With its centuries of history, fascinating cultures, fab cities, blue skies and gorgeous beaches, the Mediterranean is made for cruising. But do you go east or west? We pick highlights from both sides of the Middle Sea.

 

The Acropolis and its fine museum are at the top of the must-list on any trip to Athens (reached from the port of Piraeus), but no day here is complete without exploring the maze of streets lined with shops and restaurants in the Plaka. Grab a seat and enjoy people-watching over a tasty Greek mezze.

 

Where east meets west, Asia meets Europe, call it what you will. Istanbul is fantastic, with its exotic vibe and skyline dominated by minarets and domes. Put the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar on the sightseeing list. 

Prepare to be wowed! At the top of the Adriatic, it is a city of mosaics like you have never seen before. Dating back to Byzantine times, they coat the walls of basilicas and mausoleums. Stunning just doesn’t do it justice.

 

The Roman Emperor Diocletian fell in love with Split so he built a palace on the waterfront. Now it’s your turn. Not to build a palace, but to fall in love. The city is the second largest in Croatia, the palace still stands tall and the waterfront is drop-down gorgeous. 

 

We admit it. We’re torn. Do you stay in town and explore the magnificent medieval centre or jump on an excursion to nearby Alberobello, a UNESCO town famous for its trulli (white-washed stone houses shaped like a beehive). Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

 

The city of Michelangelo and Machiavelli ranks as one of the world’s most beautiful cities with its fabulous Renaissance architecture and world-famous collections of art museums and galleries. Miss it at your peril. It’s reached from the ports of Livorno or La Spezia. 

 

With its beaches, flamingos and lively waterfront, Cagliari is pretty special but just wait until you see the medieval old town high above the city. Join a tour to hear the stories behind the ancient buildings and see the bullet marks from the Second World War that adorn them.

 

Welcome to one of the top port calls in the Mediterranean thanks to its sunny climate, seaside location and infectious joie de vivre. Put La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Gaudi’s unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica and tapas on the must see list. Feeling brave? Take a bike tour around town.

 

You can’t go far without tripping over Napoleon, the Corsican general who become emperor of France. His house, now a museum, tells his life story (the successful bits anyway!). Don’t miss it, but leave time to visit the market and stroll along the pretty waterfront.

 

If you’re thinking Grand Prix and casinos, then you are right, but there is more to this tiny principality than racing cars and gambling. A network of lifts and tunnels makes exploring on foot fun and easy. Don’t miss the old town, royal palace and drooling at the floating gin palaces in the harbour.