Cyprus, Turkey & Egypt Cruise 2026 | Fred. Olsen

Located on the southern coast of Cyprus, Limassol is home to a striking castle - now the Cyprus Medieval Museum, built in 1193 by Guy de Lusignan, founder of the Lusignan dynasty, but it was then rebuilt in the 19th century by the Ottoman rulers. Close by is the Amathus site, with ruins of a Temple of Aphrodite, where the local museum houses many incredible artefacts from around this time.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and is best known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The birthplace of Cleopatra VII is the cultural hub of the region, and gateway to the Nile Delta, where the Rosetta stone - a stela (stone slab) inscribed with hieroglyphic Ancient Egyptian script, was discovered by the French in 1799, later to become the property of the British when Napoleon was defeated.

Surrounded by lush pine forests and rugged mountains, Marmaris offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and Turkish coastal life. You can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront of the town’s marina, watching as local boats manoeuvre in and out of the harbour, or relax in one of the cafés lining the promenade. You will have the opportunity to explore Marmaris’s traditional Turkish market, brimming with handcrafted goods, spices and traditional foods, or explore the old town with its whitewashed buildings and cobblestone paths. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the jewel-like Aegean Sea or venture to nearby Marmaris Castle, steeped in ancient history.

Situated in north-western Turkey, Istanbul is seen as the place where east meets west, with a cultural diversity stretching back over centuries. Historically known as both Byzantine and Constantinople, it has seen many ancient empires. Skyscrapers sit alongside traditional and historical structures, such as the Blue Mosque – an iconic landmark in the city, and a fully functioning religious site. Istanbul is also home to the Grand Bazaar, the renowned maze of souqs, located under beautifully decorated ceilings.

Having long served as gateway to the Ancient city of Athens, Piraeus has an attractive marina area. However, it is generally used to visit Athens, which has been continuously occupied since the fifth century B.C. Important landmarks here include the Acropolis, the hilltop citadel overlooking the city, also home to the Parthenon Temple and the Temple of Zeus. Close by is the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built as a racetrack in 330 B.C but has been completely rebuilt and is open to the public.