8 - East Mediterranean cruise, 21 nights, Peninsular and Oriental Ferries

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If you're a cruising veteran and want to try something a bit different why not opt for a three week (21 nights) tour of the eastern Mediterranean? If you prefer culture over beaches then let P&O's Aurora whisk you away. Admire the architectural highlights of places like Athens and Istanbul, whilst ensuring you get your summer tan. On the way there you'll stop off at Oporto (Portugal) and the buzzing beach resort of Alicante in southern Spain, before enjoying a full day in Athens to explore awe-inspiring monuments such as the Acropolis or the Parthenon. In Istanbul you'll have a full day and afternoon to explore this fascinating city, one that bridges Europe and Asia. Lose yourself in the bazaars for the ultimate shopping experience, before kicking back with an apple tea and lokum (otherwise known as Turkish Delight). Or if you don't want to risk burning out the credit card, visit the beautiful Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Haghia Sophia. Next stop is Constanta, a pretty Romanian town on the Black Sea coast. In Ukraine, Odessa and Yalta are both rich in architectural marvels. On the way back you'll call into Kusadasi (Turkey). Don't miss the ruins at Ephesus; the Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but it is the Library of Celsus that is the star attraction. After a few days cruising westwards you'll reach Palma, the capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, before returning to the UK.

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