Mediterranean Cruises on Azamara Club Cruises

Like many cruise lines, Azamara offers travelers a glimpse at the Mediterranean. Because of their history, dating back to the Greeks and Romans, many Mediterranean cities capture the distant past and juxtapose it with the sights, tastes, and sounds of modern times. As a result, a Mediterranean cruise is both a comprehensive historic and cultural exploration for every traveler onboard a cruise ship.

Because Azamara's Journey and Quest ships are mid-sized, they can travel to smaller, less typical ports than their larger counterparts. Azamara, in addition to offering standard western and eastern Mediterranean cruises, spends time at the sites of the Black Sea, the Holy Land and Greek Isles, and even the French Riviera.

Azamara's capabilities result in far vast and varied itineraries than your standard Mediterranean cruises. In addition to typical stops in Valencia, Lisbon, Athens, Mykonos, Rome, Florence, Marseille, and Venice,Azamara Mediterranean cruises make the following stops.

Guadalquivir: The second-longest and only navigable river in Spain.

Seville: Probably best known for the Rossini opera, Seville is the center of Andalusia, an autonomous community in Spain near Guadalquivir. As one of the country's largest cities, Seville has three UNESCO World Heritage sites within its downtown.

Granada: The capital of Andalusia, Granada sits nearby the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for skiing. For those looking to go on a historic journey, the city is home to the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel hinting at the region's Muslim past.

Barcelona: Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Barcelona is the country's second-largest urban center and largest on the Mediterranean Sea. Both a historic and cultural center, the city contains Medieval architecture, most prominent in the Gothic Quarter, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, parks, and beaches.

Saint-Tropez: Near Marseille, Saint-Tropez is the hub of the French Riviera and a home to, if not a passing point for, many wealthy travelers – including celebrities.

Nice: A city on France's eastern coast and one of the country's largest, Nice features many art museums, which is particularly apt considering its lighting and qualities inspired both Chagall and Matisse. Beyond history and visual arts, Nice is simply a great place to walk around, so, once your cruise stops in, consider taking a relaxing day wandering through its many squares.

Monaco: Beyond Monte Carlo and the Grand Prix, Monaco is a popular upscale destination for tourists all over the world. As the second-smallest country in the world (but also one of the most densely-populated), Monaco is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita.

Calvi: This location is Corsica's largest tourist destination, with thousands of years of history for exploration and outdoors activities from shopping to kayaking.

Palamos: A town dating back to the 13th century, Palamos has drawn tourists since the 1960s. Today, visitors can get to know Spain's Catalan culture and spend time on the area's beautiful beaches.

Nauplion (Nafplio): Known as Greece's first capital, Nauplion reflects a lengthy history of Byzantine, French, Turkish, and Venetian rule. For those looking to explore or relax, the picturesque Peloponnese town has a great view of the ocean and has many places for walking.

Crete: Greece's largest and most populated island is supported by thousands of years of history, dating back to Minoan civilization. As a shore excursion, consider exploring the island's many historical sites and museums.

Jerusalem: A stop on Azamara's Holy Land and Greek Isles cruises, Jerusalem contains several historic and religious sites within its borders. Excursions may take travelers to the Western Wall, Temple Mount, Way of the Cross, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christ's Tomb, the Citadel, Mount of Olives, and Church of all Nations, among other well-known locations.

Nesebar: This Bulgarian town along the Black Sea coast features several resorts, making it a popular destination in the area for tourists. Architecture, particularly the town's many churches, represents its history under Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian rule.

Constanta: Located on the Black Sea, Romania's oldest city is also its largest seaport. To explore, several historic sites are within its borders: the Roman Mosaics, the Casino, the Genoese Lighthouse, St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cathedral, the House With Lions, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque, and the Fantasio Theater.

Odessa: More Mediterranean than Eastern European, this Ukrainian city is located along the Black Sea. While ruled, over its history, by Lithuanians and the Ottoman Empire, it became an important port for trade in the 20th century. Odessa is also one of the Ukraine's primary cultural centers, with visual and performing arts attractions within its borders and home to many past prominent Eastern European writers.

Istanbul: Considering its location, Istanbul brings together Asian and European influences – from its Roman and Byzantine pasts to the current layout of mosques juxtaposed with restaurants, museums, nightclubs, and modern attractions. During an excursion, explore the Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, traditional Turkish baths, and Grand Bazaar.

Santa Margherita Ligure: Growing as a tourist attraction since World War II, Santa Margherita Ligure features centuries-old historic sites: the Basilica of St. Margaret of Antiochia, the Villa Durazzo, and the castle built by the Republic of Genoa in the 16th century.

Portofino: In addition to historic sites, Portofino's resort along its beautiful harbor makes this Italian fishing village a popular tourist destination.

Porto Venere: Located in northern Italy, Porto Venere is composed of three villages and three islands. Consider a shopping trip in Doria quay and Alley, or simply enjoy its many beautiful views and historic churches.

Elba: Near Tuscany, Elba is Italy's third-largest island and known for its wine industry. While the location of Napoleon's exile, Elba has centuries of history and, in the present, is a perfect spot for dining and exploration.

Dubrovnik: A Croatian city on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular Mediterranean resorts. Take an excursion into the city's Old Town or see its many churches, museums, and beaches.

Kotor: A newer Mediterranean tourist attraction, the Montenegrin city of Kotor offers natural beauty by the coastline and older architecture and sites within its interior.