For travellers drawn to the magic of ancient civilisations, a cruise that takes you to some of the world's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites offers a chance to step into history (while still enjoying the beauty and ease of life on the water). Here’s a look at some of the most captivating cruise itineraries that connect you with the wonders of the ancient world.

1. The Acropolis of Athens, Greece: Where Democracy Was Born

Few sites rival the majesty of the Acropolis. Perched high above the bustling streets of Athens, this complex of ancient ruins is a symbol of Western civilisation, a place where philosophy, drama, and democracy were nurtured under the Athenian sun. Cruising the Aegean Sea provides a scenic approach to this historic city, where travellers can disembark for a day trip to the Acropolis.

Guided tours often begin with the grand Propylaea gateway, leading visitors up to the Parthenon, which was completed in 432 BCE to honour the goddess Athena. Admire the intricate sculptures and friezes that remain (and haven't been controversially relocated to London's British Museum) on the structure’s façade, and imagine the festivals and debates that once took place here. Cruise lines frequently offer sunset excursions, where the pink and orange hues of dusk transform the marble columns, lending an ethereal glow to the ancient stones.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer milder weather and smaller crowds, ideal for exploring Athens and its ancient monuments. 

Visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Line to find great deals on cruises in the Aegean.

2. Pompeii, Italy: a City Frozen in Time

Few places have captured the public imagination quite like Pompeii. This Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, lay buried for centuries before being rediscovered in the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, a place where time quite literally stopped in the middle of an ordinary day.

Cruises to Naples make Pompeii an incredibly easy day-trip destination, allowing travellers to wander through its meticulously preserved streets, homes, and public buildings. Wander the ancient forum, explore the amphitheater, and see stunning mosaics and frescoes that offer glimpses into Roman life. The plaster casts of the victims—forever frozen in their final moments—are both haunting and humbling.

Best Time to Visit: Late autumn (October–November) brings cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable to explore the ruins. 

Visit Celebrity Cruise Line for fantastic savings on Cruises in Italy.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru: The Lost City of the Incas

For those craving an adventure that extends further beyond the shoreline, a cruise along the South American coast could lead you to one of the most breathtaking and mysterious sites on the planet: Machu Picchu. High in the Peruvian Andes, this 15th-century Incan citadel was hidden from the outside world for centuries, its terraces and temples merging seamlessly with the surrounding mountains.

While reaching Machu Picchu from the Peruvian coast involves a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley, the journey is worth every mile. On a tour, expert guides bring the history of the Incas to life, leading you through the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the terraced slopes that once supported Incan agriculture. The sheer scale and ingenuity of this city, built without the use of modern tools, continues to astound visitors.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season from April to October, when the skies are clear, providing unobstructed views of the mountains and ruins. 

Find out how you much could save on a South American sojourn with Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line.

4. Ephesus, Turkey: An Ancient Crossroads of Culture

Once a thriving city of the Roman Empire, Ephesus stands today as one of the world’s most well-preserved classical Roman sites. This port city was an important hub of trade, religion, and learning, famous for its Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and later for the Library of Celsus. Cruises along the Aegean often dock in Kusadasi, from which visitors can easily reach this ancient wonder.

Walking through the grand marble streets, one can still see remnants of baths, temples, and theatres where scholars, politicians, and citizens mingled. The impressive façade of the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, capable of seating 25,000 people, offer an awe-inspiring look into the architectural and cultural sophistication of ancient Rome.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds thinner, allowing for a more immersive experience.

Book a voyage to Turkey with Ambassador Cruise Line and save 10%.

5. The Temples of Luxor, Egypt: the Heart of Ancient Egypt

The Nile has carried both life and legend through Egypt for millennia, and for those passionate about history, a cruise along this legendary river is an unforgettable way to connect with the grandeur of ancient Egypt. At Luxor, travellers disembark to explore the famous Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple, two of Egypt’s most magnificent monuments.

The Temple of Karnak, with its towering columns and colossal statues, gives visitors a sense of the power and reverence ancient Egyptians held for their gods. Nearby, Luxor Temple sits along the banks of the Nile, illuminated beautifully at night. Excursions often include a visit to the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the pharaohs, including that of King Tutankhamun, lie hidden in the cliffs.

Best Time to Visit: Winter (November to February) provides cooler temperatures, ideal for exploring Egypt’s historic sites without the extreme heat of summer.

Find out about stunning Nile river cruises with AmaWaterways and what you could save.

6. The Alhambra, Spain: A Moorish Marvel Overlooking Granada

While not an ancient site in the same sense as others in this list, the Alhambra is a testament to a different era of history, showcasing the elegance of Moorish architecture and design. Cruises along Spain’s southern coast often allow for a day trip to Granada, where the Alhambra overlooks the city, a stunning example of Islamic art and culture in medieval Spain.

Visitors are enchanted by the intricate tilework, peaceful courtyards, and lush gardens of the Nasrid Palaces, where caliphs once ruled. The Alcazaba, a fortress that offers sweeping views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Generalife gardens, filled with fountains and shaded paths, add to the beauty and mystique of this UNESCO-listed site.

Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn, when Granada’s weather is mild and the Alhambra’s gardens are in bloom.

Join Fred. Olsen Cruise Line for an unforgettable voyage around the most memorable sites in Spain.

Sailing Into History

These ancient wonders offer not only glimpses into human history but also the thrill of connecting with stories that span thousands of years. For travellers who want to do more than see the world — who want to feel it, to step where empires rose and fell — these experiences offer an adventure through the ages, a voyage that brings ancient civilisations within reach, all from the comfort of your very own cabin by the sea. Find out more about history themed cruises here...