Accessible Mediterranean Cruises

The Mediterranean is one of the most popular cruise destinations for UK holidaymakers thanks to its accessibility and wealth of fantastic ports of call.

From sun-kissed beaches and historic cities, to first-rate shopping and elegant cuisine, the Med offers a pleasant climate, exciting excursions and fantastic attractions for all to enjoy.

Choose a Western Mediterranean cruise to experience the unique Catalan culture of Barcelona, the Balearics’ unbeatable beaches, the chic boutiques of the French Riviera, and the famous ruins of Rome. Or head east to marvel at the timeless beauty of Venice, the russet roofs of Dubrovnik, the stunning monuments of ancient Athens, the idyllic Greek Islands, and so much more.

The Med’s close proximity to the UK makes it an ideal choice for holidaymakers looking for a convenient cruise option that doesn’t require flights. Multiple cruises sail from Southampton, while there are plenty of options for fly cruises leaving from Barcelona, Rome and Malta, among others, for those wanting a shorter or Eastern Med-only cruise.

Types of Mediterranean Cruise

Best Time to Cruise the Mediterranean

Mediterranean Cruise Accessibility Information

Latest availability - call 0161 804 9898

Latest Med cruise special offers - call 0161 804 9898

Filter Cruises:
Rating
Ship
Line

Italy, Spain, France
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (4)
- Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
- Duration: 3 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Costa Mediterranea
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Savona, Italy: Depart 17:00
  One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus. Several cities as well as Savona claim his birth and residency, such as Genoa and Terrarossa di Moconesi. Savona is the most important city on the west coast of Italy, within reach of the seaside resorts of Alassio, Loano and Varazze.
- Barcelona: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 18:00
  Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.
- Marseille, France: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
- Savona, Italy: Arrive 09:00
- 24-Oct-2018 - £More Information
Italy, Spain, France
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (4)
- Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
- Duration: 3 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Costa Mediterranea
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Savona, Italy: Depart 16:30
  One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus. Several cities as well as Savona claim his birth and residency, such as Genoa and Terrarossa di Moconesi. Savona is the most important city on the west coast of Italy, within reach of the seaside resorts of Alassio, Loano and Varazze.
- Barcelona: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 18:00
  Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.
- Marseille, France: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00
- Savona, Italy: Arrive 09:00
- 24-Oct-2018 - £More Information
- 04-Nov-2018 - £More Information
- 15-Nov-2018 - £More Information
Ionian Passage
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (5)
- Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises
- Duration: 8 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Riviera
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Athens (Piraeus): Depart 18:00
  Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple to Poseidon overlooking the sea or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock. Shopping: Take home beautiful glassware and ceramics, unusual jewelry, embroidered pillow covers and throws, stunning icons and artwork. Dining: Indulge in mezes – plates of tempting appetizers like stuffed grape leaves and taramasalata, a delicious caviar spread, soaked up with pita bread and a cold glass of retsina.
- Rhodes: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
  Enjoy a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and savor the charm of this remarkable walled town. Or drive along the scenic coast to Lindos. Enjoy the whitewashed little town and climb to the ancient acropolis, its temples and wonderful views.
- Crete: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 23:00
  Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed, and the Archaeological Museum housing many superb artifacts from the complex. Explore the stunning mountain-fringed Lassithi plateau with its orchards, 7000 windmills and ancient villages. Shopping: Take home fine reproduction Minoan pottery, a traditional Cretan knife, local embroidery, hand-woven rugs, gold and silver jewelry. Dining: Relax over a dish of hearty moussaka or delicious souvlaki in a taverna, washed down with local wine or beer.
- Santorini: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 16:00
  Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira's museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.
- Argostoli (Cephalonia): Arrive 10:00 - Depart 19:00
  This capital of the island of Cephalonia resides in a sheltered bay along Koutavos Lagoon, where you might catch a glimpse of a loggerhead turtle. The stone obelisk of the Drapano Bridge and the Lighthouse of Saint Theodore are two of the island's distinctive landmarks. Discover relics from the Mycenaean, Hellenistic and Roman periods in the city's archaeological museum.
- Kotor: Arrive 12:00 - Depart 23:00
  Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Stroll through the compact old town, admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral consecrated in 1166.
- Dubrovnik: Arrive 07:30 - Depart 17:00
  Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector's palace and the cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians.
- Venice: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
  Savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice's secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Or enjoy the scenic countryside with its stunning Palladian villas.
- Venice: Arrive 08:00
- 24-Oct-2018 - £1194.00More Information
Mediterranean Barcelona
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (4)
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
- Duration: 12 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Jewel of the Seas
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Rome (Civitavecchia): Depart 17:00
  Places cachées, églises baroques opulentes, ruines classiques à chaque détour. Le meilleur de la mode italienne. Multiples galeries d'art, jardins et palais. Si jamais il y avait un endroit où revenir et approfondir, c'est bien Rome.
- Naples: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 18:00
- Sicily (Messina): Arrive 09:00 - Depart 18:00
  Just three miles off the coast of southern Italy's mainland is the port town of Messina on the island of Sicily. This bustling town has a complex history with roots in Greek mythology but, because of an earthquake in the early 1900s, it's a relatively young city architecturally. Since the majority of the city has been rebuilt or refurbished within the last 100 years, you'll find the town has an interesting blend of new architecture and old styles.
- Valletta: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 20:00
  In the middle of the Med and on everyone’s route since ships started to sail these seas, tiny Malta is packed with history. You won’t want to miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, or the Grand Master’s Palace with its frescoes of the Great Siege by the Ottomans.
- Cruising:
- Palma De Mallorca: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 17:00
  The best views are reserved by those who arrive by sea. The circular white battlements of Bellver Castle sit on a hill overlooking the towering gothic cathedral, a wonder that took 400 years to build. Mallorca also leads the way in man-made pearls.
- Barcelona: Arrive 07:00
  Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi. Though his materials were stone and metal, his forms were organic, awash in curves, swirls, and colors. His masterpiece is the amazing Church of the Sagrada Familia, colossal and as yet unfinished, though construction began in 1882. A contemporary contribution to the scene is Ricardo Bofill's post modernist National Theater of Catalonia, an imaginative combination of classical and modern design, with a greenhouse-like lobby.
- Barcelona: Depart 18:00
- Provence(Marseille): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
- Sete: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
- Nice (Villefranche): Arrive 07:00 - Depart 18:00
- Cruising:
- Rome (Civitavecchia): Arrive 05:00
- 24-Oct-2018 - £1045.00More Information
Italian Treasures
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (5)
- Cruise Line: Azamara Club Cruises
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Azamara Journey
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Rome (Civitavecchia): Depart 18:00
  Rome has something special to offer to all visitors, no matter their interests and tastes. Whether you daydream about fighting with gladiators in the Coliseum, debating with togaed senators in the Forum, tossing a coin in a fabled fountain, or being awestruck by the magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Rome seems to live up to its sobriquet – the Eternal City. When you need sustenance, today’s Rome will provide delizioso pasta e vino. Or perhaps you draw strength from a little retail therapy – the Italians are also renowned for their sense of style.
- Olbia: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Olbia has been inhabited since 8th Century B.C, but a recent archaeological discovery of 24 shipwrecks - two of them from the age of Nero, has put Olbia in the recent spotlight. In addition to its desirable location on Costa Smeralda, one of the most stunning stretches of coast on the Mediterranean, Olbia offers history enthusiasts quite a treat. The Carthaginians, the Romans, and the Genoans have all left evidence of their time here.
- Portoferraio, Elba: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 23:00
- Livorno (Florence & Pisa): Arrive 08:00
  Ah, Florence – sublime birthplace of the Renaissance, its historic center full to bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, and museums with such an abundance of riches it could make an art lover weep for joy. The list of illustrious names connected with this city is mind-boggling: Botticelli, Dante, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo. Other colorful and fascinating characters were of dubious reputation: Machiavelli, and the religious extremist Savonarola, with his bonfire of the vanities. For many years the city was ruled by the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts and bankers to the papacy, whose line included six kings and two popes.
- Livorno (Florence & Pisa): Depart 19:00
- Portofino: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 19:00
- Monte Carlo: Arrive 08:00
  The tiny principality of Monaco, a sovereign state of just under one square mile, has an outsized resume, boasting some of the planet's most expensive real estate, and the world's most prestigious casino. Facing the sea, and engulfed on the other three sides by France, it has been the domain of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 14th century, and enjoys the same glamorous reputation as the rest of the Riviera.
- Monte Carlo:
- 24-Oct-2018 - £More Information
Mediterranean Explorer
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (5)
- Cruise Line: Cunard
- Duration: 11 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Barcelona, Spain:
  Glimpse Barcelona's remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. There's also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.
- Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy:
  Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.
- Santa Margherita, Italy:
- Marseille:
- Barcelona, Spain:
- Valencia, Spain:
- Gibraltar, Spain:
- Southampton, UK:
  Cunard's home port, part of seafaring legend, is an ideal starting or ending point for a memorable cruise. No airport check ins. No baggage restrictions. No hassle! Simply start your holiday in style with a glass of champagne on deck aboard one of the most famous ocean liners in the world.
- 25-Oct-2018 - £More Information
France, Italy, Spain
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (4)
- Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Cruise Ship: MSC Fantasia
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Ajaccio: Depart 19:00
  Corsica's largest city Ajaccio was moved about two miles south of its original location, during the Genovese occupation of 1492. Today, Ajaccio's year long mild climate is a big draw for many of its northern neighbors who enjoy visiting local attractions such as the Citadel jetty and Napoleons birthplace. Ajaccio's economy is driven by the production of cigars, fresh pasta and other gourmet products crafted with care by its local artisans.
- Civitavecchia: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
  Civitavecchia is the port about one hour from the capital of Italy, Rome means history. There are layers of the stuff - Etruscan tombs, republican meeting rooms, imperial temples, early Christian churches, medieval bell towers, renaissance palaces and baroque basilicas. In this city a phenomenal concentration of history, legend and monuments coexists with an equally phenomenal concentration of people busily going about their everyday life. So get your cultural fill but be sure to leave time for more hedonistic concerns: eat till you can eat no more and get drunk on architecture and sunshine.
- La Spezia: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
- Genoa: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  GENOA cradled between land and sea, living and working in the port, breathing its past in her palaces, passionately fond of the terraced hills that embrace the city, Genoa has many different faces. A modern metropolis and a severe custodian of artistic heritage, an industrious marketplace that also has century-old parks to relax in. Genoa hides her riches in an historical centre that looks traditionally seaward yet at the same time exhibits a new beauty achieved by restoring the splendour of ages past. Youthfulness springs from the new urban fabric that has restored works of arts and architecture.
- Cannes: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
- Palma de Mallorca: Arrive 14:00
  Palma belongs to Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, measuring about 75km /47 miles from north to south and 100km/62 miles from east to west. The beautiful scenery, the mild climate and the copious amount of accommodation make the island a major European tourist centre. Any visitor who arrives in Palma by boat or ship discovers a city spread across the curve of a wide bay, with its proud cathedral standing guard like its former days of maritime glory.
- Palma de Mallorca:
- Barcelona: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 18:00
  Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region. It lies along the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Besós and Llobregat. In the Northwest a set of hills run parallel to the coast. In the Southwest the old town lies along the port and is divided by the famous “La Rambla”. Today Barcelona is Spain's second biggest city as far as population is concerned and it is the main industrial centre of the country. Barcelona hosts two universities, several museums and libraries and has been a cultural and artistic centre since the Middle Ages.
- Ajaccio: Arrive 12:00
- 25-Oct-2018 - £More Information
Mediterranean Explorer
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (5)
- Cruise Line: Cunard
- Duration: 9 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy:
  Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.
- Rapallo, Italy:
- Marseille:
- Barcelona, Spain:
  Glimpse Barcelona's remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. There's also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.
- Valencia, Spain:
- Gibraltar, Spain:
- Southampton, UK:
  Cunard's home port, part of seafaring legend, is an ideal starting or ending point for a memorable cruise. No airport check ins. No baggage restrictions. No hassle! Simply start your holiday in style with a glass of champagne on deck aboard one of the most famous ocean liners in the world.
- 27-Oct-2018 - £More Information
Italy & Spanish Splendours
Region: Canaries, Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (6)
- Cruise Line: Seabourn
- Duration: 11 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Seabourn Odyssey
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: Depart 17:00
  Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.
- Naples, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  There is saying among the Italians, \"See Naples and Die,\" meaning that this city's splendor and magnificent vistas are so grand that life is not complete without visiting it. Whether you want to explore in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, experience the scenic wonders and hairpin curves of the Amalfi Drive, cruise across the bay to the fabled Isle of Capri, or shop for coral and cameos along Via Santa Lucia and in the Galleria Umberto, the passionate city of Naples has an attraction for every taste.
- Trapani, Sicily, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
  Bright stone buildings mark the rambling layout and baroque architecture of Trapani. Extending out into the sea, the towns characteristic shape of a scythe, frames the majestic Tower of Ligny, which rises from its most extreme point. Originally under Arab dominion, Trapani was a blossoming center for the production of salt, tuna, and coral. The city became famous throughout the Old World in the 16th century, when the work of Trapanese coral artisans was revealed. Their gorgeous collection of works in coral is preserved in the Pepoli Museum.
- Monte Carlo, Monaco: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
  The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic. This tiny enclave of 370 acres surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts from around the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mild weather and elegant casino. Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters, which also include La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvieille, an area built on reclaimed land. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has a population of over 32,000, of which about 16 percent are citizens, or Monégasques.
- La Joliette (Marseille),France: Arrive 08:00
  Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean. Cave paintings in the nearby Calanques are estimated to be 30,000 years old, and remains of brick habitations date from 6,000 BCE. The more recent history begins with a Hellenic port in about 600 BCE, some remains of which are on view at the city’s History Museum. It has been one of the world’s major seaports almost from its founding, and served as the main European terminus of the French colonial empire in Africa and the Far East. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region and is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhone department. On an island in the expansive bay of Marseille stands the prison of Chateau d’If made famous by the Alexandre Dumas novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The Vieux-Port with its atmospheric buildings and wharves is the area where visitors can search for the perfect example of the local specialty bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew containing at least three, and often more varieties of local fishes. Marseille’s newly renovated port at the venerable Joliette Docks is situated very close to the striking Cathédrale de la Major and the fascinating collections at the Museum of African, Oceanic and American Indian Arts.
- Sete, France: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  The port town of Sete hugs the tiny Mont St. Clair, and is caught between the Mediterranean and the Bassin de Thau, a salt lake directly behind it. It is crisscrossed by numerous canals which link the lake to the sea, and connected by 12 bridges. Along the quay, renovated buildings provide a multitude of architectural details from the 18th and 19th centuries. The life of the town is found in its squares: Place Leon Blum, with its fountain and Wednesday morning flower market; Place Aristide, with its old fashioned bandstand; and Place de la Republique, with its huge retaining walls and vaulted loggias. Sete retains its historic purpose as a fishing boat haven for North African trade; the old harbor dates from the time of Louis XIV.
- Mahon, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Mahon is the capital of Menorca, second largest of the Balearic Islands. It stands out from the others because of the abundance of prehistoric structures, and because its culture was influenced by British occupation in the 18th century. The people who built the prehistoric constructions are believed to have been responsible for similar works in Sardinia, and for Stonehenge in England. Believed to have been founded by the Carthaginian General Mago, Mahon was held by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century and in turn occupied by the English, the French and the Spanish. Mahon was finally ceded to Spain by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.
- Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearics, began to grow from a quiet, little-known island into a playground for the rich and an enclave for artists in the 1950s and 1960s. The island's brilliant, whitewashed houses reflect not only the summer sun, but 300 years of Moorish rule, earning it the nickname of 'Isla Blanca' or White Island. The town of Ibiza, also known as Eivissa, is a delightful combination of Medieval and 19th-century architecture. Visit the picturesque upper town (Dalt Vila), far removed from the sometimes hectic pace of the rest of the island. The ancient cathedral, enclosed by 16th-century walls which are a national monument in their own right, provides a stunning view of the Mediterranean below.
- Cartagena, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Founded by Carthaginians in the third century BC, this ancient Mediterranean port city exemplifies the region's tumultuous history. Romans, Visigoths, Castilians and Moors have all left their marks. Under King Philip II, Cartagena's naturally deep, sheltered harbor was developed into the nation's premier naval base, a position it still enjoys today. Ancient ramparts remain, as does a lighthouse erected in Moorish times.
- Valencia, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Valencia is located in the middle of Europe's most densely developed agricultural region. Originally a Greek settlement, the town was taken over by Romans in 138 BC and turned into a retirement town for old soldiers. The Moors controlled the land for 500 years, and this fertile plain, which today yields three to four crops, was considered to be heaven on earth. El Cid conquered Valencia for Spain in 1094, but it fell back into Moorish hands after his death. Incorporated into Spain in the 15th century, Valencia remains the nation's breadbasket.
- Barcelona, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.
- 27-Oct-2018 - £4494.00More Information
Autumn Isles & Morocco
Region: Canaries, Europe, Mediterranean
- Rating: (6)
- Cruise Line: Seabourn
- Duration: 24 Nights
- Cruise Ship: Seabourn Odyssey
Itinerary/Ports Show/Hide
- Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: Depart 17:00
  Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.
- Naples, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  There is saying among the Italians, \"See Naples and Die,\" meaning that this city's splendor and magnificent vistas are so grand that life is not complete without visiting it. Whether you want to explore in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, experience the scenic wonders and hairpin curves of the Amalfi Drive, cruise across the bay to the fabled Isle of Capri, or shop for coral and cameos along Via Santa Lucia and in the Galleria Umberto, the passionate city of Naples has an attraction for every taste.
- Trapani, Sicily, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
  Bright stone buildings mark the rambling layout and baroque architecture of Trapani. Extending out into the sea, the towns characteristic shape of a scythe, frames the majestic Tower of Ligny, which rises from its most extreme point. Originally under Arab dominion, Trapani was a blossoming center for the production of salt, tuna, and coral. The city became famous throughout the Old World in the 16th century, when the work of Trapanese coral artisans was revealed. Their gorgeous collection of works in coral is preserved in the Pepoli Museum.
- Monte Carlo, Monaco: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
  The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic. This tiny enclave of 370 acres surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts from around the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mild weather and elegant casino. Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters, which also include La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvieille, an area built on reclaimed land. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has a population of over 32,000, of which about 16 percent are citizens, or Monégasques.
- La Joliette (Marseille),France: Arrive 08:00
  Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean. Cave paintings in the nearby Calanques are estimated to be 30,000 years old, and remains of brick habitations date from 6,000 BCE. The more recent history begins with a Hellenic port in about 600 BCE, some remains of which are on view at the city’s History Museum. It has been one of the world’s major seaports almost from its founding, and served as the main European terminus of the French colonial empire in Africa and the Far East. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region and is the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhone department. On an island in the expansive bay of Marseille stands the prison of Chateau d’If made famous by the Alexandre Dumas novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The Vieux-Port with its atmospheric buildings and wharves is the area where visitors can search for the perfect example of the local specialty bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew containing at least three, and often more varieties of local fishes. Marseille’s newly renovated port at the venerable Joliette Docks is situated very close to the striking Cathédrale de la Major and the fascinating collections at the Museum of African, Oceanic and American Indian Arts.
- Sete, France: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  The port town of Sete hugs the tiny Mont St. Clair, and is caught between the Mediterranean and the Bassin de Thau, a salt lake directly behind it. It is crisscrossed by numerous canals which link the lake to the sea, and connected by 12 bridges. Along the quay, renovated buildings provide a multitude of architectural details from the 18th and 19th centuries. The life of the town is found in its squares: Place Leon Blum, with its fountain and Wednesday morning flower market; Place Aristide, with its old fashioned bandstand; and Place de la Republique, with its huge retaining walls and vaulted loggias. Sete retains its historic purpose as a fishing boat haven for North African trade; the old harbor dates from the time of Louis XIV.
- Mahon, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Mahon is the capital of Menorca, second largest of the Balearic Islands. It stands out from the others because of the abundance of prehistoric structures, and because its culture was influenced by British occupation in the 18th century. The people who built the prehistoric constructions are believed to have been responsible for similar works in Sardinia, and for Stonehenge in England. Believed to have been founded by the Carthaginian General Mago, Mahon was held by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century and in turn occupied by the English, the French and the Spanish. Mahon was finally ceded to Spain by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.
- Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearics, began to grow from a quiet, little-known island into a playground for the rich and an enclave for artists in the 1950s and 1960s. The island's brilliant, whitewashed houses reflect not only the summer sun, but 300 years of Moorish rule, earning it the nickname of 'Isla Blanca' or White Island. The town of Ibiza, also known as Eivissa, is a delightful combination of Medieval and 19th-century architecture. Visit the picturesque upper town (Dalt Vila), far removed from the sometimes hectic pace of the rest of the island. The ancient cathedral, enclosed by 16th-century walls which are a national monument in their own right, provides a stunning view of the Mediterranean below.
- Cartagena, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Founded by Carthaginians in the third century BC, this ancient Mediterranean port city exemplifies the region's tumultuous history. Romans, Visigoths, Castilians and Moors have all left their marks. Under King Philip II, Cartagena's naturally deep, sheltered harbor was developed into the nation's premier naval base, a position it still enjoys today. Ancient ramparts remain, as does a lighthouse erected in Moorish times.
- Valencia, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Valencia is located in the middle of Europe's most densely developed agricultural region. Originally a Greek settlement, the town was taken over by Romans in 138 BC and turned into a retirement town for old soldiers. The Moors controlled the land for 500 years, and this fertile plain, which today yields three to four crops, was considered to be heaven on earth. El Cid conquered Valencia for Spain in 1094, but it fell back into Moorish hands after his death. Incorporated into Spain in the 15th century, Valencia remains the nation's breadbasket.
- Barcelona, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.
- Malaga, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Often little more than a gateway to the Costa del Sol for sun-seeking vacationers, Malaga is a most interesting city in its own right. First settled by the Phoenicians, Malaga was held by virtually every ruling power in the Mediterranean at one time or another. Two Moorish fortresses, the 11th-century Alcazaba and the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro still stand sentry above the harbor. Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso as well as the Malaguena style of flamenco. During your time here, you may wish to sample some of the sweet Malaga wine and excellent tapas for which the city is noted.
- Tangier, Morocco: Arrive 07:30 - Depart 18:00
  Situated just across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar from Europe, Tangier has long comprised a hybrid culture that is nearly as European as it is African. Standing atop Cap Spartel, one can gaze down on the place where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The “Hollywood” district where the foreign embassies have traditionally been located reflects the European influence. But ascending the hill above the waterfront, one enters the narrow, winding alleys of the Kasbah, the city’s oldest, most Moroccan section. Down the coast, nearby Tetouan retains a nearly untouched walled medina, with sections originally occupied by Andalusian, Berber and Jewish populations. It is small enough that visitors can explore it without risking becoming lost, making it a perfect choice as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Casablanca, Morocco: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Casablanca, located on the Atlantic coast, is with 4 million inhabitants Morocco's largest city, and at the same time the largest port in Africa. Built on the site of ancient Phoenician Anfa, it remained a small fishing village for many centuries until the French arrived in 1912. Since then Casablanca has become a vast modern city, ever on the increase since Morocco's independence from France in 1956. A successful blend of oriental-style, white cubic dwellings with modern Moroccan quarters gives the city an interesting flair. Lovely beaches and attractive hotels make for a popular year-round holiday resort. To help understand Moroccan culture a visit to the Medina, the quaint old Moorish quarter, is a must for all visitors.
- Arrecife, Canary Islands: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Lanzarote is the northernmost of the Canary Islands, often known as \"volcano island.\" Its capital is Arrecife, a quiet town of about 30,000 inhabitants. Present day Lanzarote consists of two quite distinct massifs: Famara in the north, and Los Ajaches in the south, where centuries of erosion have sculpted abrupt cliffs and deep ravines, contrasting sharply with the smoothly rounded hills of the island's central region.
- San Sebastian, la Gomera: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
- Sant Cruz de la Palma, Canary Isles: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Lovely La Palma has earned itself two well-deserved nicknames: Isla Bonita (Pretty Island) and Isla Verde (Green Island). Although there are relatively few beaches La Palma has a number of other appealing attractions. The island's capital city, Santa Cruz de la Palma, boasts a handsome 16th-century City Hall as well as a number of colonial-style homes. There is also an interesting maritime museum housed in a life-size replica of Christopher Columbus' Santa Maria. Caldera de Taburiente, a massive volcanic crater, stands sentry in the middle of the island. The last of La Palma's original inhabitants, the Guanche, held out in the crater until they were finally defeated by the Spaniards in 1492 - the area is now a National Park.
- Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Canary Islands, Spain: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
- Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Canary Islands, Spain:
- Funchal (Madeira), Portugal: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  The Madeira Archipelago, consisting of the islands Madeira, Porto Santo and Desertas, is situated in the Atlantic, about 400 miles from the African coast and 560 miles from Lisbon. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1419, Madeira, the largest of the islands, became of great importance to Portugal for its sugar production and later on for the cultivation of wine. The unusually temperate oceanic climate and extraordinary scenery had Northern Europeans flocking to Madeira as early as the 18th century to spend the winter months. The winning combination of high, rocky peaks, steep green ravines and waterfalls in the interior, with the flowering charm of Funchal still attracts nearly half a million visitors each year.
- Portimao (Algarve) - Portugal: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
  Portugal's southeast coast is a ruggedly beautiful region, crowned by Cape St. Vincent, the southeastern-most point in Europe. At nearby Sagres, Henry the Navigator had his school where the most knowledgeable seamen in the world learned their craft. Standing on the high bluff overlooking the windy sea, one can imagine Columbus staring off to the west, pondering what lay beyond that blue horizon.
- Piraeus (Athens), Greece: Arrive 08:00
  Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbor is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy.
- 27-Oct-2018 - £7994.00More Information