Piraeus is Greece's largest port and has been a gateway to the Mediterranean since 482 BC. It lies on the innermost point of the Saronic Gulf and is a short drive from Athens, the cradle of Western democracy and culture.

Throughout the ages, Athens' lofty Acropolis has been a source of inspiration. The ancient ruins scattered throughout this legendary city are reminders of Greece's great cultural heritage. Join us for departure from Piraeus at 8pm this evening.

     Beaches, historic sites, modern and ancient culture, striking scenery, cave exploration and shopping are among the main attractions of Greece. Volos, a modern port city, is located approximately 110 miles northwest of Athens. We arrive here around 8am.

Volos' main attractions are local museums and mountainous countryside. The museums include Paleolithic jewelry and ornate painted tombstones.

Greece is filled with history, philosophy, sailing, beaches and quaint villages. Depart Volos at 6pm.

     Today is your first full day out at sea. Enjoy all the onboard amenities of your ship, like the educational lessons. Perhaps you can learn a bit of a foreign language and put it use on your next stop!

     A lovely seaside resort on Turkey's Aegean coast, Kusadasi [koo-SHAH-duh-see] is renowned for its inviting sparkling waters, broad sandy beaches and large marina. The shops in town are filled with designer clothing, carpets, jewelry and leather goods. South, along the Aegean coast, the ancient Greco-Roman cities of Priene, Miletus and Didyma furnish impressions of the sophisticated civilizations that once thrived here.

Kusadasi is perhaps best known as the gateway to the archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the world's greatest archaic finds. Excavations continue in the 4,000-year-old city and it is believed that more than half of it still remains buried in the hillside. Its marble streets are lined with architectural masterpieces. The city played a significant role in the life of the Apostle Paul, who wrote an epistle to its people. Enjoy a full day here from 8am-10pm.

     Best known of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is rich with natural beauty, architectural variety and colorful history.

The city of Rhodes is architecturally one of the most varied in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish architectural styles freely intermingle. Sunshine and dry air combine to cast such a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated Rhodes to Apollo, the God of Light. Enjoy Rhodes from 9am-10pm.

     Spend another day at leisure on the Crystal Serenity. Perhaps you'll curl up with a good book on deck or try your hand in the casino.

     With its wide stretch of beach and modern hotels located on the shores of the Mediterranean, Alexandria seems more like an ancient Egyptian city. Once the intellectual and cultural center of Greco-Roman civilization, it is the country's main port and was named after Alexander the Great. This bustling port serves as the gateway to Cairo. You have two full days here to explore both Alexandria and Cairo as you choose. Arrive Day 7 at 8am and depart Day 8 at 6pm.

     Enjoy these two days cruising the Mediterranean Sea just as ancient civilizations did many years ago.

     Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is a modern port and industrial center. Referred to as the "City of the Sun," its origins date back to the Phoenician-Punic period. Since then, this resourceful community has flourished despite numerous invasions by outside forces.

It was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and the Arabs during the 8th and 9th centuries AD. Between the 11th and 14th centuries, Cagliari became a Pisan stronghold during the wars with Genoa. Subsequently, it was the site of a submarine base during World War II and was heavily bombed by the Allies.

Today visitors may explore the majestic remains of Roman ruins and the amphitheatre. Dominating the town's landscape, the Pisan towers, the Spanish castle and the Aragon fortress offer glimpses of Cagliari's diverse and colorful history. Spend a full day 8am-5pm here.

     Naples, the center of southern Italian commerce, is located on the scenic Bay of Naples. View a moment frozen in time at the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, ancient cities buried by an eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. Enjoy a full day exploring 8am-6pm.

     Arrive Civitavecchia this morning around 6am. After disembarkation, feel free to explore the town and nearby Rome on your own.

Civitavecchia was founded by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Today this port is noted for its fine seafood and attractive monuments.

Located 90 minutes away is the Eternal City of Rome. Steeped in 2,500 years of history, Rome was for many centuries the center of Western civilization. It was both the focal point of the Roman Empire and of Christendom. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Spanish Steps are reminders of the legacy of its rich past.