European destinations..

Spain

As the most common cruise stop in the Med, Spain oozes culture and diversity. Barcelona is one of Spain's largest ports and a leader in architecture and art. The Picasso Gallery and Gaudi's unfinished cathedral,  La Sagrada Familia features heavily  on everybody's list of sights to see, whilst open air cafes and street entertainers attract those looking for the laid back life. Other ports of call include Valencia, Malaga, Gibraltar and Seville. A little off mainland Spain are the Balearic Islands, with Palma being the starting point for many cruises.

Italy

Passion, pasta and pizza. What more could you want from a Mediterranean cruise than the chic elegance of Italy. Every port of call fills your senses with smells, sights and sounds you're sure to remember forever.

Florence and Venice are possibly the most romantic cities in Europe, whilst Pisa is a must see for the leaning tower. Milan will have you stepping out in style and Rome is full of ancient history. If all that sounds too much, just relax on the Amalfi Coast with a coffee and pastry whilst the world zips about around you. A sort trip away is Capri, the unspoilt island of picturesque villages and caves.

Greece

The islands of myths and legends whisk you back in time to pretty white wash villages and the birthplace of the Olympics.  Athens bustles with energy whilst crystal clear blue waters surround Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes and Samos, inviting you in to cool down and take a dip in the Greek sunshine. The Greek islands are famous for their laid back way of life, stunning scenery, coupled with a rich history and local cultures and traditions.

Malta

Maltese history and architecture spans back 6000 years, with the port of Valletta being seen as one of the safest natural havens in the Med. Malta's size is a huge benefit as cruisers can get a real taste of the island in a short amount of time, often resulting in travellers returning for a longer holiday. The Maltese way of life is laid back, with mouth watering cuisine, historical sites and shopping. Relax and explore the churches, palaces and streets safe in the knowledge you've tasted Malta at it's best before you board you cruise ship for the onwards journey.

Turkey

Turkish ports of call include Istanbul, Bodrum and Kusadasi. Istanbul is a melting pot of culture, with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul once ruled all islands within 1000 miles and it's monuments and mosques paint a storey of it's colourful past. Bodrum has a hint of the French Riviera about it and also boasts one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Mausoleum. Kusadasi is a lively fishing port which serves as a great base for exploration of ancient cities.

Canary Islands

No matter what time of year it is, you can always rely on warm weather in the Canaries with an annual average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote make up the most popular islands, with La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro making up the collection to seven very different destinations. Originating from volcanoes, landscapes are breathtaking with black sand beaches, forests and crystal clear waters. The islands are dotted with small villages which have stayed true to their cultural heritage and history where cruisers can taste their amazing cuisine and become carried away in the atmosphere of a local fiesta.

Cyprus

Limmasol, the most popular port in Cyprus is perfectly placed to explore the island of Cyprus. With a backdrop of the Troodos Mountains and archaeology dating back hundreds of years, Cyprus is another island you can get a really good feel for in just one day. You could go on a thrilling jeep safari to get to the heart of the mountains, or take a more laid back approach by visiting a local village to witness the true relaxed Cypriot way of life.

The Baltics - Scandanavia - Russsia

The Baltic region is one of the most fascinating on earth, rich in history, arts and crafts, museums and breathtaking scenery. Central to the development of modern Europe, the medieval ports of call in this area include some of the most cultured and refined city itineraries in cruising.

Copenhagen in Denmark is usually the first stop along the way. It's history dates back to pre-Viking days and over the years has developed a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Known for creative, innovative architecture, Copenhagen has more Michelin star restaurants than any other country in Scandinavia. After dining in such a fine fashion, there is world class ballet to take in and jazz clubs to chill out in. During the day, antique shops and fashionable boutiques line the cobbled streets for plenty of shopping.

Stockholm is next in line, located between Denmark and Russia. The people of Stockholm make this place what it is, with a friendly warm welcome. The scenery is spectacular and it is often said that this is the most attractive of the Nordic capitals. To get a fantastic view of the city, visit City Hall Tower. Here you can see everything, or you may choose to take Stockholm in from the water and take the ferry from Gamla Stan to Djurgarden, where you can also take in some of the finest museums.

Sweden's second city, Gothenburg is on the sunny west coast, with dutch canals running through it's heart and a lively city centre boasting galleries, theatres, restaurants and street cafes. For a relaxed trip out, try the Botanical Gardens.

Helsinki is next, the capital of Finland. In 2000, Helsinki was an official European City of Culture, with contrasts between east and west Europe. It is an ideal island for cruising as it is made up of hundreds of tiny islands with 450 years of history to learn about. Finnish design blends with innovative and contemporary fashion for the city, with forests nearby to provide a haven for peace and tranquillity.

The highlight of many Baltic cruises is St Petersburg, Russia. Famous for ballet and opera, St Petersburg has something for every season and every traveller. Although it is just 300 years old, it has an exciting and dramatic history, and boasts world famous attractions such as the Hermitage, St Isaacs Cathedral and the Mariinsky Theatre. Built on over 100 islands, bridges play an important role in St Petersburg, some being technological and architectural masterpieces. For those looking for open green space when they step of the cruise ship, St Petersburg offers beautiful historic gardens and leisure parks.

As well as other lesser known ports of call, cruise itineraries also take in cities such as Hamburg in Germany, Riga in Latvia, Oslo in Norway and Gdansk in Poland. There really is no better way to see all of these than on a cruise.