Southern Europe
When you think about a European cruise a few images likely spring to mind: cobblestoned old towns, incredible food and wine, sun-drenched islands, and legendary Greek and Roman archeological sites. All this and more have drawn travelers to Southern Europe for hundreds of years. These days, the most convenient way to explore the region is on a cruise through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, or Aegean — or, if you have the time, all three.
There are so many must-visit cities located on or near Southern Europe’s three main bodies of water that you'll be amazed by how much you can see in one cruise. Many sailings depart from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) or Athens and visit major ports in Spain, Portugal, France, Monaco, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey. You can also call on Cyprus, Malta, Morocco, and Egypt on select itineraries.
Cities are the focus here, so expect more time spent on walking tours and in museums than lazing on the beach. History takes center stage, with almost every port in Italy, Greece, and Turkey putting you in touch with ancient cities, temples, and amphitheaters dating back over 2,000 years. Meanwhile, cities in the South of France and along the coast of Spain offer art, culture, and culinary heritages that are celebrated and imitated the world over.
What We Love
The Delicious Food: With indulgences that include Spain’s tapas and sparkling cava, the cheeses and superb wines of France, and the pastas and gelato of Italy, a cruise in Southern Europe is a foodie’s paradise. Have lunch in port as often as possible to sample the delicious local fare. In Greece, savor mashed eggplant salad, grilled squid, or vibrant red tomatoes and tangy feta cheese. In Turkey, it’s all about grilled fish served whole with fresh bread and yogurt-y sauces.
The Great Weather: From May to October, the Mediterranean region benefits from warm weather and ample sunshine, perfect for cruising and sightseeing — although July and August can be quite hot. Even the winter months in the Med are relatively mild (generally daytime highs in the 50s and 60s) so some cruise lines offer sailings year-round.
The Superb Water: Swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or kayaking along the coasts of the Greek Isles, Croatia, and Turkey are all great ways to spend your day, especially if you’re on a smaller ship with a marina for water sports.
Best Known For
Incredible Museums: You’ll see some of the world’s most renowned artwork in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, and Rome’s Vatican museums. In , you can admire the artistry of the ancient Greeks at the Acropolis Museum and in Istanbul visit Hagia Sophia, the astounding 6th-century church-turned-mosque-turned-museum.