There are some trips that most of us have on our bucket list, and a Mediterranean cruise is undoubtedly one of them. Well, luckily ecruising has a journey that is sure to tick that box – its sensational 18-night Celebrate the Mediterranean cruise package from Barcelona to Athens.
This epic itinerary from one of Australia’s leading travel experts, takes you on a breath-taking cruise circumnavigating the length and breadth of the Mediterranean on board Enchanted Princess, taking in some of Europe’s most iconic and intriguing destinations along the way, topped and tailed with stays at two of the most luxurious hotels in Barcelona and Athens respectively.
Your adventure begins in Barcelona on 6 May 2021 with 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Central. Located near the Gothic Quarter in the city’s bustling centre, the hotel’s imposing 1920s façade masks a warm and stylish modern oasis where visitors can simply relax and absorb spectacular views from the eighth-storey roof terrace or immerse themselves in all the urban action right outside the hotel’s front door, making it the perfect base from which to explore one of Europe’s great cities.
On 8 May, farewell Barcelona as you prepare for the next stage of your journey – a 14-night cruise to Athens onboard Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Enchanted Princess. About to embark upon her inaugural cruise in June this year, the dazzling ship, the fifth of the company’s Royal-class ships, boasts a comprehensive mix of supremely well-appointed cabins and staterooms, over 80% of them with balconies. Included amongst these are the sensational new Sky Suites located on the top deck, which feature the largest private balconies ever offered by Princess Cruises, not to mention breath-taking 270-degree panoramic views! Add in a whole new roster of formal and casual eating options, including the Salty Dog Gastropub, the mouth-watering Ernesto Burger and Bistro Sur La Mer, created with award-winning French chef, Chef Emmanuel Renaut, plus other hallmark features like the multi-story Piazza atrium, the adults-only Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars and the premier Lotus Spa, and the ship is guaranteed to deliver an exceptional cruise experience.
But if that isn’t enough to tempt you, the cruise itinerary surely will. Journey highlights include stopovers at the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, a natural fortress overlooking the mouth of the Mediterranean; and the French city of Marseille, the largest port on the Mediterranean, its harbor dominated by the infamous Chateau d’If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo escaped.
In Italy, visit the bustling city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus and gateway to Italy’s famed Cinque Terre; the Tuscan port of Livorno, the perfect base from which to explore the great renaissance cities of Florence and Pisa; Rome, the Eternal City with its myriad attractions from the Sistine Chapel to the Coliseum; and the bustling metropolis of Naples for a chance to explore the Isle of Capri, the fabled Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Pompeii at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius.
Sailing further east across the Adriatic, discover Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete with its impressive Byzantine and Venetian heritage, and the 4,000 year-old Minoan ruins at nearby Knossos; stop at the port of Kuşadası on Turkey’s Anatolian Coast for a chance to visit the spectacular archaeological site of Ephesus, home to several of Christendom’s holiest sites including the tomb of St John the Apostle and the House of the Virgin Mary; and stand in awe of Turkey’s magnificent metropolis of Istanbul spanning the Bosphorus, where you can browse the stalls of the world’s largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.
Your final stop is the Greek island of Mykonos, with its famed windmills, home to hip boutiques, restaurants, jewellery stores, taverns and cafés, before disembarking in Athens, the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’, on 22 May. Here, your journey concludes with 2 nights staying at the stunning King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Located in the heart of Athens, the 5-star hotel is perfectly situated for a walking tour of Athens’ many wonders including the Acropolis, Agora, Plaka and Thission, with plenty of time left over to explore the city’s plethora of upmarket boutiques and world-renowned museums at your leisure, before flying home on 24 May 2021.
ecruising’s 18-night Celebrate the Mediterranean cruise package departs from Barcelona on 6 May 2021 and is priced from $7,899* per person twin share including return international economy airfares from Australia, all accommodation, touring and transfers as per itinerary.
*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information about this itinerary or ecruising please visit:
www.ecruising.travel or telephone 1300 369 848.
SOURCE: Ecruising
