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Cruising Holidays Home > Mediterranean Cruises > Greek Islands Cruises > Corinth Canal, Greek Islands, Istanbul

Mediterranean Jewels Cruise - a 10-night cruise from Marseilles to the Greek Islands and Turkey returning via the Corinth Canal

This 10-night superb value Mediterranean cruise, on board the classic ship MS Coral, visits 9 different ports - famous cities, idyllic islands, heritage sites and natural wonders. A highlight is a cruise through the amazing Corinth Canal.

From Marseilles the Mediterranean Jewels cruise visits medieval Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Colombus, then Katakolon on the Greek mainland for historic Olympia and the Temple of Zeus.

The cruise calls at two contrasting Greek islands - the awesome volcanic setting of Santorini and lively and sophisticated Mykonos. Between is a visit to Istanbul, the Turkish capital, with its world-famous Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, famed for its jewels and spectacular gardens.

Santorini

A day in Piraeus, the port of Athens, allows exploration of the Greek capital and sights such as the Parthenon and the picturesque Plaka district.

From Piraeus MS Coral sails through the stunning Corinth Canal joining the Aegean and Ionian Seas to Messina in Sicily near the active volcano of Mt Etna. The final port of call is Ajaccio in Corsica before returning to Marseilles.

Mykonos

This marvellous cruise is offered as 'cruise-only' for maximum flexibility, or with flights from various UK airports, or by Eurostar and TGV rail.

MS Coral

More information about Louis Coral

D307: Cruise Departure Dates 2010/11
2010: Aug 5, 15, 25; Sep 4, 14, 24;
Oct 4, 14, 24; Nov 3; 2011: Apr 16, 26;
May 6, 16, 26; Jun 5, 15, 25;
Jul 5, 15, 25; Aug 4, 14, 24;
Sep 3, 13, 23; Oct 3, 13, 23; Nov 2
D307: Corinth Canal, Greek Islands, Istanbul 2010/11£ price per person
Prices are in £ per person based on two people sharing. Some cabin grades are available for single occupancy at a supplement.
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706543
International: +44 1756 706543
Useful Links
More Greek Islands Cruises
More Mediterranean Cruises
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706543
International: +44 1756 706543
Useful Links
More Greek Islands Cruises
More Mediterranean Cruises

Corinth Canal

Corinth Canal, Greek Islands, Istanbul
Day 1
Marseilles, France

Embark MS Coral and depart in the early evening.

Day 2
Genoa, Italy

The birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa has a long and proud history as one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. The rejuvenated waterfront is home to an outstanding maritime museum and aquarium. The city has the second largest medieval quarter in Europe with superb examples of Gothic architecture, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Day 3
At sea

Cruising at sea.

Day 4
Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

Olympia was a sacred sanctuary built for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus during which all hostilities ceased in the name of athletic competition. Much was destroyed when the games were outlawed as a pagan festival in 393 AD, but visitors can still see the Temple of Zeus and the stadium.

Day 5
Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The town of Thira's white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafés and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule.

Day 6
Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, such as Agia Sofia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, housing treasures from the Ottoman Empire.

Day 7
Mykonos, Greece

Beneath its sophisticated surface, Mykonos is an essentially Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over the picturesque harbor.

Day 8
Piraeus (Athens), Greece

The capital of Greece, the cradle of democracy, birthplace of western civilization, Athens is a vibrant city where old and new co-exist. The majestic Parthenon rises above the city, its ancient glory still visible in time-worn stone. MS Coral cruises the amazing Corinth Canal.

Day 9
Messina (Sicily), Italy

This small town has become one of the most popular Mediterranean sunspots. It is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character. From Messina you can take a tour to Taormina, a beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna.

Day 10
Ajaccio (Corsica), France

From the red-hued cliffs, lapped by crystal clear sea at Piana, to the white sand beaches backed by lush green maquis of the Ajaccio Gulf, this rugged coastline, sculpted by wind and sea, offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Corsica.

Day 11
Marseilles

Disembark MS Coral.

2011 Itinerary

Please note the 2011 itinerary is the same as above except for day 10 which is at sea.

Athens and the Parthenon

The cruise price includes
  • Full board cabin accommodation in chosen category including use of fitness centre, pool as well as shows and Gala evening
  • Port charges
The cruise price does not include
  • International flights and transfers. We can arrange these for you, please call us for details.
  • Optional shore excursions
  • Personal expenses, telephone and drinks
  • Gratuities
Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706543
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you book your holiday through us.