An Eastern Mediterranean cruise holiday takes you to a sightseer’s paradise, combining beaches, history and scenic splendours to great effect. Even better, the region is wonderfully accessible from the UK with all cruises to the Mediterranean sailing from and returning to Southampton. Along the coast of Italy, Greece, Turkey and Egypt, the extraordinary intrigue of this area continues to draw travellers from far and wide.
Cruising to this end of the Mediterranean also leads to where Europe meets Asia: right in the middle of the mosques and minarets of Turkeys bustling capital, Istanbul. Colourful not only in terms of its people, crafts and buildings, the city pulsates to the sounds of children, hawkers and carpet sellers. Mediterranean cruise holidays, which include Venice cruises, Greek cruises and Turkey cruises, offer experiences like no other; places in which you can immerse yourself in the different culture, foods and architecture. For many it’s the best way to experience the Eastern Mediterranean.
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| DurresShow more | Albania |    |
About Durrës Durrës has long been a favourite seaside resort for Albanian families. Embark on one of our cruises to Durrës and beyond the beach you’ll find a fascinating city of antiquities, museums and theatres. Founded in the 7th century BC, the port became an important merchant centre on the route linking Rome with Byzantium. With Durrës cruises you can explore ruins dating back to Roman times including the amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans seating up to 20,000 spectators; an early Christian chapel with rare wall mosaics. The remains of its fortress date back to the early Middle Ages with the archaeological museum exhibiting further reminders of the past. The city, which is also home to King Zog’s palace, remains an important seaport connecting travellers to Western Europe via ferry routes to Italy.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| NeseburShow more | Bulgaria |   |
About Nessebur The ancient town of Nessebur lies on a small, rocky peninsular in the Black Sea, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Truly picturesque, its narrow cobblestone streets, period wooden houses and medieval churches tell the story of its rich history, which dates back two millennia. Be seduced by the romantic atmosphere, as you explore its UNESCO protected old quarter. At almost every turn you will come across one of its many beautiful churches, whose ornamental facades decorate the town. One of the oldest sanctuaries is the Basilica, which dates back to around the 5th century, whilst the most impressive is the 25 metre long Old Bishop’s Residence. As well as churches you can also see the remains of the fortress walls, admire its blend of architecture from different epochs, as well as explore its beaches and museums. Nearby, visit the town of Burgas, set on the shores of the largest bay on the Black Sea coast.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| DubrovnikShow more | Croatia | |
About Dubrovnik Sailing into the beautiful 12th century Croatian walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the great cruising experiences. The spectacular Old Town – with its pretty harbour, towering ramparts, creamy stone pavements and red-roofed buildings – is crammed with architectural wonders like Onofrio’s Fountain - constructed in the 1430s – and the 14th century Franciscan Monastery, home to a wonderful statue of the Piéta carved in 1498, and the world’s oldest pharmacy (est. 1391). Visit, too, the magnificently Gothic Sponza Palace and the 18th century Baroque Church of St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. And, when you have had your fill of sightseeing, you will find pretty restaurants and cafés tucked away on Dubrovnik’s narrow side streets – worth exploring as they also contain offbeat shops and art galleries. Lacework, oil paintings and ceramics are good buys but take plenty of cash with you, as some shops do not accept credit cards.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HvarShow more | Croatia | |
About Hvar It’s easy to see why Hvar is such a popular town on this beautiful Dalmatian Riviera island, where terracotta tiled houses cling to the lush hillside rising from the pretty yacht-filled harbour. The area is rich in history and known for its medieval architecture. Take in the incredible views over Hvar and the surrounding islands from the 16th century Fortica Fortress. Or visit the cathedral dedicated to St Stephen and the Bishop’s Palace, which forms one side of St Stephen’s square. The Franciscan monastery, founded in 1461, is home to an intriguing museum and also well worth investigating. The area benefits from the Mediterranean climate known as ‘the climate of the olive tree’. As a result it enjoys a characteristic clear blue sky for the majority of the year, so you may just want to watch the world go by from one of Hvar’s many open-air cafés.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KorculaShow more | Croatia | |
About Korcula As the reputed birthplace of that great explorer Marco Polo, the Croatian island of Korcula is a must-see for any cruise traveller. Its medieval Old Town, which juts out into Dalmatian archipelago between Dubrovnik and Split, is surrounded by 14th century stone walls and contains a succession of narrow streets that branch off the spine of the main thoroughfare like a fish bone, designed to cut down on the impact of sun and wind to provide citizens with comfortable and sheltered accommodation. It also helps visitors stay cool in the heat of the summer sun. A fascinating place to explore, the Old Town also has numerous gothic, renaissance and baroque palaces, monuments and galleries. Around the island are many small and secluded beaches, one of the best being at Luka Korculanska, a 15-minute walk or short boat trip from the main Old Town harbour.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| SplitShow more | Croatia | |
About Split Nestling on the sparkling Dalmatian coast, the medieval Croatian port of Split, faces the myriad magical islands of the Kornati archipelago which include Brac, Hvar and Vis. Face the other way across Split’s waterfront and you will see Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The pedestrianised centre of Split is easy to walk around. Wander around its huddle of alleys and piazzas and then, for a great view, climb the exposed steps to the top of the 200ft-high cathedral bell tower. Sip a drink at one of the many cafés along the seafront Riva or pop into a Konoba (wine cellar) to sample the excellent locally produced reds and whites. Culinary specialities include smoke and wind dried ham, stewed beef with noodles and delicious lamb dishes. Just three miles from Split are the ruins of ancient Salona, once capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| RijekaShow more | Croatia | |
About Rijeka This cosmopolitan coastal city is famous for its annual carnival, Rijeka’s theatres, museums and abundant history make cruises to Rijeka an intriguing destination at any time of the year. The unique Baroque rotunda of St Vitus Cathedral, dedicated to the port’s Patron Saint and protector, is in the old town. He appears again in a relief on the early 16th century city flagpole outside the Municipal Palace close to the Church of St Jerome, once part of an Augustinian monastery complex. Further stone decorations, this time of fish and molluscs, are found in the city’s Great Market. Energetic visitors on Rijeka cruises can climb the 500 steps to reach the ancient district of Trsat and the Church of Our Lady of Trsat, the oldest Croatian sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| PulaShow more | Croatia | |
About Pula Found on the heart-shaped Istrian peninsula, it’s easy to fall in love with the 3000-year-old city of Pula. This cruise destination has a rich history which starts with the myth of the Argonauts’ search for the Golden Fleece and the influence of successive civilisations can be seen throughout its streets. Standing inside its splendid amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, you can almost hear the clash of swords. Other highlights of Pula cruises are the Temple of Augustus and the Gate of Hercules, also reminders of Roman rule. Fine examples of 19th Century Austrian architecture date from its time as the main naval port of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| LimassolShow more | Cyprus |   |
About Limassol History mixed with a little hedonism is the holiday mixture which makes Cyprus so popular and, sat about halfway along the south coast, Limassol is the ideal base for cruise visitors to enjoy what the country has to offer. Across the island, there is plenty of rugged coastline and mountain scenery to explore and enjoy along with a variety of archaeological sites. Limassol is a working town as well as a holiday resort but it has been attractively landscaped and its centre is easily walkable. Make sure you visit the 12th century fort where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria and which now houses an excellent medieval museum. Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960. But, following the 1974 Turkish invasion and the subsequent division of Cyprus, the Greek Cypriots had to create a brand new tourist industry in its part of the island. The most popular resorts are Ayia Napa and Paphos, both renowned for safe, sandy beaches.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| AthensShow more | Greece | |
About Athens 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, Hadrians 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.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CephaloniaShow more | Greece | |
About Cephalonia As a setting for a love story - remember Captain Corellis Mandolin - the unspoilt, rugged but timeless Greek island of Cephalonia is hard to beat. Although the largest of the Ionian islands, Cephalonia is defiantly untouristy and delights in giving visitors a real opportunity to experience the flavour of an authentic Greek island community. Just 30,000 live on the island, mainly in the coastal towns and resorts with the rest living much as they have done for centuries in the mountain villages. Pause for a drink in one of the pretty harbourfront tavernas in the cruise port town of Sami before exploring. There are sandy beaches near the west coast town of Argostoli along with a couple of interesting caves. At Melissani, near Agia Egfymia, the sun shining down through a hole in the caves roof creates a spectacular lighting effect on the water.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CorfuShow more | Greece |  |
About Corfu That classic holiday combination of endless sun, sea and sand make Corfu one of the most popular, as well as one of the largest Greek islands, but it offers a lot more besides. Head inland, through heavily-scented pine woods, and you will find tiny villages like Sokraki where only Greek is spoken and time appears to have stood still. And the capital, Corfu Town, is Greeces largest ‘living’ medieval town home to cobblestone streets and alleyways, historic buildings, statues and fountains. The stand-out is the Venetian-built Old Fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. But do find time to pause for a drink or lunch at one of the cafés along the French-style Liston Arcade and Esplanade. For the best beaches, head for Paleokastritsa, Glyfada or, if it is history you want, head for Gastouri to visit the lavish 19th century Achillion Palace.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HeraklionShow more | Greece | |
About Heraklion 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!View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KatakolonShow more | Greece | |
About Katakolon The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium – where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| MytileneShow more | Greece | |
About Mytilene Cruise port Mytilene is the charming capital of the Greek island Lesbos but, just to confuse visitors, islanders also sometimes refer to the whole island by that name. But, whichever name they choose, it does not change the beautiful island landscape of pine forests and olive groves. Set in the north Aegean Sea, just off the coast of Turkey, the island is now a major olive oil producer but it also has ancient ruins dating back three millennia BC and, of course, is most famous as the birthplace of the poet-turned-gay icon, Sappho. Mytilene is definitely worth a wander as it has some outstanding neoclassical architecture and an excellent museum as well as some tempting antique stores. Outside the capital, there are some fascinating rural villages, historic churches and castles as well as some attractively rugged scenery around its coastlineView typical shore excursions for this port |
| RhodesShow more | Greece |  |
About Rhodes You will feel as though you have stepped back in time when you cruise right up to Rhodes’ magnificent walled Old Town - the largest inhabited medieval town in the whole of Europe. This magnificent place has made the island the most popular tourist destination in the Dodecanese Look beyond the souvenir shops to its fabulous historic buildings, atmospheric cobbled streets and picturesque terraced restaurants and it is easy to see why. The major sights are easily discovered on foot – visit the 14th century Palace of the Grand Masters and Hospital of the Knights of St John, the pink-domed, 16th century Mosque of Suleyman and the Byzantine Museum, housed in an 11th century church. Make time, too, to browse the Turkish Market on Soukratos Street where you will find a cornucopia of stalls selling rugs, ceramics, jewellery and bric a brac which is great fun if you enjoy a good haggle.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| SamosShow more | Greece | |
About Samos This large, Aegean island is a gorgeous, verdant place covered with pure white sand beaches, picturesque villages and fishing harbours. It is famous for the production and the quality of its wine. The sweet variety of Samos wine has an international reputation. The essential beauty of the nature, the historical sites that are spread all over the island and the charming mountainous landscape of Samos create a unique atmosphere which enchants all its visitors. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| ZakinthosShow more | Greece | |
 About Zakinthos Call it Zakinthos or Zante, this most southerly of the Ionian chain is still one of the most ruggedly beautiful of all the Greek islands. Springs run down from the mountains in the north to the lush green valleys below and the flat plains in the south feed an abundance of wildflowers which add even more colour to the landscape. There are also lovely sandy beaches tucked away in hidden coves, some only reachable by boat. Others are used by the endangered Loggerhead sea turtles as their main nesting areas. The main town and cruise port, Zakinthos, is typically Greek with blindingly white houses and bar after bar along the harbourfront. It was destroyed by an earthquake 50 years ago and, although it has a couple of good museums (including one on Greek literature), you have to travel inland to find historic sites such as the Venetian fortress thought to have been built within the walls of a long-gone acropolis. Argassi and Tsilivi, the most popular beach resorts, are each just three miles away from the port. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| AnconaShow more | Italy |  |
 About Ancona Beyond its busy harbour, the ancient Adriatic port of Andona – capital of Italy’s Marche region – offers visitors a fascinating insight into its past. Most of the popular excursions offered from our cruises to Ancona provide an adventure associated with experiencing a rich culture. Make the best of your Ancona cruise experience and walk under the ceremonial Roman arch, a gift from the emperor Trajan, and head uphill to explore the oldest part of the city. Ruins, including an impressive Augustan amphitheatre, are revealed as you head towards the summit. Here you’ll find one of Italy’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture, the medieval Cathedral of San Ciriaco. Ancona cruises can then take you to the 16th century Palazzo Ferretti, home of the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche region. There’s also an art museum with works by Crivellior, for a hands-on experience, reach out and touch the display at the The Museo Tatttile Statale Omero.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BariShow more | Italy | |
 About Bari Located on the Adriatic Sea, the ancient Italian capital of Bari has often been neglected by visitors, but this atmospheric and architecturally adorned city is a little gem that embraces a rich cosmopolitan past. Many civilisations have left their mark and many cultures are still represented, from Byzantine and Arabic to Gothic and Greek. Separating the town is a wide boulevard, home to the Piccinni Theatre and the renowned red-brick government palace. To the north, pastel houses litter the labyrinth of lanes, arched alleyways and ancient churches that make up the old town. From here explore the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the 12th century Cathedral of San Sabino and the Swabian castle of Castello Svevo. To the south, in the new town of Murattiano, you’ll find a stunning promenade by the sea as well as the major shopping districts of Via Sparano and Via Argiro. Just outside of Bari is the mysterious octagonal Castel del Monte built in 1240, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| VeniceShow more | Italy | |
About Venice This World Heritage city is just about the perfect cruise call because everything you want to see is so easily accessible whether the ship docks just down from St Marks Square or further up the Grand Canal at the main Venice cruise terminal complex. Cars are banned from the maze of narrow cobbled streets and 500 historic bridges within the city centre so there are just the two choices for getting around: the vaporetto (water-bus) network or just plain walking. A gondola ride is really for fun and romance rather than transportation. Start walking from St Marks Square, with its ancient Basilica, lavish Doges Palace and imposing bell tower, then follow signs for the shop-lined Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. But wherever you walk, there are intriguing arty shops, museums and galleries plus some tasty cafés and restaurants along the way. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BrindisiShow more | Italy | |
About Brindisi Found on Salento peninsula at the heel of Italy, the natural harbour of Brindisi is an important gateway to the East. Ancient mariners used its two Roman column – symbols of the city – as reference points into the port. Although one collapsed in the 16th century, the other is still visible. Cruises to Brindisi have plenty to offer. In the Piazza Duomo stands the cathedral with its mosaic and baroque bell tower; the 12th century remains of a once majestic church linked to the Knights Templar; and fascinating display in the Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo. Another highlight of our Brindisi cruises is the early 14th century church of Santa Maria del Casale with its Byzantine frescoes. With such a variety of destinations included in our Brindisi cruise itinerary, don’t forget to save some time for sampling the local cuisine or a glass of Brindisi DOC – the area is well known for its wines and olive oils.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| TripoliShow more | Libya | |
About Tripoli Libya is slowly opening up to the outside world and there is the beginnings of a tourism industry, with cruise passengers among the first to enjoy some of the most fascinating sites to be found in North Africa or anywhere around the Mediterranean. The capital and cruise port, Tripoli, is a typical North African city of narrow streets and lively souks. It also has a fascinating national museum but the real treasures are still out in the desert which covers most of this country. First, along the coast to the east of the capital, is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in North Africa or Europe: Leptis Magna. Its remarkably impressive scale and condition is down to the protection afforded by the layers of desert sand which buried it until discovery early last century. Along the coast to the west and near the border with Tunisia is another Roman city, Sabratha.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Malta GCShow more | Malta | |
About Malta The fortifications at Malta’s Grand Harbour speak volumes about her past, indeed her reputation for valour during the Second World war earned her the George Cross and there aren’t too many islands you can say that of! Mosta and Mdina (the silent city) will vie for your attention if you want to go wandering.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KotorShow more | Montenegro | |
About Kotor The old Mediterranean port of Kotor, is in the Gulf of Kotor – one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea, and sometimes referred to as the most southern-most fjord in Europe. Ruled by Venice for hundreds of years, this lovely coastal town’s architecture bears heavy Venetian influences. Surrounded by impressive walls, which have stood since medieval times, a stroll around the Old City will take you past historic buildings, criss-crossed with narrow streets and squares. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, constructed in 1166, is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of Roman architecure along this coast. Head inland and you can discover the compelling Montenegrin landscape. With a backdrop of the rugged Balkan Mountains, Durmitor National Park, is traversed by rivers and underground streams. Gaze in awe at the Tara Canyon, which is surrounded by dense pine forests and is one of the deepest gorges in the world.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| ConstantaShow more | Romania | |
 About Constanta Constanta is located in a region called Dobrogea, between the Danube River and the Black Sea. With a history that dates back to 657 BC, it was originally a Greek stronghold called Tomis. On becoming a province of the Roman Empire it was renamed after the emperor Constantine who fortified and developed the city from 320 - 350 AD. Stroll the charming streets and explore the historical peninsular area. From ancient monuments to interesting museums, shops and parks, you will discover many sides to this cultural city. The History Museum is one of the best here, housing a collection of unique Greek and Roman statues and glassware. Guarding the entrance is the statue of Roman poet, Ovid, who, after being exiled here, wrote of Tomis in his works. Other points of interest include the ancient Greek colony ruins of Tomis and the old Art Nouveau style Casino, which stands in the harbour area. For sun lovers there are number of great beaches in and around Constanta.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CagliariShow more | Sardinia | |
About Cagliari Visually stunning, Sardinia’s capital and main cruise port Cagliari can trace its history back thousands of years to Roman times and features many museums, historic churches and ancient artefacts. Most of the city’s impressive attractions can be seen just by walking through the walled Castello area with its winding alleyways and open piazzas. Do not miss the 2nd Century Roman amphitheatre and the colourful botanical gardens featuring 500 different plants. There is a lively covered market every weekday and Saturdays just north of the Castello and you will be spoilt for choice with restaurants in the marina area, with fish and seafood a speciality. There are numerous bars, pizzerias, and ice cream stalls along the seafront. While, for pure relaxation, search out the superb sandy beaches in Poetto, just 15 minutes from the city.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| Giardini-NaxosShow more | Sicily | |
About Giardini-Naxos As you arrive in the Bay of Giardini you can see Taormina in its hill-top setting, overlooking the Sicilian cruise port Naxos di Giardini. Once the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily, Naxos today boasts a string of shops, cafés and bars, which lines the long beach that sweeps around the bay. High above the bay in a spectacular position on the terrace of Monte Tauro, is beautiful and picturesque Taormina. Its atmospheric streets, full of bougainvillea-bedecked courtyards, houses, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, add to the ambience, as do the magnificent views of Mount Etna to the west. It’s also home to the worlds third largest Greco-Roman theatre.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| TunisShow more | Tunisia | |
About Tunis (from La Goulette) La Goulette, the cruise port for Tunis, lies about 40 minutes shuttle bus drive away from the city, but is much closer to the ruins of Carthage. The 2nd century Colosseum and Roman Temple are only 20 minutes drive from the port, and most excursions combine Carthage with a restful stop at the pretty seaside village of Sidi Bou Said. There are more archaeological treasures to be found in Tunis itself; the Musée du Bardo houses a huge collection of Byzantine and Roman mosaics, while you can see sections of the old Roman aqueduct running through the city centre. But the focal point for most visitors to the city is its bustling medina – the old walled town, with its graceful, tree-lined squares and lively souk. A browse around the carpet and jewellery stalls is a fascinating experience, as you can watch weavers, perfumiers and goldsmiths practice their ancient arts.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| DikiliShow more | Turkey | |
About Dikili A popular resort for the Turkish because of its long dark sand beach which runs right past the main square, its location on the North Aegean coast also makes the Turkish fishing village and cruise port Dikili the best gateway to the superbly restored ruins at nearby Bergama, the modern name for the Ancient Greek city of Pergamum which was the capital of the Pergamum Empire in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Marvel at the way the marble-columned Roman Temple of Trajan has been rebuilt and take in the breathtaking views from the 10,000-seat Hellenistic theatre built into the hillside within the Acropolis. You will see the ruins of more theatres, as well as an aqueduct and a stadium down in the valley. The other main site in Bergama is the Asclepion, the medical centre which was named for the god of medicine whose symbol – a snake – is on several temples, a library and the Roman theatre.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| EphesusShow more | Turkey | |
 About Ephesus Kusadasi is a bustling successful port that provides excellent access to the extraordinary remains at Ephesus. If youre not on a tour try hiring one of the huge gas-guzzling American cars (left by former servicemen) and turned into cabs by the enterprising locals. In Ephesus, enter the magnificent site of the Ancient City at the Magnesia Gate. Whilst Ephesus is now deserted and in ruins, the past glories come to life as the impressive array of temples, agoras, porticoes and fountains come into view. Of particular interest are the Odeum, the Celsus Library, the temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theatre. Built over a 2nd century tomb believed to hold St. John the Evangelist, St. Johns Basilica was once topped with eleven domes and rivalled Istanbuls St. Sophia Basilica in scale. The church is now in ruins, but there are many frescoes, mosaics and columns that attest to the glory that once marked this holy place.
View typical shore excursions for this port |
| IstanbulShow more | Turkey | |
About Istanbul Magical Istanbul - 3,000 years old, spanning two continents and a crucible of cultures where east meets west - is a key Turkish homeport for cruise ships, and even those ‘just visiting’ usually spend a night as this wonderful city offers so much to see and do. If this is your first visit, a tour of the main sights is a good introduction to the city’s treasures, which include the world-famous Blue Mosque and the equally impressive mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, the vibrant old city, the Grand Bazaar (a warren of narrow streets containing more than 4,000 shops, stalls, restaurants and artisans’ workshops) and the Topkapi Palace, famed for its jewels but which also has spectacular gardens. Also worth seeing is the ancient Hippodrome - now an open-air museum. And a boat trip across the Bosphorus to view the minarets and grand palaces of the city’s skyline is an unforgettable experience.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| TrabzonShow more | Turkey | |
 About Trabzon The former byzantine capital of Trabzon lies on the Black Sea coast of north-eastern Turkey. Situated on a table-like promontory above the harbour, the city’s antique heart is characterised by bustling cobblestone streets and ancient wooden houses billowing aromatic smoke. Surrounding ‘Meydan’, the central square which includes a charming tea garden, you’ll find shops, stalls and restaurants. Head outwards from here and you can discover the rickety bazaar district, which sells everything from attractive copper pitchers to silver-blue anchovies – Trabzon’s famed speciality. The citadel is one of the oldest remains here and the well-preserved 13th century Hagia Sophia Church and the Ortahisar Faith Mosque are both great examples of the stunning Byzantine architecture of the era. Outside of the city is the beautifully situated Sumela Monastery. Nestled into the side of the rocks in Maçka’s Altýndere valley, it offers breathtaking views over forests and streams.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| OdessaShow more | Ukraine | |
About Odessa Just a 10-minute walk from Odessas cruise dock are the Potemkin Steps, famous forever since that memorably dramatic crowd scene in Eisensteins film ‘Battleship Potemkin’. Just 192 long steps but they remain an impressively evocative image of Odessas colourful past as a major cultural centre on the Black Sea coast. It has long been a popular seaside resort, too, but it is its heritage that makes Ukraines Odessa so popular with cruise visitors with the 19th century five-domed Russo-Byzantine Uspensky Cathedral a particular feast for the eyes, along with the Italian baroque-style Opera House. This 19th century icon is home to the renowned Odessa Ballet while its ornate interior includes a remarkable ceiling decorated with scenes from Shakespeare plays. You can also visit several lavish palaces and excellent museums and see the monument to poet Alexander Pushkins time spent in exile in the city in the 1820s.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| YaltaShow more | Ukraine | |
About Yalta A mixture of medieval and modern history makes Ukrainian Yalta one of the most stimulating calls on any Black Sea cruise itinerary. Its medieval past literally stares you in the face with the imposing and turreted Swallows Nest castle overlooking the port but you will need to visit the White Palace of Livadia to evoke one of the most important events in modern history. Built in Italian Renaissance-style for Tsar Nicholas II in 1911, this was where Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill met towards the end of World War II to draw up their controversial map of post-war Europe. There are also tours from Yalta to Stalins dacha (originally Alexandar IIIs summer house) but, within 12th century Yalta itself you can visit several other palaces and museums, including one dedicated to the writer Chekhov.View typical shore excursions for this port |