178 FEATURE Thessaloniki, Greece Visitors to Thessaloniki can walk from the port to the city centre to immerse themselves in a rich blend of history and culture by exploring more than 15 Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the centre’s museums. They can also discover the city’s 2,500-year-old history through its monuments, enjoy a taste of Thessaloniki’s renowned gastronomy at local restaurants, and engage with knowledgeable guides during tours to sites like the tomb of Philip II in Vergina and Mount Olympus. Cruise guests can end the day with a leisurely walk back to the port, savouring the blend of Western and Eastern influences. Bodrum, Turkey As Bodrum comes into view, the first sight cruise passengers encounter is the castle, which was built in 1402 by the Knights of St John. They can also see the castle when they go on a seaside walk towards the cobblestone streets of Bodrum, where they are greeted by vibrant colours of traditional crafts and lively street performers. If they venture further inland, they will find streets leading to bustling markets and authentic eateries serving Mediterranean-Aegean cuisine, offering a taste of the city’s culinary heritage. While in Bodrum, travellers can explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. La Goulette, Tunisia Once cruise ships dock at the port of Tunis in La Goulette, passengers can set off and explore the city’s history and culture. They begin their journey by walking through the ancient Medina of Tunis, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where the palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains give a glimpse into this destination, before visitors move on to explore Carthage’s ruins. La Goulette’s local cuisine can be sampled at a bustling souk, where there are plenty of aromatic spices and traditional dishes on offer. Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque cliffside village, is a nice way to end a trip because it offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
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