Europe’s maritime tradition is unsurpassed. Its ports have launched a thousand ships in a race to conquer new lands. Its rivers and seas have witnessed empires rise and fall. Precious stones arrived by sea to dazzle the grand courts and new ingredients gave new tastes to Europe’s cuisine. Sailors fought and perished in the deep sea swell. Those who returned told stories of ancient lands and strange people.

Thankfully, exploring Europe by sea is not as fraught with danger as in ancient days. Yet there are still chapters of history to discover and your own stories to live and tell.

Venice, Italy

It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world: a magnificent architectural spread that was built to showcase the old republic’s immense wealth. Venice shouldn’t exist: its foundations are slowly rotting and the whole city is sinking, inch by inch, into the lagoon. And yet Venice persists, shimmering above the waters like a fairy tale.

Arriving in Venice by cruise ship is a unique experience. As you enter the Giudecca Canal and into St Mark’s Basin, you can enjoy an unfolding view of the city’s elegant palazzos, the tiny canals echoing with the gondoliers’ calls, and the picture-perfect St Mark’s Square. Take a picture and keep the memory.

Athens, Greece

Modern Athens gives you a glimpse of the glory that once was Greece. True, its economic morale is down. Moreover, the capital has changed and, thanks to the 2004 Olympic Games, is nowadays cleaner and less polluted. But there are still enough ancient monuments and buildings that have stood the test of time and still stand witness to the fact that this was once the cradle of Western civilisation.

As soon as you arrive in the port of Athens, make your way to the Plaka, the city’s oldest continuously inhabited section, and explore the monuments, churches and cafes. Climb to the Acropolis and on your way down, enjoy a leisurely lunch at some tiny taverna.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Just 23 years ago, the ancient city of Dubrovnik was being shelled by Yugoslavian troops during the Croatian War of Independence. The siege lasted for months and it was only in May, 1992 that the Yugoslavian troops pulled back from Dubrovnik, leaving large parts of the city in ruins.

Nowadays, this Unesco World Heritage Site has put its past behind it and has been restored to its former architectural glory. The medieval ramparts of the old city stand guard over the shimmering sea and its cobbled streets echo ancient tales.

As your cruise ship enters the Bosphorus, and the Maiden’s Tower at the southern entrance lights up like a jewel, an ancient skyline of domes and minarets gives you an introduction to Istanbul’s glorious history

Stockholm, Sweden

One of the most vibrant cities up north, the Swedish capital spreads across a collection of islands. This makes it such a great place for an unforgettable cruise: coming in from the Baltic, cruise ships must journey for some 60 kilometres through the archipelago, past thousands of islands and islets.

Make yourself a hot cuppa, go outside, and enjoy the view of the colourful cottages nestled on the lush hillsides. Once you stop at an inner city harbour, make your way to the city, which offers the proverbial something for everyone: from museums and galleries to food markets and restaurants, Sweden is a city to enjoy.

Istanbul, Turkey

As your cruise ship enters the Bosphorus, and the Maiden’s Tower at the southern entrance lights up like a jewel, an ancient skyline of domes and minarets gives you an introduction to Istanbul’s glorious history as the capital of three glorious empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

The Bosphorus is the link between two continents: Europe and Asia. And Istanbul is where East meets West. Everywhere you look are mosques and minarets, chaotic bazaars and heady spice markets. And when the muezzin’s chant reverberates across the city, you cannot but heed the call and go onshore.

Naples

The grand approach to the Bay of Naples will send shivers down your spine. It is a calm approach: to the north is Naples and to the east is Mount Vesuvius, patiently looking down on an ancient city. Once you disembark, the calmness stops and chaos begins. Motorini buzz through the traffic and if Napoli are playing, cheers will boom box out of open balconies. Men, women and children shout. But what are they shouting about? Try the pizza and find out for yourself.

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