Destinations

Imagine a holiday where you don’t need to endure the stress of flying and you only having to unpack your suitcase once, yet you can still visit an array of incredible destinations – well, this is exactly what you can expect when you join a Saga cruise to the Mediterranean. You’ll also enjoy a choice of excursions, all-inclusive drinks and dining, entertainment and activities, and a great range of facilities on board sister ships, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery.

Top experiences on a cruise to the Mediterranean

Deliciously healthy cuisine

Influenced by the geography and warm climate of the region, Mediterranean cuisine incorporates plenty of healthy ingredients, with olive oil playing a major part. Tempting mezze platters, Spanish tapas, Italian ciambotta, Greek souvlaki – every region has its own tasty speciality.

Top experience – Mamas and Tapas

Cruise to Malaga in Spain and head off for an authentic Andalusian experience. You will be immersed in Spanish life as you visit a Spanish family for a tour of their home and garden before setting down to a five–course meal of tapas, soup, meat, cakes, coffee and liqueurs. Learn about Spanish culture, eating habits, routines and their way of life with this genuine Spanish experience with home-cooked food, a welcoming atmosphere and the chance to interact with a real Spanish family.

An array of impressive architecture

Europe is known for its beautiful architecture that has influenced cities as far away as Salvador and Chicago. Neoclassical, Baroque and Bauhaus are the three most influential movements, but Romanesque, Gothic and Rennaisance styles can also be seen across the Mediterranean.

Top experience – Gothic Barcelona

Take a tour of Barcelona and its gothic quarter, the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Explore the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a 600-year-old building with spires and stained-glass windows. Stroll the labyrinthine streets on a guided narrated tour and marvel at the Plaza San Jaime, where former palaces now house Catalonia's government. Then journey by coach around the Olympic complex, constructed to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, and on past the Columbus Monument, built to celebrate Christopher Columbus's triumphant return from the Americas.

The beauty of nature

The Mediterranean has its own unique variety of plants, wildlife and landscapes that changes from region to region. Soaring mountains, rocky shores, coastal wetlands, dense scrublands, sandy beaches, over 400 national parks and a myriad of islands can all be discovered on a Mediterranean cruise.

Top experience – Krka National Park

Where better to see some of Europe’s most beautiful natural scenery than at Croatia’s Krka National Park. Travel by coach through the karst hinterland to Krka National Park and the Krka River waterfalls, which cascade over 17 natural barriers. There are numerous endemic species of vegetation, birds and fish in the area. The tour will take you to the most attractive part of the park – the Skradinski Buk waterfall.

Wonderful Wildlife

The Mediterranean Sea is home to a variety of marine life, from whales, dolphins and sharks to seals, turtles and rays. Foxes, boars, deer, wildcat, lizards and much more dwell on land, depending on the terrain. There’s also a range of birdlife to see, such as cranes, flamingos and pelicans.

Top experience – Dolphin Watch

On a cruise to Gibraltar you can go in search of dolphins and other fascinating marine life on a boat trip into Gibraltar’s bay. After boarding the ‘Dolphin World’ pleasure cruiser, head into the bay, learn about the history of this tiny colony, and enjoy an insight into the marine life of the bay, which boasts three species of dolphin and seven species of whale, as well as sunfish, flying fish and turtles.

The Mediterranean’s rich history

The place of origin for classical Greek and Roman civilizations, the Mediterranean has always been a leading stage for world history, with links to the continents of Western Asia, North Africa and Southern Europe. Trade and communications flourished and declined with the fortunes of the Mediterranean civilizations. There are numerous relics and landmarks that can still be seen today that offer a window on Europe’s colourful past and varied culture.

Top experience – Discover Pompeii

On a cruise to Italy a visit to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii is a must. Perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD 79, you can explore the extensive ruins on a guided walking tour. See the city’s public buildings, including temples, the law courts, baths, theatres and forum. Learn about the excavation techniques used to uncover the city. You can also see the plaster casts of Pompeii’s inhabitants and find out what they were doing at the time of the eruption. Your guide will take you through the ancient streets, providing a commentary along the way.