Mary Rice

Jerusalem

Jerusalem: Crossroads of the World

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of a city like Jerusalem. Located at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, where Europe blends into Asia, this ancient city is a religious touch point for three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attracting some 3.5 million tourists each year, Jerusalem is a magnet destination for religious pilgrims – as well as for history, heritage, and culture buffs! Whether you’re a devout Jew, Christian, or Muslim or simply looking for a culturally enriching holiday, Jerusalem is sure to open your eyes. For essential tips when visiting Israel, check out this handy guide.

Constance

A Breath of Fresh Mountain Air in Lake Constance

Nestled in the mountains on the border between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Lake Constance is an Alpine postcard come to life. Central Europe’s third-largest lake has long attracted holidaymakers to its shores, which are ringed with small towns and villages, vineyards, beaches, orchards, and Alpine foothills. This natural summer playground offers all the outdoor attractions and activities you expect from a holiday to the Alpine countryside, but also has no shortage of cultural landmarks. If you want the ideal blend of fresh mountain air and European culture, Lake Constance is calling your name. What to Do Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen Visit

Fuerteventura

Catching the Best Waves in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura, literally translated, means ‘strong fortune’ – and if you’re into surfing you’ll find nothing but good luck here. Why? Because this tiny island in the Canaries, with its strong winds, perfect waves, and long sandy coastline, is a surfer’s dream come true! Whether you’re keen on traditional surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing, Fuerteventura delivers. So grab some buds and your board and book yourself a ticket to hang-ten heaven! Interested in the rest of the Canary Islands? Check out Tenerife. Top Spots There are no bad surf spots on Fuerteventura, but get started with a few of our favourites. All

Neapel

A World of Suprises in Naples

When you think about Italy, your mind might jump right to the tourist heavyweights of Venice, Rome, or Florence. But it would be a shame to overlook Naples, the coastal Mediterranean metropolis in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Naples has layers of history just begging to be explored – from underground catacombs to ancient fortresses. One of the best ways to experience Naples is by sea. This is, after all, the port with the world’s second-highest rate of passenger flow (second only to Hong Kong). When your cruise ship pulls

Palma de Mallorca

Palma: Mallorca’s Cosmopolitan Capital

Situated within the cosy embrace of the Badia de Palma, Mallorca’s capital is practically made for cruising. As the economic and cultural hub of this Balearic Island, Palma is more than just beaches (though those are world-class too!). The city’s roots stretch all the way back to Roman times, though by no means is this city behind the times. Here you’ll find ancient relics and modern art in equal measure, all suffused with that irresistible Mediterranean aura. With its large and accommodating port, Palma is a popular stopover point for cruise ships. Here you’ll have a chance to spend a

Santorini

Sample and Savour Santorini

Visiting Santorini on your next cruise? You’re probably acquainted with it already! This stunning, crescent-shaped island, classically known as Thera, is unmistakable – you’ve no doubt seen photographic vistas of its steeply terraced white and blue houses on postcards, calendars, and more. Arguably the most picturesque of Greece’s islands, Santorini draws huge crowds year after year, who marvel at its exquisite natural beauty. The island’s rocky 300-metre cliffs and odd shape are evidence of a volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago, which blasted apart what was once a single, larger island and created today’s geological caldera. (A caldera, from the

Pisa

The Leaning Tower and Beyond: Pisa in One Day

When you see Pisa on your Mediterranean cruise itinerary, your mind probably jumps straight to the Leaning Tower. True, the askew international icon is well worth a look, but there’s so much more to see during a stopover in this stunning historic city. So when your ship pulls into port, be ready for a full day ahead with our handy guide. Can’t get enough of Italy? Check out what Florence has to offer! What to Do Luckily for cruise passengers looking to make the most of their stopover, Pisa is a fairly compact city, with many major sites clustered together

Málaga

Cruising Through History in Málaga

When you’re cruising along Spain’s Costa del Sol, it won’t be long before you realise how this region earned its name. With the southern Spanish sun sparkling off the Mediterranean, this is the perfect time to shake off the damp British chill! But a cruise down the Costa del Sol offers a lot more than sea and sunshine. Along the way, you can expect to soak up quite a bit of local culture through stopovers at various cities along the coast. In Málaga, an Andalusian gem with history stretching back some 2,800 years, you can discover everything from ancient Roman

Sevilla

Your Guide to Stopping Over in Seville

If you’re cruising along the southern coast of Spain, there is a lot in store for you. Not only can you expect sparkling seas, craggy cliffs, and warm temperatures, you can also look forward to visiting several of Spain’s most vibrant coastal cities during your stopovers – including Seville, capital of the region of Andalusia. It can be a bit daunting to try to tour a city as rich and diverse as Seville during just a one-day stopover. You don’t want to stick purely to the beaten track, but you also don’t want to miss the city’s iconic landmarks. That’s

Vibrant Valencia in Just One Day

With its dramatic mountains, inviting beaches, and clear waters, the coast of Spain is some of the best cruising territory around. But if you’re looking to mix your on-board relaxing with a few forays into Spanish culture, the real highlight will be your stopovers in the many vibrant cities along the coast – and Valencia should be at the top of your list! This ancient city founded by the Romans is alive with culture and heritage – not to mention the fantastic cuisine. When your ship pulls into port here, you’ll want to be ready to explore everything this city

Venetian Highlights in 24 Hours

When it comes to Mediterranean cruising, Venice is practically made for it. In this unique city, built on a number of islands inside a turquoise lagoon, water is simply a way of life – so it’s only natural that it’s become a popular destination for cruise stopovers. If you’re seeing Venice by boat, chances are your stopover will last just one day, so you’ll need to make the most of it. With this organised itinerary as your guide, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do! A few top tips before you get started: start early and hit

Oporto

Dynamic Porto in 24 Hours or Less

Relatively isolated on the western end of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is often overlooked by tourist crowds more keen on Spain and France. Furthermore, the tourists who do come to Portugal are far more likely to visit Lisbon than the country’s second city, Porto! However, it would be a mistake to pass up this cultural and historical gem. If you’re cruising through the waters off western Portugal, a visit to this enchanting oceanside city will be the highlight of your entire trip. We’ve outlined the perfect day out in Porto to help you get the most out of every second

Nice

Nice: The French Riviera Capital in 24 Hours

Planning a cruise along the French Riviera? Lucky you! With its soaring cliffs, azure seas, warm climate, and rich and famous residents, the Riviera is a Mediterranean paradise of legendary stature. And no cruise to this dazzling part of the world would be complete without a visit to the region’s capital of Nice. Nice’s old-world charm, abundant sunshine, and stunning seaside location are sure to take your breath away. Dig a little deeper and the city’s artistic heritage and vibrant culture will make you never want to leave! However, most cruise stopovers in Nice are just one day, so you’ll