Mediterranean

Southampton, England

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.

Cartagena, Spain

A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.

Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy

Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, Cagliari provides the perfect blend of modern life and mediaeval mystery! The capital city features steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture. It is characterised by a busy commercial centre and waterfront with broad avenues and arch arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel. The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The Bastione di Saint Remy, a striking landmark with a limestone arch and pillars, and Mercato di San Benedetto, one of the best fish markets in Italy, are both a must-see in Cagliari.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a stunning Ionian Island off Greece’s northwest coast,  where according to myth, Poseidon had his honeymoon – and it's easy to see why! This little slice of paradise is filled with romance and beauty, as well as brimming with olive trees and fruit groves. Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic centre that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site.  The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough, so you can easily walk to every sight.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The walled city of Dubrovnik is easily one of the most beautiful fortified cities in the world, rivalling the likes of Rome and Athens with its fascinating history hidden behind the seaport walls. The Walls of Dubrovnik, a spectacular ring of defensive walls and forts encompassing the historic city centre, has been affectionately dubbed as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ by the poet, Lord Byron! Outside the city walls lies Banje Beach, a popular pebbled beach set against a dramatic backdrop of mediaeval buildings. Dubrovnik is also one of the filming locations of the popular fantasy-drama series Game of Thrones, where the  capital city of Westeros King's Landing is set. On a clear day, it’s best to hop on a four-minute cable ride that takes passengers on a magical journey from the north to the peak of Mount Srd – with views of the city and the Adriatic Sea beyond!

Zadar, Croatia

Dalmatia's capital for more than 1,000 years, Zadar is all too often passed over by travelers on their way to Split or Dubrovnik. What they miss out on is a city of more than 73,000 that is remarkably lovely and lively despite—and, in some measure, because of—its tumultuous history. The Old Town, separated from the rest of the city on a peninsula, is bustling and beautiful. The marble pedestrian streets are replete with Roman ruins, medieval churches, palaces, museums, archives, and libraries. During the Byzantine era, Zadar became the capital of Dalmatia, and this period saw the construction of its most famous church, the 9th-century St. Donat's Basilica. It remained the region's foremost city through the ensuing centuries. But you'd be hard-pressed to find outward signs of this today in what is a city to behold. There are helpful interpretive signs in English all around the Old Town, so you certainly won't feel lost when trying to make sense of the wide variety of architectural sites you might otherwise pass by with only a cursory look.

Split, Croatia

Split is a stunning Croatian city where Roman emperor Diocletian, had his retirement palace built! The Diocletian’s Palace used to serve as a military garrison, royal residence and a fortified town. And for Game of Thrones aficionados, this is the place where Daenerys trained her dragons! Another filming location is the Klis Fortress, which is perched on a clifftop and offers breath-taking views of the city. Not only is the city steeped with historical heritage and majestic film backdrops, but it also boasts natural beauty and a laid-back, small-town atmosphere. Just a short boat ride away from Split, Blue Cave is a mystical grotto featuring crystal clear blue waters and magnificent rock formations, perfect for a quick nature day trip!

Valletta, Malta

Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Palma (Majorca), Spain

Palma de Mallorca, the heart of the Balearic Islands, is where you’ll find a delightful mix of culture, shopping, and stunning architecture. This resort city is the capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, known for its endless sunshine and sun-drenched beaches. The beautiful old town offers a refreshing break from the sun and water sports, where you’ll find plenty of Gothic churches, picturesque squares, century-old interior patios and delightful museums. It’s home to a lot of must-visit attractions, including the La Seu Cathedral, La Lonja, Royal Palace of Almudaina and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum. Once you’ve soaked in enough history and sunshine, take a relaxing stroll around Palma’s enormous harbour and perhaps hop on a vintage train to the quaint nearby town of Soller.

La Coruña (Santiago de Compostela), Spain

La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, featuring historic buildings and a monument of its namesake local heroine. ust a short trip from La Coruña will take you to the mystical city of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can visit the awe-inspiring Cathedral – a revered destination for pilgrims worldwide!

Southampton, England

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain’s largest cruise port. It has been one of England’s major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.