Eastern Mediterranean

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.

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.

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.

Now a popular Turkish cruise port, Kusadasi was once a sleepy fishing village until the extraordinary ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus were discovered nearby. Rivalling Pompeii, these are a must-see but try to find the time to explore pretty Kusadasi and discover Kaleici, its charming old quarter, which lies close to the cruise port.

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.

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.