Sailings

Once called Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the only city in the world to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. This is the Golden Horn, the door between East and West, and your first vision of its domes and minarets is unforgetable. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Sultan treasures in Topkapi Palace await - as does the Grand Bazaar, laden with carpets, beaten brass and spices from afar.

Known for its cultural and historical attractions, Odessa is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea". Founded by Catherine the Great in the late 18th century, it later thrived under refugee Cardinal Richelieu. This Ukrainian town is now a center of industry and shipping as well as a popular coastal resort where visitors come to experience its "curative muds." Start your exploration at the top of Potemkin Steps and enjoy a magnificent harbor view. Plan to visit the Odessa Opera Theatre where famous Russian ballets are performed.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

Some of Italy's most romantic villages cling to the dramatic slopes of the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast. Sorrento's one so beautiful it inspired a song. Take a drive along the scenic coastal road. Or venture further, to the amazing ruins of Pompeii, uncovered from the ashes of Vesuvius, or to Capri, known as the "Island of Love."

The port of Civitavecchia is the gateway to The Eternal City, where all roads lead. Mad traffic careens past monuments of the great civilizations of the past. You will want to see it all: the soaring inspiration of St. Peter's, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel; the flow of life along the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the Via Veneto and Trevi Fountain. Be sure to leave time for la dolce vita in one of the piazzas.

From Livorno (Leghorn), your path leads through the rolling green hills of Tuscany to Florence, the flower of the Renaissance. The creative explosion happened right here, with masterworks by Michelangelo, Brunelleschi and Botticelli now landmarks of daily life. Ufizzi, Academmia, il Duomo: the art treasures of a golden age are commonplace to blessed Florentines.

Charming Cartagena is one of the most fascinating towns in South America. The old city, almost completely surrounded by lagoons, bays and the Caribbean Sea, is still girded by its 17th-century fortifications. Once these guarded the gold and treasures of the New World, bound for Spain; now they shelter ornate churches and convents, the dramatic Palace of the Inquisition, and other historic gems.

One of the "Pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar is an historic landmark with British and Spanish influences. Guarding the entrance to the Atlantic, the great rock still serves as Britain's threshold to the Mediterranean. Take a cable car to the top of the rock for a spectacular view of two continents as well as the famous Barbary apes.

A hidden treasure, the remote Azores islands lie 900 miles west of Portugal and 2,110 miles east of New York. Ponta Delgada's stunning Portuguese architecture and luxuriant, flower-filled parks make walking through this city a joy. Venture out of the city and prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever witnessed. Dramatic rocky cliffs descend to pristine bays, where you may find a virtually deserted stretch of gorgeous beach. Extinct craters are filled with turquoise waters, and surrounded by gardens of hydrangeas and greenery that thrive in the rich volcanic soil.

The neatly maintained vintage shops of Front Street are at your doorstep when you dock at Hamilton. British influences have blended comfortably with casual island style. Explore the town, including the Royal Yacht Club and the Historical Museum, or take a drive around the island to the Botanical Gardens and St. George's, the old capital with its 18th-century Town Hall and cobblestone lanes.

Discover the cosmopolitan beauty of Miami along Florida's fabled Gold Coast. Stroll through carefully preserved Art Deco neighborhoods and witness the trendy lifestyle that is South Beach. Enjoy open-air shopping in the Bayside Marketplace and shop for a bite to eat in Coconut Grove, with its harborside cafes and quaint, artistic settings.