Greece, Italy & Morocco Cruise | Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

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.