7 Night Venice the Adriatic and Greece Cruise from Athens (Port of Piraeus)

Step onboard in Athens, where you will have an entire day to explore this ancient city. Perhaps you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, or the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. Tonight we set sail for Olympia.

Visit the quaint Greek port of Katakolon, huddled around a pretty little harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats. During your visit, venture into the fertile valleys of the western Peloponnese to the legendary city of Olympia, the classical birthplace of the modern-day Olympic Games on the slopes of Mt. Kronos. Walk among the ancient city's ruins with an expert guide and historian, admiring the remains of temples, the Palaestra, or wrestling school, and the Gymnasium. You will gain insight into the very first Olympic Games at the fascinating museum.

Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors and by royalty seeking tranquility. Corfu's Old Town and Fortress-fashioned by the once powerful Venetian Republic-comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow warrens lead to one of Europe's largest public squares and a lovely promenade once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Everywhere, magnificent coastal views unfold and scenic byways lead to history-rich enclaves, from the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the stunning Vlacherna Monastery to a former Greek royal villa.

Spend the day traversing the medieval streets of this historic Montenegro town with a walking tour. Pass by Venetian walls constructed in 1420 en route to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, built in 1166. Notice its mismatched towers, the result of an earthquake and a budget too small to rebuild properly. Included on this tour is a visit to the Maritime Museum, which documents Kotor's heritage. As an option, venture to the small towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan, the latter once a hideaway for the rich and famous.

Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its spectacular Adriatic setting, 12th-century medieval streets, and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it "paradise on Earth". It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city's Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, housing the world's oldest working pharmacy and fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

Built around the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, Split is one of Croatia's oldest cities. Its promenade commands majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. Despite evidence of Split's origins in the 6th century BC, the city is traditionally considered over 1,700 years old-counting from the construction of the palace. Its well-preserved remains have been seamlessly assimilated into the modern city. An Ethnographic Museum is found at the palace's heart and shops line the passageways of its ancient basement. Diocletian's ancient mausoleum is now a stunning cathedral.

Chioggia is a charming fishing community steeped in its age-old seafaring traditions. It is also the gateway to Venice, famed for its wondrous patchwork of graceful piazzas, tranquil canals, artful footbridges, and Gothic splendor. All things Venetian begin in St. Mark's Square, where its elegant campanile, or bell tower, rings over the rooftops, and the Byzantine-Gothic St. Mark's Basilica seems to preside over all. Beyond St. Mark's and away from the crowds, Venice is a hushed and intriguing city to explore on foot, with medieval echoes marking every step.

The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. The Venetian Lagoon's canal banks feature buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice's powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice's transport network. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.