SAMPLE ITINERARY

There is a wide choice of Mediterranean cruises – this is one sample itinerary, so ask us for advice on the right cruise itinerary for you. All pre- and post-cruise arrangements can be tailor-made to your needs.

Day 1: Fly to Barcelona

Today fly from London to Barcelona, the colourful capital of Catalonia and the most visited city in Spain.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Barcelona

At leisure to explore this wonderful city, with its famously unfinished Sagrada Família cathedral and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí.

The tree-lined La Rambla pedestrianised precinct in the heart of the city is a good place to start, with its many kiosks and street performers. La Boqueria Market is located here and certainly worth a visit. Be sure to wander through the medieval Gothic Quarter, and ride the cable car to the top of Montjuïc Hill for wonderful views.

Culture vultures will be spoilt for choice. The Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró museums feature modern art by their namesakes, while the Museum of History (MUHBA) conserves several Roman archaeological sites. You can also visit the Palace of Catalan Music.

This city is renowned for its architecture, and Gaudí lovers can admire modern masterpieces such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, as well as explore Parc Güell on Carmel Hill, one of the largest green spaces in the city, with many of his works on display.

This warm Mediterranean city also has seven sun-drenched beaches, wonderful tapas and superb wines to enjoy.

Day 3: Embark on Cruise

This afternoon embark on your cruise around the Western Mediterranean. After settling into your cabin, explore your ship which has many superb facilities including swimming pools, poolside movies, wellness spa and fitness centre.

You can watch Broadway shows, enjoy cocktails in one of the bars, or dance the night away. Dining is also an outstanding culinary experience!

Day 4: Sete, France

We dock early today in the unpretentious port of Sete in the Occitanie region of France. Here you can stroll through the harbour and the Old Town, which has a system of canals that criss-cross it.

If you are feeling active, you can hike to the view point at Mont Saint-Clair. Alternatively simply relax along the shore and enjoy a lunch of oysters freshly harvested from nearby Thau Lagoon. You'll find shops, kiosks and museums on the quays jutting out into the water.

Day 5: Provence, France

Today we spend the full day in Toulon, situated in Provence on the French Riviera - although Toulon is more about small town charm and natural beauty, than glitz and glamour.

The city has a huge natural harbour, dominated by towering Mont Faron. If you take the six-minute cable car ride to the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the city below.

Toulon's street markets are the best place to discover the local delicacies. Cours Lafayette is a lengthy pedestrian street that stretches down to the harbour, where you can take in the smells of oregano, thyme and freshly baked pastries. You can pick up ingredients here for a simple picnic lunch of fresh figs, local olives and goat’s cheese, and try ‘socca’ - a wood-fired chickpea pancake with olive oil and sea salt, best with a glass of crisp white wine.

You can explore the city's naval heritage at the Marine Museum, as Toulon has been the base for the French Navy for over 500 years. You can also take a boat tour of Rade de Toulon, the city's military harbour.

Boules is extremely popular in Toulon, so you’ll see people playing this game on courts around the city.

Day 6: Ajaccio, Corsica

Ajaccio is located on the French island of Corsica, off the southern French coast. It is rich in history and wonderful views, all set in the sun-drenched Mediterranean climate.

Hop on Le Petit Train ('the little train') for a tour of the town. Napoleon is Corsica's most famous son, so when you're strolling through the streets make sure to visit the Maison Bonaparte, his family home that is now a museum. Also visit the beautiful Baroque-style Notre Dame Cathedral, where Napoleon was baptised. Here you will find important artwork by Tintoretto and Delacroix.

For a taste of nature, head out to the Calanques de Piana, a range of dramatic red rock cliffs. Scandola Nature Reserve has stunning rock formations, caves and wildlife, including eagles.

Day 7: Sardinia, Italy

We spend today in Cagliari, the capital of the Italian island of Sardinia known for its hilltop Castello, a medieval walled quarter situated high over the rest of the town with panoramic views over the Gulf of Angels (Golfo degli Angeli).

Architectural highlights of the town include the 13th century Cagliari Cathedral with its lavish interior, the Bastion of Saint Remy with its limestone arch, pillars and breathtaking terrace, and the Tower of the Elephant (Torre dell'Elefante), a medieval tower with a 360-degree view of the city. The Archaeological Museum is housed in a former arsenal and displays bronze objects, Roman ceramics and artifacts ranging from the Nuragic age to the Byzantine era.

You can walk along Poetto beach, with its soft sand and clear water and shop for local crafts, from colourful embroidered silk to filigree gold and silver, hand-painted ceramics and traditional wooden masks. The marina is where you'll find most of Cagliari's shops and boutiques. You can also visit Molentargius-Saline Nature Park, an urban wetland that is home to flamingos and other birdlife.

Sardinian cuisine is delicious and differs from mainland Italy. Try thin, crisp ‘carasau’ bread, saffron-spiced ‘malloreddus’ gnocchi, seafood stew packed with clams, lobster and squid, and ‘pasta alla trabaccolara’ made with white fish, herbs and lots of garlic. Also try ‘pabassinas’, a small pastry made with walnuts, almonds, raisins, orange zest and cinnamon.

Day 8: Palma de Mallorca, Balearics

The Spanish island of Mallorca has towering mountains and dramatic cliffs, rising over a clear blue sea. Palma de Mallorca is the island's historic capital, with narrow cobbled streets, stout city walls and grand courtyards. It offers plenty of interest with relics and buildings from the Roman, Byzantine, Moorish and Spanish occupations.

In the Old Town you can visit Palma Cathedral (also known as La Seu), which is one of the finest Gothic churches in Spain, with a modern altar canopy designed by Gaudi. The adjacent Cathedral Museum has some interesting medieval paintings and holy relics, and you can see sections of the original Roman city through a glass floor. The imposing Royal Palace of La Almudaina was originally a fortified Moorish Palace (alcázar) and you can see the 10th century Arab Baths. The Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is housed in an 18th century building, whilst the Casal Solleric palace and courtyard hosts interesting exhibitions, which change regularly. Palau March Museum has a small but good collection of contemporary sculptures, including works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Rodin. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape.

You can stroll along the seafront with its tree-lined promenade and marina, shop for leather goods and pearls, and browse in San Juan local produce market. Palma's premier shopping is found in the Passeig de Born neighbourhood, where you can shop for upscale brands such as Mulberry and Zara. Then head to Jaume III and Sant Miquel streets for boutiques specialising in fine local goods. Alternatively hire bikes and pedal east to Palma Beach to soak up the sun. Palma has a vibrant culture with festivals, concerts, literary competitions, exhibitions, recitals and theatre performances held throughout the year.

Day 9: Cartagena, Spain

We dock this morning in Cartagena, an ancient Mediterranean port on Spain's southeast coast. Originally governed by the Carthaginians and subsequently by the Romans, Arabs and Castilians, here you can visit a 2,000 year old Roman Theatre, where you'll find an ancient altar to Jupiter and a statue of Apollo, and visit the attached museum.

Stroll along the blue marble tiled pedestrianised Calle Mayor and take in the late 19th century modernist architecture of the historic centre. This includes the home of Cervantes, the Casino, the Gran Hotel and the railway station.

You can walk uphill to Concepcion Castle, or catch the lift from Calle Gisbert for panoramic views. You can also drive 30 minutes to Bateria de Castillitos, a medieval-style military battery situated in the mountains. Also be sure to try ‘asiatico’, a local Cartagenian coffee that includes condensed milk, brandy, liqueur 43, cinnamon and lemon zest.

Day 10: Valencia

Valancia is the third largest city in Spain and offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to lovely beaches. Shop for handmade fans, embroidered silk shawls and Lladro porcelain, and enjoy people watching in Plaza de la Reina or Plaza del Virgen, whilst sipping ‘horchata’, a classic Valencia drink made from tiger nuts with cinnamon and spices.

Central Market is the place to go to sample Valencia's seasonal produce, such as artichokes and pears. You'll find plenty of tapas, but you can't leave Valencia without enjoying paella. This classic Spanish dish has its roots in this seaside city, where it's usually served up with rabbit, chicken, asparagus and local snails. You can also take a picnic lunch to quiet Turia Gardens.

Architecture lovers will fall in love with the Old Town, with its winding lanes filled with a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture. You can admire the 15th century Renaissance paintings in the 13th century Valencia Cathedral and climb the 207 steps of the bell tower for stunning views over the city and the sea.

Alternatively soak up the sun at Malvarrosa beach along the urban seafront, or head to El Saler for a more remote experience, surrounded by white sand dunes and pine trees.

Day 11: Disembark in Barcelona & fly home

Disembark early this morning in Barcelona and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing an en-suite cabin on a full board basis (bed & breakfast in Barcelona). Economy flights from London are included, with regional departures on request.

Please note that onboard payments on many cruises will be taken in US dollars or Euros, and all cruises and cabin classes are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.

We offer a wide choice of cruises at different prices - with different ships, durations and itineraries - so do call us to discuss your requirements.