This Rail–Cruise takes in the best sights in the eastern Mediterannean from the spectacular Corinth Canal, cut through solid rock from the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, to the magical east-meets-west city of Istanbul and the alluring Greek islands, set like diamonds in an azure sea.
The holiday starts with a Champagne check–in at St Pancras’ famous Champagne Bar and an escorted afternoon departure on Eurostar. We travel to Paris where we break our journey with an overnight stay at a hotel. The next morning we join the TGV to Marseilles (journey time around 3 hours), before a short transfer to the Louis Coral to start our 10–night cruise. During the cruise, enjoy great food and entertainment, and relax as the world glides by. The ship’s crew – mixed nationalities but all English–speaking – are always on hand to ensure the perfect holiday.
There’s plenty to do aboard the Coral and facilities include a fitness centre and swimming pool as well as a beauty salon, shopping arcade and much more, so you can be as active - or as inactive - as you like. Dining is relaxed aboard the Coral with no compulsory formal dress code.
Feel free to venture ashore at the numerous ports of call or choose from a comprehensive selection of optional shore excursions.
At the end of the cruise we disembark in Marseilles and stay overnight in a hotel in France’s most cosmopolitan port before taking the TGV to Lille where we join Eurostar for the return to London St Pancras arriving early–to–mid evening.
Note: Adverse weather or sea conditions may prevent the vessel calling at scheduled ports.

Itinerary: Day 1 – Monday: London to Paris
Afternoon departure from London on Eurostar to Paris. Walk the short distance, or have a taxi⁄coach transfer to our hotel to check-in.
Day 2 – Tuesday: Paris to Marseilles
Depart Paris in the morning on the TGV for Marseilles, arriving early–to–mid afternoon. Short transfer to the port to join our cruise ship, the Louis Coral, which sails in the early evening.
Day 3 – Wednesday: Genoa, Italy 08:00 to 15:00 Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa has a long and proud history as one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. The rejuvenated waterfront is home to an outstanding maritime museum and aquarium. The city has Europe’s second largest medieval quarter with superb examples of gothic architecture, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Optional excursions: Genoa city tour; Portofino.
Day 4 – Thursday: At sea.
Day 5 – Friday: Katakolon, Greece 12.00 to 18.00 Olympia was a sacred sanctuary built for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus during which all hostilities ceased in the name of athletic competition. Much was destroyed when the games were outlawed as a pagan festival in 393 AD, but visitors can still see the Temple of Zeus and the stadium. Optional excursions: Olympia.
Day 6 – Saturday: Santorini, Greece
09.00 to 13:30 The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafés and glittering boutiques clinging to steep cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule. Optional excursions: Thira & Oia Village.
Day 7 – Sunday: Istanbul, Turkey
11:30 to 21:00 Istanbul with its blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world such as Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace with its treasures of the Ottoman Empire. Optional excursions: City tour.
Day 8 – Monday: Mykonos,Greece
17:00 to 23:00 Beneath its sophisticated surface, lies a quiet essentially Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Optional excursions: Delos Apollo Sanctuary; Mykonos Beach Tour; Mykonos Island Tour.
Day 9 – Tuesday: Piraeus - Athens 07:00 to 13:30 Capital of Greece, cradle of democracy, birthplace of Western Civilization, Athens is a vibrant city where old and new coexist. The majestic Parthenon rises above the city, its ancient glory still visible in the time–worn stone. Optional excursions: Athens & the Acropolis.
Day 9 – Tuesday: Corinth CanalThe spectacular Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The Corinth Canal, though only completed in the late 19th century, was an idea and dream that dates back over 2,000 years. Length: 6,343 metres (3.94 miles), Width 24.60 metres.
Day 10 – Wednesday: Messina, Sicily
13.30 to 19.00 This small town is one of the most popular Mediterranean sunspots. It is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character. From Messina you can take an optional tour to Taormina, a beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna. Optional excursions: Taormina; Mount Etna.
Day 11 – Thursday: Ajaccio, Corsica
18.00 to 23.00 From the red–hued cliffs, lapped by crystal clear sea at Piana, to the white sand beaches backed by lush green maquis of the Ajaccio Gulf, this rugged coastline, sculptured by wind and sea, offers some of the best scenery in Corsica.
Day 12 – Friday: Marseilles, France
AM: Disembark the Coral late morning and transfer to our hotel in Marseilles for an overnight stay. Evening free in the city.
Day 13 – Saturday: Marseilles – London
Mid-morning transfer to the station to join the TGV to Lille and Eurostar to St Pancras International.

INCLUDED: Escorted from London • Return Eurostar & TGV rail travel from London St Pancras to Marseilles • 1 night hotel B&B in Paris outbound • All transfers abroad • 10–night cruise sharing a twin or double standard inside stateroom • All meals on board (breakfast, lunch & dinner each Day)
• Entertainment on board • Port charges • 1 night hotel B&B in Marseilles
NOT INCLUDED: Local travel to/from St Pancras International • Porterage Services • Optional Excursions • Gratuities aboard the Louis Coral • Travel Insurance • Tips/Gratuities: 8 euros per person per day will be added to your onboard account to cover gratuities. You may alter the debit and pay gratuities at will, if preferred.
Deposit: £200pp.

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