Malaga - Istanbul Deluxe Mediterranean island-hopping

First-class restaurants, breathtaking views and a lively island life – Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, combines historic sights with modern charm. Stretched out along palm-lined promenades, the cultural centre of the city is Passeig des Born, where exclusive shops and tapas bars will tempt you in. The old town, criss-crossed by narrow streets, is dominated by the impressive Gothic cathedral, La Seu, while the former merchants’ stock exchange, Llotja de Palma, is another architectural highlight of the city. Its blend of Mediterranean charm and vibrant urban life makes Palma a perfect destination. Enjoy the atmosphere in complete relaxation thanks to a long lay time.

Forests, vineyards, rolling hills and unspoilt bays for bathing: the natural beauty of Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is captivating. White houses cling to the hillsides above the deep-blue natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world. The scent of tapas wafts through the narrow streets of the old town and people’s laughter rings out from the little bars and marketplaces. The fortress of La Mola stands guard over the harbour like a silent witness to the past. The coastline is inviting with its crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, while the millennia-old caves at Cales Coves will enchant you with their fascinating prehistoric history of the island.

Alghero is different from the rest of Sardinia, a kind of island within an island. Follow your spirit of discovery at the foot of the mighty city walls to charming squares where colourful houses and historic buildings conjure up a distinctive atmosphere. Around 400 years of Catalan rule shaped the language, architecture and culture: Catalan Gothic architecture can be found in many of the city’s buildings, such as the Church of San Francesco in the heart of the old town. The surrounding countryside also promises variety. Just a few kilometres away, the Neptune Grotto and the prehistoric Domus de Janas of Anghelu Ruju beckon, while the town’s own beaches and vineyards invite you to go on excursions.

Colourful facades welcome you to the harbour of Cagliari, where sailing boats gently bob on the water in the sparkling bay. Perched high on a hill, the old town of Castello invites you to stroll through narrow streets, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria or enjoy the view over the town and sea from the Bastione di Saint Remy. Sardinia reveals its diversity around Cagliari: endless sandy beaches, hidden coves, rugged cliffs and lush nature spreading across hills and valleys. Walks along the coast or in the nearby wetlands lead to flamingos, herons and other native birds.

Located at the westernmost tip of Sicily, Trapani stretches out on a narrow promontory between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Mediterranean. Its historic centre, whose origins date back to Arab times, boasts a charming mix of Renaissance, baroque and classicist elements. A relaxed stroll along the waterfront and the old harbour provides impressive insights into the maritime past of the city, which was once called Drepanon or “crescent moon” – a reference to the characteristic shape of its coastline.

Crossing the Ponte Santa Lucia and Ponte Nuevo bridges, you’ll reach the historic heart of Syracuse, a city in south-eastern Sicily that was once one of the most powerful commercial centres of the ancient world. The centrally located Neapolis archaeological park includes the Roman amphitheatre, the Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave shaped like a human ear. The impressive cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne was built on the site of several temples dedicated to the goddess Athena. Thanks to this fascinating blend of ancient and baroque elements, Syracuse has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

Visitors to Mykonos are greeted by picturesque scenes that are quintessentially Greek: gleaming white houses with flower-filled balconies and blue doors, framed by windmills and the azure sea. The “fair wind” meltemi, which blows across the Cyclades, has been used for centuries to set the windmills in motion – six of them still stand and shape the picturesque townscape. Once sleepy, the island became a hotspot for the international jet set in the late 1960s, led by personalities such as Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy. Today, Mykonos combines authentic Greek charm with a touch of glamour and exclusive nightlife. You can gather exciting impressions until the evening, because your ship has an overnight lay time here.

Paros reveals its diverse beauty in gently rolling hills, traditional villages and the blue of the Aegean Sea. Even in ancient times, the Cycladic island was famous for its fine marble, which was used to create masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Today, the narrow streets of Parikia, with their white houses, charming restaurants and legendary “Church of 100 doors”, invite visitors to stroll around and explore. Enjoy pure Greek flair and world-famous Cycladic architecture in the former island capital of Lefkes and the small fishing village of Naoussa. Those seeking relaxation are sure to find their favourite spot on one of the many golden sandy beaches of Paros.

Seemingly endless green pine forests, the turquoise blue of the sea, the brilliant white of the beaches and the brightly whitewashed houses: in Skopelos, Greece is at its most vibrant. The main town of the same name – still an insider tip today – offers picture-perfect views and romantic alleyways that invite you to stroll around. While scenic villages in the hinterland will awaken your spirit of discovery, around 65 km (40 mi.) of coastline invite you to relax and unwind. A visit to Kastani Beach, one of the locations where “Mamma Mia!” was filmed, is a must for film fans.

A blend of historic charm and modern city life awaits visitors in Kavala, which, despite its importance as a trading centre, has retained much of its original character. The old town on the Panagia Peninsula is overlooked by a medieval castle dating from 1425 and offers impressive views of the surrounding coastline. A landmark of Kavala is the aqueduct, which was built in 1550 and extends across the city with its 60 double-decker arches. For those seeking relaxation, the city beaches are a heavenly invitation to sunbathe. Kavala combines history, culture and the beauty of the Aegean in a unique way.

The Dardanelles are a narrow strait that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Black Sea. They have played a significant role throughout history, particularly during the First World War at the Battle of Gallipoli. Extending over approximately 61 kilometres and only 1.2 kilometres wide at their narrowest point, the Dardanelles are renowned for both their strategic importance and scenic beauty, making them a captivating destination for visitors from around the globe.

When the sun sinks behind the domes and minarets and the first lights twinkle over the Bosporus, Istanbul shows its most magical side. Enjoy the flair long after sunset, because your ship will stay overnight here.