What if you could visit multiple countries on a Mediterranean vacation but only unpack your suitcase once? What if you didn’t have to ride crowded ferries or navigate rental car logistics? The best Mediterranean vacations are actually by small ship, and here’s why.
But first, what is a small ship cruise? By our our definition, which prioritizes off-ship adventure, it’s an average 45 guests aboard our small ship Mediterranean cruises. We offer a wide range though, with ships that hold as few as 30 guests or up to just over 250 passengers. Aboard ships of this intimate of a size, so much more than the average travel experience is possible. Think:
Steer Clear of Crowds & Travel Efficiently
- Eschew the busiest ports and cities with unique access to smaller ports the big ships can’t reach.
- Have the ability to tour multiple Mediterranean countries within one trip. Time is on your side with this efficient mode of travel.
- Sail around Italy’s iconic boot-shaped peninsula, island-hop in Croatia, sail into Nice or transit Greece’s Corinth Canal.
- Enjoy the wilderness in less-visited reaches. Dayboats only reach the most popular and populated towns.
- Sunbathe on deck & swim in the clear-blue Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas without the beach crowds.
- Easily work with our experts to customize your vacation with a Mediterranean yacht charter.
Off-Ship Adventure Comes First
- Each day, actively explore away from the boat in the company of expert local guides and historians.
- Take naturalist-led shore hikes, swim and visit top historical sites.
- Return to the ship for delicious meals, informative lectures, local wines and restful sleep.
- Kayaks, paddleboards & skiffs often sail on the ship to be at the ready when active opportunity strikes.
- Local experts and artisans come aboard or are highlighted on guided tours.
- Ample time to explore local towns on your own, dine out in port & return at your leisure.
Unique Perspectives & New Likeminded Friends
- See iconic villages, historic forts and coastal UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the seaside looking in. The perspective is unmatched.
- Your fellow tour mates are likeminded travelers who value efficiency, comradery and educational experiences. Read some of our traveler testimonials.
- Onboard chefs utilize local fare and get to know your preferences over the duration of the trip.
- Visits to wineries, distilleries, farms and local artisans are arranged in route.
OUR EXPERTS WERE HERE
You have questions.
We have answers.
A Truly Relaxing Mediterranean Vacation
- Enjoy the freedom of letting your captain and guide set the pace. No decision fatigue here!
- Unpack once but stay in a new port or anchorage nearly every night.
- No need for your wallet. Activities, meals and add-ons are included, or able to be settled at the end of the voyage.
- Family-friendly options with scalable activity choices allow you bringing multiple generations in one trip.
Convinced yet? There are many ways to travel in the Mediterranean, but without a doubt the best is by sea. Our Mediterranean vacations span from the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece north to the Ionian and Adriatic Seas to Croatia and Italy. Explore our Greek Island small ship cruise, Croatia cruise and Italy small ship cruise pages for the full selection of itineraries offering set travel departures, or view them all. Our Mediterranean vacation packages have been curated by our team of experts with experience both in the region and aboard yachts worldwide.
GET ABOARD
See the full list of our Mediterranean vacations by small ship.
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