The Magic Of The Eastern Mediterranean
Discover the Mediterranean by Sea.
There’s a reason Mediterranean cruises are the most popular European cruises. The amazing variety of fascinating itineraries ranges from Italy to Istanbul and from Barcelona to Tunisia.
It’s helpful to look back in history before looking ahead to where to go. Understanding the Mediterranean is really quite crucial to understanding the underpinnings of many of our modern societies. Some of the most ancient human civilizations relied upon its waters for trading and fishing. The people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Phoenicia, Carthage, Greece and Rome called the shores of the sea home.
To these ancient cultures, the Mediterranean was the center of the earth. The Romans, in fact, called it Mare Nostrum (“our sea”). Almost completely enclosed by land, the Mediterranean Sea is surrounded by the shores of Europe to the north, Asia to the east and Africa to the south.
The sea is generally divided between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. Both sides offer both familiar and exotic ports to call. Even veteran Mediterranean vacationers will discover new sights and experiences.
Starting in the Western Mediterranean, many travelers enjoy the near-perfect mix of arts and culture, surf and sand, café hopping and boutique shopping. The area offers fantastic variety as well as a range of cruise-ship selection: from floating, resort-style mega-ships to university-at-sea-style cruises.
Ports of call in the Eastern Mediterranean might include:
Venice, Italy
Built over more than 100 islands involving more than 150 canals and 400 bridges, Venice is truly amazing even beyond gondola rides, the Grand Canal and the Murano glass factory. For something off the beaten path, try a tour of the city’s medieval Jewish Ghetto, take an excursion to the beaches of Lido or head to the island of Giudecca, and island facing the city and known mostly by locals.
Athens, Greece
Rich in history and culture, you can see the Parthenon, the Agora market, the National archaeological Museum, the Kerameikos cemetery and the awe-inspiring view from Lykavittos Hill.
Katakolon, Greece
See the remains of changing rooms, gymnasiums and outdoor stadiums in this small town near Olympia, where the ancient Olympics were held beginning in 776 B.C.
The Greek Isles
Combine beaches with history, including Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Samos and Patmos, as well as Delos, and uninhabited isle that’s a historical destination for cruise-ship passengers.
Istanbul, Turkey
Check out the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Church and Museum, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum or Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visit the 14th-century Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Or explore the Old Synagogue, Europe’s second-oldest Sephardic synagogue. Then rejuvenate with an extremely strong coffee or flavorful Croatian beer in one of many charming, historic cafés.
When you add it all up, you get the most magic for your money on a Mediterranean cruise.