Mediterranean

There are 118 islands, 177 canals and 450 bridges in Venice with 170 ancient buildings lining its main waterway, that unforgettable Grand Canal. This colourful and ancient city quite literally ‘floats’ on the water. Criss-crossed by dozens and dozens of waterways, it is also a place that can possibly best be admired from the water.

For cruise passengers, sailing into or out of ‘La Serenissima’, the ancient name for Venice, and through the gorgeous Lagoon of Venice is an awe inspiring experience. As you would expect, the cruise terminals and piers are located outside of the historic centre so you will need transport to get to the heart of everything. Public transportation on the water is possibly the best option and it is not terribly difficult to get to the top spots like the San Marco’s Piazza by water bus.

The beautiful temperate climate of Lake Garda makes enjoying the stunning vista of Benaco, the largest lake in Italy, all the more enjoyable. This beautiful alpine region lies between the romantic city of Venice and the chic city of Milan in northern Italy.

The fairytale-like town of Lake Garda sits at the bottom of snow-capped mountains and the medieval structures like the ancient fortified town of Sirmoine and Scaliger castle are easy to pick out amongst clusters of traditional Mediterranean style houses.

Genoa is Italy's largest sea port and ruled the Mediterranean Sea during the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, Genoa has an extensive old city complete with winding, narrow streets. The port area has witnessed revitalisation and is now home to a number of fashionable shops, museums, bars and restaurants.

On this page you’ll find our Smart Packages for Rome, which include your cruise and flights as well as a pre or post cruise stay in the enticing city itself. As a destination that’s jam-packed with sights to see, it’s no surprise why Rome is a popular option for a cruise and stay holiday, as an extra few days spent here will ensure you don’t miss out on seeing the most popular sights and that you experience the food, culture and history to the fullest.

With top attractions including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums there’s plenty to keep you in awe during you visit. After a busy day exploring you’ll be able to revel in the warm and friendly hospitality and indulge in authentic Roman cuisine or cool off with a well-deserved scoop of artisan gelato.

Congratulations! You have uncovered some of our very own star attractions - our Verona cruise packages. The romantic city of Verona is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy making it the perfect city to enjoy a stay in. Verona is famous for its world renowned ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans.

For over a hundred years the Arena di Verona is a host to classic opera performances in the summer months including the world's most famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet and Aida, a classic love triangle which was first performed in 1913.

Millions of people around the world have fallen in love with Sorrento. Maybe it’s thanks to the breathtaking landscape, the ever-shining sun and the unique peculiarity of the little villages, hanging on the hills above the crystal-clear sea. However there’s more to this destination than physical beauty, Sorrento is a coastal town which is imbued with art, culture and leisure making it a popular destination for travelers of a variety of pursuits.

Known for an architectural masterpiece gone wrong, Pisa is a city unto itself. A unique city for architecture and intellect, it’s seeped in Italian culture which needs to be experienced – by you. Once a nautical power to rival Genoa and Venice, Pisa is now a tourist attraction for its architecture instead.

As well as being the capital city of the Campania region and the province of Naples, it boasts being Italy’s third-largest city as well as being one of the oldest. Its metropolitan area is the second most populated in Italy and also one of the largest in Europe. Naples’ historic centre or ‘Centro Storico’, as known by the locals, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its archaeological treasures are among the world’s most important with a variety of conceited palaces, castles and churches.

If you've ever wanted to take a little more time to truly explore a destination before or after a cruise, then one of our cruise and stay package deals could be exactly what you're looking for.

Barcelona is one of the most popular cruise embarkation ports that serves the Mediterranean. It makes for the perfect city to enjoy a stay in due to its rich culture, magnificent architecture, great beaches and favourable climate.

Famous landmarks include Gaudi's gothic church the Sagrada Familia, the home of Barcelona FC - Camp Nou and Las Ramblas, the most famous street in Barcelona which is lined with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops and newspaper kiosks. It's also the home to countless street performers who will astound you with their originality!

This is your chance to experience the unforgettable sights and sounds of the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix! With FREE admission tickets and FREE hotel stays in Barcelona, these once in a lifetime cruise holiday packages must not be missed. These offers are exclusive to Cruise Nation, so you won't find them anywhere else! These exclusive prices are only available to book for a limited time, so take advantage while you can.

From natural wonders like the Caves of Drach and Serra de Traumuntana to historic sites such as Alcudia Old Town, the Arab Baths and Santuari de Sant Salvador, there’s a dazzling choice of things to see and do in Majorca. 

Palma itself offers a myriad of attractions. Sites of interest include the Royal Palace of La Almudaina which still stands as resplendent today as when it was first built in 1309, Bellver Caster which was the first circle castle in Europe and most notably La Seu, Palma Cathedral. The cathedral remains one of the most striking architectural designs even today and it’s a landmark which dominates many of the postcards you’ll see for the Balearics Islands – and understandably so.

Salou is a resort town located in Spain’s Costa Daurada and due to its many tourist facilities it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a simple and enjoyable holiday. Offering fantastic beaches and a multitude of bars and restaurants, holidaying here is easy and enjoyable.

The beaches in Salou include the main Llevant Beach, however there is also the Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans and Cala Crancs. Where if you feel like being a little more active, it is a great hotspot for snorkelling, windsurfing and golf.

It’s no surprise why the Costa Brava is such a popular place for holidaymakers. It’s just a 2-hour plane journey from the UK and on touching down you’ll arrive to beautiful sunshine, unspoilt coastline and the best Blue Flag beaches in Europe.

If you’ve been dreaming of a relaxing sun-soaked holiday, the Costa Brava is the place for you. With a bountiful choice of wide sandy beaches and secluded coves to choose from (226 to be exact), there really is too much choice. They range from the Illa Roja (an internationally renowned nudist beach) to Aiguablava with its calm shallow waters and nearby restaurants and shops, making it a popular choice for families.

Athens is a city that is rich in culture and tradition, but also a place that highlights the sophistication and contemporary nature that’s expected of any 21st century capital city. With so much to see and do, there is nothing stopping you making the most of this intriguing and captivating Greek destination.

A trip to Athens wouldn’t possibly be complete without visiting the ancient ruins. By touring the city you’ll quickly discover a collection of archaeological sites located within the central areas. This is evidence of past civilisations that are still scattered across this bustling metropolis today. The main sites of ancient ruins to tick off your travel list are Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus. These hot spots, plus many more, are all connected via continuous pedestrian pathways that span across several districts and shopping areas.

Crete is Greece’s largest island, it’s split into four regions, Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi and Rethymno. Like Greece’s other islands, Crete teams stunning beaches with rich history to provide an eclectic holiday which has something for everyone.

Marseille is a city with a rich history and is believed to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. Today, Marseille is the second largest city in France in terms of population and enjoys a fascinating melting pot of different cultures. 

There is a very authentic feel to Marseille. Discover the colourful markets that will make you feel like you're somewhere in Africa, or the Calanques - France's very own fjords! Take a trip to Le Panier - the oldest area of Marseille. Here you'll find something that looks like a village of the Provence in the city centre. You'll also find lots of quaint shops selling handmade goods and crafts, as well as some fantastic restaurants.

Evidence suggests that Nice is one of the oldest cities in the Western Mediterranean, the city is also the fifth largest metropolis in France. Matisse, Chagall and Picasso were all lured to the city and the Cote d'Azur in the late 19th and 20th centuries.