Mediterranean cruising encompasses two main regions — the Western Mediterranean, centred on Spain, France, Italy and the Balearics, and the Eastern Mediterranean spanning Greece, Turkey, Croatia and the Adriatic — as well as a growing range of extended itineraries that combine both in a single voyage. The Western Mediterranean’s classic itinerary calls at Barcelona — one of Europe’s most vibrant and walkable cities, home to Gaudi’s extraordinary Sagrada Familia — before continuing to Marseille, Monaco, the Italian Riviera ports of Portofino and Cinque Terre, Rome (via Civitavecchia) and Naples (gateway to Pompeii). These itineraries typically operate from Barcelona, Civitavecchia or Marseille and offer exceptional cultural density. The Eastern Mediterranean combines the extraordinary historical sites of Greece — Athens and the Acropolis, the volcanic spectacle of Santorini, the medieval city of Rhodes — with the Ottoman grandeur of Istanbul, the Adriatic beauty of Dubrovnik and Kotor, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus accessible from the Turkish port of Kusadasi. These itineraries offer some of the finest historical sightseeing of any cruise route in the world. Mediterranean cruises operate from April through November, with May, June and September offering the most pleasant combination of warm weather, uncrowded sites and excellent value. The range of ship sizes, from intimate boutique yachts to large resort vessels, allows travellers to choose an experience scaled precisely to their preferences. The Mediterranean is an outstanding choice for first-time cruisers and experienced sailors alike.