Families heading on a Mediterranean cruise this summer will soon be able to explore Greece and Italy in new ways thanks to a major shore excursion expansion from Marella Cruises.
The cruise line has unveiled nine new excursions for summer 2026 aboard Marella Discovery 2, with experiences ranging from foodie walking tours in Athens to scenic Amalfi Coast adventures and off-road 4×4 trips through Sardinia.
The new excursions will be available on sailings from Palma and are designed to help cruisers experience destinations in a more immersive and flexible way, whether that’s tasting traditional Greek dishes, exploring ancient ruins or discovering hidden coastal villages.
– Discover Marella’s Eastern Mediterranean cruises –
Athens
New family-friendly food tours in Athens
One of the standout new additions is “A Taste of Athens”, a relaxed walking-and-tasting tour through the Greek capital that combines sightseeing with local food experiences.
After travelling from Piraeus by panoramic coach tour, guests will head into the heart of Athens to explore the cobbled streets and colourful buildings of Plaka – one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Along the way, families can try traditional Greek favourites, including savoury pies, honey-drizzled loukoumades, Greek coffee, loukoumi sweets, and freshly made souvlaki.
There’s also free time built into the excursion for shopping, relaxing or simply soaking up the atmosphere before returning to the ship. Prices start from £64 per adult and £34 per child.
Families looking for a more history-focused day in Athens can also book the new “Athens & Acropolis – Small Groups by Minibus” experience. This guided tour includes sights such as Syntagma Square, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis itself, where guests can visit landmarks including the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike.
– Find out more about Marella’s Greek cruises –
Combine sightseeing with local food experiences
Explore Sardinia by tuk-tuk and 4×4
Sardinia also features heavily in the new programme, with several new excursions launching from Olbia.
“The Essence of Olbia by Tuk Tuk” gives guests the chance to tour the city in an authentic tuk-tuk, taking in historic landmarks including the Basilica of San Simplicio and Church of San Paolo before stopping at Parco Fausto Noce. Prices start from £68 for adults and children.
For more adventurous families, the new “Peaks & Shores 4×4 Experience” explores Sardinia’s rugged landscapes by off-road vehicle. Highlights include panoramic views over the Gulf of Olbia, visits to traditional villages and a tasting session featuring local cheeses, cured meats and Sardinian wine. The excursion also includes free time at Liscia Ruja beach for swimming and relaxing.
Another option is “Panoramic La Maddalena”, which takes guests to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park — famous for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. The excursion includes a ferry crossing, scenic island tour and free time to wander through the colourful harbour town.
– Find out more about Marella’s Italy cruises –
Amalfi
Amalfi Coast and Pompeii tours added
In Italy, the cruise line is also introducing new excursions designed to make exploring the Amalfi Coast easier for cruise passengers.
The “Pompeii, Ravello & Amalfi – Scenic Minivan Tour” combines three of southern Italy’s biggest highlights in one day. Guests will first visit Pompeii to explore the ancient ruins destroyed by Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago before continuing to the clifftop town of Ravello and finally Amalfi itself.
The small-group excursion includes free time in each destination and aims to offer a more relaxed way to see the region’s famous sights. Prices start from £144 per adult and £104 per child.
History lovers can also choose the new “Pompeii Up Close – Secrets of an Ancient World” excursion, which offers a guided tour of the archaeological site with an expert guide explaining daily life in Roman times before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.
– Bag the best Marella cruise deals here –
Amalfi Coast
New excursions in Kefalonia
The Greek island of Kefalonia also features in the expansion, with two new tours departing from Argostoli.
“Assos Charm & Sami Flavour” includes a scenic drive through the island to the village of Assos, where guests can wander pastel-coloured streets and relax by the waterfront before heading to Sami for an ouzo and meze tasting.
Meanwhile, “Legends & Landscapes of Kefalonia” focuses on the island’s mythology and scenery, including a visit to the Odysseus Theme Park, the harbour village of Agia Efimia and viewpoints overlooking Myrtos Beach.
– Discover Marella’s top western Mediterranean cruises –
Kefalonia
How to book the new Marella Cruises excursions
The new excursions are available to book onboard through the Destination Services desk or before departure through Cruise Control.
Chris Hackney, CEO at Marella Cruises, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to help our customers experience destinations more meaningfully. By expanding our Mediterranean excursion programme, we’re offering even more opportunities to explore iconic locations across Greece and Italy through unique, immersive experiences – from discovering Athens through its flavours to taking in Sardinia by tuk tuk.
“With Marella Discovery 2’s sailings from Palma this summer, these new excursions are designed to give customers greater choice and unforgettable moments ashore, all while enjoying the ease and value of our all-inclusive fly-cruise holidays.”
– Find out more about Marella Cruises’ family holidays –
Make It Happen
Cruise to book: Treasures of the Mediterranean with Marella Cruises
Duration: 7 nights
Where: Palma, Majorca | Naples, Italy | Piraeus (for Athens), Greece | Argostoli, Kefalonia | Olbia, Sardinia | Palma, Majorca
Ship: Marella Discovery 2
Price: From £1,498 pp including flights at the time of writing.
– READ MORE: TUI kids’ clubs guide: Best family holiday deals for summer 2026 –
