Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Athens is still as iconic as ever. Winding pathways from ancient times transformed into modern-day roads and streets lead you to the monumental gateway of the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. It is a land soaked in history and mythology, but not stuck in the past.

As you wend through back alleys, passing the street art and getting serenaded by street musicians, you are never lost. You are simply taking a journey to an unknown destination. You may find yourself at the likes of the Church of Agioi at the southeast corner of the Holy Apostles Ancient Agora, a less-crowded historical site away from the flocks of tourists.

Try your hand at haggling with local vendors at the Plaka or Monastiraki flea market. There are so many handmade wares and trinkets to peruse and purchase. Keep an eye out for the more risqué souvenirs if you want a good laugh.

Aside from venturing through the cradle of Western Civilization, you can explore the port of Piraeus. It is the biggest port in Greece and one of the most important ports of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history have transformed this seaside town from a wartime fortress to a major shipping and transportation center.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Making port in the coastal resort town of Kusadasi from the Aegean Sea, travelers are greeted by a castle on Pigeon Island surrounded by lush, green trees. The causeway along the route connects this lone island to the mainland of Kusadasi, where visitors will disembark to begin their exploration of Turkey.

Picture this: marble ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World right before your eyes. Through the rubble you gaze upon the impressive Temple of Artemis. This is the experience of Ephesus, a UNESCO-listed, 4,000-year-old city located in Selcuk that is considered the best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean.

Countless historical sites and ruins abound in the region, from the Basilica of St. John to the House of the Virgin Mary. A visit to Ephesus makes it easy to step into the past and imagine life among the locals in times before. Nothing invokes that feeling more than the ruins of the Library of Celsus, an ancient Roman site where its namesake is buried in a crypt beneath it.

This archaeological zone still buzzes with activity, as archaeologists continue to dig through the ruins and discover its secrets. To walk among the excavations as scientists continue to unearth the site’s remnants makes it hard not to get swept up in the history.

Standing amid the ruins, beyond the excavations, stretching far and wide before your eyes is Ayasuluk Hill. Dotted with palm trees and other foliage, the site creates the perfect picture of the region’s mild climate, making it a vacation haven.

Cruising the Aegean Sea, Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara & Dardanelles

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Nessebar, Bulgaria

Referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nessebar, Bulgaria contains an old world aesthetic and feel that invites the most venturesome to explore every back alley and side street. Cobblestone paths winding between houses built with wood that continues to age create a portrait that jumps straight out of the past.

Centuries of history make Nessebar a treasure trove of discoveries waiting for explorers to find. From the Byzantine Baths to Old Town, the city holds hundreds of years of culture, art, and architecture that will keep travelers moving through its many highlights. Bulgaria claimed it a museum town due to this plethora of artefacts and long-standing structures, leading to its inclusion on the World Heritage List.

Off in the distance lie the Strandzha Mountains with their lush, green scenery that looks like it came out of a postcard. Upon closer exploration of this magical mountain range, you will find secret paths leading to hidden caves and waterfalls. There is a strong sense of getting back to nature with a trek through the mountain’s many roads and walkways.

Nessebar offers classic beachfront views as white sands meet the crash of waves from the Black Sea. These beaches often hold the most cosmopolitan views of a city that is most often associated with its history and archaeological sites. It’s here you can find the freshest sea food to sample and savor as you eat your way through local fare.

Bucharest (Constanta), Romania

Along the western coast of the Black Sea lies Constanta, Romania’s largest seaport and oldest continuously inhabited city. The grand and intricate architecture of an abandoned casino set against the seaside backdrop along the boardwalk creates an oddly beautiful juxtaposition of classical design with contemporary elements.

With over 2,000 years of history, the city center is filled with relics of the 19th century, Roman mosaics, and the Great Mahmudiye Mosque, its iconic minaret towering along the horizon. Various cultural influences, from Greek to Turkish, permeate the city’s constructs, visible through the diverse construction and wares seen throughout the streets and shops.

Venturing further inland you come to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. Prior to World War II, the city came to be known as “the Paris of the East.” Rich with outstanding museums, art galleries, and historic sites, Bucharest holds a great deal of wonder to keep you in awe. But the green pockets between buildings remind you that the city lies within the Danube Delta.

The city also contains the bustling energy of a lively metropolitan region, filled with trendy cafes and bars. Throughout the centuries, Bucharest became a center of trade and where travelers mingled. The past and present create a perfect marriage that makes the city come alive. From legends of vampires to survival of a troubled past, the capital of Romania awaits to tell you its story.

Odessa, Ukraine

From catacombs to sunny beaches, Odessa holds an array of environments that appeal to any type of explorer. It is a city that balances the quaint with the extraordinary.

The port city of Odessa sits along the southern coast of Ukraine on the shores of the Black Sea. Founded by Russian empress Catherine the Great, the relatively new city contains modern history of its establishment dating back to the 14th century.

However, the settlement that existed in its stead in ancient times led to Odessa’s great diversity, influenced by the cultures of the Greeks, Tatars, and Turks. Steeped in such varying cultures, Odessa developed a unique aura that you can still feel today as you wander its countless, winding streets.

Deribasovskaya Street exudes a carnival vibe, brimming with shops and restaurants that bring a colorful energy to the city. Its cobblestone paths, now only open to pedestrians, pulls you into the city’s history and beckons you to find more treasures amidst its 19th century buildings and markets.

The iconic steps of the Potemkin Stairs, renowned from cinematic history, appear to stretch up into the horizon. But in reality, they lead to the port’s entrance where an unparalleled view of the Black Sea’s gulf greets the adventurer hungry for more than local cuisine.

Speaking of eating, a visit to Odessa is not complete without sampling the city’s fresh sea food fare. Dishes like bichki (bull fish) and Black Sea mussels in white wine, cream, and herbs entice you with their delectable aromas and mouthwatering flavors.

Odessa, Ukraine

From catacombs to sunny beaches, Odessa holds an array of environments that appeal to any type of explorer. It is a city that balances the quaint with the extraordinary.

The port city of Odessa sits along the southern coast of Ukraine on the shores of the Black Sea. Founded by Russian empress Catherine the Great, the relatively new city contains modern history of its establishment dating back to the 14th century.

However, the settlement that existed in its stead in ancient times led to Odessa’s great diversity, influenced by the cultures of the Greeks, Tatars, and Turks. Steeped in such varying cultures, Odessa developed a unique aura that you can still feel today as you wander its countless, winding streets.

Deribasovskaya Street exudes a carnival vibe, brimming with shops and restaurants that bring a colorful energy to the city. Its cobblestone paths, now only open to pedestrians, pulls you into the city’s history and beckons you to find more treasures amidst its 19th century buildings and markets.

The iconic steps of the Potemkin Stairs, renowned from cinematic history, appear to stretch up into the horizon. But in reality, they lead to the port’s entrance where an unparalleled view of the Black Sea’s gulf greets the adventurer hungry for more than local cuisine.

Speaking of eating, a visit to Odessa is not complete without sampling the city’s fresh sea food fare. Dishes like bichki (bull fish) and Black Sea mussels in white wine, cream, and herbs entice you with their delectable aromas and mouthwatering flavors.

Odessa, Ukraine

From catacombs to sunny beaches, Odessa holds an array of environments that appeal to any type of explorer. It is a city that balances the quaint with the extraordinary.

The port city of Odessa sits along the southern coast of Ukraine on the shores of the Black Sea. Founded by Russian empress Catherine the Great, the relatively new city contains modern history of its establishment dating back to the 14th century.

However, the settlement that existed in its stead in ancient times led to Odessa’s great diversity, influenced by the cultures of the Greeks, Tatars, and Turks. Steeped in such varying cultures, Odessa developed a unique aura that you can still feel today as you wander its countless, winding streets.

Deribasovskaya Street exudes a carnival vibe, brimming with shops and restaurants that bring a colorful energy to the city. Its cobblestone paths, now only open to pedestrians, pulls you into the city’s history and beckons you to find more treasures amidst its 19th century buildings and markets.

The iconic steps of the Potemkin Stairs, renowned from cinematic history, appear to stretch up into the horizon. But in reality, they lead to the port’s entrance where an unparalleled view of the Black Sea’s gulf greets the adventurer hungry for more than local cuisine.

Speaking of eating, a visit to Odessa is not complete without sampling the city’s fresh sea food fare. Dishes like bichki (bull fish) and Black Sea mussels in white wine, cream, and herbs entice you with their delectable aromas and mouthwatering flavors.