Ancient Eastern Mediterranean: My Guide to History, Islands and Incredible Scenery

If there’s one part of the world I could happily keep going back to, my ancient eastern Mediterranean cruise guide could help you.

Where else can you spend the morning exploring thousands of years of history, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking turquoise waters and finish the day watching the sun disappear behind a beautiful Greek island?

It’s a pretty difficult combination to beat.

From the legendary streets of Athens to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, the historic coastline of Turkey and the medieval charm of Croatia, this part of the world has so much to offer.

And here’s what I particularly love about exploring this region by cruise: you can experience several incredible destinations without constantly packing and unpacking your suitcase. One cabin, multiple destinations and plenty of opportunities to eat far too much Greek food.

So, if you’re considering an Ancient Eastern Mediterranean cruise, let me take you through some of the places I’d put firmly on your travel wish list.

Why I’d Choose the Ancient Eastern Mediterranean

For me, the appeal of this region is the sheer variety.

In my ancient eastern Mediterranean cruise guide I talk about ancient temples, archaeological treasures, beautiful beaches, traditional villages, fantastic food and some of the most impressive coastal scenery you’ll find anywhere in Europe.

There’s history around practically every corner. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Byzantines have all left their mark, and you can still explore the remains of their extraordinary civilisations today.

But it’s not all museums and ancient ruins. That’s probably just as well, because even I have a limit on how many old stones I can admire before needing a coffee.

What makes this region special is the balance between sightseeing and simply enjoying being somewhere beautiful.

Here’s where I’d recommend starting.

Athens: Where Ancient History Comes to Life

Athens would be right at the top of my list.

The Greek capital is packed with history, but the Acropolis is the attraction I’d make sure I didn’t miss. Sitting high above the city, this ancient citadel is home to the iconic Parthenon.

It’s one of those landmarks that photographs really don’t do justice. You’re looking at something that’s stood for thousands of years. That’s quite a bit more impressive than my latest DIY project.

I’d also make time for:

• The Acropolis Museum: A fascinating collection of archaeological treasures.
• Plaka: Beautiful streets filled with traditional shops, cafés and restaurants.
• Ancient Agora: A chance to explore the remains of ancient Athenian public life.
• Mount Lycabettus: Spectacular panoramic views across the city.

My advice? Wear comfortable shoes, take plenty of water and allow yourself time to explore. Athens isn’t somewhere I’d want to rush through.

Santorini: The Views Really Are That Good

I’ve seen plenty of photographs of Santorini, and it’s one of those destinations that makes you want to book a holiday immediately.

Those whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and dramatic volcanic landscapes are instantly recognisable.

I’d head towards Oia and Fira to explore the winding streets and enjoy the incredible views across the caldera.

If I had more time, I’d also look at:

• Visiting the ancient settlement of Akrotiri.
• Exploring the island’s volcanic beaches.
• Sampling local wines at one of the island’s wineries.
• Finding a traditional restaurant overlooking the sea.

Akrotiri is particularly interesting. Often described as the Minoan Pompeii, this ancient settlement was preserved following a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

And let’s be honest, I’d probably take far too many photographs. My phone storage would need a holiday of its own.

Crete: Ancient Civilisations and Beautiful Coastlines

Crete is another destination I’d definitely want to explore.

As the largest Greek island, it offers an incredible mix of history, scenery and traditional Greek hospitality.

One place I’d put on my itinerary is the Palace of Knossos, associated with the ancient Minoan civilisation and the legendary story of King Minos and the Minotaur.

I’d also make time for:

• Chania: A beautiful harbour town with Venetian architecture.
• Heraklion: A lively city with museums and access to important archaeological sites.
• Elafonissi Beach: Famous for its pink-tinged sand and turquoise water.
• Samaria Gorge: A spectacular natural landscape for walking enthusiasts.

Personally, I love the idea of spending the morning exploring ancient history before finding somewhere by the coast for a leisurely lunch.

That’s my kind of sightseeing.

The Turkish Coast: History With a Different Twist

I’d also make sure Turkey featured on my Eastern Mediterranean wish list.

The coastline is packed with ancient sites, beautiful towns and fascinating history.

Ephesus would be high on my list, particularly the impressive Library of Celsus. It’s one of the best-known ancient sites in the region and a fantastic insight into Roman life.

I’d also look at:

• Bodrum: A lively coastal town with a historic castle and marina.
• Kusadasi: A popular cruise port and gateway to Ephesus.
• Antalya: Famous for its old town, Roman harbour and beautiful coastline.

What appeals to me about this part of the Mediterranean is the contrast between ancient history and modern Turkish hospitality.

There’s plenty to explore, but there’s also plenty of opportunity to sit back, enjoy the scenery and sample some local food.

Croatia: Medieval Towns and Adriatic Beauty

Croatia is another destination I’d happily add to my itinerary.

Dubrovnik is probably the most recognisable, with its spectacular city walls, terracotta rooftops and historic old town.

I’d also want to explore Split, particularly Diocletian’s Palace, a remarkable Roman complex that’s still part of the living city.

Other destinations worth considering include Zadar and nearby Kotor in Montenegro.

For me, this is what makes an Eastern Mediterranean cruise so appealing. You aren’t restricted to one type of destination. You can experience ancient cities, historic harbours, beautiful coastlines and completely different cultures during the same holiday.

Why I’d Explore the Eastern Mediterranean by Cruise

I could spend weeks travelling around this region independently, arranging hotels, transfers and transport between destinations.

But honestly, I’d rather unpack once and let the ship do the travelling.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of an Eastern Mediterranean cruise. I can wake up somewhere new, spend the day exploring and return to the same cabin at the end of it.

Depending on the itinerary, I’d be looking for:

• Several destinations in one holiday.
• A mixture of historic cities and beautiful islands.
• Plenty of opportunities to explore local culture.
• Restaurants, entertainment and facilities onboard.
• Relaxing sea days between exploring ashore.

I’d particularly recommend looking at MSC’s Mediterranean itineraries if you want to combine sightseeing with time to relax onboard.

You can explore our MSC Ancient Eastern Mediterranean cruise deals to see what’s available.

When Would I Visit the Ancient Eastern Mediterranean?

Personally, I’d lean towards spring or autumn if sightseeing was my priority.

Spring: A lovely time for exploring, with generally milder temperatures and opportunities to enjoy historic attractions before peak summer crowds.

Summer: Ideal for sunshine, swimming and beach days, although popular destinations can get busy and temperatures can be high.

Autumn: Often a great balance of warm weather and sightseeing, with the summer crowds beginning to ease.

Winter: Cruise availability is more limited in some areas, so I’d check individual sailing schedules carefully.

If I wanted to spend most of my time exploring archaeological sites and historic cities, spring and autumn would be particularly appealing.

If sunshine and swimming were top of my list, I’d look towards summer.

My Tips for Planning an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

Before booking, there are a few things I’d always consider.

1. Research the excursions. Some of the best attractions are a little distance from the cruise port, so I’d check travel times and available excursions before deciding what to visit.

2. Pack comfortable shoes. Ancient sites, cobbled streets and historic towns can involve plenty of walking. Fashion is important, but so are your feet.

3. Take plenty of water. Mediterranean sunshine can be intense, particularly in summer.

4. Explore the local food. I’d always try to leave room in my plans for traditional restaurants, local specialities and the occasional dessert that I absolutely didn’t need.

5. Check your port times. Make sure you know when the ship departs and allow plenty of time to get back onboard. Missing the ship isn’t quite the adventure I’m looking for.

6. Don’t over-plan. I’d rather enjoy a destination properly than rush around trying to tick off every attraction.

Sometimes the best holiday memories come from sitting in a traditional café, enjoying the scenery and ordering another plate of something delicious.

Ready to Discover the Ancient Eastern Mediterranean