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The romance of the Mediterranean and Greek Isles is truly special, if not magical. It's an area of the world where life moves at a slower pace, perhaps, to indulge the natural beauty that much more. This season we add to our roster of destinations, among others, Barcelona, Athens, Mykonos and Monte Carlo.
In fact, in this part of the Mediterranean, you’ll find one magical moment after another. Let the scenery and sights unfold and you will find culture-rich cities extending before you day after day. This region offers a kaleidoscopic array of interests. Art and museums abound. The cuisine is varied, ranging from enticingly rustic to contemporary and sophisticated. Rolling countryside is often just a step away. And shopping opportunities range from chic boutiques to lovely local markets laden with fresh produce. In fact, this sight-seer’s paradise combines beaches, history and scenic splendours to great effect. Even better, it is wonderfully accessible from the UK.
No-one ever forgets the first time they cruise into Venice; that magical moment when their ship passes St Mark`s Square, affording the same timeless view seafarers have enjoyed for centuries.
You can usually expect to visit an impressive eight destinations during a two week holiday. Leading you on a wonderfully varied adventure, with our shore excursions you might be wine tasting in Tuscany one moment and visiting Monaco’s famous Grand Prix circuit the next.
So many different destinations beckon. You can stroll along Las Ramblas and marvel at Gaudi`s many buildings in Barcelona. Surreal, curvaceous and an impressive feat of design and architecture, they give the city a unique vibrancy and sense of fun. Enjoy a cappuccino in the idyllic harbour of Portofino. Impossibly pretty, it is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Watch the French Riviera’s ‘in crowd’ in St Tropez, Cannes and Villefrance, the places to be and be seen! Take in the art treasures of Rome and Florence, from the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel to the famous 14th century Ponte Vecchio. And discover the many attractions of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. From verdant hills to sweeping promenades, lovely beaches, pavement cafés and sophisticated resorts, the western Mediterranean is a treasure trove of delights.
The western Mediterranean offers the finest selection of arts, culture, history, surf and sand, making it the perfect destination for a family or romantic cruise. Given the size of the Mediterranean, cruises within the western half feature more ports than many other cruises, typically calling in at Spain, Portugal, Italy, Monaco, Malta, Croatia, and Morocco.
The cultural diversity of the countries within the western Mediterranean which cruise ships stop off at make it a most intriguing and enlightening experience.
The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona is the most common stop in Spain, with tours taking in the Gothic Quarter, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Church and several other urban vistas.
Monte Carlo is another of the most popular stops on a cruise of the western Mediterranean, where passengers can enjoy the casinos, gambling, glamour and simply soak up the atmosphere of casual wealth.
Several Italian cities are usually included on cruises of the Mediterranean, including Venice, Naples, Florence and 'The Eternal City', Rome. Filled with history, art, culture and fantastic evening entertainments, for many people the cities of Italy represent the highlight of the trip.
Malta and Croatia are also popular with passengers, particularly Dubrovnik for its sunny and welcoming ambience.
However, the Islamic culture of Morocco offers a dramatically different holiday experience from the rest of the Mediterranean. Take a stroll through the spice markets of Marrakech, or see the awe-inspiring Koutoubia Mosque, towering above the labyrinthine city streets.
Taking in some of the most captivating locations in the world, a cruise of the western Mediterranean can be one of the most romantic experiences of a lifetime, while with so many stops, even the most restless child is unlikely to get bored.
From the ancient water of the Aegean to the lost civilization of Atlantis at Santorini, a cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean offers one of travel's finest selection of itinerary, weather, culture, history and leisure.
Taking in many of the great locations of antiquity, a cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean offers passengers the opportunity to step into the world of Homer, Polyaenus and Herodotus, sailing through and stopping off at places that to many are no more than the stuff of myth and legend.
Italy is the starting point for many cruises of the Eastern Mediterranean, most commonly Venice. However, Savona, Bari and Rome are also often used.
Dubrovnik, or the 'jewel of the Adriatic' as its residents like to call it is usually one of the stops on a cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean, captivating visitors with its ancient ambience and architecture, virtually unchanged since the 13th century.
As testament to its role in the development of world civilisation, several stops are usually made in Greece. Passengers can see the birthplace of the Olympics at Olympia, stroll around the inspiring Acropolis museum of Piraeus, or simply experience the bustling metropolis of modern day Athens.
The Greek Isles of Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, Santorini, Patmos, Samos and uninhabited Delos, are also frequently visited by cruise lines.
Turkey also features heavily on a cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean, with Istanbul, Bodrom and Kusadasi among the ports of call.
From there passengers can go on to Malta and Alexandria in Egypt, completing a diverse, enlightening and inspiring cruise that brings ancient myths and legends to life.
An Adriatic cruise covers the area from Italy to the Balkans, taking in the eastern coast of Italy into countries such as Croatia and Albania.
With epic sights such as the Appenine mountains, cruising round these waters can be a breathtaking experience.
And since they came back into the fold, the previously hidden cultures and history of the eastern European countries have unveiled a rich tapestry of culture and exploration for western travellers.
Speaking of exploration, a cruise round the Adriatic allows visitors to go to places such as Korcula, birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo.
And then there are medieval towns like Dubrovnik or the popular city of Venice that simply have to be visited.
It's a luxurious, educational and inspirational voyage around some of the most charming and historic destinations in Europe.
Travelling in style and taking in the treasures of each city and country can make an Adriatic cruise holiday a truly remarkable and memorable experience.
Offers are subject to availability at the time of booking. Should the cruise deal you’d like not be available our travel consultant will offer you an alternative.
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