Like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean is a cruise destination that offers distinctly different experiences depending on which portion you sail. Let’s take a look at the Eastern Mediterranean.
You can cruise the Eastern Med any time of year, with summer
being the busiest – and warmest – time to go. If you like cooler weather and
smaller crowds on shore, cruising this region in spring, fall or winter may be best
for you. Your professional travel advisor can help you select from the wide range
of cruise lines, ship sizes, and cruise styles available.
There are also a lot of different itineraries to choose from.
Some will introduce you to the lovely Adriatic Sea, which lies between the east
coast of Italy and the west coast of the Balkan Peninsula; some focus on Greece
and the gorgeous Greek Isles; and some venture even farther east, to Türkiye
and Egypt.
If you choose an Adriatic-centered cruise, port calls are
likely to include Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Venice is a
romantic city full of Renaissance and Gothic art and architecture. There are no
roads – only canals – because the city is spread over more than 100 small
islands in a tranquil lagoon. Dubrovnik is a historic city too, with a well-preserved,
medieval Old Town. It’s easy to see why this was a filming location for “Game
of Thrones.”
Some cruises of the Greek Isles include a call on Athens,
the capital city on Greece’s mainland. The Acropolis of Athens, an ancient
citadel, has some of the world’s most ancient and historically significant
structures – including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and the Theatre of
Dionysus – all built nearly 2,500 years ago. Many of the Greek Isles also have
archeological sites, along with wonderful sunny beaches.
Cruises of the far eastern reaches of the Mediterranean may
call on Türkiye’s ports of Istanbul and Kuşadasi. Istanbul is the world’s only
city on two continents (Europe and Asia), and the exciting mix of cultures shows
in the city’s architecture, attractions and food. Kuşadasi is a gateway to
nearby Ephesus, where you can see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of
the wonders of the ancient world. Some cruises also call on Alexandria, Egypt,
to visit age-old catacombs and the Great Pyramids.
There’s a lot more to know about cruising the Eastern
Mediterranean; your professional travel advisor can give you more expert tips
and ideas.
