Eastern Mediterranean Discovery Cruise

Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Sun 20 April 2025 / Depart: Sun 20 April 2025

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Motril, Granada

Arrive: Thu 24 April 2025 / Depart: Thu 24 April 2025

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Palermo

Arrive: Sun 27 April 2025 / Depart: Sun 27 April 2025

Sicily's capital, Palermo perches at the foot of Monte Pellgrino at the heart of a large natural harbour. Founded in the 5th century, it has alternately enjoyed and endured one of the most colourful histories of any Mediterranean city. Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, Vandals have all come and gone, leaving their mark on the population as well as the architecture.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Athens

Arrive: Tue 29 April 2025 / Depart: Tue 29 April 2025

The Acropolis – ‘High City' - will always be the top attraction from Athens' cruise port Piraeus. With its 2,500-year-old Parthenon, temple to Poseidon and Athena, Odeon of Herodus Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, it quite literally stands out as an oasis of calm in the frenetic Greek capital. As part of the major revamp the city had for the 2004 Olympics, 400 modern buildings were cleared from the ancient meeting place next to the Acropolis, the Agora, which was then restored and linked by walkways to the Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, the Academy of Plato and the Monastery of Daphne. Other nearby ancient sites include the Roman Tower of the Winds and the Hill of the Muses where Socrates is said to have drunk hemlock. Below the Acropolis is the fun place to shop or barter, eat moussaka or Greek salad, drink wine or ouzo and, of course, to people-watch: the 3,000-year-old Plaka.

Day 11 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Wed 30 April 2025 / Depart: Wed 30 April 2025

Now a popular Turkish cruise port, Kusadasi was once a sleepy fishing village until the extraordinary ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus were discovered nearby. Rivalling Pompeii, these are a must-see but try to find the time to explore pretty Kusadasi and discover Kaleici, its charming old quarter, which lies close to the cruise port.

Day 12 - Santorini

Arrive: Thu 01 May 2025 / Depart: Thu 01 May 2025

When you arrive by sea, there is no confusing the island of Santorini. Dazzling white houses cling to the edge of vertical, rocky cliffs against azure blue waters. The most southern of the Cyclades islands, it is surrounded by Thirasia and Aspronisi, which were once part of a large volcanic island. Considered by many to be the site of the "Lost City of Atlantis", this magical little island glimmers from the fading sun as many watch its decent from the numerous bars and cafes at the water's edge.

Day 13 - Heraklion

Arrive: Fri 02 May 2025 / Depart: Fri 02 May 2025

The proud city of Heraklion is the modern capital of Crete, largest and most ruggedly beautiful of the Greek Isles. Just along the coast, you'll find the scrupulously renovated remains of Knossos, the Palace of King Minos and the island's capital under the Minoans. Here, the endless maze of salons, staircases and courtyards gave rise to the legend of the Labyrinth, housing the evil Minotaur at its heart. See the legend come vividly to life!

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Gibraltar

Arrive: Tue 06 May 2025 / Depart: Tue 06 May 2025

Britons love cruising to 'home from home' Mediterranean cruise port Gibraltar - and not just because it has some excellent pubs and tax free shops (good buys include glassware, china, leather goods, alcohol, perfume, silk and cashmere garments). Gibraltar also offers wonderful views of the Bay of Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountains from the Rock Restaurant, served by cable car from the Grand Parade. Birdwatchers can spot more than 230 species and there are clearly marked nature trails you can follow to discover the country's flora and fauna. The most famous 'fauna' of course, are Gibraltar's Barbary apes - get off the cable car at the halfway station to see these, then proceed to the top and hire an audio tape charting the Rock's fascinating history. Alternatively spend a day at the beach - Catalan Bay is the prettiest, with its colourful fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Southampton

Arrive: Fri 09 May 2025 / Depart: Fri 09 May 2025

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.