Travel World Network

With a rich history and beautiful scenery, the Mediterranean is one my favourite places to travel whilst on holiday. Exploring the Mediterranean by cruise is a fantastic way to enjoy the area, as you have the opportunity to retreat to a luxurious ship with plenty of amenities after a long day of sight-seeing. Although you can spend most of your time enjoying all of the amenities on the ship, I do suggest partaking in a few shore excursions, so you can discover everything the Mediterranean has to offer.

The first thing to know about cruises to the Mediterranean is that many cruise lines divide the area into two sections; eastern and western. You may be able to find some cruises that visit both areas; however, that may not give you enough time to really explore the outlying cities. I recommend finding a Mediterranean cruise that covers the area you want to see, so you have enough time to participate in shore excursions or just walk around the nearby cities. Some cruise lines may only allow for one day at each port, so make sure to plan your schedule accordingly. Try to see some of the best areas of the city, without overwhelming yourself. If you enjoy the area, plan on coming back for a lengthier stay in the future. With the Mediterranean being so close, you will be able to visit again with a short flight or even by train.

Eastern Mediterranean: This portion of the Mediterranean usually covers the Greek Isles, portions of Italy, Turkey and The Black Sea. This area is perfect for a relaxing and laid-back holiday, with a rich culture, deep history and plenty of beaches. Walk the steps of our ancestors as you travel back through time exploring Athens and the Parthenon. The adventurous can partake in water sports activities at one of the nearby beaches of the Greek Isles. One of the most popular places to visit on a trip to the eastern Mediterranean is Venice. This remarkable city offers world-famous cafes, art galleries and cathedrals for exploration. You can also view the city as you glide through the water on a romantic gondola ride.

Western Mediterranean: This portion of the Mediterranean is extremely popular with both new visitors and returning travellers. A cruise to the western portion of the Mediterranean will usually cover Italy, France and Spain. Some of the most beautiful cities are within these areas, such as Monte Carlo, Rome, Barcelona, Nice and Florence. For those who love a lively atmosphere, Monte Carlo will be a favourite spot to stop. Here you will find a grand casino, bars, night clubs, shows and plenty of water sports activities. If you prefer something a bit more laid-back, you will enjoy sitting at a café in Rome or walking down La Rambla, a lovely tree-lined street of Barcelona where you will find artisans, gorgeous buildings and an aquarium.

If you will be travelling to the Mediterranean, I recommend finding a cruise that lasts 10 nights or longer. There is so much to see on land that you will undoubtedly become exhausted if you try to do everything at once, so having a day or two at sea built into the itinerary will give you time to feel refreshed and ready to explore the next port of call.