The Mediterranean offers endless vacation possibilities, and that variety is exactly what makes planning so exciting.
If you’re a first-time cruiser, start by figuring out what kind of vacation vibe you’re after. Are you into history, food, beaches, nightlife, or a mix of everything? Once you figure out what kind of experience you want most, choosing an itinerary becomes much easier.
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Building the Perfect Itinerary
The Mediterranean is one of those destinations you can visit again and again, and never have the same trip twice.
So, the perfect itinerary really comes down to your preferred vacation style and the duration of your stay.
Western Mediterranean: Food Lovers and History Buffs
If your idea of the perfect vacation involves eating amazing food while surrounded by incredible architecture, the western Med is calling your name. Think Spain, France, and Italy.
You could be strolling through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter one day and tasting fresh bouillabaisse in Marseille the next.
Here’s a western Mediterranean itinerary for you to consider that’s perfect for late spring or early fall:
- Day 1 & 2: Explore Barcelona and Gaudi’s incredible architecture, including the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia.
- Day 3: Spend a day in Marseille or Nice, and soak up the glamour in the French Riviera.
- Day 4 & 5: Enjoy a few historical sites in Rome, including Vatican City.
- Day 6: Take a day off to eat pizza in Naples, or take an excursion to Capri or Pompeii.
- Day 7: Experience Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, then make the quick trip to Pisa to see that famous leaning tower in person.
- Day 8 & 9: Begin your journey home.
Eastern Mediterranean: Beaches and Nightlife
Another way to explore the jewel of Europe is to experience the beautiful beaches during the day and the nightlife after sunset. Think Turkey, the Greek Islands, and the Adriatic coastline of Croatia.
- Day 1: Start in Athens and climb up to the Parthenon before wandering through the charming Plaka neighbourhood for dinner and drinks.
- Day 2 & 3: Experience the beaches and nightlife in Santorini and Mykonos.
- Day 4: Explore the medieval towns and ruins of Rhodes and Crete.
- Day 5: Walk the Old Town walls of Dubrovnik.
- Day 6 & 7: Enjoy some excellent food and shopping at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia.
- Day 8 & 9: Make your way back home.
Southern Mediterranean: Archeology and Diverse Cultures
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, the southern Med stretches from Malta to Cyprus and even into the crossroads of Israel, Egypt, and North Africa.
There are countless ways to swing this trip. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Day 1 & 2: Start in Malta by exploring Valletta’s baroque buildings and the island’s prehistoric temples.
- Day 3 & 4: Enjoy some beach time and archeological exploration in Cyprus.
- Day 5 & 6: Spend a night in Jerusalem and take a trip out to the Dead Sea.
- Day 7 & 8: Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and walk through Cairo’s museums.
- Day 9 & 10: Head home or continue towards Greece.
Packing Essentials for a Mediterranean Cruise
What you pack depends heavily on your itinerary and planned activities.
For example, if you’re planning to explore on foot and do a lot of walking, you’ll need some comfortable shoes. If you’re mostly hitting beaches and poolside loungers, good sandals and flip-flops will suffice.
In terms of clothing, stick with versatile outfits that you can mix, match, and layer. Mediterranean weather can vary, especially in spring and fall, so layers work better than bulky items. This will save you a lot of space in your baggage and won’t overcomplicate your mornings.
Lastly, be prepared for day excursions. You will need a backpack, sunscreen, and a power bank to keep that phone charged for photos. A lightweight scarf is also advisable if you’re planning to visit religious sites.
Your Mediterranean Adventure Awaits
A Mediterranean trip is hard to beat, as there are just so many different types of vacations you can take. All you need is a thoughtfully packed bag and a good itinerary with a little wiggle room for spontaneous adventures, and you’re set for an amazing vacation.
