Ah, summertime… No matter where you live, there’s something undeniably magical about it. Leisurely days, warm nights, a world around us in full bloom — it’s the perfect time to explore a new destination or revisit an old favorite from days gone by.
Whether you find yourself wandering among the lush hedges and swaying palms of Seville, luxuriating on the golden sands of Ilica Beach on the Icarian coast, or discovering an improbable Eden just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, there’s an indescribable energy to a summer voyage with Azamara that needs to be experienced to be believed. Come along as we explore seven spectacular spots we can’t wait to set sail for this summer.
Spain
With endless festivals, world-class wine, and otherworldly architecture, Spain is impressive in any season, but especially so in summer. The birthplace of the siesta, it’s a place where life moves at a slower, more leisured pace: a paradise for art, history, and food-lovers alike. It’s also a land of intense contrasts, from the heady nightlife of vibrant Barcelona to the seaside serenity of the nation’s Galician Coast.
Journey to unforgettable Bilbao, where you can feast your eyes on a bounty of modern and contemporary artworks (not to mention the daring curves and light-filled spaces of renowned architect Frank Gehry) at the Guggenheim Museum. Immerse yourself in a captivating crossroads of Old World-meets-New in Valencia, where avant-garde architecture blends seamlessly with palaces dating back to the 1400s. Dine on fresh-caught seafood in the hidden-gem port of Vigo, or embark upon a guided tour to Santiago de Compostela, a Catholic place of pilgrimage and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ready to sip, sightsee, and savor the splendor of summertime in enchanting España? Discover our upcoming Spain-intensive voyages today.
Italy
They say that all roads lead to Rome — which might account for its status as one of the most iconic and frequently visited destinations in Europe. From the imposing Colosseum to the fabled Trevi Fountain, the Eternal City promises a captivating experience for first-time and seasoned travelers alike. But although charming shops, cafes, and restaurants abound, souvenir-hunters and adventurous eaters are advised to leave a little room to savor the attractions of our other Italian ports.
Foodies will delight with a stop in Ravenna, a Byzantine masterpiece dubbed the “Mosaic City” — and, perhaps more importantly, your gateway to the world-famous culinary delights of Bologna. A day in Livorno puts the wonders of Florence (think Michaelangelo’s David) and Pisa within reach. And history buffs will fall hard for the charms of Monopoli, a quaint fishing town in Italy’s distinctive Puglia region, with charming medieval castles overlooking the Adriatic.
Did someone say la dolce vita? Discover our upcoming voyages to Italy today.
Greece
While many destinations can boast of blue skies, sparkling waters, and tranquil white-sand beaches, Greece stands apart as the platonic ideal of a dreamy summer getaway. From the iconic whitewashed walls and deep blue domes of Mykonos to the stunning sunsets and sweeping vistas of sun-drenched Santorini, if you’re looking for a classic seaside vacation, Greece is the word.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Azamara voyage without a little something for the history-lovers on board — which the cradle of Western civilization has in spades. Wander the streets of Europe’s oldest city, Athens, to experience a cosmopolitan crossroads of past and present, where modern buildings nestle in among structures dating back to antiquity. Hunt for the perfect souvenir among the warren of narrow flagstone streets in Corfu’s historic Old Town. Or look out over the dazzling turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea from the walls of a 15th-century Byzantine fortress in Kavala, the storied heartland of eastern Macedonia.
Dreaming of a summer odyssey worthy of the history books? Explore our upcoming voyages to Greece today.
Turkey
Emperor Napoleon once observed that “if the whole world were a single state, Istanbul would be her capital” — and with such breathtaking architecture, rich history, and vibrant, welcoming culture, it isn’t hard to understand why. From the imposing Hagia Sofia, once the grandest church in all of Christendom, to the city’s bustling market stalls where jewelry, ceramics, and spices abound, Istanbul is a living mosaic — an enigmatic metropolis of two continents and countless wonders.
But Turkey has so much to offer beyond the delights of her most famous city. Embark on a journey back through the ages in storied Kusadasi, where relics of the Roman Empire can be found around every corner. Make a pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin Mary, where the holy mother is purported to have spent her final days. Explore the archaeological remnants of the ancient city of Troy in Kepez. Or treat yourself to a bit of sunshine and seaside relaxation in the laid-back resort town of Cesme.
Add a little Turkish delight to your summer plans — explore our upcoming voyages to Turkey today.
Iceland
Gorges, glaciers, and hot springs — oh my! Though at first glance it may seem an unusual choice for a summer getaway, Iceland is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a departure from the typical beachside resort scene. A place of staggering natural beauty, this volcanic island is a land of extremes: towering mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, brilliant blue lagoons, and awe-inspiring fjords.
Spend a day getting blissfully lost in the charming streets of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city. Perfectly suited to exploring on foot, Reykjavik’s small size and quaint streetscapes belie its urban sophistication. Immerse yourself in a bygone age of Icelandic life in one of the city’s many museums; experience the country’s edgy, avant-garde side on a gallery tour; or sample local delicacies on a culinary walk through the city’s vibrant old harbor.
But the cultural charm of Reykjavik is only half the story. Head out into the lush countryside of Akureyri to explore its famed Botanical Gardens, home to more than 2,000 species of native and non-native plants flourishing in the summer months despite their close proximity to the Arctic Circle. Then venture on to the coastal town of Husavik, known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, where humpback, minke, and blue whales are known to make an appearance.
Add a little fire and ice to your summer adventures when you explore our upcoming voyages to Iceland today.
France
Wine-lovers, armchair historians, and art aficionados alike will find plenty to love on an Azamara summer voyage to France. From walking the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy to sampling some of the world’s finest wines in beautiful Bordeaux, summertime in France is a moveable feast to enlighten the mind and stir the senses.
Set out along the cobbled lanes of historic Honfleur, a seaside city of half-timbered houses and elegant manors immortalized in the works of Monet and Seurat. Indulge in a bit of retail therapy in Nantes’ famed Passage Pommeraye, where unique jewelry, textiles, and trinkets abound. Or nosh like a local in the historic walled city of St. Malo, with a sampling of the region’s famous crepes and cider in a local cafe.
Looking to live la vie en rose this summer? Browse our upcoming sailings to France.
Norway
Known for its breathtaking fjords, spectacular mountain ranges, and miles of rocky, rugged coastline, Norway is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. From the sweeping mountain vistas of picturesque Alesund to the towering glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and deep mountain valleys of Olden, the Nordic nation boasts a wealth of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Dubbed the “land of the midnight sun”, Norway is also an especially spectacular destination to visit in the summer months, when daylight hours frequently stretch beyond 10:00pm — leaving visitors plenty of time to continue exploring well into the evening.
Of course, Norway isn’t only for night owls and outdoor adventurers; foodies, history buffs, and “indoor types” alike will delight in the culture, cuisine, and charm of its capital city, Oslo. Nicknamed the “Tiger City”, Oslo is at once cosmopolitan and quaint: a modern metropolis punctuated by glimpses of the city’s historic past. Take a stroll through old Damstredet, a narrow 18th-century street of carved wooden houses painted in an array of bright, cheerful hues. Marvel at the distinctive curved bows of traditional Norwegian watercraft at the Bygdøy Peninsula. Or take in a performance by Norway’s world-class National Ballet Company at the striking new Oslo Opera House.
Check out our upcoming voyages to Norway and reawaken your sense of wonder this summer.
Set Sail for Summer Adventure
With longer days, warmer nights, and summer travel breathing new life into our favorite ports and cities, there’s never been a better time to explore with Azamara. Whether you’re rediscovering a beloved destination or making memories someplace entirely new, there is just so much wonderful world waiting to be explored this season!
So what are you waiting for? Browse our summer sailings today and reawaken your own joy of the journey.