In this episode, Paul and Kathleen take you on a journey around the Mediterranean, exploring the ports, places and hidden gems you can discover on a cruise.

From popular itineraries sailing from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia) to destinations you may not have considered, they share practical advice to help you make the most of every port day.

Whether you prefer to explore independently, book a cruise line excursion or organise your own tour, this episode is packed with tips, personal anecdotes and inspiration for your next Mediterranean cruise.

In this episode discover:

  • Popular Mediterranean cruise ports on cruises from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia)
  • Your port day options – exploring independently, cruise line excursions or DIY excursions
  • Top tips for seeing Rome in a day, plus Naples, Genoa, Malta and more
  • Mykonos vs Santorini – which one wins as a cruise port of call?
  • Mediterranean hidden gems you may not have considered
  • Practical tips to help you make the most of your Mediterranean cruise

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to cruising in the Mediterranean.

01:17 Top Mediterranean cruise departure ports: Barcelona and Rome.

04:55 Where can you visit on a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona?

08:34 Genoa and Portofino: dream destinations to explore on your Mediterranean cruise.

10:06 La Spezia: a beautiful harbour town and your gateway to Pisa.

11:19 Making the most of one day in port with a cruise line excursion.

12:34 Sailing into Sicily: spectacular scenery, sightseeing and places to explore independently.

14:20 Discovering Malta: sailing into Valletta, exploring Game of Thrones locations and visiting Gozo.

16:32 Exploring the Balearic Islands: overnight stays in Ibiza and its UNESCO-listed old town.

17:44 Mallorca: why it’s Paul’s favourite Mediterranean port for shopping, food and sightseeing.

18:22 Making the most of your final cruise day and extending your holiday with a post-cruise stay.

20:17 Cruising from Rome (Civitavecchia): city sightseeing, travelling to the port and hidden gems such as Tarquinia.

24:16 Naples: a versatile cruise port with so much to explore, right from the heart of the city.

26:49 Mykonos vs Santorini: exploring independently and making the most of cruise line excursions.

30:47 Managing crowds at popular cruise destinations, plus a discussion of Athens and Venice.

33:28 Turkey: an exciting port of call with plenty of options for your day ashore.

34:30 Top tips to help you make the most of your Mediterranean cruise.

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New episodes every Tuesday.

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