Europe's hottest cruising spot is Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, and the best way to see it (and soon, before the crowds truly descend) is on the 110-passenger SeaDream II yacht, the top pick among small ships in this year's cruise poll, earning a perfect score for design. This itinerary starts with an overnight in Dubrovník—well planned, since the city is known for the evening promenade along the Stradun but not for its hotels. A second overnight, on Korcula, means you can witness the Moreska, a medieval sword dance performed in the old town on summer evenings. Next, sample some of the coast's surprisingly tasty wine at the Zlatan Otok winery in Sveta Nedjelja, on the island of Hvar, and marvel at Diocletian's Palace in Split, where the emperor spent his retirement in the fourth century. Rent a bike to explore the tiny settlements around Rab, and don't miss the mixture of medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture in Rab Town proper. Rovinj can get crowded in high season, but you can escape by arranging a private truffle-hunting excursion. The last stop, Venice, isn't at its most pleasant in August either, but by spending a night there, you'll at least outstay the day-trippers from other cruise ships.

How to book
Call Richard Turen of Churchill & Turen in Naperville, Illinois (630-717-7777; rturen@traveltruth.com; traveltruth.com).

Greece and Turkey
Top itinerary
"Greek Isles & Turquoise Coast" on Seabourn's Spirit
Length 7 days
Departures October 13, 2007; May 24, July 12, August 16, September 27, and November 1, 2008
Cost From $6,265
Map Click to view

Looking for a cruise that goes only to the Greek Isles? You're on a wild-goose—or rather, calamari—chase. Unless a ship is registered in Greece (and none of the major lines' vessels are), it can't run an entire trip within that country, so most itineraries touch on either Turkey or Italy. The 208-passenger Spirit opts for the former and takes you there in style: Its cabins earned the highest score in our 2007 cruise poll. The ship, which sails from Athens, goes first to Mykonos, an island best known for its nightlife but most often visited by cruise passengers who must be back on board by 6 p.m. The Spirit lets you linger until 11, and then recover during a "marina day"—when guests can use snorkels, water skis, and other toys from the back of the ship—off Milos. On Patmos, consider chartering a caïque to visit the tiny nearby islets, or stay in the fishing village of Grikos. Your visit to Fethiye links the trip's themes of turquoise waters and ancient ruins: Spend the day sailing in a wooden gulet along the coast, or head to Caria, where huge temple tombs were cut into the rock thousands of years ago. Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. If you want to mingle with your fellow passengers, Seabourn holds a complimentary cocktail party and concert at the second-century Celsius Library on the sixth evening.