New cruise itineraries added to portfolio for 2027

Martin Randall Travel has added two new itineraries to its portfolio of expert-led cruises. The cruises offer a memorable way to enjoy culturally-rich itineraries through a unique lens, against a backdrop of beautiful waterways, landscapes and cities, enhanced by expert insight and privileged access. Travelling on board small, exclusively chartered ships, and accompanied by leading historians, archaeologists and art historians, each journey offers an in depth exploration of the history, art and ideas that shaped civilisations.

Itineraries have been designed on a bespoke basis, to destinations including the Rhine, Danube, Douro and Mekong rivers as well as the Dalmatian Coast. New for 2027 is a ‘Sailing the Peloponnese’ cruise on board a four-star super yacht, The Variety Voyager, with a phenomenal journey through Greek history; as well as ‘Sailing the Aegean’, also on board the Variety Voyager, but travelling through the Aegean to Crete, Santorini and Delos.

Sailing the Peloponnese: An immersion into Greek history

This new ten-day cruise itinerary around the Peloponnese offers a superb opportunity to be immersed in the history of some of the greatest sites of Ancient Greece, from Mycenae and Epidauros to Olympia and Delphi. Travelling on board the Variety Voyager, chartered exclusively for Martin Randall guests, with no more than 60 participants, the cruise is accompanied throughout by eminent historians Dr Peter Haarer and Dr Nigel Spivey.  

The itinerary starts in Athens. Here, there is time to visit the Acropolis, and in true Martin Randall style, the Acropolis Museum is opened for a private evening exclusively for the group. The first port of call is Nauplion, first capital of modern Greece and gateway to the Bronze Age strongholds of Tiryns and Mycenae. Passage south continues to Laconia, territory of the ancient Spartans, and Monemvasia, where Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman occupation has left their successive marks. The rugged Mani Peninsula leads onward to Olympia, before travelling on to the great sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, once deemed the navel of the world. The return to Athens is truly memorable – as the ship journeys through the Corinth Canal.

Price includes two nights hotel accommodation in Athens, ship accommodation, most meals including drinks; includes coach travel, lectures by Dr Peter Haarer and Dr Nigel Spivey; local guides; excursions, visits and admission costs; all tips and port taxes. 1-10 September 2027.

Sailing the Aegean – an historic cruise through the islands of the Aegean

Few seas carry more history than the Aegean, which has connected civilizations for over 3,000 years. This exclusive ten-day cruise itinerary brings these ancient sites to life in the company of experts, from Classical Athens and Bronze Age Crete to the sacred islands of the Cyclades. Travelling from the comfort of the Variety Voyager, chartered exclusively for no more than 60 guests, the trip combines archaeological exploration, expert lectures and small group touring. It is accompanied throughout by Professor James Whitley and Dr Christina Hatzimichael-Whitley, both specialists in Classical Greece, offering invaluable knowledge and insights.  

Start with two days exploring the city of Athens taking in the Acropolis and a private evening at the Acropolis Museum before sailing to some of the most significant ancient sites in the Mediterranean over seven nights.  Marvel at the Bronze Age citadels of Mycenae and Tiryns, the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos in Crete, the volcanic ruins of Akrotiri on Santorini and the sacred island of Delos.

Price includes two nights in a five star hotel in Athens, accommodation on board the Variety Voyager, most meals  including drinks, coach travel, lectures by Dr Christina Hatzimichael-Whitley and James Whitley on board the ship and some guiding on site, excursions, visits and admission costs, all tips, city and port taxes, the assistance of experienced Martin Randall Travel staff and a printed booklet with practical details, maps and background information. 13th-22nd October 2027.

Other cruise itineraries within the portfolio in 2026 and 2027 include:

History & Art on the Danube: The cultural and artistic legacy of the Habsburg Empire

 This new 8-day History & Art on the Danube cruise itinerary explores the remarkable shared culture, history and artistic legacy along the Danube – putting the river centre-stage.  Travelling from Budapest to Passau, it traces the legacy of the Habsburg Empire, from the medieval heights of Budapest and the restored charm of Bratislava to the imperial grandeur of Vienna. Explore palaces, churches and museums, reflecting centuries of dynastic ambitions and an array of brilliant artists and intellectuals who helped to reshape the cultural landscape.

Highlights include rare, out-of-hours access to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Upper Belvedere in Vienna and the Matthias Church in Budapest, exploring these world-class collections away from the crowds. The experience is enriched by three distinguished speakers—Gavin Plumley, Veronica Buckley, and Philipp Blom - who offer an in depth insight into the artists, intellectuals and political forces that helped shape modern Central Europe.

Price includes seven nights on MS Amadeus Nova, all meals, wine and beer, transfers, lectures by Gavin Plumley, Veronica Buckley and Dr Phillipp Blom, local guides, excursions, and all tips and taxes. 6th-13th July 2026.

Cruising the Douro : Quintas, private gardens and port tastings

This exclusive river cruise on board MS Estrela journeys through the unspoilt beauty of the Douro Valley, focusing on the history, gardens and wine-growing heritage in the region.  Led by garden historian Gerald Luckhurst and Martin Symington—a descendant of the region's pioneering port wine merchants—the cruise balances time on the water with visits to private quinta estates, historic gardens, hilltop towns and medieval castles.

Starting in Porto, cruise down the Douro with stops in Vila Real, Pinhao for a visit to one of the valley’s finest vineyards before crossing the Spanish border into Ciudad Rodrigo for lunch in a Parador castle dating to 1372. Sail on to Regua for a visit to the church of Sao Joao de Tarouca and the little town of Lamego before heading back to Porto bia Porto Antigos and Entre Os Rios. Highlights include an evening of tasting at Graham’s Port Lodge and a visit to the 18th-century Solar de Mateus at Vila Real, the medieval castle of Castelo Rodrigo and Avaro Siza’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Price includes accommodation in a main deck cabin onboard MS Estrela; breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners (of which two are in restaurants ashore) with wine; tastings; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; lectures onboard by two experts and an experienced team of Martin Randall Travel staff.  Cabin upgrade available. 15th-22nd October 2026.

Sailing the Dalmatian Coast  - An exclusive cruise from Split to Dubrovnik

Journey along one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular coastlines from Split to Dubrovnik aboard the private chartered MS Prestige, sailing from Split to Dubrovnik through the islands and historic towns of the Adriatic. Accompanied by expert historians - Dr Zoe Opacic leads the spring departure whilst former resident Dr Mark Thompson offers his valuable insights on the autumn departure – the itinerary explores the region’s Roman, Venetian and Maritime heritage through a series of beautifully preserved coastal settlements.  

This nine-night itinerary begins with two nights in the ancient yet vibrant city of Split with a visit to the vast quadrangular Roman palace built by Emperor Diocletian which now serves as the city’s heart. Discover how Roman architecture and history has evolved into modern-day Mediterranean charm.

Move from land to sea and board the private MS Prestige (fully refurbished in 2025) which makes it way along the Croatian Coast sailing between lush islands and stopping to moor in small towns such as Sibenik. Visit the walled old town of Hvar with its narrow marble streets, Gothic palaces and Franciscan monastery, before a day in Vis, Croatia’s most remote inhabited island. Finish with two nights in Dubrovnik, lauded by George Bernard Shaw as ‘paradise on Earth’. Walk along its fortifications and admire the magnificent views across the rooftops and out across the shimmering Adriatic sea.

Price includes hotel accommodation for two nights in Split followed by seven on the ship; breakfasts; six lunches (on board) and six dinners (four in restaurants ashore) with wine; all admissions and donations; all tips, taxes; the services of the lecturer, tour manager, ship manager and local guides.  2027 Dates: 29th April-8th May and 7th-16th October.