Mediterranean Cruise

Day 1 - La Valetta, Malta

Arrive: Thu 28 July 2022 / Depart: Thu 28 July 2022

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Athens

Arrive: Sat 30 July 2022 / Depart: Sat 30 July 2022

The Acropolis – ‘High City' - will always be the top attraction from Athens' cruise port Piraeus. With its 2,500-year-old Parthenon, temple to Poseidon and Athena, Odeon of Herodus Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, it quite literally stands out as an oasis of calm in the frenetic Greek capital. As part of the major revamp the city had for the 2004 Olympics, 400 modern buildings were cleared from the ancient meeting place next to the Acropolis, the Agora, which was then restored and linked by walkways to the Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, the Academy of Plato and the Monastery of Daphne. Other nearby ancient sites include the Roman Tower of the Winds and the Hill of the Muses where Socrates is said to have drunk hemlock. Below the Acropolis is the fun place to shop or barter, eat moussaka or Greek salad, drink wine or ouzo and, of course, to people-watch: the 3,000-year-old Plaka.

Day 4 - Mykonos

Arrive: Sun 31 July 2022 / Depart: Sun 31 July 2022

One of the most visited Greek islands; Mykonos is a jewel in the Aegean Sea, famed as a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination. It is one of the most visited islands in the Aegean, yet still retains much of its picture postcard beauty. Mykonos effortlessly strikes a balance for visitors with a mix of lively bars and restaurants in the most populous areas, with nearby areas of tranquillity, outstanding natural beauty and rich history. The Town of Mykonos is a hive of activity with some of the most famous landmarks such as Little Venice, famous for its picturesque medieval two and three storey houses which stand like a colourful wall against the sea. Mykonos is also world famous for its beaches. Kalafati Beach is a prime example with golden white sand lapped gently by a crystal clear sea.

Day 5 - Rhodes

Arrive: Mon 01 August 2022 / Depart: Mon 01 August 2022

You will feel as though you have stepped back in time when you cruise right up to Rhodes' magnificent walled Old Town - the largest inhabited medieval town in the whole of Europe. This magnificent place has made the island the most popular tourist destination in the Dodecanese. Look beyond the souvenir shops to its fabulous historic buildings, atmospheric cobbled streets and picturesque terraced restaurants and it is easy to see why. The major sights are easily discovered on foot - visit the 14th century Palace of the Grand Masters and Hospital of the Knights of St John, the pink-domed, 16th century Mosque of Suleyman and the Byzantine Museum, housed in an 11th century church. Make time, too, to browse the Turkish Market on Soukratos Street where you will find a cornucopia of stalls selling rugs, ceramics, jewellery and bric a brac which is great fun if you enjoy a good haggle.

Day 6 - Heraklion

Arrive: Tue 02 August 2022 / Depart: Tue 02 August 2022

The proud city of Heraklion is the modern capital of Crete, largest and most ruggedly beautiful of the Greek Isles. Just along the coast, you'll find the scrupulously renovated remains of Knossos, the Palace of King Minos and the island's capital under the Minoans. Here, the endless maze of salons, staircases and courtyards gave rise to the legend of the Labyrinth, housing the evil Minotaur at its heart. See the legend come vividly to life!

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - La Valetta, Malta

Arrive: Thu 04 August 2022 / Depart: Thu 04 August 2022

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.