DAY 1 – Southampton, UK
Southampton is the homeport here in the UK, and with its rich maritime heritage, there couldn’t be a better place for us to call home. Our ships are a familiar sight across the city, and with the cruise terminals right in the centre, it’s an easy place to start your holiday.
DAY 2–4 – At Sea
DAY 5 – Cartagena, Spain
Cartagena is an ancient port city founded over 2,000 years ago by Carthaginian general Hasdrubal, now blending rich history with a modern commercial harbour. As you approach, impressive fortresses guard the coastline, while the old town reveals Roman and Carthaginian remains, including ancient walls and historic sites. Today, Cartagena also embraces modern culture with its waterfront development and the renowned National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The city also serves as a gateway to the wider Murcia region, offering access to historic landmarks, mountain scenery, and nearby coastal resorts.
DAY 6 – At Sea
DAY 7 – La Goulette, Tunisia
La Goulette is the port town of Tunis, Tunisia’s capital. It is located on a large sandbar between Lake Tūnis and the Gulf of Tunis, hence its Arabic name, alq al-Wādī, meaning “river’s throat”. La Goulette connects to Tunis via seven mile-long canal and is the chief commercial port in the country. La Goulette was hugely popular as a summer retreat for Europeans during the 19th century. In fact, the sector known as La Petite Sicile (Little Sicily) was home to many Italian, Maltese and Jewish families. The street markets are famed for their heady mix of spices and vividly-coloured fruit and vegetables.
DAY 8 – Palermo, Italy
Palermo sits at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, overlooking a natural harbour and offering a striking mix of sea views and mountain scenery. Founded over 2,000 years ago, the city reflects a rich blend of influences from Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, all of which have shaped its architecture and culture. Palermo is now a vibrant Sicilian city full of life, where bustling streets and markets sit alongside extraordinary historic landmarks such as the Arab-Norman Palazzo dei Normanni and the intriguing Capuchin Catacombs.
DAY 9 – At Sea
DAY 10 & 11 – Piraeus, Greece
Athens, served by the nearby port of Piraeus, is a captivating city where ancient history meets modern Mediterranean life. Discover world-famous landmarks such as the Acropolis of Athens while strolling along the Grand Promenade, which links many of the city’s archaeological treasures. Along the way, explore bustling shopping streets like Ermou Street, vibrant neighbourhoods such as Gazi-Kerameikos, and experience the unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary Greek life.
DAY 12 – Transit Dardanelles , Turkey
DAY 13 – Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a fascinating city that spans both Europe and Asia, divided by the iconic Bosphorus. Rich in history and culture, it is home to world-famous landmarks including the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the stunning Blue Mosque, whose soaring minarets define the city’s skyline. Wander through vibrant street markets or explore the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, for a truly authentic taste of Istanbul.
DAY 14 – Transit Dardanelles , Turkey
DAY 15 – At Sea
DAY 16 – Valetta, Malta
Grand Harbour is one of the Mediterranean’s finest natural harbours, surrounded by impressive fortifications that reflect Malta’s remarkable history. These historic defences played a vital role during the Second World War, when the island’s extraordinary courage earned it the prestigious George Cross.
DAY 17 & 18- At Sea
DAY 19 – Cadiz (Tours to Seville)
Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, where centuries of history meet a lively Andalusian atmosphere. Explore its compact old town, visit the impressive 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral for panoramic views, and wander through narrow streets lined with Moorish-style buildings, flower-filled balconies, tapas bars, and local shops. Cádiz also serves as an excellent gateway to Seville, home to the iconic La Giralda and the city’s charming historic Jewish Quarter.
DAY 20 & 21 – At Sea
DAY 22 – Southampton, UK
Unfortunately, this is where your Eastern Mediterranean cruise will come to an end and you begin your journey home
