Serenade of the Seas - May 27, 2024

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.

This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites. Explorations should include such masterpieces as the Great Amphitheatre, where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians, the Library of Celsus, and the temples of Athena and Apollo - all connected by marble streets rutted by the wheels of countless chariots.

The port of Bourgas is Bulgaria's largest sea port and fourth largest city, built on the site of a 14th-century village. Bourgas is as incredibly visitor-friendly island, with a duty-free zone and remarkably up-to-date transportation system. The port serves as the gateway to various beaches and resorts on the Black Sea.

The most important seaport on the Black Sea, Constanta is also a gateway to history. Take a walk among the fascinating ruins of Histria, the oldest of Romanian towns. Or drive through such resort towns as Mamaia, Eforie and Mangalia, which best reflect the country as it is today. Venture off on a sightseeing tour to explore a mosque, the famed Roman mosaics, or the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in all the Middle East.

The most important seaport on the Black Sea, Constanta is also a gateway to history. Take a walk among the fascinating ruins of Histria, the oldest of Romanian towns. Or drive through such resort towns as Mamaia, Eforie and Mangalia, which best reflect the country as it is today. Venture off on a sightseeing tour to explore a mosque, the famed Roman mosaics, or the Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in all the Middle East.

Varna, Bulgaria's third largest city, boasts a number of large and spacious beaches. Relax in Varna's numerous waterfront parks and gardens. Visit the Aladzha monastery which dates back to the fourth century and was carved from rock.

Under the Ottomans it became the starting point of caravans to Persia. Trabzon was included in the short-lived independent state of Armenia. The city's large Greek population was deported in 1922-23. Trabzon has many historic monuments. The best preserved is the 13th-century Church of Aya Sophia (now a museum), an excellent example of Byzantine architecture. The city is the site of Black Sea Technical Univ.

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.