From Fusina, journey to Venice, where you'll witness the Grand Canal, lined with enchanting Renaissance architecture. Art lovers can visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Doge's Palace, a Gothic masterpiece. Savor Venetian cuisine at a traditional trattoria, sampling fresh local dishes. History enthusiasts can also peruse St Mark's Basilica, a marvelous 18th-century cathedral adorned with sculptures, mosaics and bas-reliefs representing Italian sophistication.

Koper charms with its marina, red-tiled roofs, seaside cafes, and old Venetian mansions from its days as a jewel of Venice's overseas empire. Around Titov Square, see the Praetorian Palace in Venetian Gothic style. Nearby excursions include the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves or a trip through the Slovenian countryside to Ljubljana, ending with a river cruise past picturesque historic buildings.

Set along Croatia's central Dalmatian coast, where the Krka River opens into the Adriatic, Sibenik will charm you as soon as your ship approaches the harbor. Founded by Slavs in the 11th century, it is widely regarded as the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic, its medieval core shaped by Venetian fortresses, narrow limestone lanes and sunlit squares. The city's rich maritime past endures in its UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, weathered ramparts and waterfront promenade lined with fishing boats and cafés. More recently, Sibenik is often used as a filming location, most notably in the fantasy series, 'Game of Thrones'.

Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). It is known worldwide for its unique marble-paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets and fountains. The city walls, once used to as protection against its enemies, now keep motorists at bay in this picturesque town. UNESCO named the Old City a World Heritage Site, and Dubrovnik's beautiful historic sites have been restored to their former glory.

Milos boasts over 70 beaches in red, pink, and orange against turquoise seas, plus Sarakiniko's lunar white limestone and Kleftiko's arches and sea caves. In whitewashed Plaka, see a museum with a replica of the Venus de Milo, found on Milos in 1820. In Pollonia, sample wines and cheeses aged in cool volcanic caverns.

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens, the "Cradle of Western Civilization," famed for its lasting cultural and political influence. Driven by tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites. Athens remains a historian's delight, with the Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka's winding streets, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum's renowned ancient artifacts.

Mykonos, steeped in Greek myth, was named after Apollo's grandson, Mykons, and linked to the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes. Today it's one of Greece's most beloved destinations, known for its postcard scenery and lively nightlife. It showcases classic Cycladic architecture, with even new buildings required by law to match the whitewashed, cube-like style. Visit Little Venice, Paraportiani Church, and the Delos archaeological site.

Europe's classical metropolis, Ephesus, was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Explore the ruins of its massive Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library.

Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today offers impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. Spend time in the Old City to explore renowned places, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.