Six Mediterranean destinations made for small-ship cruises

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 6 years ago

Six Mediterranean destinations made for small-ship cruises

By Ben Groundwater
Small-ship cruises give travellers access to European destinations that other cruise passengers will never have the chance to see.

Small-ship cruises give travellers access to European destinations that other cruise passengers will never have the chance to see. Credit: iStock

SPONSORED

There are certain European destinations that a large cruise ship can just never visit – ports, harbours and towns that can't handle a large vessel, that will never allow all those visitors to arrive. And that's where small-ship cruising comes into its own.

Not only do you have an intimate group with which to share your experiences, but travelling on a small vessel allows access to European destinations that other cruise passengers will never have the chance to see. Maybe that will be the stunning town of Bonifacio in southern Corsica; perhaps it's the Italian island of Elba; or even the Spanish city of Granada. These are the destinations that are perfect for those who've chosen to see the world on a smaller scale.

MARRAKESH, MOROCCO

WHY WE LOVE IT: There's a romantic exoticism to Marrakesh that you can't help but be seduced by, a heady mix of sights and sounds and scents that will affect you long after you've departed. This is a city ripe for agenda-free exploration, for wandering the alleyways and marketplaces, the extensive museums and historic sights and simply taking them all in. Though the Koutoubia Mosque Museum, housed in a 12th century landmark, is a must-do, Marrakesh is a place that will reward those who take a chance on undiscovered delights.

DON'T MISS: For APT passengers, by far the best way to get to know this amazing city is with a ride on a traditional caleche, or horse-drawn carriage, through the old streets by night. You'll catch the whiff of spiced food cooking nearby, hear the call of the vendors, and see these ancient pathways filled with people, as you make the time-honoured journey through town.

INSIDER TIP: Allow a couple of extra days before your small-ship cruise to relax in Marrakesh and enjoy everything this city has to offer, before taking to the seas to begin your seaborne adventure.

GRANADA, SPAIN

WHY WE LOVE IT: It's impossible to ignore the history of Granada, to fail to notice the influence of the civilisations that have called this place home over the centuries: the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors and the Christians. However, there's more to this Andalucían hub than history. Granada's modern-day culture is just as much an attraction, particularly if you love to eat. This is, after all, the spiritual home of tapas, a place where small plates of fine cuisine – often accompanied by a glass of wine, and the strains of flamenco guitar – are available on every street.

Advertisement

DON'T MISS: The most obvious sign of Granada's extensive history looms over the city: the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex built by the Moors in the ninth century, and later added to by the Christians during the Renaissance. A tour through this beautiful, heritage-listed space is the highlight of any trip to the south of Spain, and is included on APT's small-ship cruises.

INSIDER TIP: The beauty of a small-ship cruise is that you have access to the port town of Motril, from which the splendour of Granada is only a short bus ride away. Many of the larger ships won't call through here.

BONIFACIO, FRANCE

WHY WE LOVE IT: There are few more impressive sights in the Mediterranean than arriving by sea in Bonifacio, the medieval port town in the far south of Corsica. You'll wonder, in fact, which country you're in: Corsica might officially be French, but the whitewashed walls and dangling washing lines in the Old Town look Italian, while the language being spoken sounds like something else entirely. It's all rugged cliffs and crystal-clear bays around here, and it's a place the locals are justifiably proud of.

DON'T MISS: Make the most of the access a small-ship cruise provides and step straight off the boat and onto a guided tour of Bonifacio's Old Town. There's so much to see here, and it begins at the portside: stroll the cool streets of the city's ninth-century citadel, catching glimpses of the spectacular Mediterranean as you climb up from the marina, before being lead through the nooks and crannies of the Old Town that make this city so fascinating and unique.

INSIDER TIP: The Bonifacio marina area is filled with charming restaurants and bars – take the time after your walking tour of the Old Town to relax with a glass of wine and people-watch in one of Europe's best locations.

ELBA, ITALY

WHY WE LOVE IT: It will seem very difficult to believe, as you take in the beauty of the island of Elba, that Napoleon Bonaparte was once so desperate to escape from here. The French leader was famously imprisoned on Elba for a year – these days, however, the only thing likely to be captured is your heart. It's not just the beaches and coves of Elba you'll love, though they're undoubtedly spectacular. The island also boasts mountain scenery, vineyards, olive farms, and charming, friendly villages that few tourists make the time to see.

DON'T MISS: For APT small-ship cruise passengers, there are two great choices of activities on Elba: either indulge in a private wine tasting at one of the island's family vineyards, or take a panoramic tour of the island, discovering some of the amazing vistas Elba has to offer.

INSIDER TIP: Those interested in Elba's Napoleonic history should pay a visit to the Museo Villa Napoleonica di San Martino, a former farmhouse that Napoleon himself helped transform into a villa in which to escape the summer heat. There's also a museum housed in Napoleon's former coastal residence.

NAPLES, ITALY

WHY WE LOVE IT: In a country filled with world-famous, bucket-list destinations, with buildings and monuments you could rattle off without even thinking about it, Naples remains Italy's underappreciated gem. This gritty, charming city may not have the looks of Florence or Venice, but it more than makes up for that with heart, with passion for the good things in life: food, wine, family, and friends. This is the perfect place in which to celebrate all of those delights. And don't forget: Naples is the birthplace of pizza. Really, what more do you need to know?

DON'T MISS: Step off your small-ship cruise and head out into the countryside to a local "agriturismo", a working farm where you'll be taught the cherished Neapolitan art of pizza making, before learning all about Prosecco with a guided tasting of the Italian sparkling wine.

INSIDER TIP: Be sure you know what to expect when ordering a pizza in Naples. The crust will be spongy on the outside, and soggy in the centre; there will only be a few toppings scattered haphazardly over the top; and the pizza will arrive at your table unsliced. Here, it's one pizza per person.

SORRENTO, ITALY

WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the stuff dreams are made of: beautiful Sorrento, the star of Italy's Amalfi Coast, a town of brightly painted buildings clinging to a steep hillside overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. APT passengers will depart their small ship in Naples and make their way down the coast to this stunning hamlet, one of those rare destinations that lives up to expectations. Spend time here shopping for souvenirs, snacking on seafood at a local eatery, or wandering the cobbled laneways and getting lost in the beauty of it all.

DON'T MISS: The drive from Sorrento down the Amalfi Coast to the town of Positano is justifiably famous, as the road hugs clifftops and hillsides on its way along the Mediterranean. Once you reach Positano, either spend time enjoying the coastal views from up high, or wander down into the town itself to explore. Afterwards, continue with your APT guides to see the mosaic façade of St Andrew's Cathedral in Amalfi.

INSIDER TIP: All meals are included on your APT tour and cruise, which means you will be able to experience the best of Amalfi Coast cuisine without worrying about trying to avoid the tourist traps.

UNFORGETTABLE PERSON

Kenneth Park: European Historian

Kenneth Park works as a lecturer, curator and consultant in the arts and philanthropy. One of Australia's foremost raconteurs, Kenneth is a captivating presenter with a passionate love of art, culture and history. He lives by the motto – 'life is a grand tour so make the most of it'.

Kenneth will be the special guest lecturer on the 17 Day 'From Moors to Rome' itinerary departing 17 April 2018.

This article is produced in association with APT.

Discover the hidden gems of the Mediterranean – from its delightful culinary experiences to rich history, everything is taken care of on an unforgettable luxury journey with APT. For more information visit www.aptouring.com.au/traveller, call 1300 290 669 or contact your local travel agent.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading