Europe has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. Age-old cities tell fantastic stories of ancient civilizations and fallen empires, and precious artifacts and priceless pieces of artwork are proudly on display in museums throughout the region. Consider beginning your journey in Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization. Explore the sites of the Acropolis, most notably, the Parthenon, or hop over to Crete, the center of the Minoan culture and the first advanced civilization in Europe.
Experience the wonders of Italy on a European cruise. While in Rome, imagine 50,000 spectators seated in the Colosseum, or stand beside the huge Corinthian columns of the Pantheon. A trip to Rome would not be complete without a visit to the Vatican City to see the amazing art collection at the Vatican Museum and within the Sistine Chapel. A tour of Venice will take you to Doge's Palace and down the Grand Canal to Ca' d'Oro, both impressive examples of the city's signature Gothic architecture, dating back to the 14th century.
Travel back in time to the Viking Age with a visit to Oslo's Viking Ship Museum. Various artifacts are on display, as well as three Viking burial ships, which will be the highlight of your visit. While in Amsterdam, meander through the opulent halls of the Royal Palace, which was originally built as a town hall but is now frequented by Dutch royalty and their guests. Established in 1800, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam houses a large collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including a number of works by Rembrandt. Walk the cobblestone streets of Stockholm's beautifully preserved Gamla Stan (the old town) to see buildings dating back to medieval times. The impressive Stockholm Palace, built in 1697, is located in this area of town and is still in use today.