The Mediterranean encompasses the region of land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, which includes portions of Europe, Asia và Africa. As a superhighway of transport, trade và cultural exchange, it appeals khổng lồ those searching for an enriching, historical adventure cruise. Our diverse range of hand-picked small Mediterranean cruise routes cover the Greek Isles, Croatia, Italy & more iconic World Heritage Site locations.

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The Mediterranean is truly a cultural treasure chest, và cruising through this rich & remarkable region can be a transformational experience that has you returning with exciting new recipes, newfound friends and a zest for life. On small ship Mediterranean cruises, you will learn more about the area through picturesque villages, dramatic backdrops & beaches as far as the eye can see.


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Mediterranean Cruises with AdventureSmith

Mediterranean cruises offered by AdventureSmith Explorations provide less crowds & a more intimate setting. They are not confined khổng lồ ports of call, but you’ll have plenty of time lớn explore the iconic sites you came to lớn see—along with more hidden gems. Need more reasons khổng lồ cruise the Mediterranean with AdventureSmith Explorations?


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Personalized

Work with one Adventure Specialist lớn research, purchase & prepare for your Mediterranean cruise.


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Selection

A curated collection of more than 25 unique small ships, ranging from historic tall sailing ships khổng lồ super yachts.


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Experience

With direct experience sailing & chartering Mediterranean cruises, we can match you with the best itinerary.


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Value

We’re here to lớn help you save. Take advantage of our partnerships và exclusive deals on Mediterranean sailings.


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Small Ship Mediterranean Cruises in 2023 & 2024

Let our team be your clear, efficient và trusted resource throughout the selection, booking & small ship Mediterranean cruise preparation process. We have the experience you need on the logistics of booking your travel amid COVID-19; what’s new for small ship Mediterranean cruises in 2023 and 2024; và combining countries on your itinerary with ease.

Now your only choice is where to lớn go—and what style of ship. Our small ship Greek Island cruises hit the popular ports of Mykonos và Santorini, but they also can sail you farther afield into the Aegean Sea, into the Adriatic Sea or west toward Portugal. Learn more about the regional cruise routes in the Mediterranean và start your small Mediterranean cruise tìm kiếm with our award-winning personal service today.


Luxury Mediterranean Cruise Options

AdventureSmith has close partnerships with the best small luxury cruise lines in the Mediterranean & can provide the most competitive rates on exclusive voyages. Our buying power và firsthand knowledge ensures your first-class experience. Talk khổng lồ our experts today about our luxury small ship cruises in the Greek Islands, Croatia, Italy and Montenegro to lớn find VIP cabin onboard experiences và a gorgeous selection of yachts and motorsailers, as well as private Mediterranean yacht charters.


Small Ship Mediterranean Cruises: Where to Sail

Where khổng lồ go in this widespread, popular destination? The following is an overview of Mediterranean cruise regions, withregionalnotes onthe best places tocruise in the Mediterranean.Our guidance on where to sail in the Mediterraneancan be separated into fourbroad categories based on the most common small ship Mediterranean cruise routes:


Dalmatian Coast Cruises: Croatia, Albania, Montenegro

The southernmost shoreline of Croatia, running from the island of Rab south to lớn the bay of Kotor, is a popular stretch of coastline for Adriatic Sea cruises.Almost all Croatia cruises visit this Dalmatian Coast region, solidifying it as one of the best places lớn visit in the Mediterranean.

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Historic hillside towns made of brick & terracotta drop down lớn the sea in dramatic fashion, with fortified castles standing guard at the water’s edge (some of which can be seen in the TV series “Game of Thrones.”)This trendy region offersancient Roman marble palaces, quiet beaches on smalloff-shoreislands, cultural dances by engaging locals, world-renowned wine tasting and delectable dishes. Other Adriatic Sea cruise routes aboard small ships include the ports of Venice, Naples or even Athens.

Small Ship Greek Island Cruises

Many small ship Greek Island cruises hit the popular ports of Mykonos and Santorini as well as the Corinth Canal, but look for routes that explore lesser known gems too. With over 200 islands, where are the best places to lớn visit on a Mediterranean cruise in Greece? For first timers, we recommend Peloponnese Peninsula & Cyclades cruises, which operate round-trip from Athens, Greece.

The southeasternCycladesislands featureiconic Greece withcolorful fishing boats,azure waters and whitewashed villages cascadingdown scrabbled slopes.The Peloponnese Peninsula (southernmost mainland Greece) reveals gods, warriors, underground waterways, magnificent temples và impressive caves. Visit classic islands lượt thích Delos, Mykonos và Santorini, or showroom unique stops such as mystical Patmos or the fountain of youth town of Ikaria.Select Greek Island cruises take you west, as far north as Corfu & the other Ionian Islands.


Small Ship Cruises lớn Greece and Turkey or Croatia

If you’re looking to lớn go farther afield, some small ship Greek Island cruises continue on to lớn visit other nearby countries. The Aegean Sea takes center stage for small ship cruises to Greece & Turkey. The Aegean Islands are a collection of stunning landscapes, historical monuments and mythical legends, mostly under Greek sovereignty, though some eastern islands và smaller islets are under Turkish rule.Turkey’s Bodrum with its Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the vibrant Kusadasi market are highlights for cruises that include Turkey.

Small ship Mediterranean cruises that sail up the western coast of Greece and up into the Adriatic Sea often include stops in Albania & Montenegro before finishing their itinerary in Croatia. On a Dubrovnik khổng lồ Athens cruise, for example, you can see the highlights of both of these iconic countries while not setting foot in an airport. These are all excellent small Mediterranean cruise choices if you have time for a longer sailing.


Italy, Malta và Western Mediterranean Cruises (Spain, Portugal, France)

Italy has long been one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean, but the small ship experience provides chất lượng insights & exclusive access tosites not often visited. Unspoiled clifftop towns, sites of antiquity and incredible food & wine are highlights of Italy cruises. Mediterranean small ship cruises that focus on or include stops in Italy are fast-becoming favorites for travelers who want khổng lồ skip more-crowded overland travel in this popular country.

Look for popular routes from Venice or Naples that include Dubrovnik, Croatia, and small islets in the Adriatic Sea. Opt lớn cruise Sicily, passing right by the toe of Italy’s “boot” to lớn the volcanic Aeolian Islands, along with Italy’s neighboring country of Malta. Or continue west with Mediterranean small ship cruise itineraries that visit Mallorca, Menorca, Corsica, Lisbon và other must-see ports.


“OurMediterranean cruises blend the best destinations with quality harbors only accessible by small ship.”


Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Avg. High (F) Avg. Low (F) Avg. Water Temp (F) Avg. Rainfall (Inches)
Month
50 51 54 61 69 77 82 82 76 67 60 54
44 45 47 52 60 68 73 73 67 60 54 48
64 61 59 62 63 66 69 74 73 72 71 66
4.7 4.4 5.0 3.3 3.9 3.9 4.4 3.8 3.5 3.5 3.7 3.7

Subtropic Summer Cruising

The Mediterranean consists of a subtropic climate providing relatively mild winters and very warm summers, making it a perfect destination for small ship cruises. The temperature is moderated by nearby large bodies of water making for comfortable conditions throughout most of the year. The best time of year for small ship Mediterranean cruises is April through November.


When Should You Plan Your Mediterranean Cruise?


Connect with a Cruise Specialist

Small Ship Mediterranean Cruises


An AdventureSmith Specialist reviews her 8 days aboard the Admiral yacht on the Croatia Island Hopper itinerary visiting Dubrovnik, Split, Korcula & Hvar.
Andrew review his Classical Greece cruise aboard the Harmony V yacht. Travel with him to Mykonos, Delos & Santorini.
A couple sails aboard the 49-guest Galileo motor sailor in remembrance of their Greece honeymoon cruise 21 years prior. The classic Galileo ship turned out khổng lồ age like a fine wine, creating a new opportunity for a family vacation.
Learn from an AdventureSmith luxury cruise expert what it’s like to travel aboard L’Austral and her identical fleet of sister ships Le Boreal, Le Lyrial & Le Soleal.
Travel writer & photographer Terri Colby shares her tale of small ship cruising in Croatia aboard 38-guest Futura. For her, it"s all about the water!
Special khổng lồ AdventureSmith, a traveler tells the story of her time in Croatia aboard the 38-guest yacht Futura.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world và here to lớn help you find và book your dream trip.


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Accommodations

Small Cruise Ships in the Mediterranean


View All Mediterranean Ships
Mediterranean small ships provide the getaway that you’ve been dreaming of. Crystal-clear turquoise water, astonishing geography, fascinating history, iconic sites, sunsets that must be seen to lớn believe và memories that will last you a lifetime. The exclusivity of Mediterranean ships offered through AdventureSmith cannot be matched, with each only carrying 30 khổng lồ 200 guests per cruise. Choose from everything from small modern yachts to lớn stepping into history on a sailing cruise ship once owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post. The Mediterranean small cruise ships used by AdventureSmith are excellent charter options too, offering guests the chance to design their own routes in Croatia or Greece, or sail along the entire Adriatic coastline. With VIP cabin options, private balconies, plush decor & other amenities, you will feel as if you are aboard your own private yacht.


The 157-foot, 49-guest Galileo is a steel-hull motor sailer cruising the Greek Isles in classic style. Enjoy the best of the Mediterranean aboard this stunning vessel.


The 58-guest Sea Cloud: Lindblad is the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht Sea Cloud, chartered by Lindblad Expeditions for select Caribbean & Mediterranean itineraries. Enjoy the grace và class of an extraordinarily elegant ship while relaxing in the casual atmosphere and informal style of expedition travel.


These 10-guest luxury yachts in the Greek Islands are fully equipped for your all-inclusive island-hopping vacation. Your attentive crew of 6 makes you feel lượt thích a millionaire with gourmet food, activity gear and intimate knowledge of Greece"s best inlets and coves, for an exclusive and customizable holiday.


M/V Infinity is a 161-foot deluxe vessel built in 2015 for cruising in the Mediterranean. She carries 38 guests & offers comfortable accommodations, state-of-the-art equipment và amenities.


The 49-guest Harmony V is a sleek mega-yacht cruising the Mediterranean region, with luxurious interiors và a classic high-end style. Harmony V is a spacious, stable and classy choice for cruising the Mediterranean.


The 200-to-244-guest Le Lyrial is a refined, luxury expedition ship cruising Antarctica và the Mediterranean. Enjoy her private yacht atmosphere, understated elegance và culinary delights, paired with an engaging program of lectures, onboard entertainment & off-ship adventures.


Expert reviews

Small Ship Mediterranean Cruise Insights from Our Experts


Read All Mediterranean nhận xét

Researching Mediterranean small ship cruises, but not sure where khổng lồ start? Our team of seasoned Adventure Specialists will walk you through the specifics of how lớn choose the best Mediterranean cruise and what to lớn expect aboard—but you can also explore fun, personal stories from our alumni travelers and experts in our Mediterranean cruise reviews. Learn from our experiences island-hopping in Croatia, aboard luxury cruise lines in the Mediterranean, what it’s lượt thích to honeymoon in Greece and other unique Mediterranean và Adriatic Sea cruise experiences aboard a number of different small ships. Get inspired và excited for your small Mediterranean cruise!


An AdventureSmith Specialist reviews her 8 days aboard the Admiral yacht on the Croatia Island Hopper itinerary visiting Dubrovnik, Split, Korcula và Hvar.


Andrew reviews his Classical Greece cruise aboard the Harmony V yacht. Travel with him to Mykonos, Delos và Santorini.


A couple sails aboard the 49-guest Galileo motor sailor in remembrance of their Greece honeymoon cruise 21 years prior. The classic Galileo ship turned out lớn age lượt thích a fine wine, creating a new opportunity for a family vacation.


Learn from an AdventureSmith luxury cruise expert what it’s like to travel aboard L’Austral và her identical fleet of sister ships Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal.


Travel writer & photographer Terri Colby shares her tale of small ship cruising in Croatia aboard 38-guest Futura. For her, it"s all about the water!


Special khổng lồ AdventureSmith, a traveler tells the story of her time in Croatia aboard the 38-guest yacht Futura.


What Our Travelers Say About Their Mediterranean Cruise

Group 3 Created with Sketch. Photo by Adventure Specialist Andrew Browning


Both the Sea Cloud & the land explorations were superb. We found Corsica khổng lồ be particularly fascinating.