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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Mediterranean Gems Cruise: Malta & Greek Islands

15-day rail and cruise from London to Mediterranean islands via Barcelona

Illustration of Mediterranean Gems Cruise: Malta & Greek Islands

Great Rail Journeys operates this 15-day escorted journey combining rail and cruise travel through Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. You begin by train, taking Eurostar Plus and First Class rail from London through Paris to Barcelona, where you spend two days exploring the Gothic Quarter and Gaudí's Sagrada Família with a local guide. On Day 3 you embark on the Celebrity Equinox for a 10-night cruise, calling at six destinations: Valletta in Malta, a golden UNESCO World Heritage capital with Caravaggio artworks; Athens, birthplace of western civilization; Kuşadası in Turkey, gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus; the sun-drenched Cycladic islands of Santorini and Mykonos with their white villages and blue-domed churches; and Olympia, the sacred site of the ancient Olympic Games. Throughout the cruise you enjoy five-star service, complimentary Wi-Fi, spa and dining facilities, plus a drinks package. The tour concludes with breakfast in Rome before you either fly home to London or take an optional rail return via Chambéry. Great Rail Journeys includes accommodation, most meals, the Tour Manager, and sightseeing in Barcelona and Rome.

What to know before you look closer

  • Port excursions at each Mediterranean stop are optional and charged separately; they are pre-bookable through the cruise line, not included in the tour price.
  • The return leg offers a choice: a flight from Rome to London Heathrow (included) or a rail return via Chambéry with an additional hotel night (optional upgrade, extra charge applies).
  • Single supplement pricing is high: from GBP 3,799 versus GBP 2,999 for a double, reflecting the 27% premium typical of cruise-based tours.
  • Island access at Santorini and Mykonos uses smaller boats; tender services depend on sea conditions and port facilities.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Barcelona

    To Barcelona by First Class rail

    Journey begins at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager before joining the Eurostar service to Paris in Plus class with a light meal served at your seat. Continue by First Class rail to Barcelona, arriving late evening. Check in to a stylish four-star hotel near Barcelona's landmarks.

    Meals: Light meal (Eurostar)

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Sightseeing in Barcelona

    Free morning after breakfast to explore. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Barcelona by coach and on foot with a local guide, including the exterior of La Sagrada Família and a stroll down La Rambla. Evening dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    Starting our journey into the eastern Mediterranean

    Embarkation day. Transfer to the port and step aboard the Celebrity Equinox. Depart this evening, beginning the 10-night cruise into the eastern Mediterranean, sailing towards Malta overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    Sailing to Valletta, Malta

    A day at sea cruising towards Malta. Enjoy the ship's leisure facilities, restaurants, spa, shops and bars. Arrive in Malta's capital Valletta the following morning.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    A day to explore Valletta

    Sail into Malta's UNESCO World Heritage capital Valletta. Free to join optional excursions (pre-bookable on the ship) including Mdina, the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk, or explore independently. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio artworks, the National Museum of Archaeology and more.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    Towards the Aegean to Athens

    Cruise towards Athens. Enjoy onboard facilities including the spa, shops and salon. Route passes the coast of southern Italy, across the Adriatic and into the Ionian Sea, reaching Piraeus overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    Welcome to Athens

    Ship docks in Athens, birthplace of western civilisation. Choice of optional excursions (pre-bookable on the ship) or explore independently. Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, National Archaeological Museum, Acropolis Museum and the Ancient Walk.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    Kuşadası, gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus

    Arrive at the Gulf of Kuşadası, Turkey. Optional walking tour excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus including the archaeological museum, or explore independently. Sites include the Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian and Temple of Artemis. Sail towards Santorini after returning to the ship.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    The island gem of Santorini

    Arrive at Santorini. Smaller boats transport guests to the harbour of Skala below Fira; reach the top by cable car or climb 587 steps. Explore Fira's boutiques, churches and cafés, visit Oia, Pyrgos, Megalochori or the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri. Cruise towards Mykonos overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    A free day on magical Mykonos

    Arrive in Mykonos. Transported by smaller boats to Mykonos town to wander cobblestone streets, browse boutiques and craft shops, or relax in cafés. Optional ferry to the sacred isle of Delos (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit Little Venice in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    The ancient site of Olympia

    Cruise the Ionian Sea to Olympia, UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the Olympic Games. Explore ruins independently or join a guided tour (pre-bookable on the ship). Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Reboard ship before dinner and sail towards Civitavecchia, Rome.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Celebrity Equinox (at sea)

    At sea, journeying to Rome

    Sailing through the Adriatic Sea following the east coast of Italy towards Rome. Last full day at sea – enjoy the Lawn, Fitness Centre or Solarium. Final dinner at sea in the Silhouette restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13rail

    Homeward bound

    Dock in Civitavecchia early morning and disembark after breakfast. Transfer by coach to Rome airport and fly back to London Heathrow. *Rail return option: spend the day in Rome with a guided sightseeing tour and coffee stop near the Trevi Fountain, then overnight at a 4-star hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  14. Day 14railovernight: Chambéry (rail return option only)

    Rail return option – Rome to Chambéry (optional)

    For guests who opted to return by rail: travel by First Class rail from Rome to Chambéry, France, for an overnight stay.

  15. Day 15rail

    Rail return option – Chambéry to London (optional)

    For guests who opted to return by rail: continue by rail from Chambéry to Paris and then London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Journey from London St Pancras on Eurostar Plus to Paris with a light meal served at your seat, continuing by First Class rail to Barcelona, arriving late evening.
  • Day 2Afternoon coach and walking tour of Barcelona including La Sagrada Família and La Rambla with a local guide.
  • Day 5Arrive at Valletta, Malta's UNESCO World Heritage capital, with optional excursions to St John's Co-Cathedral featuring Caravaggio artworks or the Blue Grotto.
  • Day 9Arrive at Santorini; smaller boats transport you to Skala, reached by cable car or 587 steps to explore Fira's churches and cafés or visit the cliffside village of Oia.
  • Day 11Visit Olympia, UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the Olympic Games, with access to the Archaeological Museum and ancient ruins.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 2 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation (Barcelona)
  • 10-night cruise onboard the Celebrity Equinox
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Eurostar Plus (Plus class) travel London St Pancras to Paris
  • First Class rail travel Paris to Barcelona
  • Flight from Rome to London Heathrow
  • Eurostar light meal
  • Breakfast each day
  • 9 lunches
  • 11 dinners
  • Classic Drinks Package (selected non-alcoholic drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks and wines by the glass)

Not included

  • Excursions in each port (operated by Celebrity Cruises, optional and chargeable, bookable directly with the cruise line)
  • Tips (can be added pre-departure or paid on board)
  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris and First Class rail from Paris to Barcelona. An optional rail return from Rome to Chambéry and onwards to London is available as an upgrade.
Which cruise ship is used?
The Celebrity Equinox, with a 10-night cruise through the eastern Mediterranean calling at Valletta, Athens, Kuşadası, Santorini, Mykonos, and Olympia.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, 9 lunches, and 11 dinners onboard or at hotels. A Classic Drinks Package with non-alcoholic drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and frozen drinks is included.
Are port excursions included?
No. Optional excursions at each port are operated by Celebrity Cruises and are pre-bookable directly with the cruise line at additional cost. You may also explore independently.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking tours in Barcelona and optional tours in Athens and Rome. Santorini requires a cable car ride or climbing 587 steps. Island visits use tender boats.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London throughout the journey.

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