Ancient Treasures of the Eastern Mediterranean

Day 1 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Portsmouth stands as one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England. Its unique location on Portsea Island connects to the mainland via road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, Portsmouth was not mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book. The medieval town received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I and soon became a major naval base. It houses the world’s oldest dry dock and several iconic ships, such as HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose, which was raised from the Solent in 1982. Today, Portsmouth remains an important naval base and hosts a significant portion of the British service fleet. The waterfront is dominated by the towering Spinnaker Tower, and the city offers a range of attractions including Charles Dickens' birthplace and the City Museum with a permanent exhibition on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Day 5 - Gibraltar

Gibraltar, Gibraltar: Perched at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is an intriguing British outpost dominated by its iconic limestone Rock, soaring 1,400 feet high. Its strategic position at the confluence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, just 12 miles from Africa, grants Gibraltar significant importance. While its duty-free shopping and familiar British high street shops appeal to holidaymakers, the region’s limited space and winding roads necessitate excursions via 22-seater minibuses. For those with mobility concerns, touring by taxi is possible but must be arranged at the Tours and Travel office upon joining the ship.

Day 8 - Siracuse

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy: Siracusa, one of the ancient capitals of Western civilisation, was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists. The city once rivaled Athens in splendour and power and was a hub of Greek culture with notable figures like Aeschylus and Plato. Although conquered by the Romans, its rich history is architecturally showcased in the city’s Baroque art and ancient ruins. Key attractions include the Parco Archeologico and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by Greeks, now connected to the mainland by two small bridges. The area’s pleasant piazzas and seafood-rich cafés invite exploration, alongside the archaeological museum and San Giovanni’s catacombs, amidst Ortygia’s charm and modernizing elegance.

Day 10 - Heraklion

Heraklion, Crete, Greece: With a history of Arab, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, Heraklion offers a rich tapestry of cultural influences amidst its historical treasures. As the birthplace of renowned artist El Greco, the city invites exploration of the storied ruins of the Minoan empire’s capital and discovery of the vibrant cultural riches of Crete’s modern metropolis.

Day 12 - Çanakkale

Çanakkale, Turkey: Positioned along the Dardanelles Strait, Çanakkale is famed for its proximity to ancient Troy, whose mythology and archaeological significance attract history enthusiasts. The city offers a blend of contemporary life and a gateway to Turkey's historically rich regions.

Day 13 - Izmir

Izmir, Turkey: As Turkey’s third-largest city and second largest port, Izmir flourishes with nine bustling metropolitan districts. This vibrant city offers a dazzling array of cultural, historical, and economic richness within its vast and varied landscape.

Day 14 - Kusadasi

Kusadasi, Turkey: Known for vibrant resorts and bustling beaches, Kusadasi’s true allure lies in Ephesus, a vast archaeological marvel steeped in history and known as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. Beyond Ephesus, attractions like the house of the Virgin Mary and picturesque beaches offer both historical intrigue and leisurely enjoyment.

Day 15 - Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey: A coastal gem on the Aegean, Bodrum has evolved from a historic city into a thriving hub for yachts with its vibrant nightlife, marina, and sun-soaked beaches—all nestled beside the remnants of ancient Greek influence and medieval architecture.

Day 16 - Rhodes

Rhodes, Greece: The enchanting town of Rhodes offers a fusion of historical allure and modern vibrancy. The UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Old Town comprises a tapestry of medieval structures, Turkish houses, and churches, harmoniously intertwining ancient legacy with modern vitality.

Day 18 - Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt: Founded by Alexander the Great, this historic city served as Egypt's capital for over a millennium. Known for its Great Library, once one of the Ancient Seven Wonders, Alexandria now attracts visitors seeking both cultural depth and maritime adventure.

Day 21 - Valletta

Valletta, Malta: Malta’s diminutive capital boasts fortified honey-hued palaces and museums lining narrow streets adorned with ornate balconies. Its compact nature makes it perfect for exploration on foot while offering views of new urban developments alongside its historic character.

Day 24 - Málaga

Málaga, Spain: Nestled along the world-renowned Costa del Sol, Málaga is flanked by traditional villages and lively urban stretches. Surrounding mountainous backdrops shield the province from chilly northern airs, providing a warm, scenic escape and gateway to Andalusia's rich historic treasures.

Day 28 - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, England: Noted for being densely populated and unique in occupying Portsea Island, Portsmouth is tethered to the mainland by bridges. Originally granted a charter by King Richard I in 1194, this naval cornerstone boasts the world’s oldest dry dock and historical ships like HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, while modern attractions include the Spinnaker Tower and Charles Dickens' birthplace.