DAY 1
Lisbon, Portugal
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides.
Arrive: 16/10/2023- Depart: 16/10/2023
DAY 3
Cadiz, Spain
Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.
Arrive: 18/10/2023- Depart: 19/10/2023
DAY 6
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out. It represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia’s history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it.
Arrive: 21/10/2023- Depart: 21/10/2023
DAY 8
Cagliari, Italy
Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island’s capital has steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture, from modern to medieval. This city of nearly 160,000 people is characterised by a busy commercial centre and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel (called, simply, “Castello”). The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The imposing Bastione di Saint Remy and Mercato di San Benedetto (one of the best fish markets in Italy) are both musts.
Arrive: 23/10/2023- Depart: 23/10/2023
DAY 9
Palermo, Italy
Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilisation. Favourably situated on a crescent-shaped bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted almost every culture touching the Mediterranean world. To Palermo’s credit, it has absorbed these diverse cultures into a unique personality that is at once Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. The city’s heritage encompasses all of Sicily’s varied ages, but its distinctive aspect is its Arab-Norman identity, an improbable marriage that, mixed in with Byzantine and Jewish elements, created some resplendent works of art. No less noteworthy than the architecture is Palermo’s chaotic vitality, on display at some of Italy’s most vibrant outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, and above all in its grand climax of Italy’s most spectacular passeggiata (the leisurely social stroll along the principal thoroughfare).
Arrive: 24/10/2023- Depart: 25/10/2023
DAY 11
Siracuse, Italy
Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilisation, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendour and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilisation. The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans. Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that’s the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city’s entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges.
Arrive: 26/10/2023- Depart: 26/10/2023
DAY 12
Valletta, Malta
Malta’s capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-colour limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta’s compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot.
Arrive: 27/10/2023- Depart: 27/10/2023
DAY 13
Trapani, Italy
Trapani, the most important town on Sicily’s west coast, lies below the headland of Mount Erice and offers stunning views of the Egadi Islands on a clear day. Trapani’s Old District occupies a scimitar-shaped promontory between the open sea on the north and the salt marshes to the south. The ancient industry of extracting salt from the marshes has recently been revived, and it is documented in the Museo delle Saline. In addition to the salt marshes,Trapani’s other interesting environs include the beautiful little hill town of Erice, the promontory of Capo San Vito stretching north beyond the splendid headland of Monte Cofano, the lovely island of Motya and the town of Marsala. Trips farther afield will take you to the magnificent site of Segesta or the Egadi Islands, reached by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.
Arrive: 28/10/2023- Depart: 28/10/2023
DAY 14
La Goulette, Tunisia
Historically La Goulette has been an important port city for the region, serving as a strategic point for trade and commerce in the Mediterranean. Today, it remains an important hub for shipping and fishing industries, as well as a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque waterfront and sandy beaches. La Goulette also has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of French, Tunisian and Jewish influences, visible in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. Visitors can explore the old town, visit historic landmarks such as the Kasbah, or take a boat ride along the Gulf of Tunis for stunning views of the coastline.
Arrive: 29/10/2023- Depart: 29/10/2023
DAY 16
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palma capital of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands is a lively cosmopolitan city in true Spanish tradition its centre forming a bustling maze of shopping centres narrow lanes and restored buildings surrounded by ruined ancient city walls and modern boulevards. Despite the invasion of foreign tourists Palma has kept its local flavour particularly in its old quarter which is still lined by cafés and tapas bars. Palma de Mallorca’s key activities centre around its nightlife and the town is well known for its foam parties discos bars and nightclubs. In fact some of Spain’s biggest nightclubs are in Palma de Mallorca and the city is a great destination for those seeking a party. It is also a good shopping destination and shoppers will particularly enjoy exploring the streets of the old town.Of course the city also has some interesting sightseeing attractions including the beautiful La Seo Cathedral the fortress of Palau de l’Almudaina the unusual Castell de Bellver and some good museums.
Arrive: 31/10/2023- Depart: 31/10/2023
DAY 17
Cartagena, Spain
A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena’s historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance.
Arrive: 01/11/2023- Depart: 01/11/2023
DAY 18
Malaga, Spain
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets – the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia’s enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.
Arrive: 02/11/2023- Depart: 02/11/2023
DAY 19
Tangier, Morocco
Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.
Arrive: 03/11/2023- Depart: 03/11/2023
DAY 20
Casablanca, Morocco
The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.
Arrive: 04/11/2023- Depart: 04/11/2023
DAY 21
Gibraltar, Spain
Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops.
Arrive: 05/11/2023- Depart: 05/11/2023
DAY 23
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has somewhat rediscovered itself in recent years, reclaiming its rightful place as the ‘golden city’ of southern Europe. Much of this is due to the officials of Lisbon having elected to rejuvenate the city during the 1990s. This ongoing focus on the future has meant making the most of the attractions, both old and new. One day can span centuries as visitors move between the picturesque medieval section of the Alfama district and historic São Jorge castle to being amazed by the spectacle of the futuristic Oceanarium of Lisboa. Infrastructure has also been improved, with additions like the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge across the River Tagus, which links the city’s airport to a network of national motorways and has facilitated access to other parts of Portugal. If tourists really want to see the city in style, they must be sure not to miss a ride on the famous Tram 28, which winds its way through the oldest parts of the city and gives visitors a feel of the history and rich culture Lisbon has to offer.
Arrive: 07/11/2023- Depart: 07/11/2023
