Places to go

WITH so many cruising holidays now on the market, choosing an itinerary that ticks all your family’s boxes can be tricky. Most itineraries offer a mix of history, culture and beaches, making it relatively straightforward to please everyone.



Some are focused on history and culture (Venice, Athens, Katakolon for Olympia, Istanbul, Dubrovnik etc), while others focus more on beaches, water sports and sun, sea and sand (the Greek Isles).

Athens, is generally a hot favourite among culture lovers, with hundreds of liners docking into the port city of Piraeus, about a half hour away, each summer. Highlights include the Parthenon, the Agora Market, the National Archaeological Museum, the Kermikos cemetery (and Oberlaender Museum) and the view from Lykavittos Hill.

Some itineraries also feature a more rustic side of Greece. The tiny port town of Katakolon is convenient for trips to Olympia, which is where the ancient Olympics were held (starting in 776 B.C.). It is a good idea to take an organized tour. Once back in Katakolon, don’t miss out on a local snack (Tsatziki or fried calamari) in one of the oceanfront cafes.

Istanbul is another popular Mediterranean port. Where East-meets-West, you can easily be transported back to another time. Highlights of this unique city include the Blue Mosque; Topkapi Palace; Haghia Sophia church and museum; the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum; and Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Dating back to the 15th century, this vast market features more than 4,000 stores over 60 streets.

Lovers of Istanbul may want to extend their cruise on the Bosphorous out to Prince's Islands or a walk around Ortakoy, and historic neighborhood on the Bosphorous.

Croatia's Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure, is a sightseeing must for culture vultures. A stroll along the ancient walled city can include the Pile Gate (the entrance to the city); the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and Dominican Monastery; the Synagogue (Europe's second oldest Sephardic synagogue); and don’t miss out on the city’s vibrant café society. Dubrovnik is also famed for its lovely beaches, providing a cruise combination that will appeal to all The jewel in the crown of any cruise, is Venice. Constructed over more than 100 islands, criss-crossing more than 150 canals and 400 bridges, Venice is unique.

Highlights include: Piazza San Marco (with the Basilica San Marco, the view from the Bell Tower, and several world-famous cafes); a vast array of art galleries housing some of the globes most important collections; beautiful cathedrals and which can be found at every turn; vistas on the Grand Canal the Murano glass factory; and, naturally, a gondola ride.

Beach lovers and sun worshippers should choose an itinerary that includes the Greek Isles. Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Samos and Patmos and among hundreds of islands which combine stunning beaches, water sports and a buzzing nightlife.