The Mediterranean has long been one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Why? There are countless reasons for its popularity, including the wealth of romantic destinations, the historical charm of the Old World and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
- Mediterranean CruiseChristopher Chan / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
So what can you expect on a Mediterranean cruise?
Healthy, Delicious Cuisine
Mediterranean cuisine is known around the world for its healthy properties, as well as for being absolutely delicious. Wherever you go in the region, you will be able to sample local delicacies in fine restaurants, whether you are tucking into ‘escalivada’ in Barcelona, feasting on a bowl of ravioli in Italy or sampling the local couscous dishes in Tunis.
As well as the delicious food, you will also find fine wines served up throughout the region. Whether you are sipping a fine Rioja in a Spanish coastal restaurant or sampling a Pinot Grigio or Sangiovese from a restaurant in the centre of Rome, you will have plenty of opportunities to sample the very best wine from the whole region.
Stunning Cities
Europe is home to some of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world, and you will get to see many of these if you go on a cruise in the region. Some of the highlights might include:
Barcelona – a city of style and unique design, admire GaudÃ’s incredible creations including the awe-inspiring Sagrada FamÃlia.
Rome – discover the capital of the ancient world, a city with more world-class attractions that perhaps anywhere else in Europe.
Venice – if it’s a romantic atmosphere you want, Venice is the place to go. With stunning canals and attractions including the Doge’s Palace and The Bridge of Sighs, it’s an absolute must.
Tunis – it may be less well known than some of the big European cities, but Tunis is ripe for exploring on your cruise. Discover the ancient labyrinth of the Medina and experience the unique culture of the Tunisian capital.
You can see this page at Cruise1st.co.uk to discover some of the many destinations that you can choose to visit on a Mediterranean cruise, then decide which places are top of your list and plan a cruise that takes them all in.
World-Class Cultural Attractions
The Mediterranean region is a cultural wonder, and there are some fantastic museums and art galleries to see in towns and cities throughout the region.
Visit the Picasso Museum in Barcelona to enjoy one of the best collections of the artist’s work in the world, or spend a few hours walking through the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in Rome where you will see paintings by Van Gogh, Goya, Renoir and other masters. When in Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums and the incredible Sistine Chapel, or even go along to St Peter’s Square to see the new Pope give a public mass.

Admire Ancient Wonders
The Mediterranean boasts many historical attractions that you can visit on your cruise. For example, if you stop off in Athens you cannot miss the Parthenon, one of the greatest historical monuments in the world that dates back 2,500 years. And who could miss out on the Colosseum when in Rome? Nothing can prepare you for seeing this vast amphitheatre in real life, and you will find yourself imagining what it must have been like when it was filled with 50,000 screaming spectators watching gladiators fight to the death.
Discover the Mediterranean for Yourself
All of this and more is available when you arrange a cruise in the Mediterranean, so you can see why it is such a popular destination. Some cruises take in a wide range of countries and cities throughout the region, allowing you to sample a variety of cultures and attractions along the way. So start planning your own Mediterranean cruise and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.
Written by Samantha Bull
