Itinerary:

Day 1: Ravenna, Italy

Ravenna sits quietly on Italy's northeast coast, but there's nothing understated about its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, which remain some of the finest examples in the world. Wander the old streets and peaceful squares at your own pace, and you'll quickly understand why this city has captivated visitors for centuries. Before you leave, make sure you sample the region's famous food. Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy's most celebrated culinary areas, and Ravenna is a fine place to discover why.

Day 2: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Lord Byron called it "the pearl of the Adriatic," and once you set eyes on Dubrovnik's shimmering marble streets and bright orange rooftops, it's easy to see why. The 13th-century walls that encircle the city are one of Europe's great sights, so walk them for sweeping views over the sea and the old town below. Lovely beaches, centuries-old architecture and a genuine sense of charm make this one of the most rewarding ports on the entire voyage.

Day 3: At Sea aboard the Norwegian Gem

Today is yours to enjoy fully, with no ports, no schedules and the open Mediterranean stretching out in every direction. The Norwegian Gem has plenty to keep everyone happy, whether that's time at the pool, a spa treatment, or a leisurely lunch with the family. Think of it as a natural pause between two remarkable stretches of coastline, and make the most of every moment onboard.

Day 4: Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Heraklion offers a fascinating mix of cultures, with impressive Venetian fortifications from the 13th century sitting alongside the much older legacy of the Minoans. A visit to the Palace of Knossos is not to be missed, as this is the site immortalised in Greek mythology by the legend of the Minotaur, and it's every bit as dramatic as the stories suggest. Crete's largest city rewards curious travellers with layers of history that few other Greek destinations can match.

Day 5: Kusadasi, Turkey

Kusadasi is your gateway to ancient Ephesus, once one of the great cities of the Greek world and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins that remain today are remarkably well-preserved, from the Roman Library of Celsus and the Gate of Augustus to the Tomb of John the Apostle and the Basilica of St John. It's a destination that puts the sheer scale of history into perspective, and one that experienced travellers consistently rank among their most memorable port calls.

Day 6: Messina, Sicily, Italy

Messina greets you with a beautiful harbour and an architectural legacy that has survived against the odds, including a devastating earthquake and tidal wave in 1908. Stroll through Piazza Cairoli, take in the magnificent fountains and cathedrals, and find a pavement café to sit with a glass of Marsala wine and watch the city go about its day. It's a port that rewards those who take their time and look a little closer.

Day 7: Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city that operates on a grand scale, where ancient mosques, Byzantine domes and Ottoman monuments sit alongside a thriving contemporary scene of art, fine dining and culture. The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are unmissable, but the city also has a relaxed, modern energy that surprises many first-time visitors. Head to one of the city's parks and you'll quickly understand why the tulip has long been Istanbul's symbol, a detail that speaks to the city's layered and endlessly interesting character.

Day 8: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Your final port is Athens, the oldest city in Europe and the cradle of Western civilisation, a place where the Acropolis rises above the city as a reminder of just how much began here. Beyond the ancient monuments, Athens is a genuinely modern and dynamic city, with an impressive art scene, exceptional food and no shortage of culture to explore. It's a fitting final chapter to a voyage that has taken in some of the Mediterranean's most remarkable places.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDES: accommodation in an inside family cabin aboard the Norwegian Gem, all meals and entertainment onboard, 2x Free at Sea Upgrade: premium beverages, speciality dining, excursions discounts, wi-fi package, tax, port charges and fees, 2x Free at Sea Soda Upgrade: beverage package, speciality dining, excursions discounts, wi-fi package. KIDS SAIL FREE!

7 Days From R72,840 based on a family of 4