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Longer voyages of 10 and 12 days add rest time at sea and may add more overnight visits to ports, giving you time to check out the local nightlife.

All major cruise lines sail the western Mediterranean, sometimes launching new ships on this route before they even arrive in the Caribbean.

Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Cruise Line

Eastern Mediterranean voyages of a week or more to Piraeus, Greece (for Athens); Istanbul; and Venice, Italy (or nearby Italian ports). A one-week itinerary from Athens can focus solely on the Greek islands or combine the Greek islands with a visit to Kusadasi, Turkey, the gateway to the amazing ancient site of Ephesus, where Mark Antony and Cleopatra once walked the still-intact marble streets. . .

A weeklong Eastern Mediterranean cruise from a port near Venice can connect Greece with port calls in Croatia such as Dubrovnik, the walled city famous long before it doubled as the fictional King’s Landing on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

Small luxury ships and sailing yachts explore the Greek islands, combining popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos with hidden gems. A longer eastern Mediterranean route may include the Greek mainland and go as far as Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel.

Both Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises are most popular in the summer, especially with the family crowd. Bargain hunters should look for deals in early spring and late fall. Fares are particularly cheap in winter, when routes are limited but European lines such as Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises operate in the Western Mediterranean with much lower fares.

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Ports of call

Here are sample ports of call to help you decide whether an Eastern or Western Mediterranean route is best for you.

On a Western Mediterranean cruise, you are likely to visit Rome, the Eternal City, with sites such as the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, the ancient Colosseum and the Forum. Another popular port is Barcelona, ​​where you can see Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative modernist architecture, including his still-unfinished cathedral, and visit the Picasso Museum to see the artist’s early works.

Other western Mediterranean port calls in Italy may include Naples, the birthplace of pizza. From Naples, you can venture to the ancient city of Pompeii or follow the rich and famous to the island of Capri. From Livorno, you have several destination choices. Head to Florence, with its Renaissance treasures like Michelangelo’s “David” statue, or visit nearby sights like the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.

In France, you can visit Marseilles, the gateway to Provence, with its vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. Or you can stop along the French Riviera, where the magnificent beaches inspired artists, or dock among superyachts in Monaco.

Eastern Mediterranean routes vary more widely. You’ll likely explore Greece, none more impressive than Santorini, with its stunning beaches and islands, where you cruise the sunken caldera and see whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides 1,000 feet above the sea. Other highlights include Mykonos, with its colorful houses and beaches, and other Greek islands that look like scenes from “Mamma Mia!” movies

In Athens, you’ll see the hilltop Acropolis with the magnificent columned Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, and can stop by the modern Acropolis Museum, home to fascinating ancient treasures. Also on the Greek mainland, you can stop in Katakolon, a small fishing village (with a nice long beach) that is the gateway to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics.

Some itineraries connect Greece and Croatia, with port calls in Dubrovnik and sometimes other towns on the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.

If your itinerary includes Turkey, you can check Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar off your bucket list. From Kusadasi, you can visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus and visit places related to the Virgin Mary.

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Shore Excursions and Activities

No matter which Mediterranean tour you choose, you should budget for tours and activities. Shore excursions on both routes will delight you at UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Ancient Greek and Roman sites can be found on either tour, expert guides can help you understand the history and take you to the main attractions (while skipping the less crowded ones). You will appreciate their direction, especially in summer when you are traveling in scorching heat and with large crowds.

Touring museums, especially in the Western Mediterranean, helps you cut through the lines. You’ll appreciate this at popular places like the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.

In both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, major attractions may not be close to a port – meaning you’ll face the hassle of finding transport if you’re exploring on your own. Civitavecchia is about 45 miles from Rome; Piraeus is conveniently located just 6 miles from Athens.

If you’re the DIY type, look for “on your own” excursion opportunities, which basically provide transportation and a few hours to do your own thing before returning to the drop-off spot. Rome is the main place for this.

You’ll find tour options specifically focused on food, wine, and art; The Western Mediterranean has an edge over the Eastern in this section. In the Eastern Mediterranean, if you need a break from hardcore sightseeing you’ll find more options for beach excursions.

In any part of the region, try to reserve time in towns and cities to wander and enjoy outdoor cafes, where you can sample local cuisine, people watch and immerse yourself in the culture. Chatting with friendly locals while eating mezze on a Greek island, tapas in a Spanish town or a full bowl of pasta in an Italian town could be the highlight of your trip.

Related: Shore Excursions: What New Cruisers Need to Know