Mediterranean And Canary Islands

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.

Souda Bay is a bay and natural harbour near the town of Souda on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. The bay is about 15 km long and only two to four km wide, and a deep natural harbour. It is formed between the Akrotiri peninsula and Cape Drapano, and runs west to east.

The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages.

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.

An ancient city with a name to match - it was founded more than 2,200 years ago by Carthaginian leader Hasdrubal - Cartagena is now one of Spains busiest commercial centres. Step ashore here, though, and you are immediately aware of its rich history. In fact, you see it even as you cruise towards the harbour as this is flanked by towering fortresses. Then, in the centre of the old town, you will find the original Carthaginian castle and sections of the old city walls. But Cartagena is also a city which moves with the times hence the new harbourfront development which includes the unique National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. As part of Murcia province, Cartagena cruise port is also an excellent base for visiting the city of Murcia itself and its distinctive Baroque cathedral; the 17th century religious sanctuary of Fuensanta; the Fortress at Lorca Taller del Tiempo; the spa resort of Balneario de Archena; and for touring into the mountainous interior or along the Costa Blanca to A…

Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. Its whitewashed hillside medina is home to the Dar el Makhzen, a palace of the sultans that's now a museum of Moroccan artifacts. The American Legation Museum, also in the medina, documents early diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Morocco in an 1821 Moorish-style former consulatee

Lanzarote is known for its rugged terrain, volcanic pits and black sand beaches. Indeed, many would say that this easy going island really is out of this world.

Looking for a holiday that combines culture and exploration with comfort and relaxation? Tenerife is a true slice of paradise. Explore its foodie treasures, tranquil sunsets burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow and put your underwater camera to good use. There are countless experiences to be had, yet also peaceful and idyllic with sparkling waters and powder-soft sand. Visiting the largest of the Canary Islands, our Tenerife cruises bring you close to one of the world's most dramatic and varied landscapes, ranging from verdant valleys and lush plantations to glorious beaches, vast pinewoods and the volcanic `moonscape' of Mount Teide National Park. Tenerife's cruise port Santa Cruz has grown from a fishing village to a splendid city with classy bars and restaurants, varied shops, fine architecture and interesting museums. With our cruises to Tenerife the action begins right outside the port gates, where you will find a caf-lined boulevard leading to the Plaza de Espana, at th…

Looking for a holiday that combines culture and exploration with comfort and relaxation? Tenerife is a true slice of paradise. Explore its foodie treasures, tranquil sunsets burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow and put your underwater camera to good use. There are countless experiences to be had, yet also peaceful and idyllic with sparkling waters and powder-soft sand. Visiting the largest of the Canary Islands, our Tenerife cruises bring you close to one of the world's most dramatic and varied landscapes, ranging from verdant valleys and lush plantations to glorious beaches, vast pinewoods and the volcanic `moonscape' of Mount Teide National Park. Tenerife's cruise port Santa Cruz has grown from a fishing village to a splendid city with classy bars and restaurants, varied shops, fine architecture and interesting museums. With our cruises to Tenerife the action begins right outside the port gates, where you will find a caf-lined boulevard leading to the Plaza de Espana, at th…