The view over Istanbul- Igoumenitsa
- Inside Palermo Cathedral
- The island of Lemnos
Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean
Spirit of Discovery departing Dover
from
£10,085 per person
27 nights
20th September 2026
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £87 if not requiredHow 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.
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New
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
Iconic landmarks await in Greece and Turkey
Embark on an epic exploration of the eastern Mediterranean on this all-inclusive cruise in 2026. Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm and admire the elegant architecture overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour, built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century.
Continue to visit a succession of ancient Greek ports, including the island of Lemnos, known for its secluded beaches and historic sites, and a new port of call for Saga Cruises. On the mainland, head to Athens and its UNESCO-listed Acropolis from Pireaus, and explore the characterful upper town of Thessaloniki with its traces of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. A highlight of your itinerary is sure to be an overnight stay in the exotic city of Istanbul, a melting pot of European and Asian culture. Enjoy two full days to discover some of the key sights, including the Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque on Sultanahmet Square, and the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. On the Asian side of the Dardanelles, the lively city of Canakkale is a gateway to the ancient ruins of Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields.
More ancient wonders can be seen in Sicily and Sardinia. From Palermo’s 12th-century collection of the Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, Zisa Palace and Palermo Cathedral, to the grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses of centuries-old Cagliari. While, the charming town of Motril, on Spain’s Costa Tropical, makes the perfect starting point for visiting the Alhambra palace and Moorish Generalife gardens.
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1700.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
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 or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top of the Rock you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.
Included excursion
Head to the Rock of Gibraltar and visit the Upper Rock area on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0900. Depart 2000.
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
Visit the Gardens of Malta or discover the mysteries of the ancient Tarxien Temples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagar Qim.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800. Depart 2100.
Igoumenitsa has a sheltered position, spread across a bay and backed by forested mountains. This modern city was reconstructed following almost complete destruction during World War Two, and underwent rapid development in the 1960’s to become a thriving port. The sandy stretches of Drepanos and Makrygiali offer pleasant walking opportunities.
Included excursion
An included excursion will introduce you to the local area.
Optional excursion
Explore ancient relics at the Nikopolis Archaeological Site and visit Preveza Town.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.
‘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 Athen’s 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 excursions
Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, or head to ancient Corinth.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.
The Greek island of Lemnos, known for its secluded beaches and historic sites, is a new port of call for Saga Cruises. The capital Myrina has evolved around its port and is overlooked by a vast volcanic promontory, crowned by the ruins of a Byzantine castle. One of the island’s key archaeological sites is the ancient city of Hephaestia where you can see Hellenistic theatre, palace and baths.
Included excursion
Discover the highlights of Lemnos on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Hephaestia was once a town of ancient Greece, now it is an archaeological site, that you can explore on an optional excursion.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.
Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki combines ancient attractions with vibrant seaside amenities. Its characterful upper town, known as Ano Poli, has retained influences of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, and offers a panoramic view across the city. In the centre of Thessaloniki the extensive Archaeological Museum contains revered Greek art and artefacts dating back to 5000 BC.
Included excursion
Explore Thessaloniki on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
See the burial treasures of the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs of Vergina.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800 on October 5. Depart 1700 on October 6.
A bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul has a colourful history encompassing Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule that spans three millennia. Beautiful minarets, towers and domes etch out its skyline while the Bosphorus divides it in two. Keys sights are centred around Sultanahmet Square, ancient Constantinople’s former hippodrome, including the Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque which dominates the skyline from its hilltop setting. Other landmark sights include the Blue Mosque, so-called for the thousands of blue tiles which decorate the interior, and Hagia Sophia, a church turned mosque.
Included excursion
An included excursion offers the perfect introduction to this vibrant metropolis.
Optional excursion
A leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus reveals the changing cityscape. Alternatively, join a tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on the Asian side of the Dardanelles, Canakkale is a gateway to the ancient ruins of Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields. It is a lively port city with a bustling harbour, squares and bazaar selling exotic goods. A replica of the Trojan horse stands tall on the waterfront, while the small yet fascinating Archaeological Museum features artefacts from both sides of the strait, including figurines from nearby Assos.
Included excursion
See more of Canakkale on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Take a tour of the battlefields of Gallipoli.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
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
Discover the highlights of Palermo in an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Explore the Ancient Wonders of Segesta, dating from the 5th century BC.
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
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 will provide an introduction to Cagliari.
Optional excursion
Visit the ancient ruins of Nora.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
The charming town of Motril sits between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in Spain’s Costa Tropical. It offers a gateway to the Alpujarras, villages of Andalusia and Granada, whose crowning glory is the Moorish Generalife gardens and Alhambra palace.
Included excursion
An included excursion will reveal the attractions of Motril.
Optional excursion
Enjoy a tour of UNESCO-listed Alhambra of Granada.
Spend the say at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
from
£10,085 per person
27 nights
20th September 2026
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £87 if not requiredHow 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.
Spirit of Discovery
2019
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
from
£10,085 per person
27 nights
20th September 2026
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £87 if not requiredHow 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.