 | About Malaga A gateway to so many Andalucian attractions and Costa del Sol resorts, Spanish cruise port Malaga stands out in its own right as a vibrant destination with its own unique character.
This second city of Andalucia has many Moorish influences, seen at their best in the stunning Alcazaba. Built on the site of a Roman fortress between the 8th and 11th Centuries, the castle’s huge walls and fortified gates ensure a grand entrance. Inside, a restored Roman amphitheatre now acts as an outdoor entertainment centre.
Immediately behind the Alcazaba and rising high above the city with spectacular views, are the ruins of the 14th century Moorish castle, Gibralfaro.
Malaga-born Picasso is recognised with a history of the artist’s life at the city’s fascinating Picasso Foundation.
If you are in port for the entire day then a trip to the magnificent Moorish Alhambra Palace and its gardens in nearby Granada is one of the most memorable of the many Mediterranean sights your cruise will bring you.
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 | 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. |
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
 | 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.
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 | 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. |
 | About Gibraltar 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 Algeciras Bay 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. |