The area around the Mediterranean Sea is the destination of choice for everyone from summer tourists in search of sun to the informed globetrotter seeking out famed cultural highlights. The beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Mediterranean are home to some of the world’s most fascinating history, stunning architecture, and delicious culinary traditions. Sometimes hailed as the birthplaces of civilisation, and certainly strong influences on other countries around the world, the culture and beauty of the Mediterranean are just begging to be explored.
One of the most popular destinations for a reason, the Mediterranean provides a sensational cruise passage, with everything you could want from the perfect cruise holiday. To help you make the best out of Mediterranean cruising, we’ve produced this extensive guide to everything you need to know for a cruise trip to the Med.
Destination Guides:
The countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea are often lumped together, but each one has its own unique personality and offers an array of experiences to travellers. Exploring the Mediterranean cities by cruise is a great way to get a taste of the entire region, sampling the similarities and the wonderful differences between each country first hand.
To help you discover the beating heart of the Mediterranean, we’ve put together guides to the cities that form some of the region’s most celebrated cruise destinations. Each one gives you a quick insight into what you should expect as you explore the city for the first time, as well as recommendations on what to see, do, and eat to get the most out of a short stay.
City Guide: Barcelona – The Dreamlike Catalonian Capital
Catalan’s capital city is packed with beautiful architecture, amazing food, and a rich culture that gives you something new to discover whether this is your first or 101st visit. Mind-bending modernist buildings jostle for attention with beautiful gothic structures, offering picture-perfect moments around every corner. This guide gives you everything you need to enjoy a short stay in the city, from which museums you won’t want to miss to which foods you’re going to want to try after a long day of sightseeing. Wash everything down with a beautiful glass of Spanish wine and just try not to fall in love with this city.
City Guide: Palma de Mallorca – Eclectic Culture and Cuisine in the Balearics
When you think of Mallorca, you probably imagine nothing but beaches and sunshine, but the exciting city of Palma has much more than that to offer. Each historic empire that has laid a claim on the island can still be seen in the influences of this city’s rich culture. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see ancient Roman ruins sharing a city with beautiful Moorish baths. This guide has all the places you should visit to get to the beating heart of Palma, from the castles and museums to the spectacular food markets.
City Guide: Marseille – A Dynamic Port City with a Rich History
France’s second largest city is a place that’s steeped in history. Somewhere that everything from the culture to the culinary offerings is a delight for visitors to discover. Having undergone something of a transformation in recent years, Marseille has become somewhere tourists flock to from all over the globe, hoping to get a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle. With a whole host of new museums and cultural attractions to discover, spectacular architecture, and of course the kind of mouth-watering food you can only find in France, this is a city you’ll never get bored of exploring. Follow our guide to discover what to see and where to eat, as well as some top tips on the best ways to get around this huge city.
City Guide: Rome – A Modern Metropolis Steeped in Ancient History
An iconic city that is rarely missed off any traveller’s bucket list, Rome is one of the few romanticised destinations that never fails to live up to the hype. Whether you can’t wait to learn more about its 2,000 years of history, you want to see world renowned art and architecture, or you’re only there for the pizza and ice cream, this is a city that will exceed your expectations. Make sure you don’t miss a thing with our handy guide to what you should see, do, and eat to discover the real city of Rome beneath the touristy façade.
City Guide: Palermo – A Melting Pot of Cultures at the Edge of Europe
The ancient city of Palermo is one of the most visited cities in the Mediterranean, due to its reputation for architecture, culture, and a rich history spanning over 3,000 years. Palermo is a city of fascinating contrasts, with the huge range of cultures that conquered and occupied it since it was established in the 8th century BC having clear influence on all aspects of the city. From the crumbling ruins of ancient buildings, to the spectacularly diverse artwork, to the amazing culinary traditions, Palermo offers plenty to delight visitors. Check out our guide to the city to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
Specialist Guides
Want to learn the local lingo or discover where is best to go for a glass or two of the Med’s best vintages? Our specialist guides have got you covered.
25 Must Know Foreign Phrases for Your Mediterranean Cruise
There’s nothing worse than heading off the cruise ship in an exciting new port, only to discover you aren’t even sure how to order yourself so much as a coffee in the local language. We’ve put together this handy guide to all the key phrases you’ll need for sailing around the Mediterranean. From saying ‘oui, merçi’ to fresh croissants in France to greeting a round of Greek beers with a hearty ‘stin iyá su!’, our guide will soon have you blending right in with the locals.
8 Stunning Must-See Churches in the Mediterranean
Europe is famed for its stunning churches and the hugely diverse range of architectural styles on display, from ancient Byzantine masterpieces to Modernist marvels that are still under construction today. Even those who don’t have a special religious connection to the stunning churches that are scattered across the cities of the Mediterranean, will still appreciate the unique, imposing beauty of the spectacular buildings. Our guide gives you a quick insight into the history and architectural style of some of the most beautiful churches in the Mediterranean – if not the world.
The Best Spots to Explore Mediterranean Wine Culture
When it comes to delicious wines, it’s safe to say that the Mediterranean is a world-leading producer. From the rich Riojas of Spain to the Chardonnays of France, a tour of Mediterranean wine culture is likely to have you sampling some of the best wines you’ve ever tasted. Long, hot summers and fertile soil mean that all Mediterranean countries are able to grow their own varieties of grapes that make for wines as diverse as they are delicious. This guide gives you a sneak peek into what kind of wines you can expect to find in each area, and which you simply can’t visit the Med without tasting.
Inspired to immerse yourself in the incredible culture of the Med? There’s no better way to do so than by ship. Check out our full range of fantastic Mediterranean Cruise Deals today. You can also give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.
