7 nights - Richness of the Eastern Mediterranean - from/to Heraklion

About this cruise

A week or so at sea, a few great ports, and nothing to organise once you're on board. This 7-night sailing from Heraklion on September 18, 2026 visits Taranto, Corfu, Piraeus (Athens) and Nafplio. In between port days, the 2 sea days are where cruise life actually happens: reading, eating, napping, repeat. A lot of Western civilisation started around here, and the views haven't changed much since. People come back from this cruise talking about Taranto: City of two seas and Spartan roots. Roughly 12 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. Mein Schiff 5 keeps you well fed. 11 places to eat, with 8 included in the fare and a few specialty spots if you're in the mood. Long enough that you stop checking your phone. Short enough that you're not bored. If you can, add a night in Heraklion before boarding. It's a good city to wander. And September is a good call. Still warm, less crowded, and usually cheaper too. 4 ports, 2 countries, one suitcase. That's the appeal.