Turkey, Greece & Morocco Cruise | 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.

The instantly recognizable 16th century walls and Grand Harbour of Valletta have seen many conflicts, and its diverse architecture is testament to them. Influences from the Romans, Greeks, Crusaders and British are evident in the various churches and palaces. Most noteworthy are the National War Museum, housing many military artefacts and the Casa Rocca Piccola Palace. Located in the north of the island is the silent city of Mdina, home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Located on Sicily’s west coast, Trapani is shaped by its coastal setting and everyday Sicilian life. Its historic centre stretches along a narrow peninsula, with pale stone buildings, small churches and welcoming cafés that are easy to explore on foot. Close by, the medieval town of Erice offers panoramic views over Trapani, while the famous salt pans with its shallow pools, traditional windmills and wide-open skies, create a distinctively beautiful landscape. With its gentle pace, Trapani offers an unhurried introduction to western Sicily and its lasting traditions.

Cartagena is often seen as one of Spain’s less well-known cities, but take a wander through its ancient streets, and you’ll discover the carefully restored Roman Amphitheatre, which once held 6,000 spectators. There will also be opportunities to marvel at modernist Art Nouveau buildings, and take the panoramic lift to the top of Concepcion Castle for remarkable views across the surrounding harbour. Immerse yourself in local life by enjoying the distinctly Spanish citrus flavours of Licor 43, or coffee-based Asiatico, made with brandy and condensed milk.

Nestled between Europe and Africa, iconic Gibraltar makes for a fascinating visit with its traditionally British red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and even Marks & Spencer, but with a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. After wandering through the town and indulging in duty-free shopping at Main Street, you are perfectly placed to explore the Rock and enjoy unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as meet the famously mischievous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. There will be opportunities to sample local dishes like calentita (chickpea flour bread) and rosto (a delicious meat and tomato pasta). You may also wish to discover the network of tunnels within the Rock, which played a strategic role in World War II.

Situated in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, on Morocco’s South Atlantic coast, the present-day town of Agadir was rebuilt in the 1960s due to a devastating earthquake. It’s a lively beachside town, with wide boulevards, sandy beaches and azure blue seas. Contrasting with this, the Old Port area offers markets selling local spices, fruit and vegetables. Nearby, Nomadic Berber villagers live in clay homes in the shadows of the mountains.

The winter sun in the Canaries makes this the perfect time to explore Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Puerto de la Cruz.Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates Tenerife’s skyline, and its summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The renowned “guachinches”, small, family-run restaurants, offer hearty Canarian food and are well worth discovering.