Top shore excursions for Mediterranean cruises

Mediterranean shore excursions showcase essential experiences like remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, some wonders, such as the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman Colosseum, and Michelangelo's "David" in Florence, are not located near your cruise ship's docking pier. The most convenient way to reach these sites is through tours offered by your cruise line, typically featuring expert guides well-versed in the destinations.

While some Mediterranean cruise travelers opt for excursions at every port to see all the key sights, it can also be enjoyable to take the time to wander independently. If you choose the self-guided option, be sure to research and select a port where your interests — whether it's the beach, cafes, boutiques, or other attractions — are within easy reach of the pier.

Although the variety of excursions differs among cruise lines, here are our top recommendations for the finest shore experiences in the Mediterranean.

Comprehensive day tour of Athens, departing from Piraeus, Greece

The port of Piraeus, Greece, lies approximately 7 miles from Athens, a captivating city rich in both ancient and contemporary attractions. While you can take taxis or public transport to reach the city, opting for a tour with a licensed guide is advisable; they'll navigate you to the essential sights and share insights about this city — the cradle of democracy and Western philosophy. Half-day tours focus on the iconic Acropolis, but we suggest a full-day excursion to truly immerse yourself in the experience.

Dating back to 3000 B.C., Europe's oldest capital offers stunning views from a window seat on the bus, showcasing the hilltop Acropolis that has graced the skyline for millennia. During the tour, you'll visit its sacred structures, including the Parthenon, the stunning temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Your tour will also highlight other significant sites throughout the city, including the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Greece's remarkable Parliament building, and the Olympic Stadium. Enjoy the chance to savor Greek cuisine (lunch is provided on full-day tours) and shop for keepsakes in the charming, narrow streets of the vibrant Plaka neighborhood.

Select a tour that includes a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a contemporary venue filled with ancient artifacts, including statues from the 5th century B.C.

Highlights of the Olympia tour, departing from Katakolon, Greece

Situated about an hour from Katakolon, Greece, this quaint town boasts a lovely beach and is the gateway to ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games first took place in 776 B.C. A guided tour of the archaeological site includes the Temple of Zeus, Roman baths, gymnasium, swimming pool, and the original Olympic stadium. Three thousand years ago, these games were held every four years, following the summer harvest, attracting competitors from as far as Italy and Asia Minor.

The short foot races were the most esteemed events, and you can almost hear the cheers of the crowd as you stand in the very field where they occurred. Your tour will likely feature a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where you can admire remarkable artifacts, including bronze and stone statues of finely sculpted athletes.

Knossos Palace tour, Crete

No matter where you dock in Crete, part of the Greek islands, be sure to explore the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Bronze Age.

Originally settled around 7000 B.C., this site served as a religious and administrative hub under King Minos, and is linked to the legends of Zeus and Europa. As you tour the ruins, some of which have been partially restored, you'll discover the labyrinth built to contain the Minotaur (a creature that is half man and half bull) and learn about a queen who enjoyed running water in her bathroom over 3,000 years ago.

Your tour may also feature a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which displays Minoan artifacts excavated from the palace grounds.

"Game of Thrones" tour, Dubrovnik, Croatia

You can take a shuttle from the pier to explore Old Town Dubrovnik at your leisure, but if you're a "Game of Thrones" enthusiast, a guided tour is a must to see the iconic locations featured in the HBO series. As fans know, Dubrovnik stood in for King's Landing, the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

The tour includes visits to the impressive 11th-century Lovrijenac Fortress, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, just outside the medieval walls encircling Old Town. This fortress offers stunning views of Blackwater Bay, which is referenced in George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, the inspiration for "Game of Thrones."

In Old Town, you'll have the opportunity to ascend and stroll along the defensive walls that were showcased during the Battle of Blackwater Bay and other pivotal scenes. Other notable GOT locations include the Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei commenced her Walk of Shame (Season 5), and a spot near St. Dominic Street where market scenes were filmed. Additionally, the exterior of the Ethnographic Museum Rupe may look familiar, as it represented Littlefinger's brothel on the show.

Rome city tour, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy

Civitavecchia is the closest port to Rome, and reaching the city can take about 1.5 hours (or more, depending on traffic conditions). It's wise to book a full-day excursion to maximize your time, especially if you aim to visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, the Pantheon, and other iconic sites. Tours may also include a stop at Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin is believed to guarantee your return to Rome.

Some tours offer a combination of a major attraction and free time. If you choose this option, we recommend visiting the Colosseum, an amphitheater that once accommodated up to 50,000 spectators, where you can vividly imagine life in ancient Rome in all its (gruesome) splendor.

Don't forget to ascend Palatine Hill for stunning views of the city, where intriguing sights like a flowing fountain, a gelato stand, and a designer handbag shop await you at nearly every turn.

Florence city tour, departing from Livorno, Italy

If you wish to discover Florence, look for cruises that stop in Livorno, Italy, or another port in Tuscany. From there, a bus ride will take you into the city, renowned for its Renaissance masterpieces. A shore excursion guarantees you’ll see highlights such as Michelangelo's "David," displayed in all his polished marble glory at the ticketed Accademia Gallery.

Art enthusiasts will want to select a tour that includes the Uffizi Gallery, showcasing works by Botticelli, Donatello, Raphael, da Vinci, and other Renaissance masters. Your tour will also highlight the stunning 15th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly known as the Duomo) and other architectural gems in the city. Some tours may also take you to the university town of Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower.

Tour of Ancient Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento from Naples, Italy

Exploring the incredible ruins of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city that was buried by ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, allows you to envision life in ancient times. The ruins—including the forum, baths, temples, and beautifully decorated villas—seem to be frozen in history.

While you can dedicate your visit solely to Pompeii, we suggest a full-day tour from Naples that also highlights the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and the picturesque island of Capri. A typical itinerary includes visits to Capri, the charming resort town of Sorrento, and Pompeii.

You'll take a jetfoil to Capri and then a funicular ride up to Capri Town, a shopping paradise with charming side streets worth exploring. Back on the mainland, you’ll head to Sorrento, where you can enjoy people-watching at a café. On your return to Naples, you'll visit Pompeii for a guided tour of the ruins.

Gaudí and the Sagrada Familia tour, Barcelona

When you dock in Barcelona, you're right in the city. Las Ramblas, the iconic boulevard, is just a short walk or a quick shuttle bus ride away. The highlight of any shore excursion is to explore the stunning works of architect Antoni Gaudí, including his La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been under construction since 1882 and is the most popular attraction in Spain.

Opt for a tour that takes you to the hillside UNESCO-listed Parc Guell, where Gaudí aimed to merge nature with modernist design. You'll also visit two of Gaudí's residential masterpieces on Paseo de Gracia: the La Pedrera apartment building and Casa Batlló, a private residence known for its striking facade.

Many tours also include a visit to the Museu Picasso, showcasing early works by Pablo Picasso, located in the city's Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic).

Ancient Ephesus tour from Kusadasi, Turkey

Ephesus, a top choice for ancient history buffs, stands out as one of the most intriguing and well-preserved ancient cities worldwide, located just a short drive from the Turkish resort of Kusadasi.

As you explore Ephesus, you’ll traverse the same marble streets as the ancients, discovering sites like a bathhouse, a grand amphitheater, and the breathtaking facade of a two-story library. You'll encounter columns, mosaics, and monuments along the way. Although Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans have all governed Ephesus, much of what you see now was constructed by the Romans. Outside the library, you’ll find a stone carving presenting the timeless choice of whether to visit the library or a house of pleasure.

Extended tours often merge an exploration of the ancient city with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a simple chapel believed to mark the place where she spent her final days, recognized as a pilgrimage site. Additionally, in the vicinity is St. John's Basilica, another pilgrimage destination where St. John is thought to have authored the fourth book of the New Testament.