With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture.
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Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways.
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.
Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home.
With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is a bustling Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay.
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With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.
ANCIENT AND AMAZING
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill— and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
LOCAL CUISINE
Romans live to eat, whether it’s family-style or in a sidewalk café. For an authentic taste of Cucina Romana, try carciofi alla Romana (braised artichokes) or spaghetti alla carbonara. Enjoy panino (stuffed sandwiches) or thin-crusted Roman pizza. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of gelato. Then finish the night with a glass of white wine from the surrounding Lazio region.
It’s time to see just how far adventure can take you onboard Odyssey of the Seas℠. Soak up the sun at the resort-style pool deck that brings island vibes poolside. Take play time to the next level at SeaPlex®, with bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. Or kick back and watch all the action from above at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.
A TOP DECK TAKEOVER
There's never been a top deck that maxes out memory making like this one. Tame the tide on the FlowRider®or feel the freedom of freefall on RipCord®by iFLY®. Get your game on at the largest SeaPlex® ever, with bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark laser tag —plus hit the reimagined upper deck for the most interactive arcade ever to set sail, including classics like skeeball.
NEW DISHES FOR DAYS
Prep your taste buds for a culinary journey. Odyssey of the Seas℠ is primed to please every palate and satisfy any craving. Get a taste of authentic trattoria fare with a modern spin at the new Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Enjoy gameday classics and ice-cold brews at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Head to Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine for creative plates served with a heaping helping of awe. And sample Far East favorites, from sizzling hot teppanyaki cooked at your table to hand-rolled sushi that rivals any on land.
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.
LOCAL CUISINE
Thanks to Santorini’s rich volcanic soil, the island has a solid reputation for producing fantastic wines and vegetables— fresh cherry tomatoes, fava beans and white eggplant included. Try egg-based sfougato and fried tomatokeftedes fritters, two Santorini specialties. Pick up melitinia cookies from a local bakery. And for an after-dinner drink, sip unsweetened, anise-flavored raki.
SHOPPING
Ypapantis Street in Fira is known for its dozens of jewelry stores selling pieces inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine designs. You’ll find local artwork in the galleries of Oia and books about the Cyclades in Atlantis Books. A bottle of Santorini wine or Canava ouzo makes for a tasty souvenir.
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. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.
WINDOW INTO ANCIENT LIFE
Don't miss the Library of Celsus or the Scholastica Baths — their dozen ancient marble toilets are a unique sight from antiquity. Consider buying the extra ticket to see Ephesus' Terraced Houses. Not only are they shaded, but you get a sense of what ancient life was like and can see the restoration work in progress.
LOCAL CUISINE
Most visitors will have tried sis kebab (grilled meat on a skewer) and doner kebab (meat shaved from a vertical skewer) before arriving in Turkey. Lamb is popular for both. Be sure to try kofte, spiced lamb or beef meatballs served with yogurt dipping sauce. Have a few meze (appetizers) to get your vegetable fix — great options include grilled eggplant salad and cicek dolmasi, fried squash flowers stuffed with raisins and rice.
Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife, The Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms, or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse, and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.
COASTAL COSMOPOLITAN
Mykonos’ main town of Hora is a mixture of classic Cycladic architecture and buzzing street culture. Admire the stark-white Panagia Paraportiani chapel and meet the town’s famous pelican Pétros. See the island’s trademark 16th-century windmills spinning high above the port. Then explore the strip of medieval houses and waterfront cafés in Little Venice.
LOCAL CUISINE
Some of the Mediterranean’s most delectable restaurants are found on Mykonos. Its trademark kopanisti (peppered cheese) is a must-try, while you can’t go wrong with classic kremmydopita (onion pie). Enjoy fresh seafood by the sea— or a glass of sweet Heliophilos wine in a beach bar. Then for dessert go for amygdalota (almond cookies) or melopita (honey cake).
It’s time to see just how far adventure can take you onboard Odyssey of the Seas℠. Soak up the sun at the resort-style pool deck that brings island vibes poolside. Take play time to the next level at SeaPlex®, with bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. Or kick back and watch all the action from above at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.
A TOP DECK TAKEOVER
There's never been a top deck that maxes out memory making like this one. Tame the tide on the FlowRider®or feel the freedom of freefall on RipCord®by iFLY®. Get your game on at the largest SeaPlex® ever, with bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark laser tag —plus hit the reimagined upper deck for the most interactive arcade ever to set sail, including classics like skeeball.
NEW DISHES FOR DAYS
Prep your taste buds for a culinary journey. Odyssey of the Seas℠ is primed to please every palate and satisfy any craving. Get a taste of authentic trattoria fare with a modern spin at the new Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Enjoy gameday classics and ice-cold brews at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Head to Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine for creative plates served with a heaping helping of awe. And sample Far East favorites, from sizzling hot teppanyaki cooked at your table to hand-rolled sushi that rivals any on land.
With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is a bustling Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay. Go even deeper into history at the San Gennaro catacombs, where Naples' first bishops were buried in the second century A.D. Walk along the Miglio Sacro ("Holy Mile") and people-watch your way through the cafes and shops of the Sanita district with a zuccherato (sweetened espresso) in hand. Jump onboard a Naples cruise and take the short bus ride to the base of Mount Vesuvius — it's an easy 20- to 30-minute hike will take you to the summit — and tour the ruins of Pompeii afterward.
GO UNDERGROUND
Neopolitan-style pizza is Naples culinary gem. Grab a seat at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which has been serving up pizza since 1870, and order a slice of simple, classic margherita, topped with fresh basil, tomato sauce and local mozzarella di fiore. Cruise to Naples and head to Friggitoria Vomero for the town's best arancini — gooey, fried spheres of rice and cheese — or panzarotti, a mini-calzone stuffed with mozzarella, tomato and other ingredients like spinach or ham.
LOCAL CUISINE
Ypapantis Street in Fira is known for its dozens of jewelry stores selling pieces inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine designs. You’ll find local artwork in the galleries of Oia and books about the Cyclades in Atlantis Books. A bottle of Santorini wine or Canava ouzo makes for a tasty souvenir.
Roam around Rome’s piazzas, as each offers a unique perspective. Dine al fresco in Piazza Navona and climb The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. Wander cobbled alleys in bustling Trastevere and browse Campo de’ Fiori’s artisan stalls. Be sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good measure.
ANCIENT AND AMAZING
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill— and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
SACRED SPACES
Explore the Vatican Museums’ extraordinary collection of tapestries and classical statues. Step inside the Sistine Chapel and be awed by Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Then enter St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches, to stand under its enormous sky-piercing dome.
