Exotic Mediterranean - Lisbon to Rome Cruise

Day 1 - Lisbon

Arrive: Mon 23 September 2024 / Depart: Mon 23 September 2024 at 19:00

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 2 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Day 3 - Funchal

Arrive: Wed 25 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 25 September 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 4 - La Palma

Arrive: Thu 26 September 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 26 September 2024 at 19:00

Stroll along Calle O'Daly, the pedestrian district named after an Irish banana merchant and lined with historic residences. Visit the Town Hall and the church, Iglesia del Salvador, both of the 16th century. There is an interesting museum of natural science as well as a naval museum.

Day 5 - Tenerife

Arrive: Fri 27 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 27 September 2024 at 22:00

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 6 - Lanzarote

Arrive: Sat 28 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 28 September 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 7 - Agadir

Arrive: Sun 29 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 29 September 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 8 - Casablanca

Arrive: Mon 30 September 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 30 September 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 9 - Cadiz

Arrive: Tue 01 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 01 October 2024 at 18:00

Spend a fabulous day in Seville visiting the magnificent cathedral, climbing the famed Giralda Tower and strolling through the gorgeous Alcazar and its gardens. See the ceramic-encrusted Plaza de España and stroll through the alleys of Barrio de Santa Cruz. Or explore the Andalusian wine country and Jerez, the home of sherry. Don't miss the charm of Cádiz with its gracious squares, its flower-filled parks on the city bastions and its bustling markets.

Day 10 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Day 11 - Barcelona

Arrive: Thu 03 October 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 03 October 2024 at 19:00

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 12 - Marseille

Arrive: Fri 04 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 04 October 2024 at 19:00

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 13 - Monaco

Arrive: Sat 05 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 05 October 2024 at 22:00

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 14 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Sun 06 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 06 October 2024 at 20:00

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo's magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa's superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savor the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis.

Day 15 - Ajaccio

Arrive: Mon 07 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 07 October 2024 at 18:00

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 16 - Olbia/Sardinia

Arrive: Tue 08 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 08 October 2024 at 16:00

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 17 - Palermo

Arrive: Wed 09 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 09 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 18 - Malta

Arrive: Thu 10 October 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 10 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 19 - Sicily

Arrive: Fri 11 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 11 October 2024 at 17:00

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 20 - Naples, Italy

Arrive: Sat 12 October 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 12 October 2024 at 17:00

Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii or 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.

Day 21 - Rome

Arrive: Sun 13 October 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 13 October 2024

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.