of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in 1997; now it’s a tourist mecca and showcases the Basque love of food, wine and laughter.

Voyage to the northwest of Spain and discover this charming fishing town offering plenty of notable sites and charming neighborhoods for you to discover. Surrounded by rocky hillsides on Spain’s Atlantic coast, explore some impressive waterfront castles, visit museums to learn about the area's maritime history, or bask on Galicia’s exquisite beaches.

Located less than 20 miles from the north Portuguese border, the city of Vigo dates back to the Middle Ages, while still offering an array of modern-day activities and is the gateway to Santiago de Compostela.

At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies the city of Porto, known mostly for its port wine, but with origins dating back to the 5th century, there is plenty to see such as the Ribeira neighborhood along the river.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Renowned for its multicultural history, flamenco dancing and free tapas bars, Granada’s glory is embodied in the magnificent Alhambra, a compound of palaces and gardens that is a masterpiece of Moorish style.

Strategically located along historic sailing routes, Cartagena has been colonized by a who’s who of Mediterranean superpowers over the millennia, resulting in a rich and multi-layered heritage and history.

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.

Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi including the amazing Sagrada Familia.

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.

It’s hard to believe that glamorous Cannes was once a sleepy fishing village, but traces of its past do remain, especially in the old harbor of St. Pierre and in the cobblestone maze of lanes in Le Suquet.

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.

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.

With its verdant hills, charming waterside restaurants, and miles of hiking trails among chestnut and olive groves, the quaint little fishing village of Portofino has became a playground of the rich and famous.

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.

Tucked against the slopes of Monte Argentario lies a fishing town that’s relatively new—by Italian standards. While the town began to take shape in the 15th century under the Republic of Siena, it was constantly under siege from pirates until it was made more secure a century later by an imposing Spanish Fortress that still stands today.

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.

Few reminders exist of Trapani’s ancient history, but from Phoenician days it was an international trading port, and currently the Middle Ages is the era most evident in its old town, now a pedestrian zone.

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.

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.

One of the best ways to see Sibenik is to lose yourself (but not really!) in the side streets and alleys that lead to charming shops and squares. Since the countryside around Sibenik is a major wine-producing region, be sure to take a break at one of the city’s many restaurants and enjoy a local red babićpaired with some fresh Adriatic seafood.

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.

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.

One of the best ways to see Sibenik is to lose yourself (but not really!) in the side streets and alleys that lead to charming shops and squares. Since the countryside around Sibenik is a major wine-producing region, be sure to take a break at one of the city’s many restaurants and enjoy a local red babićpaired with some fresh Adriatic seafood.

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.

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.

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.

Pula may be a relatively undiscovered gem by most modern-day travelers, but with its protected harbor and strategic location on the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, it’s proven a popular hit with invaders.

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.

Discover the Croatian coastal city of Rovinj. Walk Gasia Street to the Church of St. Euphemia, the pinnacle of Old Town. Explore nature in Zlatini Rt park forest and Lim Bay.

Its Adriatic seaside lined with palm trees, Split is the largest city in Dalmatia, and custodian of the riches of culture and history found within and around the walls of the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace.

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.

The quaint seaside town of Katakolon has many charms, but let’s be honest: You’re going to want to head to Olympia. Located just a 40-minute drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the site of the original Olympic Games, dates back to 776 BC, and has excellent companion museums like the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games.

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.

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.

Perfectly blending the traditional with the modern, Syros offers visitors an authentic snapshot of Greek life in the beautiful Cyclades. Come for the laid back pace, stay for the buzzing gastronomy scene. Opa!

Dating back to the Neolithic age and famed as the mythical “City of the Argonauts”, Volos is a modern city in the heart of Greece, and is a place of immense natural beauty and numerous archaeological sites.

As Greece’s second-biggest city and the Byzantine Empire’s second-most important city, the word “second” is often used to describe this port, but we’re here to tell you: Thessaloniki is anything but second-rate!

Clinging to the foothills of Mt. Symvolo, the city of Kavala (“the heart of Eastern Macedonia”) rises like an amphitheater out of the sea, with historical monuments and buildings almost too plentiful to list.

Istanbul is exotic, warmly welcoming and unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? – with must sees that include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul is exotic, warmly welcoming and unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? – with must sees that include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar.

Once the stuff of mythology, archaeological excavations at Troy have brought life to Homer’s Iliad and the tale of the beautiful Helen, fought over by warriors like Hercules and won by means of the Trojan horse.

Situated in the northern Aegean Sea, Chios is home to a collection of stunning beaches, historic medieval villages, and a history that dates back to Neolithic times, making for a perfectly balanced vacation.

Said to have more fine days than anywhere else in Europe, Rhodes’ diverse historical influences are evident in an old town remarkably intact—in particular the medieval presence of the Knights of St John.

Known for having “three faces to the sea”, this port on Crete’s east coast seamlessly blends the charm of a small fishing village with the glamor of a chic resort town. With a diverse range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options, you can find your own personal paradise in Agios Nikolaos.

Your daydream of a Greek island meets reality in Santorini—so beautiful with its whitewashed villages and blue roofs reflecting the sea, you can almost believe the myths claiming it as the birthplace of gods.

With its many charms including iconic windmills, fabulous beaches and an irresistible traditional town of twisting streets and alleys, Mykonos is living proof that picture postcard destinations do exist.