Basking in a deck chair, watching the sun shimmer off the water before going ashore to explore yet another of the world’s great cities – yes, it’s a hard life going on luxury cruises in the Mediterranean. But if your idea of the perfect holiday involves having all the stress taken out of moving from A to B, then it could be the one for you. Certainly there is no other way to take in such a variety of cultural destinations in a short time. Here’s my top four best of the Med to help you plan one.
Ephesus, near Izmir, Turkey
Starting at the easternmost end of the sea, many cruises will go a long way to take in a visit to the ruins of the fabled temple of Artemis. This monument to the Goddess of Love is the highlight of a network of ruins which also includes the Temple of Celsius, built around 500 BC. Take in a visit to the bazaars and souks of nearby Selcuk at the same time.
Santorini
One of the Greek Cyclades Islands, Santorini, with its white-walled towns climbing up rocky hillsides out of the sparkling blue Med, is an unforgettable sight. The perfect shore trip could be a stroll through the main settlement, Ola, including a visit to one of the canteens producing the Santorini red wine made from indigenous grapes.
Venice
For the gong of most unique destination, Venice remains unbeatable. Even as it sinks into the lagoon, the city grows in fascination and mystique. St Mark’s Basilica, a gondola ride, the Bridge of Sighs, the glass blowers workshops at Murano: all of these are sights and experiences you could only enjoy in Venice.
Tunis
Many forget that a Mediterranean cruise can be a superb chance to experience North Africa as well as Europe and Asia. A close call with Alexandria in Egypt, Tunis just shades it for the proximity of the nearby ruins of Carthage. Home to Hannibal, who marched on Rome with an army of elephants, there is no more fitting place to appreciate the historic interaction between Europe and the Arab world.
