posted 13th December 2023
We love the Med!
Eastern Mediterranean - From Venice to the Black Sea, covering the Greek Islands over to Turkey as well as the Croatian coast. The Greek islands take centre stage on this side of Europe normally sailing out of the beautiful canals of Venice.
Best time to go:
Summers tend to last longer in the Eastern Mediterranean with temperatures often staying pleasantly warm deep into autumn. The main season generally starts in spring, with mild conditions and smaller crowds making this an ideal
time to visit. The summer peak can be busy and blisteringly hot, before giving way to the autumnal months which are another good time to avoid the crowds and fierce heat.
Western Europe:
Easy to get to from the UK, if departing from Southampton or taking a short hop to departure ports like Barcelona, Palma Genoa or Rome (Civitavecchia). Cruising places like Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Canaries, lots of destinations in a short time.
Best time to go:
Cruises to the Mediterranean operate year-round, though summer is the peak time, especially for families. However, this is also the hottest and the busiest time. Spring marks the start of the main season, and the mild temperatures and lack of crowds makes this a key occasion to visit. Autumn is another ideal opportunity as temperatures are warm without the blazing heat of summer and crowds have dissipated. Winter weather is more unpredictable, varying between mild sunshine and cool, rainy conditions. For the Canaries, the winter months are the best time to visit for the abundance of warm winter sun.
Eastern Mediterranean
Western Mediterranean
Top Tips
* Use a travel bank card which doesn't charge you commission to use.
* Pick Pocketing is a problem everywhere, but especially around tourist attractions. So keep it zipped up.
* Take and Wear comfortable shoes out on excursions, you might be doing lots of walking to some fantastic heritage sites.
* Pre book excursions for the major tourist attractions in advance or you may miss out.
* Be aware of cultural difference from country to country, it can be very different in each port.
* Northern Europe are sticklers for precise time tables, they run like clockwork, so don't be late. On the other hand in southern Europe they have a more relaxed approach to life, with leisurely lunches and snoozes, so relax and enjoy.
