Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy to Venice, Italy Cruise

Built entirely on water by men who defied the sea, Venice is unlike any other town. No matter how many times you've seen it in movies or on television, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could ever imagine. Its landmarks, the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale, are exotic mixes of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Shimmering sunlight and silvery mist soften every perspective here, and you understand how the city became renowned in the Renaissance for its artists' rendering of color.

Malta's capital, Valletta, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage City. This historic fortress city was chosen to be the headquarters of the Knights of St. John in 1565. Visit the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters and the breathtaking Baroque masterpiece that is St. John's Co-Cathedral; both are filled with history and art treasures.