Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Eastern Mediterranean Cruise | Group cruise for solo travelers

What to expect

Your Ship

Your Ship

Enjoy the spa, casino, mini golf green & gelato parlour

Nine bars & restaurants

Nine bars & restaurants

Speciality restaurants, fine dining & themed bars

Destination Highlights

Destination Highlights

Explore the beautiful towns of the Ionian Islands

All-inclusive Package

All-inclusive Package

All-inclusive drink & food package included

About this trip...

Set sail on an unforgettable 7-night fly-cruise aboard the stylish Marella Discovery 2, departing from the walled medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Ionian Shores itinerary crafts a perfect blend of sun-drenched relaxation and ancient exploration as you voyage across the sapphire waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Highlights of this spectacular sailing include Marella’s maiden calls into Albania and Sicily, opening up pristine, lesser-traveled stretches of the Albanian Riviera alongside classic Mediterranean icons. From wandering idyllic, palm-lined promenades and UNESCO-listed ruins to taking in dramatic mountain-to-sea vistas, each port offers a rich tapestried look at coastal heritage.

*This adults-only cruises only takes bookings for those aged 17 or over, so you’re guaranteed peace and quiet onboard.

THIS CRUISE IS SOLD AS A FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PACKAGE ORIGINATING IN THE UK. 

Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik, Croatia and Transfers
  • Inside Private Cabin
  • All Inclusive Plus including Gratuities
  • Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

What's extra:

  • International Flights not included
  • Reserved Cabins $113
  • Cabin upgrades – prices available on request
  • Shore Excursions
  • Insurance click here

Itinerary

  • Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • At Sea
  • Valletta, Malta
  • Syracuse, Sicily
  • Argostoli, Kefalonia
  • Saranda, Albania
  • Corfu Town, Corfu
  • Dubrovnik

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrival Day - Depart Dubrovnik 8:30PM

Day One: Arrival Day - Depart Dubrovnik 8:30PM

Depart the UK for Dubrovnik, Croatia where you will board Marella Discovery 2 for this fabulous cruise.

  • All Inclusive
Day Two: At Sea

Day Two: At Sea

Sea days are bursting with life—dive into everything from spirited shuffleboard matches and ping-pong tournaments to high-energy fitness classes and lively trivia, or head to the pool deck to soak up the sun alongside high-spirited poolside quizzes and vibrant live music setting the perfect vacation mood.
  • All Inclusive
Day Three: Valletta, Malta 09:00AM-6:00PM

Day Three: Valletta, Malta 09:00AM-6:00PM

As your ship cruises into Valletta, a magical skyline of soaring steeples and bulbous church domes rises to greet you. This is Malta's quintessential capital—a captivating city steeped in centuries of history. Stroll through its vibrant, colourful streets, taking in grand landmarks like the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Parliament Building, and the striking Auberge de Castille.

 

Venture inland to Mdina, the island’s enchanting former capital. Known as the 'Silent City', this impressive walled stronghold drips with Medieval and Baroque elegance. With cars strictly forbidden, the gentle clatter of horse-drawn carriages and soft local chatter are all that break the serene, sleepy calm. To cap off your Maltese escape, glide across the azure waters on a boat trip to the spellbinding Blue Grotto—an awe-inspiring sea cavern plunging 165 feet deep.

  • All Inclusive
Day Four: Syracuse, Sicily 08:00AM - 4:00PM

Day Four: Syracuse, Sicily 08:00AM - 4:00PM

You can expect ancient ruins left, right and centre at the historic port city of Syracuse, on the Ionian coast of Sicily. Highlights include the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which shows off a second-century Roman amphitheatre where gladiators once fought for glory.  

Other must-see parts of Syracuse include labyrinth-like Ortigia Island, Syracuse's historic center that's reached via footbridges from the mainland. And in between sightseeing, soak up those all-important Mediterranean vibes with a pause at a pavement café for a 'caffe affogato' – espresso poured over ice-cream.
  • All Inclusive

Day Five: Argostoli, Kefalonia 11:00AM - 7:00PM

Day Five: Argostoli, Kefalonia 11:00AM - 7:00PM

It’s no wonder the makers of Hollywood blockbuster Captain Corelli’s Mandolin chose Kefalonia as one of the film’s backdrops. The island is all tree-studded hills, which look out over pale beaches, which roll into perfectly-blue waters. There’s a mix of village life inland. Skala, for example, is popular with travelers and is kept lively with late-night bars. Lourdas, on the other hand, revolves around a sleepy main square.

Choose how you want to spend your day! A visit to the breathtaking Drogarati Caves is an absolute must. Estimated to be over 150 million years old, this subterranean marvel features a dramatic subterranean maze of stalagmites and stalactites, with natural acoustics so extraordinary that live music concerts are held within its chambers. Culture seekers can explore the lovingly restored Monastery of St Andreas to admire stunning 16th-century frescoes—brilliantly unveiled when a powerful earthquake in 1953 shattered the church's plastered walls. If you are visiting between July and October, take a stroll along Argostoli’s golden beaches for a magical chance to spot nesting sea turtles taking their very first steps into the Aegean.
 
  • All Inclusive
Day Six: Saranda, Albania 08:00AM - 6:00PM

Day Six: Saranda, Albania 08:00AM - 6:00PM

Settled on the edge of the Albanian Riviera, Saranda’s sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and a hilly landscape carpeted in olive groves. The town sits in a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged with marshmallow-white beaches. History’s a big hook here – there are the ruins of a 5th-century synagogue in the centre and a 16th-century castle overlooking the town.

What does the day have in store for you? Take a relaxed stroll along the bustling beachside promenade, where towering palm trees shade traditional ice-cream carts, vibrant pop-up bars, and a fantastic array of local seafood restaurants. High above the town, the semi-ruined Lekuresi Castle looms on the horizon—a former citadel that rewards the steep climb with spectacular panoramic views stretching across to Corfu and the Greek border. For a true taste of rural Albania, venture into the captivating wilderness of Butrint National Park, where rolling hills give way to a stunning patchwork of freshwater lakes, wetlands, open plains, and coastal reed beds.
 
  • All Inclusive
Day Seven: Corfu Town, Corfu 08:00AM -3:00PM

Day Seven: Corfu Town, Corfu 08:00AM -3:00PM

Awash with colorful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and beautiful villages will have you constantly reaching for your camera.


What's on the agenda? Soak up breath-taking views from Bella Vista, Corfu’s most famous lookout point, where you can gaze down across the sleepy seaside village of Paleokastritsa and the island’s sweeping west coast. In vibrant Corfu Town, wander beneath the shadow of two imposing Venetian fortresses, admire the 16th-century Church of Saint Spyridon, or explore the fascinating treasures inside the archaeological museum. To unwind, head to the shimmering golden sands of Glyfada Beach—one of the island’s finest spots to soak up the Mediterranean sun, cool off in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax to the sound of the waves.

  • All Inclusive

 

Day Eight: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Arrive 04:00

Day Eight: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Arrive 04:00

Arriving back into Dubrovnik this morning, you can enjoy a leisurely morning on board until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.  

  • All Inclusive

Accommodations

Marella Discovery 2

Marella Discovery 2 is the sister ship to Marella Discovery, which means it shares most of the same top-notch facilities. These include an outdoor cinema, a rock climbing wall and a minigolf course. Not to mention the two pools – one indoor and one outdoor – plus eight restaurants, 7 bars and a spa. And to top the lot, there are Broadway-style performances are on every night in the show lounge.

Cabin Facilities include: Air conditioning,Ensuite bathroom with shower, Porthole or picture window (Outside Cabin), Flatscreen TV, Hairdryer, Safe, Tea and coffee making facilities,Twin beds (convertible into queen-size), Wardrobe space

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info
Sep 2 2027 Sep 9 2027 7
$3449
 

Essential Information

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes. You’ll need your passport for all of our cruises. Without it, you won’t be able to board the ship.
What adaptors should I bring for cabin sockets?
You can use either a European or a US 2-pin adaptor in the cabins.
What is a tender port?
It’s not always possible to tie a ship up at a dock. If this is the case, the ship will anchor a little way out from the shore, and use tender boats to get you to and from the ship. Tender ports are indicated in the itinerary where possible. You’ll still get plenty of time in the port, plus you can use the tender services to go back and forth from the ship as much as you like. Guests with disabilities or mobility issues will need to have some independent mobility to step in and out of the tender boat as our crew aren’t allowed to lift you.
Do you cater for disabilities?
Ask for for advice on things like ship accessibility, bringing equipment onboard, disabled facilities, and medical care. Marella has also teamed up with AccessAble, who have created detailed access guides for each ship. Visit their website to find out more. All Marella ships also have a small number of adapted cabins for less mobile passengers. Just remember to make sure one is definitely available before you book. Making sure your wellbeing is looked after at all times while you’re onboard is really important. That’s why if you need help with daily tasks, like using the bathroom, eating, or moving around the ship, you’ll need to travel with a companion or a personal assistant who can help you. Unfortunately, the crew aren’t able to help with these kinds of responsibilities.
What sort of medical facilities can I expect?
Each ship has a medical centre and there are English-speaking doctors and nurses on board who keep surgery hours. For emergencies, there’s always someone on call. If you need to pay for a medical procedure, the first £200 of your bill will be payable to the medical provider onboard.
Can I smoke onboard?
All ships are non-smoking, which means you can only smoke in designated areas of the open deck. The same goes for e-cigarettes. Please note, e-cigarettes are banned in certain countries and will be confiscated at the airport. Make sure to check the Foreign Office website for the latest updates.
What is my baggage allowance?
The baggage allowance is 20kgs.
How do I pay for things onboard?
All Marella ships have a cash-free system. Everything is priced in sterling and is charged to your cabin account. At the end of your cruise, you can settle it in cash, or by credit or debit card. If you decide to settle your bill in cash, you will be asked for up to £200 deposit per cabin per week.
How much can I expect to pay for a drink onboard?
As Marella ships are all inclusive as standard, so selected draught beer and cider, wines by the glass, branded spirits and aperitifs, and a range of cocktails and soft drinks by the glass are all included in the price of your cruise. Solos guests have been upgraded to the Premium All Inclusive drinks package for an extra range of drinks, which are normally chargeable. These include upgraded cocktails, premium spirits, Lavazza coffee, soft drink cans and a 1.5 litre bottle of water per cabin, per day.
Is Wi-Fi available?
There are designated Wi-Fi zones onboard. Internet access is charged to your cabin account at the rate advertised onboard. Mobiles can be used – so make sure to check with your provider for charges in each country and in international waters, which applies when the ship's at sea. There are telephones in each cabin too, so it’s easy to stay in touch with people back home.
What should I pack?
Packing for a cruise is just like packing for any other holiday, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Hairdryers and all towels – including pool towels – are provided. And don’t panic if you forget any essentials as our onboard shops stock things like toothpaste and other toiletries. Other than that, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket with you, as there’s often a strong sea breeze. 
 
Our dress code policy’s easily broken down into Beachwear, Casual and Smart. The first is a ‘come as you are’ affair, so bikinis and trunks get the thumbs up, plus we ask that you wear something on your feet for safety reasons. Meanwhile, Casual speaks for itself – we’re talking tops and shorts or a sundress. Then you’ve got Smart, which is when you’ll need to dress up a bit. Put your sports or swimwear away, and opt for trousers, smart tailored shorts or a skirt or dress, a shirt or polo shirt and smart shoes, so no trainers or flip flops. If you want to add a jacket or tie, that’s up to you. But our gala evenings, formal nights and dress to impress nights give you the chance to get really suited and booted. 
 
Each of our restaurants has a dress code, and this can differ depending on the time of day, but we’ll always let you know. Finally, think about what’s suitable to wear on excursions. Some churches, for example, ask for legs and shoulders to be covered. Islamic countries have strict laws on dress, and in certain areas it will be required that you cover your shoulders and knees. 
 
When visiting Mosques or other holy sites, women may be required to cover their hair, arms and legs. Men will be required to wear long trousers and a top with sleeves. 
 
Top tips: • Attach a label to your hold luggage with your contact details on – this will help reunite you with your bag if it gets lost. • Always carry valuables, medication and other essentials in your hand luggage.
What time do I have to check-out of my cabin?
You’ll normally need to leave your cabin by 8am on your last day, but you can still use all the onboard facilities until your transfer arrives. Speak to reception about a courtesy cabin so you can freshen up before you leave. Alternatively, you can organise a late check-out. Again, reception will advise on this.
Do you cater to special diets?
Of course. If you've got any dietary requirements, please make sure you mention it to the restaurant manager know once you're onboard. Marella also provides vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic-friendly options on request.   Take a look at a sample menu to see the kind of dishes on offer.
Can I do my own things in ports?
It’s up to you if you want to explore without the help of a guide. The onboard Destination Services team can give you plenty of tips. Just remember that one of the benefits of the organised excursions is that if the tour is delayed, the ship will wait. If you’re on your own and you’re not back on the ship in time, the ship won't wait for you. Please be aware that any tour that you take which is not booked through Marella will not have been vetted for health & safety and is taken at your own risk
Flights
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
 
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here. to learn more.
WhatsApp Group

Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.

Important Information
It is important to consider whether this trip is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility, and any medical conditions. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments wherever possible. Please tell us about any disability, medical condition, or additional requirements before booking so we can assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs. If you are unsure whether this trip is suitable for you, please contact us before booking. We will be happy to discuss the trip requirements and your individual circumstances.

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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Fantastic time

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos trip and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia

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Highly Recommended

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David

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Brilliant Week!

We laughed until our bellies ached. It was such a brilliant week.
-Janev

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Go for it!

I still get a bit nervous but this will be my third time with Solos and its one of the best decisions I have ever made- everyone is so friendly, just go for it!!
-Jane

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