Corinth Canal & Mediterranean Islands with Seville

In contrast to many of Greece’s most famous towns and cities, which are often overcrowded with visitors exploring ancient monuments and world-famous landmarks, Ermoupoli remains relatively undiscovered.

But this isn’t to say that the capital of Syros doesn’t have much to recommend it. Spread out across the slopes of two tall hills on the island’s east coast, Ermoupoli is a maze of multi-coloured and typically Greek whitewashed houses which, when explored, reveal a number of attractions from galleries and museums to shops, bars, restaurants and Ouzeries.

Among the main highlights are Town Hall Square, found in the very heart of the town, where you can admire some of the Ermoupoli’s finest architecture, including one of the largest town halls in Greece. Also worth visiting are the Apollo Theatre, the Industrial Museum and the pretty Agios Georgios Cathedral. This cathedral sits atop Ano Syros hill and offers fantastic views of the town, the neighbouring islands and the surrounding ocean.

The elegant Vaporia district harks back to days when Ermoupoli was a thriving shipbuilding centre, with its palm-lined squares and grand old shipmakers mansions.

Rhodes, the largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, is awash with fine beaches, wooded valleys, crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins and remnants of an occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades.

The Old Town of Rhodes is a maze of cobbled streets that echo back to the days of the Byzantine Empire, and has recently been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status. Its sandstone architecture rarely fails to impress. The town is home to the medieval Street of the Knights and the castle-esque Palace of the Grand Masters, which is now a history museum.

Further south, along the island's beautiful, resort-laden east coast, the iconic town of Lindos is an unmissable gem to explore, with its narrow alleys and streets, quintessentially Greek white-washed houses and wonderfully-preserved ancient Acropolis, which sits proudly atop an 116-metre-high rock overlooking the town. 

With frescoed churches, and eight months of Mediterranean sunshine every year, Rhodes can’t help but be a winner for its visitors.

Built around a pretty lake against a backdrop of imposing red-rock cliffs and tall trees, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most picturesque towns. A vibrant ‘resort’ throughout the holiday season, the town attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, interesting historic sites and fantastic beaches.

Although Agios Nikolaos appears imposing, with its typically Greek whitewashed buildings towering over Lake Voulisméni and Merabello Bay, it is in fact very easy to explore on foot. Taking a stroll along the town’s tree-lined streets, alleys and boulevards in the Mediterranean sunshine is the best way to take in the attractions. Plenty of bars, shops and restaurants serving fine local cuisine, several charming Byzantine-era churches and interesting archaeological, folklore and national history museums all await discovery. The stunning marina and sandy beach of Ammus are well worth taking the short walk from the town centre to discover too.

The port city of Piraeus has a vast, interesting history that extends back to the Ancient Greeks. From its beginnings in the 5th Century BC handling the country’s growing import trade to one of the most important passenger ports in Europe today, Piraeus has long served as a gateway to Athens.

The biggest port in the Mediterranean, the most attractive quarter of Piraeus lies around Zea Marina and Mikrolimano harbour. The latter is lined with welcoming cafes, restaurants and bars. Most visitors’ experience of the port, however, is when briefly passing through for the Greek capital.

Athens – one of the world’s oldest cities, is mystical and engrossing, a city that’s steeped in ancient history and antiquity. Over 3000 years old, the city serves as the world centre for archaeological research. Its ancient alleyways and winding streets lead to an impressive array of must-visit museums, ancient churches and some the world’s most significant historic sites.

Athen’s landmarks include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel stood proudly above the city and topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon Temple. This iconic temple was built in dedication to the Greek goddess of strategy and tactics, Athena, and is over 2500 years old. The National Archaeological and Acropolis Museums preserve priceless sculptures, vases and jewellery from the site.

Below, in the heart of the city, lies the ancient Plaka District. A popular tourist spot, Plaka is home to some fine examples of neoclassical architecture, pretty pedestrianised streets and charming shops and cafes. There are also a number of historic Roman ruins here, as well as the Agias Apostoli – one of the oldest churches in Athens, and the Temple of Hephaestus from 5BC.

Dreamt up by the ruler of the Ancient Corinth, started by Roman emperor Nero, and finally completed by the French, the Corinth Canal was a project that spanned many centuries. Slicing through solid rock, the canal separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese and serves as a vital shipping link between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

As impressive as it is important, the Corinth Canal has to be seen – or transited if you are lucky enough – to fully appreciate the engineering involved here, the narrowness of the canal – it shrinks down to less than just 25 metres wide at the very bottom – and the sheer scale of the carefully carved cliffs that flank the waterway.

Sailing through the Corinth Canal is a very special experience, especially on board Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships. Many of today’s vessels are too large to negotiate the Canal, however with Fred. Olsen you can experience the thrill of gliding between the towering cliffs, with rock-faces passing by so close that you can almost touch them.

With its palm-lined cobbled promenade, stunning beaches and vibrant town centre, Argostoli is the perfect place to soak up the glorious Mediterranean sunshine while enjoying unique Greek culture. Surrounded by gorgeous azure waters and boasting a beautiful natural harbour, Kefalonia’s is also the island's largest port town.

Despite being a modern, commercial town, Argostoli’s tradition and heritage oozes from its charming architecture, vibrant squares and pretty landscapes. Lithostroto – the main street in the town centre – is the hub of the town and home to a number of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Kampanas Square – found in the middle of Lithostroto – offers superb views of the town and the beautiful Koutavos Lagoon.

Just a short distance from the town centre you will discover the impressive Agion Theodoron Lighthouse. Rebuilt in 1953 after an earthquake destroyed the original 19th century building, the lighthouse has a unique design that features 20 columns and a small tower.

Katakolon is the small, sleepy port town located on the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, which has undergone an extensive and very pleasing makeover over the last decade.

Situated on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Greek seaside town is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of Ancient Olympia. Founded in the 8th century BC, Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games and its extensive, must-see ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

The town of Kataolon itself offers the fascinating lighthouse built in 1865, the intriguing Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, and the sunken, ancient city of Pheia, which is within walking distance of the port. The Worldwide Mythology Exhibition Park was established in 2017 in Katakolo Square, where mythical monsters Minotaurs and Centaurs can be found in a labyrinth.

Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.

Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John". Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.

The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.

Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Katakolon is the small, sleepy port town located on the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, which has undergone an extensive and very pleasing makeover over the last decade.

Situated on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Greek seaside town is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of Ancient Olympia. Founded in the 8th century BC, Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games and its extensive, must-see ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

The town of Kataolon itself offers the fascinating lighthouse built in 1865, the intriguing Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, and the sunken, ancient city of Pheia, which is within walking distance of the port. The Worldwide Mythology Exhibition Park was established in 2017 in Katakolo Square, where mythical monsters Minotaurs and Centaurs can be found in a labyrinth.

With its palm-lined cobbled promenade, stunning beaches and vibrant town centre, Argostoli is the perfect place to soak up the glorious Mediterranean sunshine while enjoying unique Greek culture. Surrounded by gorgeous azure waters and boasting a beautiful natural harbour, Kefalonia’s is also the island's largest port town.

Despite being a modern, commercial town, Argostoli’s tradition and heritage oozes from its charming architecture, vibrant squares and pretty landscapes. Lithostroto – the main street in the town centre – is the hub of the town and home to a number of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Kampanas Square – found in the middle of Lithostroto – offers superb views of the town and the beautiful Koutavos Lagoon.

Just a short distance from the town centre you will discover the impressive Agion Theodoron Lighthouse. Rebuilt in 1953 after an earthquake destroyed the original 19th century building, the lighthouse has a unique design that features 20 columns and a small tower.

Dreamt up by the ruler of the Ancient Corinth, started by Roman emperor Nero, and finally completed by the French, the Corinth Canal was a project that spanned many centuries. Slicing through solid rock, the canal separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese and serves as a vital shipping link between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

As impressive as it is important, the Corinth Canal has to be seen – or transited if you are lucky enough – to fully appreciate the engineering involved here, the narrowness of the canal – it shrinks down to less than just 25 metres wide at the very bottom – and the sheer scale of the carefully carved cliffs that flank the waterway.

Sailing through the Corinth Canal is a very special experience, especially on board Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships. Many of today’s vessels are too large to negotiate the Canal, however with Fred. Olsen you can experience the thrill of gliding between the towering cliffs, with rock-faces passing by so close that you can almost touch them.

In contrast to many of Greece’s most famous towns and cities, which are often overcrowded with visitors exploring ancient monuments and world-famous landmarks, Ermoupoli remains relatively undiscovered.

But this isn’t to say that the capital of Syros doesn’t have much to recommend it. Spread out across the slopes of two tall hills on the island’s east coast, Ermoupoli is a maze of multi-coloured and typically Greek whitewashed houses which, when explored, reveal a number of attractions from galleries and museums to shops, bars, restaurants and Ouzeries.

Among the main highlights are Town Hall Square, found in the very heart of the town, where you can admire some of the Ermoupoli’s finest architecture, including one of the largest town halls in Greece. Also worth visiting are the Apollo Theatre, the Industrial Museum and the pretty Agios Georgios Cathedral. This cathedral sits atop Ano Syros hill and offers fantastic views of the town, the neighbouring islands and the surrounding ocean.

The elegant Vaporia district harks back to days when Ermoupoli was a thriving shipbuilding centre, with its palm-lined squares and grand old shipmakers mansions.

The port city of Piraeus has a vast, interesting history that extends back to the Ancient Greeks. From its beginnings in the 5th Century BC handling the country’s growing import trade to one of the most important passenger ports in Europe today, Piraeus has long served as a gateway to Athens.

The biggest port in the Mediterranean, the most attractive quarter of Piraeus lies around Zea Marina and Mikrolimano harbour. The latter is lined with welcoming cafes, restaurants and bars. Most visitors’ experience of the port, however, is when briefly passing through for the Greek capital.

Athens – one of the world’s oldest cities, is mystical and engrossing, a city that’s steeped in ancient history and antiquity. Over 3000 years old, the city serves as the world centre for archaeological research. Its ancient alleyways and winding streets lead to an impressive array of must-visit museums, ancient churches and some the world’s most significant historic sites.

Athen’s landmarks include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel stood proudly above the city and topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon Temple. This iconic temple was built in dedication to the Greek goddess of strategy and tactics, Athena, and is over 2500 years old. The National Archaeological and Acropolis Museums preserve priceless sculptures, vases and jewellery from the site.

Below, in the heart of the city, lies the ancient Plaka District. A popular tourist spot, Plaka is home to some fine examples of neoclassical architecture, pretty pedestrianised streets and charming shops and cafes. There are also a number of historic Roman ruins here, as well as the Agias Apostoli – one of the oldest churches in Athens, and the Temple of Hephaestus from 5BC.

Built around a pretty lake against a backdrop of imposing red-rock cliffs and tall trees, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most picturesque towns. A vibrant ‘resort’ throughout the holiday season, the town attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, interesting historic sites and fantastic beaches.

Although Agios Nikolaos appears imposing, with its typically Greek whitewashed buildings towering over Lake Voulisméni and Merabello Bay, it is in fact very easy to explore on foot. Taking a stroll along the town’s tree-lined streets, alleys and boulevards in the Mediterranean sunshine is the best way to take in the attractions. Plenty of bars, shops and restaurants serving fine local cuisine, several charming Byzantine-era churches and interesting archaeological, folklore and national history museums all await discovery. The stunning marina and sandy beach of Ammus are well worth taking the short walk from the town centre to discover too.

Once an Ancient Greek town that held an important place in the Greek colonisation of Italy, known as the Magna Graecia, Reggio Calabria was changed forever by a devastating earthquake – and subsequent tsunami – which caused almost entire destruction here in 1908. While very little of the old town remains today unfortunately, Reggio Calabria's National Museum exists to tell of its fascinating past - some of the Magna Graecia's most precious artefacts are exhibited here, attracting visitors from far and wide. 

Situated at the tip of Italy's 'toe', opposite the island of Sicily, Reggio Calabria is simply beautiful. You can't help but be drawn to the coast here, to relax in the warm sunshine and soak up views of smouldering Mount Etna, which dominates the scene as you look across the blue waters of the Messina Strait. Meanwhile, picturesque hiking trails await at the nearby Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte, and authentic Italian seaside experiences aren't too far away either. 

If you wish to enjoy a quite literal taste of local life and culture in Reggio Calabria, you're sure to find the food on offer in the traditional restaurants a particular highlight too. 

Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.

Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John". Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.

The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.

Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Located on the western coast of Sicily, the beautiful city of Trapani is a fishing port with a long history renowned for its Baroque-style architecture. The sickle-shaped spit of land Trapani's Old Town occupies, was once the heart of a great trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice.

Trapani’s highlights include The Dovecote, the city’s offshore medieval fortress the restored 14th century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, and the 17th-century Torre di Ligny watchtower, which houses the Museo di Preistoria e del Mare and its many archaeological artefacts. North of the impressive harbour, the Chiesa del Purgatorio Church holds wooden sculptures that are paraded through the city during Easter’s Processione dei Misteri.

There are several beautiful boulevards to walk around and enjoy, including Mura di Tramontana – arguably the prettiest of them all. A good range of shops and restaurants are on offer to enjoy and the boulevard delivers great views of the bay.

Venture away from the modern harbourside of Sardinia's capital city to explore the picturesque upper town's old quarter - dominated by a medieval castle and cathedral and protected by walls nearly 1,000 years old, or simply relax on one of the lovely beaches located within easy reach of your cruise ship.

Seen as the most 'Italian' of the islands, the colourful facades of Cagliari rise up from the sea, leading you to ancient, hidden treasures - the Piazzo Palazzo has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and is a delight to wander around; while the magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Castello is just waiting to be explored. One of the best places to admire the stunning scenery of the island is from the top of the Bastione di San Remy, where sapphire blue ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. 

The beaches in Cagliari are a dream to visit, with Poetto offering luxurious white sands, framed by restaurants and bars at the waterfront. A cruise to Cagliari will leave you with lasting memories of this lovely corner of the Mediterranean. 

Mahon is the capital of the Spanish island of Menorca. The city, situated on the east coast of the island, has a population of 31,000 and is most famous for its natural deep-water harbour, which stretches five kilometres inland and is one of the largest in the world. Mahon is easy to explore by foot. As you wander the streets, you’ll discover traces of the various civilisations that have passed through the town.

Santa María Church, with its ornate 19th century organ, is worth discovery on central Plaça de la Constitució, and City Hall has a Renaissance facade and a clock donated by the island’s first British governor. The Menorca Museum displays art and exhibits on the island's history.

From Mahón the true beauty of Menorca – its sleepy fishing villages, stunning beaches and Monte Toro, the island’s highest peak – is all waiting to be uncovered.

The Balearic Island of Ibiza may have a reputation for lively Mediterranean nightlife, but there is more to this sun-kissed, pine-clad island than meets the eye. Off Ibiza’s beaten track you’ll find quiet villages, rural hotels, hidden hamlets, yoga retreats hushed churches, and glorious beaches – from Platja d'en Bossa, lined with hotels, bars and shops, to quieter sandy coves backed by evergreen hills.

The island’s capital, Ibiza Town – Eivissa in Catalan – has a superb Old Town. The 16th century walls and ramparts of Dalt Vila, now a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, surround tight and intriguing cobbled streets. The main entrance, Portal de Tablas, passes into a courtyard leading to the main square, which is home to wonderfully-peaceful restaurants, tiny boutiques and family-owned cafés and bars.

The enchanting Guadalquivir is one of Spain’s longest rivers and a cruise along its winding course, through some of Europe’s richest, most fertile plains offers some fantastic natural scenery to cast your eye on.

At the mouth of the river, you’ll see the vast Doñana National Park – a huge protected marshland with a huge range of diverse fauna and flora – and the charming fishing town of Bonanza.

After sailing 49 nautical miles up the Guadalquivir – a feat only smaller-sized ships can achieve – you will glide straight to the heart of the Seville, where incredible historic architecture and stunning landmarks such as the Real Alcázar await.

Compact, rich in history and famous for its flamenco, tapas bars and orange trees, the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville, is bursting with antique charm. Located on the plain of the Guadalquivir River, Seville’s old Roman city is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

World-renowned for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighbourhood, the city’s significant landmarks include the ornate Moorish-Renaissance Alcázar Palace complex, and the 18th century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring. The colossal Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the Giralda, an imposing bell tower built on a minaret.

Many arrive ready to soak up the atmosphere in the city’s old town and explore the cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter, or rest on the banks of the Guadalquivir to admire the views of the stunning Metropol Parasol project, commonly known as Las Setas (Mushrooms), which helped to revitalise the Plaza de la Encarnación. It is the world’s largest wooden structure. 

The tapas scene is one of the main cultural attractions of Seville. Visitors go from one bar to another, enjoying the small dishes. Popular desserts include pestiños, a honey-coated fritter; torrijas, fried bread with honey; roscos fritos, sugar-coated ring doughnuts; and magdalenas, while Seville oranges grow on trees lining the city streets.

The Sevillanos are masters of the art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are truly awe-inspiring Spanish occasions.

Stretched across its seven trademark hills overlooking the River Tagus estuary, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon, is a cinematic collection of cobbled alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. The city was decimated by an earthquake in 1755, and modern Lisbon has been shaped by that eventful day. The Pombaline architecture that now defines the city represents some of the first seismically-protected buildings in Europe.

The city’s bridges include the Ponte 25 de Abril – similar to the Golden Gate in San Francisco – and the Ponte Vasco da Gama, which includes over 11km of viaducts. Lisbon’s many fascinating museums, include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Coach Museum and the Carmo Archaeological Museum. 

Lisbon is also a shopper’s paradise, with the Centro Commercial Colombo – the biggest shopping mall on the Iberian peninsula – and the elegant Avenidas Novas, full of upmarket shops. Alternatively, there bargains to be had in the local flea market, Campo de Santa Clara. Don't miss the chance to sample iconic egg tarts at Pasteis de Belém too.