Istanbul, Greek Islands & Mediterranean to Southampton with Rome Stay, 19 September 2026 (27 nights)

The Taurine Baths - a Roman archaeological site dating back to the 1st century BC - are located around 4km from the urban centre of Civitavecchia. There is a legend that says the baths came to be after a bull scraped at the ground before a fight, and in doing so uncovered a hot water spring.

Aquafelix Waterpark is ideal for a day of fun with your family and friends. It is the largest water park in central Italy, and boasts areas dedicated to both adults and children.

The construction of the Michelangelo Fort began in 1508 and ended in 1537. The structure of the fortress, in true Renaissance style, has the shape of a quadrilateral with a tower in each corner, and the central tower has an octagonal layout. Its creation was ordered by Pope Julius II, to defend the Port of Civitavecchia against pirates and any other hostile encounters.

The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi is the most important church of Civitavecchia. Dating back to the 17th century and completely restored in 1950, it has a Baroque style and stands on the remains of a previous Franciscan church.

Situated in the medieval Hospital of the Knights of Rhodes, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is a striking building to explore, and the artefacts within make it especially key to visit. Visitors will find mosaics, sculptures, statues and spoils of war.

The closest beach to Rhodes town, Elli Beach is a popular place to spend a sunny day. With plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas as well as waterfront restaurants and bars, you’ll have everything you need to relax, along with a diving platform to quickly cool you off.

Another must visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is a beautifully preserved site filled with art, mosaics, furniture and décor. Explore this structure for a glimpse into the past of Rhodes.

Rhodes Town comprises of an old and new town, each with their own unique charms. While the Old Town is like stepping back into the medieval ages, boasting Ottoman and Italian architecture, the New Town is a hub of vibrant nightlife. The combination of both old and new makes for a fantastically varied cruise holiday, catering to all interests. Explore an ancient palace and medieval ruins during the day, dine at an authentic seafood tavern in the evening, and dance the night away.

If you’re looking for the best views across Rhodes, Roloi Clock Tower is the place to be! Since being restored over time its architecture is of a Baroque style, and with a rewarding free drink after making the climb to the top.

The perfect escape from the heat on a hot day, Adaland Waterpark has something fun for visitors of all ages! Featuring a wave pool, a kids pool, a jacuzzi, rafting, a safari-style ocean pool and more, you’ll be sure to love relaxing, sliding and splashing here.

Founded in 1964, the Ephesus Museum houses artefacts excavated from the Ephesus archaeological site and the surrounding areas, including the Temple of Artemis. Some notable finds include the Ephesus Artemis statue, the head of Socrates and a stamp dating back to 6200 BC.

During the Ottoman Era, Pigeon Island was used for military purposes and features an imposing Byzantine fortress on the rocks known as Pirate Castle. It is now a fantastic place to explore, relax and enjoy freshly caught seafood as well as other Aegean cuisine.

Also known as Artemesium, the Temple of Artemis is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and served as a place of worship to the Greek Goddess Artemis. Although only a few pillars remain in the ruins, the site is a must visit for ancient Greek history buffs.

One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Basilica Cistern was built in 532 and is the largest surviving cistern in Istanbul. The number of columns and the impeccable symmetry is a staggering sight and a must see, making a great escape on hot summer days.

Built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is named for its hand-painted blue tiles on the interior walls, and the blue lights that illuminate it at night. A walk around this impressive structure is truly awe inspiring- don’t forget to adhere to the dress code though.

This magnificent structure took 13 years to build and was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Take a tour of the entire palace or different sections and discover the exquisite decoration (particularly the 4.5 tonne chandelier) and the painting museum.

Often considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Hagia Sophia was actually built three times after being destroyed, with the third and final structure being built 532-537 AD. Now, it is a museum filled with Christian and Muslim art, as well as breath-taking architecture.

Selling countless varieties of Turkish delight, Mısır Çarşısı Market (also known as Spice Bazaar) is a fantastic place to find souvenirs, spices, snacks and stories from warm, friendly vendors. Whether you’re looking to buy or not, exploring the market is a great way to be immersed in the culture and atmosphere of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet Square is where you’ll find the tourist hotspots of Istanbul all in one place. Located in one of the most historical parts of the city, you’ll find the largest cistern, two stunning mosques and numerous places to enjoy authentic cuisine.

Topkapi Palace possesses a colourful history with many sultans living there since 1481. A visit here will give visitors insight into the fascinating stories of the Ottoman Empire, through collections of armour, weaponry, pottery, jewellery and more.

Home to over 463 ancient works, this museum is rich with fascinating history and culture of Ancient Greece. Featuring exhibits covering the second millennium BC until the 5th century AD, you’ll find pieces that were used throughout the ancient Olympic Games.

Featuring excavations from the Bronze age to the Byzantine era, this huge site provides an impressive insight into the history of Ancient Greece. You'll find sites such as the Ancient Stadium where the Olympic Games were held, the Temple of Hera, and the Temple of Zeus.

The beautiful ruins of The Temple of Zeus is a major historical site. Despite it being destroyed it still is a fantastic portal to the past giving you a major insight into the gods of old.

This fantastic free museum is dedicated to the physicist, engineer, inventor and astronomer, Archimedes of Syracuse. Home to just some of his inventions and reconstructions, it’s well worth a visit, especially for those curious about his expert creations.

Just a short walk from the archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum hosts artefacts that were discovered in Olympia. With over 3,500 years of history to discover, this small but fascinating museum will take you back in time to Ancient Greece.

The Taurine Baths - a Roman archaeological site dating back to the 1st century BC - are located around 4km from the urban centre of Civitavecchia. There is a legend that says the baths came to be after a bull scraped at the ground before a fight, and in doing so uncovered a hot water spring.

Aquafelix Waterpark is ideal for a day of fun with your family and friends. It is the largest water park in central Italy, and boasts areas dedicated to both adults and children.

The construction of the Michelangelo Fort began in 1508 and ended in 1537. The structure of the fortress, in true Renaissance style, has the shape of a quadrilateral with a tower in each corner, and the central tower has an octagonal layout. Its creation was ordered by Pope Julius II, to defend the Port of Civitavecchia against pirates and any other hostile encounters.

The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi is the most important church of Civitavecchia. Dating back to the 17th century and completely restored in 1950, it has a Baroque style and stands on the remains of a previous Franciscan church.

Found in the heart of Palma, La Seu is a stunning Catalan Gothic style cathedral, with renowned architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its intricate design. Featuring 61 stained-glass windows, the building flooding with coloured light inside is simply a must.

Built in the 14th century, Bellver Castle is surrounded by lush pine woods and houses an insightful museum of Palma’s municipal history. Visitors will love taking a walk around the moat before admiring the view out over the city and bay from the rooftop.

The quaint, winding cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo are the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of Palma. Discover gothic bookshops, antique boutiques and must-see tourist sites such as La Seu and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.

Showcasing a wide range of art throughout history, Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is a must visit to discover the cultural heritage of Mallorca. With works by Picasso, Magritte and more, you’re bound to find your new favourite piece.

This 2,000 year-old theatre is well worth a visit. Discovered in 1988 beneath the ruins of a cathedral, this is a fascinating site to explore, with a museum hosting many of the excavation findings such as ceramics, statues and plaques.

Originally completed in 1907 and restored in 1995, the Palacio Consistoria is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. With impressively intricate architecture both inside and out, a guided tour at this monument will provide an enriching insight into the history of Cartaegna.

This 2,000 year-old theatre is well worth a visit. Discovered in 1988 beneath the ruins of a cathedral, this is a fascinating site to explore, with a museum hosting many of the excavation findings such as ceramics, statues and plaques.

Built between 1933 and 1936, Castillitos Battery is nestled on a ridge 250 metres above sea level, providing sweeping views across the sea. Make the short journey here to discover the guns that dealt incredibly lethal damage, and the medieval-style buildings.

Documenting one of the darkest periods in Spain’s history, the Spanish Civil War Museum tells the stories of those who endured bombing raids in Cartagena. Presented in a bomb shelter, this museum is well worth a visit to learn more about the destruction of the city.

Found in Granada, the Alhambra is one of the world’s most famous examples of Islamic architecture; a sprawling palace and fortress complex dating back to the 13th century, this incredible landmark was begun by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the first Nasrid emir, and built upon by other prominent figures throughout the next several-hundred years. Now a major tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra sits on an outcrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and affords visitors a breathtaking view of the region.

The Cathedral of Malaga, which is known popularly as La Manquita due to the unfinished state of sections of this structure, is a Roman Catholic church dating back to the 16th century. Within, you’ll find a series of impressive artworks from the 18th and 19th centuries, stunning stain-glass windows, and breathtaking baroque-style interiors. An incredible example of Renaissance architecture, this is one sight not to be missed.

Overlooking Malaga, the Alcazaba is a palatial fortification built and developed from the 10th to the 15th century and one of the best-preserved fortifications from the Al-Andalus. In fact, this was actually a prototype structure for military architecture of the time, featuring double walls and significant entry fortifications. You’ll also find remnants of a Roman theatre here, dating back to the first century – further signifying the rich history of the area where the fortress stands.

One of the oldest and most vibrant districts of Lisbon, Alfama is the place to be for artisan eateries, quirky boutiques and Fado bars. It’s best explored on foot or by the tram to experience as many of the attractions and highlights as possible.

One of the most visited sites in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery was completed in the seventeenth century. In 1983 UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site and it’s certainly a must visit to admire the beautiful architecture both inside and out.

Here visitors will discover over 450 different species of marine life, including sharks, rays, penguins and otters. Cruisers of all ages will love following the route around the central aquarium to learn about the major ecosystems of the ocean.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Torre de Belém was built to protect Lisbon from attackers from the sea. Despite its role, the fort was decorated with lavish carvings and details, which are best viewed from the banks of the Rio Tejo.

Tram 28 is the classic Lisbon mode of transportation – rattling around the narrow streets in a bright yellow tram that dates back to the 1930’s. Hop on and take one of the best tours of Lisbon, passing highlights and attractions along the way.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape, Sintra is a romantic destination to escape to for the day. Featuring enchanting palaces and rolling hills, this town is easily accessible from Lisbon via a regular train service.

Established in 200 BC, Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of the biggest highlights of Lisbon. Get to know the city’s unique and fascinating history, explore the imposing walls, wander the shady gardens and admire the vast views from the Observation Terrace.

A truly staggering medieval cathedral constructed throughout the 12th century, Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is a historic place of pilgrimage on the Way of St. James – marking the traditional end point of this route – and is regarded as the burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. A blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles, this cathedral has become a symbol of the city; within, you’ll find countless statues, an impressive organ, and an exquisite barrel-vaulted nave. The largest Romanesque church in Spain and one of the largest in Europe, this is one place you won’t want to miss the chance to visit.

Standing 180 ft tall, the Tower of Hercules is the oldest-known extant Roman lighthouse in the world; constructed in the 1st century, this structure’s design was inspired by the original plans for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the site itself is featured in several mythical stories. For example, it’s said that Hercules buried the head of Geyron with his weapons here after three days and three nights of battle. Renovated in 1791 and now surrounded by a sculpture garden, this is also the second-tallest lighthouse in Spain – if you needed even more reasons to visit.

If you’re looking to sample the local cuisine, this might be the best place to do it in A Coruña. A central square dedicated to Maria Pita, a Spanish heroine who proved pivotal in the defence of A Coruña against English Armada attacks in 1598, this area is home to the impressive City Hall alongside several restaurants and cafes. Over 10,000 square-metres in size and home to a bronze statue of Maria Pita, you’ll find this a fantastic place to eat some flavourful food and soak up this city’s atmosphere.

Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.

Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.

If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.

As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.

Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.