This Luxury Expedition Is A Perfect Way To Explore The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean has no shortage of spectacular ways to explore—from coastal hideaways to private yachts—but few nail the kind of intimacy and expedition-style luxury quite like Atlas Ocean Voyages . Sailing on its World Traveller from legendary Monte Carlo through Sicily, Tunisia, Malta and Greece, this 11-night voyage slips into charming smaller ports with eye-popping shorelines, carrying just 200 guests. And while this rugged beaut is built for adventure, it perfectly captures the oh-so-romantic golden age of cruising with coastal-inspired interiors, blissful wellness spaces, faceplant-worthy dining and one jaw-dropping European setting after another.

Classical character—with boatloads of fresh style.Channeling the elegance of vintage yachts with a touch of Italian flair, the ship wows with maritime romance and floor-to-ceiling windows framing endless Mediterranean views. Warm woods, blue-and-white accents, gleaming golden details, custom furnishings and polished chrome give the lounges the perfect nautical vibe. Grab your go-to drink beneath The Dome's soaring glass canopy as the coastline drifts past; snag a quiet spot in the Atlas Lounge surrounded by huge picture windows (hello, blue waters everywhere!); or head aft to the Zephyr Lounge for a sunset aperitivo. Outside, the sparkling pool and inviting hot tub are lined with loungers on spacious teak decks to savor wide-open views of the wake and coastline.

And the staterooms? Traditional cruise design done just right.The walls literally gleam with high-polished wood paneling, complemented by regal blues, reds and neutral hues. Expect plush cotton linens and marble bathrooms with spa-like showers (read: oodles of massage jets!). Splurge on a Veranda Suite and your outdoor perch becomes the idyllic spot for morning coffees, golden-hour cocktails, and front-row Mediterranean gazing. And with 24-hour room service, stocked minibars, Nespresso machines, and surprisingly generous living space, it's easy to anchor yourself here between adventures. When you're ready to venture out, there's a top-deck running track, fully equipped fitness studio and L'OCCITANE spa with a sauna that puts the views front and center. Add a whirlpool soak or an afternoon stretched across the sun deck, and you've got your entire sea day nailed.

Dive into an Epicurean Expedition.Trust, foodies are in for a treat, from guest chef culinary presentations to visiting vintner wine tastings. Plus, Lisboa serves up seriously good eats—lavish buffet breakfasts, lunches and à la carte dinners with menus that change with the destination. Paula's Pantry is stocked with scrumptious pastries from decadent mudslide brownies and homemade cookies (so delish!) to savory quiches, avocado sandwiches and light bites to devour all-day. Come evening, grab a table at 7AFT Grill, where oven-fired pizzas, flavorful steaks and seafood are served beneath the open sky. Toss in thoughtfully selected wines, attentive service and a different coastal backdrop nearly every night, and dinner is its own crave-worthy highlight.

Dreamiest coastal destinations? Yes, please!Starting in the French Riviera, check into La Réserve de Beaulieu , a pink Belle Époque petite-palace perched smack on the Côte d'Azur. Boasting 39 ultra-chic rooms, a paradisiacal floral garden, Michelin-starred dining, private marina and stunning seawater pool backdropped by the majestic Maritime Alps—it's just a short jaunt from glamorous Monte Carlo, where the cruise sets sail. Then it's on to Sicily, where you can wander Trapani's picturesque old town with its honey-hued architecture and stone-walled promenade overlooking the turquoise shores.

In Tunisia, ogle Sidi Bou Said's whitewashed lanes and cobalt-blue doors before savoring Art Café's rooftop espresso with shimmering Gulf of Tunis vistas. In Valletta, hop a traditional Maltese wooden water taxi to explore the immaculately preserved Three Cities. Follow with Greece's fairytale trio—Nafplion, Crete and Milos—for an irresistible mix of azure waters, ancient history, waterfront cafés and postcard-worthy harbors. By the time World Traveller glides into Athens, you'll likely be planning your next expedition .

This article was originally published on Forbes.com