- The golden-hued buildings of Valletta
The Grand Harbour of Valletta is overlooked by 16th-century forts built by the Knights of St John.

Saga Cruises from
£6,801 per person
22 nights 4th September 2023 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean: September
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
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New holiday
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
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All Inclusive
Explore a region rich in culture and natural heritageā¦
Discover the rise and fall of the Mediterranean’s great civilisations past and present on this all-inclusive cruise to the eastern Mediterranean in 2023. Marvel at the Knights of St John’s ‘Golden City’ of Valletta, explore medieval Limassol and uncover Antalya’s Roman legacy. While Rhodes Town and Crete have been shaped by the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. See the UNESCO-listed sights of Palermo and Lisbon and trace the Pisan and Aragonese ramparts of Cagliari.
Your six included sightseeing excursions will be in
- Malaga, Spain
- Valletta, Malta
- Limassol, Cyprus
- Rhodes Town, Rhodes
- Cagliari, Sardinia
- Lisbon, Portugal
This cruise also operates on May 7, 2023 aboard Spirit of Adventure - Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean: March
View Full Itinerary
Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean: September
04/09/2023 Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

05/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
06/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
07/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
08/09/2023 Malaga, Spain
Malaga, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A reflection of the many cultures which have intermingled in this port city over the centuries, Malaga boasts a wealth of historical sights. Chief among these are the imposing Moorish citadels of Alcazaba and its gardens, and the ruins of Gilfarbaro Castle, as well as the Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance cathedral. Picasso, one of the city’s most famous sons, is celebrated at the Museu de Picasso in the artists’ quarter, which is also home to the Centre of Contemporary Arts as well as a host of smaller galleries and displays of street art.
Included excursion
An included sightseeing excursion will show you Malaga’s highlights.
Optional excursions
Visit a Spanish family for a tour of their home and garden before sitting down to a five-course meal of tapas.

09/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
10/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
11/09/2023 Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, which is overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The surrounding UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. An included excursion will reveal more of the island's scenery.
Included excursion
Enjoy an included scenic island tour.
Optional excursions
Visit the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina or even head underground to the Byzantine-era Catacombs of St Paul.

12/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
13/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
14/09/2023 Limassol, Cyprus
Limassol, Cyprus
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
With a core full of character and an eastern resort area that has been popular with holidaymakers for decades, Limassol offers visitors a little bit of history, a lot of modern comfort and access to many of the island’s must-see attractions. It was at Limassol Castle that Lionhearted King Richard I of England married Queen Berengaria following his impromptu invasion of Cyprus in 1191. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find a medieval centre of pedestrianised streets, ancient mosques, Greek Orthodox churches and boutique-lined boulevards. An included sightseeing excursion is included here. From Limassol you can explore the archaeological sites of Kourion and Kolossi, or venture further afield to Paphos, home to the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings.
Included excursion
Explore your surroundings on an included sightseeing excursion.

15/09/2023 Antalya, Turkey
Antalya, Turkey
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Situated at the foot of jagged mountains, overlooking the Mediterranean, the sun-drenched resort of Antalya is often referred to as the 'capital of Turkish tourism'. The old town, known as Kaleici, is an inviting warren of narrow lanes, punctuated by shops, and overlooked by Ottoman houses huddled against the city walls. Here you can see architectural remnants from previous occupations, including the 13th-century fluted minaret, the triple arched Hadrian's Gate built in 130AD, and the Hidirik Kulesi tower – reputed to be a former Roman lighthouse. The Archaeological Museum boasts extensive artefacts from the Bronze Age, through Roman rule and into the Ottoman era, and is often described as one of the country’s finest museums.

16/09/2023 Rhodes Town, Rhodes
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The island of Rhodes is a blend of ancient architecture and modern amenities. Its strategic position has been recognized since the fifth century BC, passing from Roman to Byzantine hands into possession of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, the Ottomans, Italians, finally becoming part of Greece in 1948. Rhodes Town was founded in 408 BC and has a rich history, which you can discover on an included sightseeing excursion. Said to be the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe, many of the historic buildings in the old town were built in the 14th and 15th centuries, whilst the new town features much Italianate architecture. Withi the walled town is the long, cobbled 'Street of the Knights' where, in the 16th century, knights and visiting dignitaries could find a home-from-home and speak their native language in the Inns of the Tongues.
Included excursion
Delve into the history Rhodes Town on an included sightseeing excursion.

17/09/2023 Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion, Crete
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Greece’s largest island boasts a rich history that can be traced back over 5,000 years. One of the ancient world’s most advanced civilisations, the Bronze Age Minoans, built an incredible palace labyrinth that thrived for 1,500 years. The Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans came next but it was the Venetians who have left a lasting impression on its capital Heraklion, best seen in the 16th-century walls which encircle the old town, the old harbour and the sea fortress of Koules Castle. The outstanding artefacts unearthed at the Palace of Knossos, the haunt of the mythical Minotaur, are displayed at Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum.
Optional excursions
Visit the nearby archaeological site of Knossos to marvel at the ancient Minoan culture’s legacy or explore traditional island villages for a glimpse of Cretan life.

18/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
19/09/2023 Palermo, Sicily
Palermo, Sicily
Arrive 0900. Depart 1600.
Conquered time after time, Palermo is a great melting pot of cultural influences with an array of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architectural sights. Of special note is the 12th-century collection of the Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, Zisa Palace and Palermo Cathedral, which have been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Head to Quattro Canti, a Baroque piazza in the city’s heart, to feel Palermo’s pulsating beat.

20/09/2023 Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Centuries-old Cagliari is a memorable sight to behold – especially when approaching by sea. Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion. The cityscape is crowned by Il Castello, the medieval hilltop old town which is penned in by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Don’t miss the 13th-century cathedral and the five-mile-long sands of Poetto, a prime example of a Sardinian beach.
Included excursion
Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion.

21/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
22/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
23/09/2023 Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.
Included excursion
See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

24/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
25/09/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
26/09/2023 Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
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1
Portsmouth
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2
At Sea
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3
At Sea
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4
At Sea
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5
Malaga, Spain
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6
At Sea
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7
At Sea
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8
Valletta, Malta
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9
At Sea
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10
At Sea
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11
Limassol, Cyprus
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12
Antalya, Turkey
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13
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
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14
Heraklion, Crete
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15
At Sea
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16
Palermo, Sicily
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17
Cagliari, Sardinia
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18
At Sea
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19
At Sea
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20
Lisbon, Portugal
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21
At Sea
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22
At Sea
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23
Portsmouth
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4th September
Portsmouth
1Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
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5th September
At Sea
-
6th September
At Sea
-
7th September
At Sea
-
8th September
Malaga, Spain
5Malaga, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
A reflection of the many cultures which have intermingled in this port city over the centuries, Malaga boasts a wealth of historical sights. Chief among these are the imposing Moorish citadels of Alcazaba and its gardens, and the ruins of Gilfarbaro Castle, as well as the Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance cathedral. Picasso, one of the city’s most famous sons, is celebrated at the Museu de Picasso in the artists’ quarter, which is also home to the Centre of Contemporary Arts as well as a host of smaller galleries and displays of street art.
Included excursion
An included sightseeing excursion will show you Malaga’s highlights.
Optional excursions
Visit a Spanish family for a tour of their home and garden before sitting down to a five-course meal of tapas.
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9th September
At Sea
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10th September
At Sea
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11th September
Valletta, Malta
8Valletta, Malta
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, which is overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The surrounding UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. An included excursion will reveal more of the island's scenery.
Included excursion
Enjoy an included scenic island tour.
Optional excursions
Visit the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina or even head underground to the Byzantine-era Catacombs of St Paul.
-
12th September
At Sea
-
13th September
At Sea
-
14th September
Limassol, Cyprus
11Limassol, Cyprus
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
With a core full of character and an eastern resort area that has been popular with holidaymakers for decades, Limassol offers visitors a little bit of history, a lot of modern comfort and access to many of the island’s must-see attractions. It was at Limassol Castle that Lionhearted King Richard I of England married Queen Berengaria following his impromptu invasion of Cyprus in 1191. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find a medieval centre of pedestrianised streets, ancient mosques, Greek Orthodox churches and boutique-lined boulevards. An included sightseeing excursion is included here. From Limassol you can explore the archaeological sites of Kourion and Kolossi, or venture further afield to Paphos, home to the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings.
Included excursion
Explore your surroundings on an included sightseeing excursion.
-
15th September
Antalya, Turkey
12Antalya, Turkey
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Situated at the foot of jagged mountains, overlooking the Mediterranean, the sun-drenched resort of Antalya is often referred to as the 'capital of Turkish tourism'. The old town, known as Kaleici, is an inviting warren of narrow lanes, punctuated by shops, and overlooked by Ottoman houses huddled against the city walls. Here you can see architectural remnants from previous occupations, including the 13th-century fluted minaret, the triple arched Hadrian's Gate built in 130AD, and the Hidirik Kulesi tower – reputed to be a former Roman lighthouse. The Archaeological Museum boasts extensive artefacts from the Bronze Age, through Roman rule and into the Ottoman era, and is often described as one of the country’s finest museums.
-
16th September
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
13Rhodes Town, Rhodes
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The island of Rhodes is a blend of ancient architecture and modern amenities. Its strategic position has been recognized since the fifth century BC, passing from Roman to Byzantine hands into possession of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, the Ottomans, Italians, finally becoming part of Greece in 1948. Rhodes Town was founded in 408 BC and has a rich history, which you can discover on an included sightseeing excursion. Said to be the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe, many of the historic buildings in the old town were built in the 14th and 15th centuries, whilst the new town features much Italianate architecture. Withi the walled town is the long, cobbled 'Street of the Knights' where, in the 16th century, knights and visiting dignitaries could find a home-from-home and speak their native language in the Inns of the Tongues.
Included excursion
Delve into the history Rhodes Town on an included sightseeing excursion.
-
17th September
Heraklion, Crete
14Heraklion, Crete
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Greece’s largest island boasts a rich history that can be traced back over 5,000 years. One of the ancient world’s most advanced civilisations, the Bronze Age Minoans, built an incredible palace labyrinth that thrived for 1,500 years. The Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans came next but it was the Venetians who have left a lasting impression on its capital Heraklion, best seen in the 16th-century walls which encircle the old town, the old harbour and the sea fortress of Koules Castle. The outstanding artefacts unearthed at the Palace of Knossos, the haunt of the mythical Minotaur, are displayed at Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum.
Optional excursions
Visit the nearby archaeological site of Knossos to marvel at the ancient Minoan culture’s legacy or explore traditional island villages for a glimpse of Cretan life.
-
18th September
At Sea
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19th September
Palermo, Sicily
16Palermo, Sicily
Arrive 0900. Depart 1600.
Conquered time after time, Palermo is a great melting pot of cultural influences with an array of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architectural sights. Of special note is the 12th-century collection of the Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, Zisa Palace and Palermo Cathedral, which have been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Head to Quattro Canti, a Baroque piazza in the city’s heart, to feel Palermo’s pulsating beat.
-
20th September
Cagliari, Sardinia
17Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.
Centuries-old Cagliari is a memorable sight to behold – especially when approaching by sea. Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion. The cityscape is crowned by Il Castello, the medieval hilltop old town which is penned in by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Don’t miss the 13th-century cathedral and the five-mile-long sands of Poetto, a prime example of a Sardinian beach.
Included excursion
Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion.
-
21st September
At Sea
-
22nd September
At Sea
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23rd September
Lisbon, Portugal
20Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.
Included excursion
See some of the city’s numerous attractions.
-
24th September
At Sea
-
25th September
At Sea
-
26th September
Portsmouth
23Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean: September
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Six included sightseeing excursions
Malaga, Spain
Valletta, Malta
Limassol, Cyprus
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
Cagliari, Sardinia
Lisbon, Portugal
- Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
- Enjoy fine dining