While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Rhodes, the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, is situated at the island’s northernmost point. This sunny retreat is also home to many historic sites, such as the ruins of the Temple of Venus and the medieval Street of Knights. Rhodes, pronounced ro-dos, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The varied landscape with beaches, wooded areas, and ancient ruins also make this one of the most alluring of the Greek archipelago.

A cruise to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the picturesque Old Town with its winding streets and Byzantine legacy. Enter the gateways of Rhodes and step back to a time when the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem built a Christendom stronghold. Or, tour the restored Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of the Knights.

You can spend the day amid the chronicles of Greek history. Immerse yourself in the whitewashed romance of the archaeological site, Lindos, and climb to the ruins of its ancient Acropolis for sweeping views of the village and the blue seas beyond. The island’s vibrant shops, great restaurants, and glittering clubs buzz with a happy, modern energy in contrast to the grace of its ancient history.

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered.

This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Greek cruise, check out the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D.— made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.

Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It’s also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

Here on the island of Santorini, you’ll find a classic Greek seascape—whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo.

In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera - a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Greek cruise. Some of the best on the island can be found in Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia.

Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.

Tired of traffic and crowds? Hydra is just what you’re looking for. Cars, scooters, even bicycles are prohibited on this small, exquisite island in the Aegean Sea. Visitors get around on foot, on a donkey, or by water taxi. The picturesque town is filled with red-tiled houses, flower gardens, narrow cobblestone roadways, lovely gift shops, restaurants, and port-side tavernas—perfect for people-watching.

Hydra also has many beautiful beaches, some close to town, and some secluded. No wonder it’s considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.

Your ship returns to Athens and you disembark for your journey home.