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Eastern Mediterranean

Bucket-list Destinations in Europe

Eastern Mediterranean cruises offer an eclectic mix of dramatic coastlines, centuries-old architecture, quaint coastal villages and classic Mediterranean menu. From the ancient Greek landmarks to the scenic pebbled beaches of Croatia, the opportunities in this cruise region are as endless as the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea! A cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean takes you to the lovely cities of Greece, Turkey, Malta and more.

Set sail on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise, taking you to some of the most picturesque ports along the Aegean Sea in the Greek islands. With the azure sea and beaches made up of black, white and red lava pebbles – Santorini is a traveller’s favourite – be it for romance, sunsets, sightseeing or simply just cruising by! Perfect for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs, the Greek capital Athens is a treasure trove of beautiful ruins and storied sites – carrying legendary myths and stories dating to the era of the Greek Empire.

Meanwhile, a journey across the coasts of the Adriatic Sea allows guests to explore the dreamy destinations in Montenegro, Croatia and Italy. Bask in the sun and the postcard-perfect sights of Kotor. Explore the walled city of Dubrovnik, visit the fortress that sits proudly above the UNESCO-listed Hvar or soak up the buzzing modern life and ancient Romanesque history in Split. As you go further up, you’ll be led to Venice – a beguiling city filled with winding canals, majestic bridges and atmospheric streets.

Featured Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Highlights

Awe-inspiring Architecture

Every step you take in the Eastern Mediterranean is a journey into a world of enchantment. From well-preserved old towns to fascinating ruins, the region is packed with architectural marvels that serve as an enduring testament to the great civilisations that once lived and thrived in the island nation. The Acropolis, a ‘high city’ in the Greek capital, is a prime example of great ancient architecture. The Italian city Venice is a living museum, breathing romance and beauty everywhere, and home to the Piazza of San Marco or St. Mark’s Square – the city’s main square dubbed by Napoleon “the world's most beautiful drawing room.” Wander the old walled town of Dubrovnik, characterised by terracotta-capped buildings, polished limestone streets and a meld of Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.

Beautiful Beaches

Eastern Mediterranean is an idyllic destination for summer cruises, beckoning travellers seeking warm sunshine, pristine beaches and breath-taking scenery. Santorini’s Red Beach offers a unique experience and extraordinary scenery, made up of volcanic rocks, black and red pebbles, and crimson red sand. For a vibrant beach vibe and nightlife, Mykonos and Corfu are Greece’s equivalent to Ibiza, brimming with beach clubs and bars to bring out your party spirit! Rivalling the outstanding beach life in Greece is Croatia, boasting the iconic Banje Beach in Dubrovnik complete with sunbeds and white-chiffon-draped baldachin beds. Where the Bay of Kotor meets the Adriatic Sea lies a fortified town named Kotor, perfect for lounging under the sun and enjoying the towering limestone hills!

Mouthwatering Mediterranean Menu

Every country offers a diverse selection of healthy and hearty dishes to satisfy every taste. Italian cuisine is popular all over the world – pizza, pasta, lasagna and gelato never leave the ‘favourite food’ discussions. Thanks to the sea surrounding every country, seafood dishes are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Amongst the most-popular seafood meals are Italian lobster, Croatian Buzara and Greek grilled octopus! Besides seafood, lamb is the most popular kind of meat in the Eastern Mediterranean – it’s commonly stewed in Sicily and baked in yoghurt in Albania. Whether you’re sampling a colourful Greek salad or tasting age-old fine wine in Italy, you’re in or a real treat in the Eastern Mediterranean. Bon appétit & saluté!

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises at a Glance

Kotor, Montenegro
Italian Gelato
Corfu, Greece
Istanbul, Turkey
Santorini, Greece
Hvar, Croatia
Valleta, Malta

Things to Do on an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

Relax in a Turkish bath

Immerse yourself in Turkish culture as you soak your cares away on traditional hammams, which are age-old bath and spa facilities with a history that dates far back to the early Roman and Byzantine eras and was established in the Ottoman period in its most authentic form. Historically, these bath houses were used not just only for cleaning but also for socialising. There are hammams all over Istanbul, the transcontinental capital of Turkey, dedicated for the care and wellness of the body and mind. Each traditional bath usually consists of a central circular and massive marble steam room with high ceilings.

Visit the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre

If you think Rome is the only place where you can see a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, then you’re completely mistaken! Croatia is home to Pula Arena, an architectural marvel that withstood the test of time and is one of the most complete elliptical amphitheatres in the world. Once with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 spectators, this open-air arena hosted numerous gladiator battles and knight tournaments during the mediaeval era. Today, Pula Arena prides itself on being the only one of its kind to have its four sides intact and retained. It now serves as a venue for art performances and sports, accommodating up to 7,000 people.

Watch Santorini’s sunsets

Stunning sunsets paint Santorini’s sky in a myriad of colours – a spectacle providing a scenic backdrop in its villages! Oia is a vantage point for sunset-viewing, where visitors can climb the watchtower of Oia Castle to witness the sunset in all its glory, backed by the endless sea and caldera beyond. The volcanic island welcomes guests with white-washed villages perched atop the cliff, overlooking lush vineyards, multi-coloured beaches and emerald waters – setting the perfect scene and mood for catching the spectacular sunsets! Truly, Santorini is a paradise for lovers and dreamers…

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises FAQs:

Where do Eastern Mediterranean cruises go?

Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean will take passengers to the stunning corner of the Med, sailing the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, Aegean and the awe-inspiring Greek Islands. Eastern Mediterranean cruises offer itineraries sailing to the bucket-list ports in Greece, Croatia, Malta, Montenegro, Italy, Turkey and more. Some of the most popular destinations are Santorini, Athens, Dubrovnik, Split, Valletta, Venice and Istanbul. Some cruises go down to Cyprus and Egypt.

When is the best time of year to cruise the Eastern Mediterranean?

The cruise season for the Eastern Mediterranean is usually from spring through fall, with summer being the high season, welcoming the highest volume of cruise travellers and sailings. Ideally, the best time would be summer for pleasant weather and warm waters, perfect for soaking up sunshine and enjoying the scenery! 

What is the Eastern Mediterranean known for?

The Eastern Mediterranean is known for its rich culture and history, sun-kissed beaches, postcard-perfect coastal villages, beautiful islands, and world-famous cuisine.

Which cruise lines offer sailings to the Eastern Mediterranean?

Since the Mediterranean is a famous cruise destination, almost all major cruise lines set sail to the Eastern Mediterranean, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. Several luxury cruise lines, such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Azamara, also offer cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, with an opportunity to call at smaller ports that big ships cannot visit like Santorini, Valletta, Hvar town and Split.

What are the best Eastern Med cruises 2024?

At LoveitBookit, we have multiple cruise deals for 2025, 2025 and 2026, with nicely tailored itineraries and a great deal of inclusions. Browse through our bespoke cruise packages here

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