Seven Seas Splendor - August 11, 2025

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.

Skiathos is a very cosmotolitan little place and it is not that unpleasant to sit in a quayside cafe or join the shoppers browsing the dozens of boutiques and trinket shops. Bars are naturally littered with youngsters and middle-aged tourists stroll along the quay in cleanly pressed linen. Skiathos town simply bristles with tavernas, bars and nightclubs.

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.

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.

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

Located on the Amalfi coast, Positano is serves as the port of Capri and is a very popular health and seaside resort because of its beaches, palm trees and citrus groves. You can also visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its impressive cupola, or stroll the city's streets, gazing at the numerous white houses with vaulted roofs and garden terraces.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.

The world's most famous casino (a must see even if you do not gamble), glittering nightlife, first-class dining and shopping, make it one of the world's most glamorous destinations. The casino is an elaborate Italianate structure capped by four towers and a copper-tin roof.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

A Mediterranean port, Alicante has exports of wine, oil, cereals, fruit, and esparto from the fertile surrounding region. Metallurgical and chemical industries as well as fishing and waterfront tourism are important. The Romans had a naval base on the site. The town was permanently recaptured from the Moors about 1250.

During the period of Muslim domination of Spain, Granada was the finest city on the peninsula. Today it is still home to the greatest Muslim legacy in Europe, and one of the most inspiring attractions on the Continent - the Alhambra. La Alhambra is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and is simply breathtaking. Much has been written about the fortress, the palace, its patios and gardens, but somehow nothing can really prepare you for it.

Funchal is a busy port exporting wines, fish, and fruit, it is best known for its beautiful setting and balmy climate, which make it a much-frequented resort. It has a late-15th-century cathedral and a convent church containing the tomb of Jose Goncalves Zarco, who founded the city in 1421.

You'll be astonished to see, in the depths of the huge crater at the center of the island, two lakes--one emerald green, the other sky-blue. More astonishments: a cluster of hot springs bubbling in the mist.

Some say the Azores are a remnant of lost Atlantis. Drive from sea level to a deep, mile wide crater rimmed with lush tropical verdure. Look out to sea; you may glimpse Capelinhos, the volcano that rose from the Atlantic only four decades ago.

Adventurous travelers will cherish their experience in St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. If it's art and culture you seek, you'll find it in spades, with options ranging from Atlantic Canada's largest university to the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Hikers and bikers can make the most of St. John's expansive walkways and bike trails, framed by placid and scenic countryside.

Corner Brook is located on the southern shore of the Bay of Islands, a long inlet on the island of Newfoundland. The greater area is made up of hilly lowlands surrounded by the Long Range Mountains, an extension of the Appalachian Ridge. The valley was created by a retreating glacier at the end of the last ice age and allows for great views of the bay.

Quebec City is the capital of Canada's province of the same name. Most of the city's residents speak French and are Roman Catholic. Important cultural institutions in the city include Laval University, the concert hall, and the Grand Theatre. Winter sports are popular, especially ice hockey and skiing. Popular events include the 3-week-long Winter Carnival and the Provincial Exhibition.

Montreal, the heart of French Canada, is a city full of wonders. The downtown is a mixture of modern towers and Victorian architecture. Visit any of the area's countless museums. Shop on St. Catherine Street and Sherbrooke Street West. The Old Port and Old Montreal are located between the river and city center, and boast an array of museums, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes.

Montreal, the heart of French Canada, is a city full of wonders. The downtown is a mixture of modern towers and Victorian architecture. Visit any of the area's countless museums. Shop on St. Catherine Street and Sherbrooke Street West. The Old Port and Old Montreal are located between the river and city center, and boast an array of museums, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes.

Quebec City is the capital of Canada's province of the same name. Most of the city's residents speak French and are Roman Catholic. Important cultural institutions in the city include Laval University, the concert hall, and the Grand Theatre. Winter sports are popular, especially ice hockey and skiing. Popular events include the 3-week-long Winter Carnival and the Provincial Exhibition.

Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalk cafes, and museums in a park-like waterfront setting. Discover historic dockside vessels at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Stroll lazily through one of the finest Victorian city gardens in North America. Experience the charm of Peggy's Cove, as ships from every corner of the globe sail by in the background.

Saint John is a spectacular commerical port at the intersection of the St. John River and the Bay of Fundy. Visitors will be exhilarated by the pounding surf and sounds of the world's highest tides, best viewed at Reversing Falls. Saint John features a climate-controlled pedway system, allowing the utmost comfort as you visit attractions including the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and Old City Market.

Portland has a thriving waterfront in the heart of downtown that is a hodgepodge of condos, fish markets, and ferry docks. Bordered by Maine's rocky coast to the north, and miles of white, sandy beaches to the south, the city offers hiking, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, and to the west and north lies some of the best skiing in the world. This is Maine, "the way life should be".

Stroll the cobblestone streets of one of America's most historic cities, home to such patriots as Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and Drew Bledsoe. Discover a living museum where almost four centuries of American history can be traced. When it comes to variety, see why Boston is called the Hub. Nightclubs and theaters, the North End and Chinatown, Fenway Park and Boston Common can all be found here.

The question is never What will I do in New York? but rather, What won't I do in New York? With over 18,000 restaurants, 150 world-class museums, and more than 10,000 shops filled with brand names and bargains from around the world, New York City has something for everyone. And that's not including the shows, landmarks and history that make New York one of the finest cities in the world.