Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
from
£7,996 per person
Price includes travel insurance and additional cancellation cover. A price reduction of £87pp applies if the included travel and cancellation cover is not required § Read More
Save up to 35%
23 nights
19th January 2028
How our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
Cruise to Greece, a region rich in culture and heritage
Uncover the cultural treasures and ancient sights of Greece and the idyllic islands of the Mediterranean during this 23-night, all-inclusive cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean in 2028. Explore Gibraltar’s quirky British charm and the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta, where highlights include 16th-century St John’s Co-Cathedral.
Cruise further east to the Greek island of Crete, where the capital Heraklion has a history stretching over 5,000 years. Explore the charming backstreets hidden behind the fortification walls and see its Venetian and Turkish fountains. Nearby, the ancient Palace of Knossos was court to the legendary King Minos whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. On the mainland, Piraeus offers a gateway to Athens and the UNESCO-listed Acropolis, the 5th-century BC complex which encompasses the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaia and the temple of Athena Nike. While Katakolon, set on a peninsula overlooking the Ionian Sea, is a typical Greek seaside town with a taverna-lined waterfront and sweeping beach. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olympia, one of the world’s most significant archaeological finds, is around 20 miles away.
More historic attractions await on the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Palermo boasts an array of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architectural sights, and centuries-old Cagliari, crowned by Il Castello, has a medieval old town enclosed by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Finally, uncover the Moorish heritage of Palma and Malaga, home to the imposing citadel of Alcazaba and the ruins of Gibralfaro Castle.
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary

Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1700.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains. Alternatively, visit the military museum, which is housed underground in a former military barracks and exhibits artefacts dating back to the 18th century.
Included excursion
Head to the Rock of Gibraltar and visit the Upper Rock area on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Visit a Gin Distillery or explore the World War Two tunnels.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, overlooked by honey hued forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. Highlights include St John’s Co-Cathedral, which houses the Caravaggio masterpiece, ‘The Beheading of Saint John’, and the Upper Barakka Gardens, located on the upper level of 16th-century St Peter and St Paul’s Bastion.
Included excursion
See some of Malta’s picturesque landscapes and charming villages on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Discover the mysteries of the ancient Tarxien Temples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagar Qim or visit Fort St Angelo.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Named after Hercules, the capital of the Greek island of Crete has an extensive history stretching over 5,000 years. Once under Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman rule, both the island’s landscape and Heraklion itself are dotted with ancient relics that reveal more of its fascinating past. As you explore the charming backstreets hidden behind the fortification walls, look out for beautiful Venetian and Turkish fountains scattered across the city. You can choose to uncover more of Crete’s history on a visit to the Palace of Knossos, court of the legendary King Minos whose wife Pasiphae gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The Heraklion Archaeology Museum, which is regarded as one of the most important museums in Greece, is also a must-see attraction.
Included excursion
See more of the surrounding scenery on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Uncover Minoan history at the Knossos Archaeological site.
Arrive 0800. Depart 2200.
‘The Cradle of Western Civilisation’, ancient Athens was the birthplace of democracy as well as a crucible of creativity, leading to great advances in philosophy, art, literature and architecture. This is represented by Athens’ crowning achievement, the UNESCO-listed Acropolis. The exceptional well-preserved 5th-century BC complex watches over the city from a rocky outcrop and encompasses the monumental Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia and the temple of Athena Nike. In its lee sprawls the old Plaka neighbourhood packed with tavernas, cafes and small shops.
Included excursion
See the sights of Athens on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, or head to ancient Corinth.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on a peninsula overlooking the Ionian Sea, Katakolon is a typical Greek seaside town. Enjoy its taverna-lined waterfront and sweeping beach, which follows the curving gulf that leads away from it. The nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olympia is one of the world’s most significant archaeological finds. This Pan-Hellenic sanctuary was founded in the Neolithic era and is where the Olympic Games were first held. Among its wealth of ancient attractions are the Temples of Zeus and Hera, the Stadium of Olympia, and the monumental columns of Philippeion and Palaestra.
Included excursion
Enjoy an introduction to the local area.
Optional excursions
Head to Olympia where you can see the ruins of temples and sporting arenas and visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts spanning the prehistoric, Classical and Roman eras. Among its prized possessions is the famous Nike ‘Winged Victory’ sculpture.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
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.
Included excursion
Look forward to an included panoramic excursion in Palermo.
Optional excursion
Visit the ancient site of Segesta, known for its well-preserved 5th-century Doric Temple and Greek theatre.
Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.
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 an included panoramic 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
An included excursion offers an introduction to Cagliari.
Optional excursion
Visit the ancient ruins of Nora or head into the countryside for a tour of the local wineries.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The elegant capital of the Balearics is characterised by attractive, palm-fringed squares lined with stylish shops and cafes, while the maze of streets in the old town reveal a distinctly Moorish heritage.
Included excursion
An included excursion offers a relaxing way to see more of your surroundings, including the mountain village of Valldemossa.
Optional excursions
Venture into the Caves of the Dragon to see incredible rock formations and an underground lake.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.
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 Gibralfaro 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
A choice of an included excursion will show you some of Malaga’s attractions.Optional excursions
Visit the mountaintop city of Ronda, explore Malaga by Tuk Tuk or head to Nerja and its extensive caves.
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Important Information
§ Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, subject to medical screening. A price reduction will be applied if the included travel insurance is not required. Pre-departure cover (cancellation rights) is provided by Saga and is only available when taking out the included insurance. Read More
from
£7,996 per person
Price includes travel insurance and additional cancellation cover. A price reduction of £87pp applies if the included travel and cancellation cover is not required § Read More
Save up to 35%
23 nights
19th January 2028
How our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
from
£7,996 per person
Price includes travel insurance and additional cancellation cover. A price reduction of £87pp applies if the included travel and cancellation cover is not required § Read More
Save up to 35%
23 nights
19th January 2028
How our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
























































































































































































































































































































