
When we travel, we always go with an eye for our clients. We take copious notes, “audition” local tour guides, visit hotels and restaurants and utilize different modes of transportation so we can offer our clients accurate and timely advise on popular and unique ports of call. John and I have taken three Mediterranean cruises; two in the Eastern Mediterranean on Seabourn (We loved everything about Seabourn!) and one Western Med cruise on Cunard.
Many Mediterranean cruises include a stop in Athens. Athens is truly ancient history at its finest. When you tour the US, the historical sites are hundreds of years old. When you tour Greece, the historical sites are thousands of years old!

If you are planning a Med cruise that starts or ends in Athens, you may want to include at least 2-3 days before or after the cruise to visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, the National Archeological Museum, Old Town, and climb (or take the funicular) to Mount Lycabettus.
The key to visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon is to get tour tickets months in advance so you can be either the first tour up in the morning or take an evening tour when the lights are coming on. Plan to eat dinner at Diaonysos Zonar’s which is (literally) at the base of the Parthenon and, if you time your dinner, you can see it in the day light and then watch the lights illuminate it as the sun sets. We stayed for 2.5 hours because it was just such a magical sight. This was the view from our table.
An Eastern Med cruise usually includes some or all of the following ports of call: Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania. For the record- Montenegro and Croatia are absolutely and beyond gorgeous and are official “must see” in my book! I didn’t know what to expect and I was completely blown away by the gorgeous crystal blue colors of the ocean, the pretty beaches, the Fjords and the ancient city of Dubrovnik. I am not a “Game of Thrones” fan, but I did love exploring the ancient walled city and fortress where they filmed Game of Thrones on Dubrovnik. You get to walk on a draw bridge over a moot to get into the fortress. You have to love that!

If you time it correctly, you can walk the ancient streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia when the crowds are small and the prices are very reasonable. The water in both countries is so clean and clear you can easily see 12 feet down.
I highly recommend doing a Med cruise during what’s called “The Quiet Season,” which is Fall-Spring. The crowds are much lighter, the weather is moderate and you can get a screamin’ deal! For example- Viking is currently offering FREE airfare and reduced prices on sailing from Rome to Athens on Feb 13 and Feb 27, 2025. 15 days, 11 guided tours and 3 countries- Italy, Malta and Greece. Prices start at: $4999 per person on sale and Viking has all-inclusive pricing. In fact, there are numerous sales going on with Viking expedition, ocean and river cruises. Call, text, or email for more information.
Until next time, your next adventure awaits!
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