Illustrious Trailblazer - Valletta to Miami Cruise

Day 1 - Malta

Arrive: Wed 16 October 2024 / Depart: Wed 16 October 2024 at 18:00

Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway.

Day 2 - Mediterranean Sea Cruising

Day 3 - Kotor

Arrive: Fri 18 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 18 October 2024 at 18:00

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.

Day 4 - Split

Arrive: Sat 19 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 19 October 2024 at 18:00

Sometime around 300 A.D., Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace on one of the loveliest spots on the Adriatic Sea. Today his palace has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Split, the city that grew up around it. Split is now Croatia's second largest city, and much of it sits on a beautiful peninsula on the island of Ciovo, a jewel on the Dalmatian Coast. Many intriguing relics from the Roman, Greek colonial and Medieval periods can be found in Split's archaeological museum, which was founded in 1820, making it Croatia's oldest museum. One of the top outdoor attractions is the green oasis of Marjan Forest Park with its Split Zoo. There are also plenty of fine beaches nearby.

Day 5 - Corfu

Arrive: Sun 20 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 20 October 2024 at 18:00

Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Day 6 - Katakolon

Arrive: Mon 21 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 21 October 2024 at 15:00

Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.

Day 7 - Corfu

Arrive: Tue 22 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 22 October 2024 at 18:00

Immerse yourself in this island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu's lovely old Venetian quarter. Or visit the ornate Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Sissi of Austria and filled with dramatic sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Day 8 - Katakolon

Arrive: Wed 23 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 23 October 2024 at 15:00

Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 B.C. and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing. Or enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside past quaint villages to a local vineyard and sample the wines, local cheeses and other foods.

Day 9 - Catania, Sicily

Arrive: Thu 24 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 24 October 2024 at 17:00

Destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century, Catania has been beautifully restored and offers ancient churches, castles and amphitheaters, lush gardens and lovely palazzos to explore. Tour the 13th century Ursino Castle, which was situated along the coast until earthquakes and volcanic eruptions transformed the landscape. Drive inland through picturesque villages and explore Villa Romana del Casale, a 4th century villa and UNESCO World Heritage Site containing a complex collection of Roman mosaics considered one of the finest in the Roman world.

Day 10 - Naples, Italy

Arrive: Fri 25 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 25 October 2024 at 18:00

Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum with their stunning temples, frescoes and mosaics. Explore fascinating Naples and its famed museums, visit charming Sorrento or take a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Shopping: Pick up some lovely mosaic jewelry, embroidery, Capodimonte ceramics and local crafts as well as reproductions of ancient artifacts. Dining: Sample delicious Neapolitan and Capri pizza or enjoy pasta, veal dishes and wonderful local wines.

Day 11 - Rome

Arrive: Sat 26 October 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 26 October 2024 at 19:00

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter. Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

Day 12 - Sorrento

Arrive: Sun 27 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 27 October 2024 at 18:00

Beautiful Capri, with its stunning panoramas, villages, charming piazzas and the Villa San Michele, makes a nice diversion. Visit the ruins at Pompeii, take a cooking lesson in Sorrento or travel to the frenetic city of Naples and learn to make pizzas as the Neapolitans do.

Day 13 - Sicily

Arrive: Mon 28 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 28 October 2024 at 18:00

Visit beautiful Taormina and marvel at its famous Greek theater and the stunning view of Mount Etna. Explore lovely medieval Messina with its historic churches and the cathedral where it is rumored Richard the Lionheart worshipped in 1190. Or discover ancient Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C., with its fine mosaics, Roman baths and impressive theater overlooking the sea.

Day 14 - Malta

Arrive: Tue 29 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 29 October 2024 at 16:00

Discover the myriad of cultural layers of Malta, from its amazing prehistoric temples at Tarxien to beautiful walled medieval Mdina, nearby Rabat, and Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway.

Day 15 - La Goulette

Arrive: Wed 30 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 30 October 2024 at 17:00

Meander through Tunis' opulent, historic medina with its winding alleys and souks. Visit the superb Bardo Museum with its spectacular Roman mosaics or the lovely whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Saïd, perched on a cliff above the sea, a charming spot of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and ornate window grills painted deep blue.

Day 16 - Palermo

Arrive: Thu 31 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 31 October 2024 at 16:00

Immerse yourself in the glorious history of this ancient city and its magnificent monuments, like the imposing Norman cathedral and the majestic 9th century Arab palace and its breathtaking Palatine Chapel. Admire the marvelous opera house and the artifacts in the archaeological museum.

Day 17 - Olbia/Sardinia

Arrive: Fri 01 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 01 November 2024 at 18:00

Wander through the lovely town of Olbia and visit its 11th century cathedral with Roman artifacts and Punic burials. Or drive into the stunningly beautiful countryside of the Costa Smeralda with its towering cliffs, quiet grottoes and exquisite sandy beaches beside emerald green waters. Explore the enigmatic remnants of the ancient Nuraghic culture.

Day 18 - Ajaccio

Arrive: Sat 02 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 02 November 2024 at 19:00

Stroll through the narrow streets of Napoleon's birthplace, visit the bustling, colorful market, browse in the shops and see the cathedral where he was baptized. Relax in shady Place Foch beside a bubbling fountain and Napoleon's statue. Or discover the stunning, rugged Corsican countryside and its famous aromatic maquis shrubs and oak trees. Admire the superb views and the impressive Prunelli Gorges.

Day 19 - Monaco

Arrive: Sun 03 November 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 03 November 2024 at 20:00

Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvelous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don't forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d'Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence - each one a jewel to be savored.

Day 20 - Marseille

Arrive: Mon 04 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 04 November 2024 at 18:00

See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provençal countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux.

Day 21 - Barcelona

Arrive: Tue 05 November 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Tue 05 November 2024 at 18:00

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí's other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona's famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.

Day 22 - Alicante

Arrive: Wed 06 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 06 November 2024 at 17:00

Lying on Spain's radiant Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district. Marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard, the illustrious Explanada de España. Pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline. It's no surprise that Alicante is popular year-round. Venture to the grand Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the city and walk from its high towers down into the dungeon. Stop for a glass of refreshing sangria in the Old Quarter. Behold the masterpieces hanging in the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, a former 18th century palace.

Day 23 - Malaga

Arrive: Thu 07 November 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 07 November 2024 at 19:00

Spend a day in Granada seeing the magnificent Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, last stronghold of the Moors, or venture into the mountains to the picturesque Mijas, one of Andalusia's dazzling "white" towns. Explore delightful Málaga, its Alcazaba, Roman theater and beautiful cathedral, or discover the charming resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus along the famed Costa del Sol.

Day 24 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 25 - Gran Canaria

Arrive: Sat 09 November 2024 at 12:00 / Depart: Sat 09 November 2024 at 22:00

Las Palmas is a capital of Gran Canaria, one of Spain's Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. A major cruise-ship port, the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches. At Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers. The annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing.

Day 26 - Tenerife

Arrive: Sun 10 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 10 November 2024 at 21:00

Volcanic in origin, Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. While in port, you'll notice the Auditorium of Tenerife, an amazing, organic structure that instantly became an icon when completed in 2003. Another modern landmark is the Oscar Domínguez Institute, a contemporary art gallery named after the 20th century surrealist. For a respite from the urban environment, visit the Palmetum, a botanical garden with more than 400 species of palms.

Day 27 - Lanzarote

Arrive: Mon 11 November 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 11 November 2024 at 17:00

Soft breezes caress this small volcanic island just 79 miles off the west coast of Africa. A land of contrasts: you can explore some of the world's most spectacular caves in the morning and relax on a white sand beach in the afternoon.

Day 28 - Agadir

Arrive: Tue 12 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 12 November 2024 at 17:00

Agadir is the capital of the Agadir Ida-U-Tanan Prefecture and of the Souss-Massa economic region. The majority of its inhabitants speak Amazigh language, one of the two official languages of Morocco. It was the locale for the Agadir Crisis of 1911 between France and Germany that presaged the First World War.

Day 29 - Casablanca

Arrive: Wed 13 November 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 13 November 2024 at 18:00

Stroll through the narrow streets of the old medina and visit the spice market. Admire the stunning and enormous Hassan II Mosque built beside the sea. Or journey inland to Rabat and Meknes, two fascinating old cities of kasbahs, souks and Moroccan tradition. Shopping: Take home a flowing caftan, some sandals, Berber jewelry, interesting hammered tin items, leather goods and rugs. Dining: Couscous, spicy lamb dishes and tea are a Moroccan treat.

Day 30 - Lisbon

Arrive: Thu 14 November 2024 at 13:00

Visit the ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917.

Day 31 - Lisbon

Depart: Fri 15 November 2024 at 21:00

Visit the ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917.

Day 32 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 33 - Funchal

Arrive: Sun 17 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 17 November 2024 at 17:00

Breathtaking vistas await throughout this beautiful island. Take a cable car up to Monte for spectacular views of the botanical gardens and the charming town. Drive along the coast to a village where Winston Churchill painted seascapes or out to the stunning cliffs of Cabo Girão and enjoy a visit to a quaint fishing village.

Day 34 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 35 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 36 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 37 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 38 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 39 - St John's, Antigua

Arrive: Sat 23 November 2024 at 12:00 / Depart: Sat 23 November 2024 at 19:00

Take a scenic drive, enjoy panoramic island views and visit famed Nelson’s Dockyard. Go deep-sea fishing or off road to interesting seaside villages and see the fragile mangrove ecosystem. Play golf, enjoy snorkeling and sea kayaking, or just spend the day relaxing on a fabulous white sand beach.

Day 40 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Arrive: Sun 24 November 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Sun 24 November 2024 at 21:00

Begin in Old San Juan, a walled enclave of hundreds of restored 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial buildings. Notice the blue-tinged cobblestone streets; they were once ballast on Spanish ships. Elsewhere, tour the medieval Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, the Museum of Art, and Casa del Libro, a repository of priceless documents.

Day 41 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 42 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 43 - Miami, Florida

Arrive: Wed 27 November 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 27 November 2024

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach's Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you're looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.