Mediterranean Cruises

Ah, Athens. The birthplace of democracy and western civilisation, with the crowning glory, the Acropolis, perched atop its plateau. Come and lose yourself in the twisting streets of the ancient Plaka district.

Like many ports in this part of the world, archaeological ruins dating back to antiquity are found everywhere here. There are also hundreds of gorges and over 1,500 land and sea caves.

Every nook and cranny tells you a story on this impossibly beautiful Ionian isle. Take in Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses, and houses in the both French and English style.

Use this picturesque Peloponnese port as your gateway to one of Greece’s most historic landmarks – ancient Olympia. Located in a lush green valley, its stadium was the largest of its kind.

In Mykonos, sunlight reflects off hundreds of whitewashed houses, framed by the famous Venetian windmills. Enter its maze of twisting alleys, originally designed to confuse pirate invaders.

An important seaport since the Middle Ages, Nauplion has retained its Medieval charm in its ancient walls, monuments, and castles. Step back in time and soak up its abundant history.

Two millennia ago, you’d have been awestruck by the 100ft Colossus of Rhodes. Today, many diverse sites remain, such as the Temple of Venus. One thing that hasn’t changed is the sunshine.

Santorini is a place of almost mythological beauty. After anchoring, ascend 895ft to the capital Fira - reachable by cable car or a flight of 600 steps!

Alicante is located on the eastern coast of Spain known as the Costa Blanca. Blessed with white-sand beaches and rugged mountain ranges, it also has great nightlife and a cosmopolitan feel.

Vying for your attention in Catalonia’s visually stunning capital are the magnificent medieval buildings of the lively Gothic quarter and the exotic creations of architect Antoni Gaudi.

Art lovers will fall for rugged Bilbao. Home to both the Guggenheim and the Bellas Artes museums, you can spend more than one afternoon wandering the airy galleries, coffee in hand.

During the 16th and 17th centuries much of Spain’s naval power was projected from the port of Cartagena. Many of these coastal fortifications still exist, providing splendid views of the harbour.

Take the cable car up the 1,400ft sheer-sided peak for panoramic views of the town, your ship, Spain and Africa. Descend on foot to Michael’s Cave with its impressive rock formations.

Few places can boast such an international mix as the Balearic Island of Ibiza. Partying aside, there are plenty of attractions including Dalt Villa, a World Heritage Site, shops and tapas bars.

On a narrow thread of land on the Galician coast, the ‘Crystal City’ provides out guests with a gateway to Santiago de Compostella, one of Spain’s most romantic and historic cities.

Malaga is a spectacular legacy of Moorish culture. Take a trip along the coast to Granada to the exquisite Alhambra Palace. This is also the birthplace of Picasso.

The best views are reserved by those who arrive by sea. The white battlements of Bellver Castle sit on a hill overlooking the towering cathedral that took 400 years to build.

From Cádiz you can reach Seville. Explore the old town with its quaint vibe as well as its impressive monuments, pretty parks and lovely architecture. Don’t miss the tapas bars.

Known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia is a vibrant, friendly, mildly chaotic place with two outstanding fine-arts museums, an accessible old quarter, and an expansive cultural and scientific complex.

This picturesque port on Spain’s lush Galician coastline gives you easy access to fascinating medieval towns like Bayona. A fan of white beaches? A journey to the Cíes Islands is worth it.

Renowned as the birthplace of Napoleon, you’ll find many tributes to the conqueror. See where he was raised at Maison Boneparte, then linger over classic Corsican cuisine at Le Grand Café Napoleon. 

Step back in time and into ancient marble streets lined with stone palaces. Walking the city walls is a must-do –the lookout towers along the way provide fantastic photo opportunities.

In the northern Adriatic Sea you’ll find the Croatian port city of Rijeka. The third largest city in Croatia, Rijeka is known for its medieval architecture, heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance.

The Roman emperor Diocletian liked Split so much that in 295 AD, a palace was built here for his retirement. It’s one of the sunniest places in Europe, with scenery to match. 

On the pristine Dalmatian coast, discover a Roman-era city with a modern vibe. Start at The Sea Organ, an art installation of 35 pipes cut into the promenade, powered by wave action.

Stroll under the palms of the fabled waterfront promenade. The animated Forville food market and narrow alleyways of Le Suquet are great places to browse, and Monaco is nearby to explore.

There’s much to do in this Normandy port. Marvel at the largest nuclear submarine open to the public at the ‘City of the Sea’ museum, or make a pilgrimage to nearby Mont-St.-Michel.

In the middle of the Cote d’Azur, Nice has long attracted writers and artists. Arm yourself with a scoop of lavender and vanilla ice cream and stroll down the Promenade des Anglais.

The allure of the ‘capital of style’ is legendary – haute couture combined with haute cuisine. Innumerable museums, and just as many famous parks sit alongside architectural icons like the Eiffel Tower.

Marseille is one of the most visited cities in France, thanks to its many museums, galleries and ancient buildings of historical interest. Along the coast, cycling tracks veer around coves and beaches.

Provence is your stepping stone to idyllic fields of lavender and charming villages like Cassis. Visit a restaurant around the Vieux Port and order Bouillabaisse, the hearty fish stew invented here. 

Praised for its many canals and quaint neighbourhoods, this romantic village is the French equivalent of Venice. There are markets to stroll through, museums to admire and beaches to lounge on.

This city rises dramatically from the Mediterranean on terraced hillsides to Mount Carmel. From here, the world lies at your feet, and on a clear day you can see the Lebanese border.

Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities. Gaze at the Western Wall, all that's left of the Second Temple, or watch the sunlight hit the golden-roofed Dome of the Rock.

In the middle of the Med, tiny Malta is packed with history. You won’t want to miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, or the Grand Master’s Palace with its impressive frescoes.

Stroll under the palms of the fabled waterfront promenade. When you’ve taken your fill of the continental panache on display, the animated Forville food market is a great place to browse.

Up to 66ft high and blending into the mountainside behind, Kotor’s Venetian ramparts are an amazing sight as you approach by sea. Small it may be, but there’s plenty to see.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful capitals. Enjoy local delicacy Pastel de Nata (custard cake), before exploring the wide boulevards lined by black and white mosaic sidewalks.

There’s more to Madeira than the nectar-like wine carrying its name. Experience an island blessed with Portuguese flair, and the only surviving pre-Ice Age forests on the planet.

If you think you’re in Italy, it’s because the Venetians ruled this area for centuries. Remnants of this can be seen at the Praetorian Palace, and the medieval port of Piran.

You’ll find Fuerteventura in the stunning Canary Islands off the coast of North Africa. It’s famous for year-round sunshine and home to the best beaches in the Canary Islands.

With an otherworldly volcanic landscape, Lanzarote is like nowhere else on earth. Explore Cueva de los Verdes, a natural concert hall and subterranean lagoon. Or, simply enjoy the plethora of golden beaches.

Follow in the wake of Columbus to what was then the world’s most westerly known point. Discover natural wonders like the Caldera de Bandama, which is almost 1km wide by 200m deep. 

The highest mountain in Spain is not on mainland Europe. It’s here. At 12,198ft, the peak of Mt. Teide is the highlight of any visit to the largest of the Canaries.

Many say the Azores are what’s left of the fabled island of Atlantis, swallowed up by the oceans 9,000 years ago. Perhaps they’re right; they’re some of the most beautiful islands anywhere. 

Parmesan, balsamico and fettuccine are just a few of the delights invented here. But there’s lots more to enjoy, such as Byzantine mosaics in the 1450 year old Basilica of Sant Apollinare.

Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Normans have all left their mark here. Significant traces from all of these periods still remain here, including the Roman theatre and the Odeon.

From La Spezia, which provides ready access to the Cinque Terre region, you can travel to Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Also, enjoy La Spezia's spectacular collection of cathedrals.

For Renaissance treasures, nowhere compares to Florence. The Uffizi is home to Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo’s Annunciation. In addition, you’ll find architectural icons like Brunelleschi’s Duomo.

Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, the city is bordered on one side by the ocean, and on the other by mountains. In the lower city, you’ll find cobblestone streets and unique shopping opportunities.

You’re spoiled for choice in the city that invented the pizza. Embark on a trip to Mt. Vesuvius for mind-blowing views before descending to Pompeii, or board a boat to Capri.

Stroll tiny Portofino, a perfectly poised pastel village taking refuge on its own secluded peninsula. Stop at a charming café to grab a bite and watch the yachts bobbing in the harbour.

If ever there was a place to return to and delve deeper, it’s Rome. Explore hidden piazzas, opulent baroque churches, and classical ruins. Not to mention the best of Italian fashion.

On the Italian Riviera, southeast of Genoa, Santa Margherita oozes quaint Italian charm. Like a scene from a postcard, yachts bob in the harbour and fabulous brightly coloured buildings line the waterfront.

Founded by the ancient Greeks, the ‘Door of Sicily’ is the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Why not linger over a glass of local red wine in dramatic Duomo Square?

Picture yourself sipping hot chocolate at the legendary Caffé Florian on Venice’s fashionable Piazza San Marco, or taking a scenic canal ride by gondola through the mysterious waterways.