The Mediterranean has it all. This special part of the world is brimming with sparkling cultural treasures, historical riches and natural wonders, all drizzled with a coating of bright sunshine. From glitzy beach resorts and futuristic architecture to whitewashed villages, ancient sites and cobbled streets, there's so much to see and do that deciding where to go isn't easy. A Mediterranean cruise lets you see it all in one holiday.
With many of the Med's departure ports just a couple hours flight away, this multifaceted region is practically on your doorstep. Here's our guide to some of the Med's best ports of call. If this doesn't inspire you to book a Mediterranean cruise, nothing will.
Western Mediterranean
Barcelona
With all its Catalonian cool, it's hard to believe Barcelona has only been a tourist mecca since the 1990s. Today its modernist architecture, gothic cathedrals, tapas restaurants and art galleries make it a Mediterranean cruise must-see.
Palma
Perched on the Bay of Palma in sunny Majorca, Palma is the cosmopolitan capital of the Balearic Islands. With its gothic cathedral, yacht-lined harbour and stylish restaurants, bars and boutiques, this is the place to see and be seen.
Lisbon
The Portuguese capital will add some eclectic charm to your Mediterranean cruise . For history buffs, Lisbon is home to a castle, cathedrals and monasteries, while culture vultures can see the city from a cable car or vintage tram.
Madeira
Famous for its flowers, Madeira blooms with botanical gardens and flower markets. When you've finished breathing in bougainvillea, take the cable car to hilltop Monte and whizz back down on the famous toboggan run.
Monaco
Perfectly positioned on the French Riviera, Monaco is all about glamour. Join the rich and famous in Monte Carlo's casinos and stroll past the super-sleek yachts in the harbour for a touch of glitz on your Mediterranean cruise.
Naples
With a rich history going back thousands of years, the old city of Naples is close to the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, the natural grandeur of Mount Vesuvius and the glamorous island of Capri.
Palermo
Palermo has so much to discover, from its Phoenician, Arab and Roman conquerors to its fascinating mafia past. See cultural and architectural reminders of them all, then discuss over a traditional Sicilian meal.
Portofino
Soak up all the style of the Italian Riviera on your Mediterranean cruise . The exclusive resort of Portofino is a long-time favourite with the jet-set, thanks to its beautiful harbour, chic restaurants and upmarket boutiques.
Rome
A true Mediterranean cruise favourite, beautiful Rome overflows with historical reminders and visual pleasures. Imagine life as an ancient Roman at the Forum and the Colisseum, and soak up the romance of its elegant piazzas and grand fountains.
Sardinia
You'll find beach heaven on this gem of an Italian island. Sardinia is home to sandy shores, quaint fishing villages and medieval towns, as well as the glam Costa Smerelda, with its upmarket resorts and yacht-lined marinas.
Seville
With its Moorish heritage and Andalucian charm, Seville is a Mediterranean cruise treasure. Discover Spanish flair from Flamenco to fiestas, and explore the huge Gothic cathedral and Alcazar Moroccan palace.
St Tropez
Famous for being a millionaires' playground, St Tropez is just perfect for people-watching, whether you do it in a chic pavement café, on the sands of Plage de Tahiti or on a harbour-side stroll.
Tunis
A spicy taste of Africa on your Mediterranean cruise , Tunis is a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover dramatic mosques, explore the Medina, taste life in the Berber villages or take a trip to the gorgeous village of Sidi Bou Said.
Eastern Mediterranean
Dubrovnik
Stroll around Dubrovnik's ancient city walls, looking down on terracotta rooftops and the jewel-blue Adriatic. Explore tiny cobbled streets to find churches and palaces, and take boat trips to pretty surrounding islands.
Santorini
Set against the blue Aegean, with sunset painted skies and blue-domed roofs perched on whitewashed houses, Santorini is sure to add some colour to your Mediterranean cruise , not least with its explosive volcanic history.
Athens
Find ancient history in the midst of bustling city life in Athens. Discover the Acropolis and picture the lives of the Ancient Greeks in the city's fascinating museums - another exciting Mediterranean cruise experience.
Istanbul
A heady blend of European and Asian flavours, Istanbul bubbles over with life. Haggle your way around bustling markets, find your way through the colourful streets and feel the history within the ancient city walls.
Venice
Whether it's your first taste or your latest, you could never see Venice too many times. Your Mediterranean cruise won't be complete until you explore its winding streets, gaze breathless at St Mark's Square and pass under pretty bridges by gondola.
Check out the best Mediterranean cruises at cruise.co.uk , with top cruise lines like Cunard, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess and many more.
Reprint Rights: feel free to use this article if you include a link to http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-destinations/mediterranean-cruises/
Anna Bird is travel copywriter at Click with Technology, a cutting-edge travel website provider.
CWT offers a range of services to the travel industry, including professional programming, cutting-edge web design, search engine marketing and creative content writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment