The Mediterranean is considered one of the best -- and most beautiful -- places to cruise, with its diversity of cultures, peoples, languages and history. There are so many ports ideally suited to cruise passengers, with something to interest everyone, in most cases, close to where the ship docks.

Nowhere else can such an array of culture and history be found in such a relatively small area. These cruises are available from spring through the fall, when the weather is ideal. Italian lines Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises sail there year-round.

There is nowhere else on earth where one can cruise to so many different countries within a short period of time and to sample as many flavors, cultures as well as retrace the footsteps of history as you can in the Mediterranean. There are countless churches, galleries and museums with works of art ranging from the Renaissance masters to the 20th century pioneers. The region features many architectural masterpieces, including the Parthenon in Athens, Chartres Cathedral in France, the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul and St. Peter's in Rome, just to name a few.

Whatever your interest, there will be something special for you here. Due to its popularity, there are a range of cruise ships and itineraries to select from, and our travel specialists can help you choose the one that is right for you.

Mediterranean cruises are typically divided into two categories: Eastern and Western Mediterranean itineraries, and sometimes cruises cover both or part of these regions.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

Most of the Eastern Mediterranean sailings originate in Pireaus, Greece, which is the port used for Athens. Some also cruise from Istanbul with port calls in both Greece and Turkey. As a cruising region, the Eastern Mediterranean -- roughly encompassing the territory ranging from Italy's east coast to the Adriatic and the Greek Isles to Turkey -- is increasingly one of the most popular in Europe. It is a blend of ancient histories and antiquities along with more laid-back treasures, such as beaches and villages, offering a variety of options for visitors.

Other cruises sail from Rome or Venice, Italy. If you sail from Rome, the itinerary may include Sicily and Southern Italy and even Malta, before typically heading to Greece. Sailings departing from Venice will usually call or one or more ports along the beautiful Adriatic coast of Croatia and may include the beautiful Santorini or island of Hvar. Some sail roundtrip from Southampton, England. The cornerstone ports for most Eastern Mediterranean voyages are the cities of Athens (Piraeus), Venice and Istanbul. In other instances, cruise lines mix a bit of the Western Mediterranean with the Eastern -- and may start or end voyages in Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona or Genoa.

But the main ports of embarkation and debarkation in the Eastern Mediterranean are Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; and Venice, Italy. Some cruises sail roundtrip; others opt for a one-way cruise, beginning and ending in different ports. Beyond the turnaround ports, key ports of call along the way -- the day trippers' versions -- include Croatia's Dubrovnik and Hvar; Italy's Bari; Greece's Katakalon, for Olympia, along with Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and Rhodes. Malta's Valletta, south of Sicily, is another popular port often offered on this itinerary.

These Eastern Mediterranean (which may include some Aegean port calls), cruises are especially good for cruise passengers interested in the archaeological ruins of Rome and Greece, as these ports are history-rich. Some of the port calls that may be on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise are: Alexandria, Egypt; Corfu, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Istanbul, Turkey; Katakolon, Greece; Kusadai, Turkey and Mykonos, Pireus, Rhodes and Santorini, Greece. Most often, ships will sail from Civitavecchia (for Rome) to Venice; common stops on this route include Naples, Santorini, Corfu and Dubrovnik. Or your ship might head out from Barcelona and you would typically then call at Malta, Santorini, Piraeus for Athens, Naples and even Sicily's Palermo or Taormina.

Western Mediterranean Cruises

A Western Mediterranean cruise may be the perfect cruise if you are a first time cruiser as these itineraries typically stop at some of the most popular European cities.

These sailings usually originate from Civitavecchia (for Rome) or Barcelona and may be one way or roundtrip. These cruises are typically one or two weeks and many cruise passengers choose to do a “back to back,” cruise, staying onboard for two consecutive sailings. Of all of Europe's cruise regions, the Western Mediterranean offers the most as far as arts and culture, surf and sand, cafés and boutiques, plus the best variety of sights, attractions and activities.

Western Mediterranean sailings go to beautiful ports as well, with an emphasis on Spain, France and Italy. They may include some of these ports: Rome, Italy; Malta, Dubrovnik, Croatia; Mallorca (Palma) and Cádiz, Spain; Bordeaux, France; Genoa, Italy; Gibraltar; Le Havre, France; Livorno, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Naples, Italy; Nice, France; Portofino and Florence, Italy; Venice, Italy; Vigo, Spain and Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.

Can’t decide which to cruise? Many choose to both Eastern and Western sailings.

Land Tours

To extend your cruise vacation, how travel specialists can arrange a pre- and/or post-cruise stay. If you have the time, it is a wonderful way to see more of the sights of this beautiful part of the world. There are excellent restaurants and also top-of-the line shopping.

The Greek Isles

If you are looking for a cruise more water-oriented, with less time in museums and cathedrals, the Greek Isles is for you! These laid-back cruises will take you to the sun-kissed region that is one of the most beautiful in the world. Greek Isles port calls offer great beaches with an Eastern Mediterranean atmosphere, as well as a unique history. These itineraries will typically include Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Samos and Patmos.

Overall, the Mediterranean is the place where one can find the remains of some of the greatest civilizations of the past; many of the world's most romantic and beautiful cities. The region boasts a range of cultures that reflect different histories, religions and cultures, with a mixture of European, Asian and African influences. Some of the best beaches in the world are found here as well as and some of the most beautiful scenery. Cruisers will find astonishing sunrises and romantic sunsets; diverse people, music, outdoor cafés, delicious food, friendly locals and an exuberant, yet relaxed way of life. La Dolce Vita – the sweet life!

The Mediterranean is all this. And much more! Let our travel specialists arrange your Mediterranean cruise so you can enjoy all this and much more.