21 September

Greece: Chania

Chania, Crete’s second city, is an alluring blend of architectural styles. The jumble of streets that make up the Venetian old town are remarkably intact, and there are plenty of reminders too of the two centuries of Ottoman rule, such as the imposing harbourfront Mosque of the Janissaries.

22 September

Greece: Santorini

The volcanic island of Santorini (known officially as Thira) is one of the most spectacularly beautiful in the Mediterranean. The pretty village of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and windmills tumbling down the hillside, is particularly photogenic.

23 September

Greece: Mykonos

Glamorous Mykonos is the most popular of the Cyclades islands, well known as a haunt of the rich and the famous. It’s also the gateway to the nearby island of Delos, home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

24 September - At sea

25 September

Turkey: Bodrum

Bodrum is one of the trendiest destinations on Turkey’s Aegean coast, with plenty of private yachts bobbing alongside the traditional gulet boats in the harbour. Whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea give the town a Greek feel, overlooked by the imposing 15th century crusader castle.

26 September

Turkey: Kusadasi

The Turkish port of Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. This was the Roman capital of Asia Minor, and the remains constitute the most complete classical city in Europe.

27 September

Turkey: Dikili

The North Aegean port of Dikili is the gateway to the spectacular hilltop ruins of Pergamum, a 30-minute drive away. Most of the buildings here date back to the 2nd century BC, including the main palace, the library and the Altar of Zeus, and the ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

28 September

Turkey: Bozcaada

The Aegean island of Bozcaada, also known as Tenedos, is a popular weekend and summer escape for residents of Istanbul. The main settlement, Bozcaada Merkez, has an atmospheric Greek quarter full of colourful houses, while elsewhere on the island you'll find vineyards, beaches and an impressive castle.

29 September to 30 September

Turkey: Istanbul

Istanbul is the place where East meets West, where Asia Minor reaches out across the Bosphorus and almost touches Europe, and the city remains a bristling, bustling cultural melting pot, the skyline dotted with magnificent minarets and domes.

1 October - At sea

2 October

Greece: Rhodes

Sun-kissed Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is steeped in history; the medieval heart of Rhodes Town was once home to the crusading Knights of St John, and later fell to the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The hillside village of Lindos, with its pretty whitewashed houses, is another highlight.

3 October

Cyprus: Limassol

The buzzing city of Limassol is southern Cyprus’ main port, an important commercial hub that overflows with bars, restaurants and tavernas. It’s also home to a pleasant old town and medieval castle, and serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby Troodos mountains.

4 October

Israel: Haifa

Haifa is Israel’s third city, a bustling and multicultural place where six different faiths live side by side. The city is the spiritual centre of the Baha’i Faith, and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens are a must-see. Many cruise visitors opt to skip Haifa and take an excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, two to three hours’ drive away.

5 October

Israel: Ashdod (Jerusalem)

It's difficult to overstate the spiritual significance of Jerusalem, a holy city to three different faiths: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Whatever your personal beliefs, it's impossible not to be moved by sights such as the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

6 October - At sea

7 October to 8 October

Egypt: Alexandria

Alexandria was one of the great cities of antiquity, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and home to the Pharos lighthouse, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. The Pharos is long gone and the city has lost some of its lustre, but there are still plenty of reminders of Alexandria’s glorious past scattered around.

9 October - At sea

10 October

Arriving in Athens (Piraeus)

Athens is a city awash with historical and cultural significance, but it's much more than an open air museum; this is a dynamic, bustling metropolis, and a place where history is still very much unfolding.