Each region of Europe offers a different and unique experience. Whatever you're looking for, whether it's a long cruise spending weeks exploring the continent or a mini break to relax for a few days, you can choose from a wide range of possible itineraries across the most popular region's of Europe.

It may come as no surprise to learn that the Mediterranean is one of the world's most popular cruise destinations. The region is often split into two halves, the western and eastern Med, both of which are home to amazing cities, ancient ruins and plenty of great modern attractions. You can sun yourself on a Greek Island or shop till you drop in Barcelona. From the south coasts of France and Spain right across to the Turkish mainland, the Mediterranean offers a truly wonderful cruise experience.

The Mediterranean is deservedly one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, offering a rich and diverse selection of ports and attractions well-suited to people of all ages and interests. A gorgeous region, it stretches from Spain across to Turkey, with some of the biggest and most interesting cities accessible by ports across the coastlines.

Some truly fantastic cities are always a fixture on Western Mediterranean cruises, with visits to such iconic destinations as Barcelona, Rome and Marseille often included on itineraries. Its cities and towns offer an enchanting mix of contemporary and classical architecture, along with many museums and landmarks telling the history of the region. The Mediterranean is a truly versatile region though and has more than its fair share of beautiful beaches and rolling countryside to enjoy too.

Cruises that travel the western Mediterranean focus on Italy, Spain, France and Monte Carlo and often extend to Portugal and Morocco. Mediterranean itineraries can even extend to the islands of Majorca, Sardinia and Corsica - giving each cruise a varied and interesting itinerary.

Cruises to the eastern Mediterranean are primarily focused around Greece, Turkey and the east coast of Italy, often including stops in Croatia, Montenegro and Malta. Cruises to the eastern Med are perfect for escaping to the sun or uncovering the rich history of the area.

 

Both Greece and Turkey are home to a wealth of incredible ancient ruins, from famous landmarks like the Parthenon and Olympia to the age-old temples to be found on the island of Rhodes. Malta is also well-known for being home to a wealth of historic structures and ornate churches for those with an interest in the past.

 

Travellers looking to unwind under the sun will doubtless enjoy the many beaches and islands of the region, all blessed with some truly amazing scenery. Volcanoes, white sands, harbours and mountains combine to create a wealth of stunning locations. Wherever you choose to go in the Mediterranean, it’s an excellent idea to always have your camera to hand.

The traditional Baltics are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, countries which have gained independence from the former Russian Empire. Today though, the term is also used to describe other countries which lie close to the Baltic Sea – meaning that Baltic cruises also visit such incredible destinations as Finland, Russia, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. 

Denmark's historic capital Copenhagen is another popular port of call on Baltic cruises. Here you'll find a showcase of magnificent architecture old and new, and a great choice of beautiful museums. Copenhagen is also home to Tivoli Gardens, an enchanting theme park in the heart of the city which is the second oldest in the world.

Klaipeda in Lithuania is a city of peaceful waterways and charming homes situated on atmospheric cobbled squares. Baltic cruises offer the perfect opportunity to discover this port’s historic importance and by exploring Kursiu Nerija National Park and the Lithuanian Sea Museum you can learn more about both the history of the area and its stunning natural beauty.

Sail further up the Baltic into the Gulf of Riga and you'll find Latvia's capital of the same name. A journey through the old town can give you a real sense of the rich heritage here and visits to St Peter's Church offer panoramic views of the city. For a pure dose of culture, don't miss the grandiose beauty of the Latvian National Opera.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is the most visited city in the three Baltic states. It offers visitors palatial buildings, medieval towers and a great wealth of folk history to discover on their Baltics cruise. Small and easy to explore, its old town is a joy – and historic Toompea Hill offers some great architecture overlooking the town.

Sweden's elegant capital Stockholm combines the past and the present in striking style. Visit the fascinating Vasa Museum during your time here, rich in maritime history, or the magnificent grounds of Drottningholm Palace. Stylish Sodermalm is a great alternative if you’re looking for modern style; a city where peaceful streets and classical buildings brim with contemporary fashion and design.

Helsinki was the World Design Capital in 2012 and makes for the perfect mixed-bag destination to see on a cruise. Finland’s capital city offers an unforgettable mix of classical buildings with bright bursts of colourful modern art. Don't miss the modern Rock Church – or for classical contrast, the Byzantine Uspenski Cathedral.

If you’re looking for the gold and grandeur of old Russian culture, nothing beats St Petersburg. Visit the historic Winter Palace and explore the magnificent Hermitage Museum, home to more than two million exhibits. A trip on Griboedova Canal, meanwhile, will reward you with a view of the iconic Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.

Cruises further north will voyage to the beautiful nation of Norway. A great many cruise lines operate in Norway, some specialising in the navigating the famous Fjords to showcase their stunning natural beauty. The fjords make for a spectacular backdrop on any cruise holiday, as well as being a good spot to see the Northern Lights. Iceland is similar destination, offering gorgeous scenery and majestic towns and cities to explore. Fortunately, both countries are often included on the same itinerary.

 

Fjord cruises are a great way to experience some of the world's most breathtaking areas of natural beauty from the comfort of your cruise ship, and because many of the world's most spectacular fjords are situated in Norway, a number of cruise lines offer itineraries from the UK which visit these natural wonders. Formed over time by the movement of glaciers, fjords are narrow water inlets surrounded by steep cliffs which create natural valleys, carved over thousands of years.

 

Fjord Cruises From Hull

Fjord Cruises From UK

Northern Lights Cruise

 

Norway is the most popular country to visit when it comes to fjord cruises and its dramatic coastline serves as the gateway to well over 3,000 fjords. A number of the country's most spectacular fjords serve as popular excursions and ports of call on many cruise itineraries, which also visit a number of Norway's most picturesque and historic coastal cities and towns.

 

With its origins lying far back in Viking history, Bergen is one of the most well-visited ports of call for fjord cruises, and a great place from which to explore Hardangerfjord. The city's Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is its most celebrated historic attraction, a World Heritage Site filled with beautiful painted buildings and quant cobbled streets which showcase Bergen's maritime heritage. At 111 miles long, Hardangerfjord is third largest fjord in the world, and an excursion to witness its awesome power up close is essential when visiting Bergen.

 

The Norwegian port of Flam features extensively on fjord cruises, largely because of its proximity to Naerofjord, a body of water which branches off Sognefjord and an area of stunning natural beauty which has gained World Heritage Site status. A great way to explore the fjord is the Flam railway, which climbs the surrounding mountains and offers some spectacular views. Elsewhere, Sognefjord is Norway's largest fjord at 127 miles long, and with a maximum depth of 4,291 feet.

 

The picturesque village of Geiranger is a popular stop-off for fjord cruises, owing to its proximity to the awe-inspiring Geirangerfjord, one of the country's leading tourist destinations. The Geirangerfjord shares World Heritage Site status with Naerofjord with good reason, and a view from the Dalsnibba Mountain over the fjord with Geiranger nestling at end makes for the quintessential image of Norway. Another high point of the area is the Seven Sisters, a beautiful waterfall cascading down the steep cliffs that flank the Geirangerfjord.

 

There are a number of other countries which boasting impressive fjords, which feature on many cruise lines' itineraries. The vast state of Alaska is home to a number of them, with the Tracy Arm Fjord being the most widely-visited, offering the opportunity to sail past icebergs and visit the Sawyer Glacier, home to an abundance of wildlife. South of the equator, Chile's southern coast also boasts some beautiful fjords and the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are essential viewing. The South Island of the diverse country of New Zealand is also home to a number of beautiful fjords, most notably Milford Sound, perhaps the country's most famous tourist destination and widely regarded as one of the world's must-see areas of natural beauty.