Explorer of the Seas - September 21, 2024

Ravenna served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the Fifth Century AD, as a result of the barbarian invasions that plagued Rome. Ravenna is popular for its fifth to eight century Christian monuments, including the mausoleums of Galla Placidia and King Theodoric and the Church of San Vitale, a masterpiece of Byzantine art. The National Museum of Antiquities holds an important collection of classical and early Christian antiquities.

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.

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.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

Argostolion is the capital town of Kefallinia, one of the seven islands comprising the Estanisa, an island group in the Ionian Sea.

Ravenna served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the Fifth Century AD, as a result of the barbarian invasions that plagued Rome. Ravenna is popular for its fifth to eight century Christian monuments, including the mausoleums of Galla Placidia and King Theodoric and the Church of San Vitale, a masterpiece of Byzantine art. The National Museum of Antiquities holds an important collection of classical and early Christian antiquities.