Italy, Greece

Marghera is the mainland cruise gateway to Venice, where the approach by sea reveals the lagoon city materializing from the water in one of travel's most emotional arrivals. Must-dos include the ship's approach past the Lido and along the Giudecca Canal, exploring the Basilica di San Marco and Doge's Palace, and eating cicchetti at a canal-side bacaro. Visit April to May or September to October for the best light and manageable crowds.

The port of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical tapestry. A must-do experience includes wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where culinary delights like "kacamak" and fresh seafood await. The best time to visit is during the spring or early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.

Mykonos is the Aegean at its most seductive — a labyrinth of bougainvillea-draped whitewashed alleys designed to disorient pirates (and occasionally visitors) leading to Kástro, the medieval hilltop quarter overlooking Little Venice, where balconied houses hang directly above the sea. The island's famous windmills, perched on a ridge above the old harbour, are best photographed at golden hour as pelicans patrol the waterfront below. Visit the sacred archaeological island of Delos — a 30-minute boat crossing — for one of the most significant ancient sites in the Greek world. May, June, and September offer the perfect balance of warmth, light, and bearable crowds.

Syros is the historic cultural capital of the Cyclades, where neoclassical Ermoupolis cascades between Catholic and Orthodox hilltop quarters in a setting of rare architectural beauty. Visitors should explore the miniature La Scala–style Apollo Theatre, taste the island's exclusive San Michali cheese and handmade loukoumia, and wander the medieval lanes of Ano Syros. May through October offers the ideal balance of warm weather, calm seas, and a vibrant festival calendar.

Ancona is the Marche region's capital, a historic Adriatic port founded by Greek colonists and crowned by the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of San Ciriaco. Must-dos include tasting the thirteen-fish brodetto stew, exploring the dramatic Conero Riviera coastline, and visiting Trajan's Arch at the harbour. May through October offers warm Mediterranean weather and the finest seasonal seafood.

Marghera is the mainland cruise gateway to Venice, where the approach by sea reveals the lagoon city materializing from the water in one of travel's most emotional arrivals. Must-dos include the ship's approach past the Lido and along the Giudecca Canal, exploring the Basilica di San Marco and Doge's Palace, and eating cicchetti at a canal-side bacaro. Visit April to May or September to October for the best light and manageable crowds.