Within easy reach and with a dazzling choice of cruise destinations, the Mediterranean has quite rightly long been a popular choice. Enjoying balmy temperatures all year round, this is also a great region to cruise at any time of the year. From the ports of Barcelona, Monaco or Palma in the west right across to Istanbul and Turkey in the east via the iconic ports of Italy, Greece and its myriad of islands this region offers an incredible choice of varied and culturally intense cruise experiences. For those looking to venture a little further south towards the equator, the Canary Islands are an ideal choice to enjoy great weather and dramatic scenery at any time of year.
The Eastern Mediterranean is a popular cruise destination for many and it’s easy to see why. Mesmerising ports of call such as Athens, Venice, Santorini and Kotor beckon, each offering their own unique sights and experiences. Explore the old medieval towns of Dubrovnik and Kotor, enjoy panoramic ocean views across the caldera of Santorini and be amazed by the winding waterways of Venice. These glorious cities combined with some of the best weather in the mediterranean makes for a truly great cruise holiday.
What you’ll love about an Eastern Mediterranean cruise is the variety of cultures you’ll experience, with each port of call so different to the next. In Venice you’ll discover an important cultural centre which is highly regarded for its history of painters, poets, musicians and operatic performances and in Athens and Rome you’ll find an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites which serve as a remarkable reminder to how our ancient ancestors once lived.
If you’re a foodie, then you’re in for a treat as an Eastern Mediterranean cruise will enable to you to savour traditional Italian cuisine, mouthwatering Turkish dishes blended with aromatic herbs and spices and authentic Greek foods such as fresh salads, olives, oils, seafood and cured meats that epitomise the Mediterranean diet.
A wide choice of cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Princess Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have itineraries for the Eastern Mediterranean and here at WOW Cruise we can help you find the right cruise line for you. Take a look at our latest offers below and get in touch on 0800 888 6787 if you have any questions.
Like something out of a fantasy novel, Kotor will leave you in awe as you cruise through the mountains before arriving in port. Backed by steep mountains the town sprawls before you as a dappling of orange terracotta roof tiles amongst the mountain foliage. Set your alarm early so that you don’t miss the views cruising in!
A popular port of choice for boarding and disembarking from your cruise, Venice will certainly set the bar high for your journey ahead with so much to see and do. In fact, you may want to add a pre or post cruise stay so that you can make the most of your time here. Points of interest include as the Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and of course the Grand Canal and famous Rialto Bridge. After a busy day exploring why not visit the legendary Harry’s Bar, the home of Bellini’s and Carpaccio.
Athens is also one of the main ports for starting and ending a cruise. The port itself is called Piraeus and it’s around 17 minutes drive from here to Athens. In Athens don’t miss the chance to see some of the world’s most impressive ancient architecture such as the Colosseum, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus and of course the Acropolis of Athens.
The Western Mediterranean has so much to offer as a cruise destination; cosmopolitan cities, rich culture, relaxing beaches and a vibrant nightlife - all juxtaposed against a captivating tapestry of history. What makes a cruise here even more appealing is that on a typical seven day sailing you’re likely to wake up in an entirely new destination every day - but without the hassle of having to repack or catch a plane!
A typical cruise is packed with famous attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome, Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell in Barcelona and the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, giving you the chance to tick these magnificent sights off your travel wishlist.
Be sure to pack some loose clothing because with so much incredible food on offer your appetite will be insatiable. From traditional Catalan tapas and paella in Barcelona to authentic antipasto, fresh handmade pizza and delicious gelato in Italy - your tastebuds are in for a treat. Once your appetite is sated, it’s time to find a bar and you certainly won’t have trouble discovering a hip and atmospheric haunt in any of the destinations along a western mediterranean itinerary. Top Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in an aperitivo or two, especially when in Rome as this city is renowned for its selection of aperitifs.
Here at WOWCruise we have a wide choice of Western Mediterranean itineraries with several different cruise lines including Princess, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises, so we can help you discover a holiday which is perfect for you. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch with any questions you have on 0800 888 6787.
Surrounded by the dream-like architecture of Antonio Gaudi, Barcelona is a city which appears to have it all. Boundless culture, fantastic beaches and an impressive dining and nightlife scene. By day you can explore the historic Sagrada Familia, take a wander down Las Ramblas which buzzes with people, or perhaps lose yourself in Barcelona’s biggest market La Bouqeria, which has been around since 1836 and today is home to over 200 different stalls and traders.
Explore classical ruins, Renaissance palazzos, baroque fountains and neighbourhood trattorias in this astonishing city which is packed with history and culture. Visit the Galleria Borghese, one of the world’s finest art galleries built in the early 17th century, wander around the Colosseum, enjoy the views from the Forum and scenic Palatine Hill and tackle the Vatican - one of the biggest museums in the world where you can view everything from striking classical statues to Egyptian mummies.
Genoa has a long and rich history and is noted for being the birthplace of famous explorer Christopher Colombus. The cruise port is within walking distance of the historic centre of Genoa and whilst many cruisers choose to stay and explore here, many also opt for a day excursion to Savona, Portofino and Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a beautiful and centuries-old string of colourful terraced houses perched on the rugged Italian riviera coastline and with the small harbour filled with bobbing fishing boats it’s perhaps one of the most iconic and picturesque mediterranean settings you will ever see.
A Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands offer year-round sun, and as a destination it’s become a popular choice for no-fly cruises departing out of Southampton.
The Canary Islands are packed with spectacular natural parks and biosphere reserves offering excellent hiking and opportunities for adventure via camel rides, horse riding and mountain biking. The landscapes here can be dramatically different ranging from the volcanic craters and mountains in Lanzarote to the prehistoric forests of La Palma.
There are picturesque old towns with colonial, late-gothic and renaissance architecture. Small coastal villages offering peaceful cafes where you can simply sit and watch the world go by and miles upon miles of gorgeous beaches with sand ranging from dramatic black and red to beautiful golden hues.
A cruise holiday to the Canaries is a fantastic way to experience many of these incredible islands in one holiday and many visitors fall in love with the way of life and landscapes here, so much so that many choose to return year after year to visit this treasured destination by cruise to explore different sights each time and bring back new travel memories.
Here at WOWCruise we have a wide choice of cruise deals available for the Canary Islands with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O and more. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch with any questions you have on 0800 888 6787.
Visiting the Tinfaya National Park in Lanzarote is like visiting another world. The volcanic landscape almost completely lacks any vegetation giving it an appearance similar to that of Mars. The rugged lava formations change in colour from black and orange to red and ochre giving a dramatic and striking effect. Lanzarote is also known as a wine region and a visit to La Geria will give cruisers the chance to sample some of the delicious wines made here. A visit to Lanzarote wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Green Lagoon which was formed by eruptions in 1730. The natural amphitheatre features a green lagoon which gets its colour from the algae living in the warm water and with the contrast against the black sand surrounding it, it offers an astounding sight.
Tenerife is packed with fun for all the family with plenty of activities on offer such as whale watching (26 different species can be found here), golfing on of the world-class ranges or hiking in Teide National Park, home to Spain’s tallest mountain and third highest volcano in the world. Explore the old towns of La Orotava which dates back to the 16th century and La Laguna which was the first city established in the Canary Islands - now a UNESCO listed heritage site where you can see beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors can also have a blast at Siam Park, Europe’s largest water park or visit Teno Rural Park, an ancient volcano massif full of rich laurel forests and stunning landscapes that are home to many animals including the osprey.
Gran Canaria is a paradise for sun worshippers as there is 60km of beaches here, perfect for a relaxing and tranquil escape, however much like the other islands in the Canaries, there is a wealth of things for you to see and do. There’s the Vegueta old town with late-Gothic to renaissance architecture, Nublo Rural Park which stretches over 26,000 hectares full of craggy mountains, forests and superb views or perhaps a visit to Puertro de Mogan will appeal as this charming coastal village is a beach refuge filled with cafes, flower gardens and seawater canals.
Located between Eastern Europe, the Caucuses and Western Asia, supplied by a number of major rivers including the Danube and the Don and accessed from the Mediterranean via the narrow Dardanelle straits, the Black Sea is an increasingly popular cruise destination.
The sea borders with no fewer than 6 countries including Russia, Bulgaria and Turkey and there are many theories about how the sea got its name. Some suggest that the name dates back to ancient Greece when it was referred to as the ‘inhospitable sea’ whilst others believe that it got its name because of its deep black waters and winter fogs which accentuated the darkness.
Quieter than its more famous neighbour, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea in many ways is still waiting to be discovered. Political tension has led to cruise lines altering some of their itineraries through the region, with vibrant ports in Turkey, Romania, Georgia and Bulgaria replacing the more volatile destinations of Odessa and Yalta.
For great advice on how to get the most out of a Black Sea cruise, come and talk to our fabulous team here at WOWCruise. We offer a wide choice of cruise itineraries taking in a wide range of Black Sea ports. Take a look at our offers below or get in touch on 0800 888 6787 if you have an idea in mind you’d like us to quote for.