With so many places to potentially visit, a Mediterranean cruise is the ideal way to experience the region. In the west, you could travel from Barcelona to the French Riviera before stopping off in Sardinia and ending your trip in Northern Africa. Meanwhile, if you decide to visit the east, you’ll have the option of sailing from Venice to Istanbul and then exploring some of the smaller Greek islands. Whichever journey you decide to take, here are some of the must-see destinations.
Nice
The French Riviera represents much of what people have come to expect from a Mediterranean cruise: azure waters, perfect water, and an abundance of beautiful villas and yachts. Nice is the largest city of the region, and the second most-visited destination in France after the capital city, Paris. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Old Town, filled with a mix of restaurants that specialize in local cuisine and a number of unique, small boutique shops.
Naples
This delightfully chaotic city is a huge melting pot of different cultures, benefiting from its close proximity to Northern Africa and its history as an important trade route. This is one place where you’ll want to pay for a guide, as the tight and crowded streets can be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors. If you have the time, you’ll also want to visit the nearby Pompeii, made famous by the eruption by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Athens
The former cultural capital of the glove, there’s arguably no other location on the planet that can match the sheer history of Greece’s capital city. While the main attractions are still the historic sites, like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Temple of Hephaestus, nowadays Athens is a combination of the classic and the modern so, whatever your tastes, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Istanbul
As the place where Europe and Asia meet, Istanbul is in many ways the point where East meets West. Full of life whether it’s day or night, you can your morning exploring the number of exotic spice markets before heading out to see some of the famous sights, like the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Topkapi Palace. When the sun goes down, there' are few better places to be if you want to experience some pulsating nightlife.
With so many great locations, it’s difficult to narrow down all of your options.