Eastern Mediterranean Discovery

  • 19th August 2026
  • 21 Nights
  • Southampton
  • Aurora
P&O Cruises

Inside price from

£2,199*/per person

Balcony price from

£4,199*/per person

Outside price from

£2,649*/per person

Suite price from

Sold Out

* based on twinshare stateroom

Your itinerary

  • Southampton
  • At Sea
  • At Sea
  • At Sea
  • Cartagena, Spain
  • At Sea
  • Tunis
  • Palermo
  • At Sea
  • Athens
  • Athens
  • Transit Dardanelles
  • Istanbul
  • Istanbul
  • Transit Dardanelles
  • At Sea
  • Malta
  • At Sea
  • At Sea
  • Gibraltar
  • At Sea
  • At Sea
  • Southampton
Day 1

19th Aug '26

Southampton
The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions. More
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Day 2

20th Aug '26

At Sea
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Day 3

21st Aug '26

At Sea
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Day 4

22nd Aug '26

At Sea
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Day 5

23rd Aug '26

Cartagena, Spain
An ancient city with a name to match – it was founded more than 2,200 years ago by Carthaginian leader Hasdrubal – Cartagena is now one of Spains busiest commercial centres. Step ashore here, though, and you are immediately aware of its rich history. In fact, you see it even as you cruise towards the harbour as this is flanked by towering fortresses. Then, in the centre of the old town, you will find the original Carthaginian castle and sections of the old city walls. But Cartagena is also a city which moves with the times hence the new harbourfront development which includes the unique National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. As part of Murcia province, Cartagena cruise port is also an excellent base for visiting the city of Murcia itself and its distinctive Baroque cathedral; the 17th century religious sanctuary of Fuensanta; the Fortress at Lorca Taller del Tiempo; the spa resort of Balneario de Archena; and for touring into the mountainous interior or along the Costa Blanca to Alicante. More
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Day 6

24th Aug '26

At Sea
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Day 7

25th Aug '26

Tunis
La Goulette, the cruise port for Tunis, lies about 40 minutes shuttle bus drive away from the city, but is much closer to the ruins of Carthage. The 2nd century Colosseum and Roman Temple are only 20 minutes drive from the port, and most excursions combine Carthage with a restful stop at the pretty seaside village of Sidi Bou Said. More
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Day 8

26th Aug '26

Palermo
Sicily’s capital, Palermo perches at the foot of Monte Pellgrino at the heart of a large natural harbour. Founded in the 5th century, it has alternately enjoyed and endured one of the most colourful histories of any Mediterranean city. Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, Vandals have all come and gone, leaving their mark on the population as well as the architecture. More
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Day 9

27th Aug '26

At Sea
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Day 10

28th Aug '26

Athens
The Acropolis – ‘High City’ – will always be the top attraction from Athens cruise port Piraeus. With its 2,500-year-old Parthenon, temple to Poseidon and Athena, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, it quite literally stands out as an oasis of calm in the frenetic Greek capital. As part of the major revamp the city had for the 2004 Olympics, 400 modern buildings were cleared from the ancient meeting place next to the Acropolis, the Agora, which was then restored and linked by walkways to the Acropolis, Hadrians Arch, the Academy of Plato and the Monastery of Daphne. Other nearby ancient sites include the Roman Tower of the Winds and the Hill of the Muses where Socrates is said to have drunk hemlock. Below the Acropolis is the fun place to shop or barter, eat moussaka or Greek salad, drink wine or ouzo and, of course, to people-watch: the 3,000-year-old Plaka. More
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Day 10

28th Aug '26

Athens
The Acropolis – ‘High City’ – will always be the top attraction from Athens cruise port Piraeus. With its 2,500-year-old Parthenon, temple to Poseidon and Athena, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, it quite literally stands out as an oasis of calm in the frenetic Greek capital. As part of the major revamp the city had for the 2004 Olympics, 400 modern buildings were cleared from the ancient meeting place next to the Acropolis, the Agora, which was then restored and linked by walkways to the Acropolis, Hadrians Arch, the Academy of Plato and the Monastery of Daphne. Other nearby ancient sites include the Roman Tower of the Winds and the Hill of the Muses where Socrates is said to have drunk hemlock. Below the Acropolis is the fun place to shop or barter, eat moussaka or Greek salad, drink wine or ouzo and, of course, to people-watch: the 3,000-year-old Plaka. More
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Day 11

29th Aug '26

Transit Dardanelles
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Day 12

30th Aug '26

Istanbul
With its skyline aglow with the glimmer of domes and minarets, arriving in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The labyrinth of streets. Bustling bazaars. The serenity of the surrounding waters. This city offers one intriguing adventure after another. Explore Istanbul’s most famous monuments, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the old city walls. Its sheer size, wealth and beauty await you. More
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Day 13

31st Aug '26

Istanbul
With its skyline aglow with the glimmer of domes and minarets, arriving in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The labyrinth of streets. Bustling bazaars. The serenity of the surrounding waters. This city offers one intriguing adventure after another. Explore Istanbul’s most famous monuments, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the old city walls. Its sheer size, wealth and beauty await you. More
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Day 14

1st Sep '26

Transit Dardanelles
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Day 15

2nd Sep '26

At Sea
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Day 16

3rd Sep '26

Malta
An island with a rare distinction, Malta is the only place to have been awarded the George Cross for valour. Described by Sir Walter Scott as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen’, its capital, Valletta, is a beautifully preserved 16 th century walled city. Today, its imposing Grand Harbour bears witness to the Crusaders and Knights Templar who built here on their way to and from the holy land. For the best views of the city, take to the waterways in a ‘dghajjes’ or ‘barkloris’, a traditional Maltese boat. More
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Day 17

4th Sep '26

At Sea
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Day 18

5th Sep '26

At Sea
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Day 19

6th Sep '26

Gibraltar
Britons love cruising to ‘home from home’ Mediterranean cruise port Gibraltar – and not just because it has some excellent pubs and tax free shops (good buys include glassware, china, leather goods, alcohol, perfume, silk and cashmere garments). Gibraltar also offers wonderful views of the Bay of Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountains from the Rock Restaurant, served by cable car from the Grand Parade. Birdwatchers can spot more than 230 species and there are clearly marked nature trails you can follow to discover the country’s flora and fauna. The most famous ‘fauna’ of course, are Gibraltar’s Barbary apes – get off the cable car at the halfway station to see these, then proceed to the top and hire an audio tape charting the Rock’s fascinating history. Alternatively spend a day at the beach – Catalan Bay is the prettiest, with its colourful fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants. More
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Day 20

7th Sep '26

At Sea
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Day 21

8th Sep '26

At Sea
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Day 22

9th Sep '26

Southampton
The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions. More
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Your ship - The Aurora

Description Food and Drink Entertainment Relaxation Fitness Recreational Technology Other
Welcome aboard Aurora An intimate classic Our smallest ship Aurora is a big hit with guests who return year after year for her cosy comfort. She’s a stylish lady with her towering 35-foot sculp...ture in her atrium and artworks adding detail to each venue. The tiered decks shaping the Terrace Pool add a beautiful backdrop to your sunbathing. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, Crystal Pool’s retractable roof comes to the rescue. More Less
  • Afternoon tea
    afternoon tea
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  • Buffet restaurants
    buffet restaurants
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  • Celebration night dinner
    celebration night dinner
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  • Children’s tea
    children’s tea
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  • Crow’s nest
    crow’s nest
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  • Epicurean
    epicurean
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  • Freedom and club dining restaurants
    freedom and club dining restaurants
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  • Poolside grill
    poolside grill
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  • Sindhu
    sindhu
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  • Sundaes
    sundaes
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  • The glass house
    the glass house
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  • Board games
    board games
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  • Card games
    card games
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  • Card rooms
    card rooms
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  • Carmen’s show lounge
    carmen’s show lounge
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  • Casino
    casino
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  • Dance classes
    dance classes
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  • Masquerade
    masquerade
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  • Pulse
    pulse
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  • Silent disco
    silent disco
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  • The curzon theatre
    the curzon theatre
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  • Unbelievable
    unbelievable
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  • Vocal workshops
    vocal workshops
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  • Wavelength
    wavelength
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  • Acupuncture
    acupuncture
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  • Beauty salon
    beauty salon
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  • Couples massage
    couples massage
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  • Facials
    facials
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  • Hair salon
    hair salon
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  • Massage
    massage
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  • Complimentary fitness classes
    complimentary fitness classes
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  • Gym
    gym
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  • Personal trainer
    personal trainer
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  • Running tracks
    running tracks
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  • Art gallery by clarendon fine art
    art gallery by clarendon fine art
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  • Quizzes
    quizzes
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  • Library
    library
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  • Barber shop
    barber shop
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  • Meetups
    meetups
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  • Room service
    room service
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  • Solo traveller meetup
    solo traveller meetup
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Staterooms

suite

Approximately 382 sq. ft. The ultimate in luxury, our butler-serviced Suites offer the extra space ... of a lounge area (perfect for entertaining), a superior bathroom, dressing area and a broad balcony to take in the sights.

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balcony

Single Balcony

outside

Approximately 150 sq. ft. If a balcony is not top of your list, but you’re seeking great val ... ue and a sea view, then our Sea view cabins are ideal. Well designed and with all those little extras.

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inside

Approximately 150-225 sq. ft. These spacious cabins are perfect if you want a more economical way ... to travel and prefer to be out and about experiencing the ship or reclining up on deck by the pools.

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Call +44 20 3943 5227 or enquire to book this cruise

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