Itinerary: Cruise from Southampton – Cádiz (tours to Seville) – Palermo, Sicily – Valletta – Piraeus (tours to Athens) – Kusadasi (tours to Ephesus) – Bodrum – Limassol – Alexandria – La Goulette (tours to Tunis) – Cartagena, Spain – Gibraltar – Return to Southampton.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Southampton
- Cádiz (tours to Seville): One of Western Europe’s oldest cities, located on a narrow spit of land. It is renowned for its historic old town, featuring winding alleys and seaside promenades. The port also provides access to excursions to Seville, the capital of Andalusia.
- Palermo, Sicily: The capital of Sicily, known for its history, culture, and architecture. Key sites include the Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, and busy street markets. The city has a complex character reflecting its many historical rulers.
- Valletta: The capital of Malta, a fortified city built by the Knights of St. John. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with numerous historic buildings, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The city offers views across the Grand Harbour.
- Piraeus (tours to Athens): The port for Athens, the capital of Greece. Athens is a centre of ancient history, with iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the ancient Agora. Piraeus itself is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean.
- Kusadasi (tours to Ephesus): A resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast. It is the primary gateway for visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the Mediterranean. The port is a busy hub for cruise tourism.
- Bodrum: A city on the Bodrum Peninsula in southwestern Turkey. It is known for its twin bays, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and Bodrum Castle. The city is a popular tourist destination.
- Limassol: A significant city on the southern coast of Cyprus. It is a centre for business and tourism, with a historic old town and a modern marina. Nearby sites include the ancient city of Kourion and Kolossi Castle.
- Alexandria: A major port and the second-largest city in Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great, it has a rich history. Key attractions include the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Citadel of Qaitbay.
- La Goulette (tours to Tunis): The port for Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. From here, visitors can explore the medina of Tunis, the ruins of ancient Carthage, and the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said.
- Cartagena, Spain: A port city in the Murcia region of southeast Spain, founded by the Carthaginians. It has a significant Roman heritage, including a well-preserved Roman Theatre and amphitheatre. The city’s history is closely tied to its strategic natural harbour.
- Gibraltar: A British Overseas Territory on Spain’s southern coast, dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar. Key attractions include the resident Barbary macaques, St. Michael’s Cave, and the Great Siege Tunnels. Its location provides strategic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Return to Southampton