The Mediterranean in 5 Days: 3 Recommended 5-day Mediterranean Itineraries

Ready to spend 5 days in the Mediterranean but not sure what to expect from the experience? Check out our hand-picked 5-day tours to the Mediterranean below.

Spending 5 days in Sicily is a great way to get a taste of the Mediterranean. Begin in Catania, based at the foot of mighty Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Travel to nearby Syracuse to visit the Archeological Park of Neapolis, a Unesco World Heritage Site and home to some of the finest ancient ruins. Sicily is also famous for its wealth of Baroque architecture. Stop in the towns of Noto and Ragusa Ibla to admire this rich architectural heritage. Spend a half day in Marsala, namesake of the famed Marsala, wine and visit one of the wine cellars and make sure to pop a bottle or two into your suitcase. End in Monreale which is home to an extraordinary Norman cathedral. Famed for its impossibly ornate mosaics, it is one of the most popular attractions in all of Sicily. See all 5-day Italy vacation packages.

Set sail on a cruise in Cannes, home of the iconic Cannes Film Festival. Bask in the old world glamor and elegance of the ship as you sail for Corsica. Admire the rugged landscapes of the interior and the secluded coves and beaches on the coast. Continue to Monaco, consider trying your luck at one of the opulent casinos or just take some time to people-watch. If you thought Monaco was posh, wait until you see San Tropez. The crown jewel of the French Riviera, this town has been a draw for the jet set crowd since Briggite Bardot starred in And God Created Woman in 1956. Wander La Ponche, a charming cobblestone part of town where you can just about grasp the humble fishing village origins of this now world famous destination. This 5-day cruise in the Mediterranean ends in Cannes. See all 5-day Mediterranean cruises.

Perhaps the highlight of any Mediterranean holiday is Greece and the Cyclades. In this itinerary, you can cover Mykonos and Santorini. Begin on the buzzy island of Mykonos which, despite its party reputation, has managed to retain plenty of charm. Mykonos Town has one of the best preserved historic centers in Greece, and you’ll want to check out the whitewashed windmills on the edge of town as well as Paraportiani Church. If you want to party with the stars, consider a big night out at Nammos, the trendiest restaurant and club on the island. If Nammos is a bit out of your budget, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere fun to dance the night away. Set sail for Santorini, arguably the most recognizable and almost certainly the most instagrammable Greek Island. Spend your time exploring the towns of Fira and Oia, where you’ll find lovely boutiques and plenty of charming tavernas. Don’t forget there’s also a volcano, hot springs and options for sunset cruises. See all Greece 5-day holiday packages.

With 5 days in the Mediterranean, you’ll want to maximize your time relaxing and having fun, not negotiating tricky transportation or spending all your time on the road. We recommend sticking to a couple of places within a country to maximize your Mediterranean holiday. If you are looking to visit multiple destinations, you may want to consider a short cruise where you can relax on the ship and spend your time traveling overnight. If you’ve got your heart set on island hopping, local ferries are a great way to visit two or three destinations. Check out some of our self-guided tours in the Mediterranean for an independent adventure. We also have plenty of group tour options in the Mediterranean that you can join.

Those with more time to spare in the Mediterranean should check out our guide on spending 12 days in the Mediterranean and 2 weeks in the Mediterranean.