Central Mediterranean Discovery Cruise

Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Mon 04 October 2027 / Depart: Mon 04 October 2027

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Fri 08 October 2027 / Depart: Fri 08 October 2027

An ancient city with a name to match - it was founded more than 2,200 years ago by Carthaginian leader Hasdrubal - Cartagena is now one of Spains busiest commercial centres. Step ashore here, though, and you are immediately aware of its rich history. In fact, you see it even as you cruise towards the harbour as this is flanked by towering fortresses. Then, in the centre of the old town, you will find the original Carthaginian castle and sections of the old city walls. But Cartagena is also a city which moves with the times hence the new harbourfront development which includes the unique National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. As part of Murcia province, Cartagena cruise port is also an excellent base for visiting the city of Murcia itself and its distinctive Baroque cathedral; the 17th century religious sanctuary of Fuensanta; the Fortress at Lorca Taller del Tiempo; the spa resort of Balneario de Archena; and for touring into the mountainous interior or along the Costa Blanca to Alicante.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - La Goulette

Arrive: Sun 10 October 2027 / Depart: Sun 10 October 2027

La Goulette, the cruise port for Tunis, lies about 40 minutes shuttle bus drive away from the city, but is much closer to the ruins of Carthage. The 2nd century Colosseum and Roman Temple are only 20 minutes drive from the port, and most excursions combine Carthage with a restful stop at the pretty seaside village of Sidi Bou Said.

Day 8 - Palermo

Arrive: Mon 11 October 2027 / Depart: Mon 11 October 2027

Sicily's capital, Palermo perches at the foot of Monte Pellgrino at the heart of a large natural harbour. Founded in the 5th century, it has alternately enjoyed and endured one of the most colourful histories of any Mediterranean city. Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, Vandals have all come and gone, leaving their mark on the population as well as the architecture.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Sarande, Albanien

Arrive: Wed 13 October 2027 / Depart: Wed 13 October 2027

Sarandë is a resort on the Albanian Riviera, in southern Albania. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica. Intricate floor mosaics are still evident. The 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle is on a hilltop above the town

Day 11 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Thu 14 October 2027 / Depart: Thu 14 October 2027

This beautiful city is situated on the Dalmatian coastline of the Adriatic sea at the southern end of Croatia. Amazingly, most of the war damage has been repaired and Dubrovnik is once again the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic'.

Day 12 - Split

Arrive: Fri 15 October 2027 / Depart: Fri 15 October 2027

The pedestrianised centre of Split is easy to walk around. Wander around its huddle of alleys and piazzas and then, for a great view, climb the exposed steps to the top of the 200ft-high cathedral bell tower. Sip a drink at one of the many cafés along the seafront Riva or pop into a Konoba (wine cellar) to sample the excellent locally produced reds and whites. Culinary specialities include smoke and wind dried ham, stewed beef with noodles and delicious lamb dishes. Just three miles from Split are the ruins of ancient Salona, once capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.

Day 13 - Zadar, Croatia

Arrive: Sat 16 October 2027 / Depart: Sat 16 October 2027

Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century. There’s also the grand, 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the round, 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.

Day 14 - Korcula

Arrive: Sun 17 October 2027 / Depart: Sun 17 October 2027

Korcula Town is as much a Medieval fortress as it is a town and, like its neighbour Dubrovnik, its well worth exploring. The Cathedral of St Marks is an impressive amalgam of architectural styles while the home of Marco Polo is more a homage to legend than fact, there being no real evidence to support the claims that the explorer was born on the island. Don't be put off by the name of the local white wine; Grk, as it is known, is surprisingly delicious!

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Malta

Arrive: Tue 19 October 2027 / Depart: Tue 19 October 2027

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Cadiz

Arrive: Fri 22 October 2027 / Depart: Fri 22 October 2027

You cruise right into the heart of historic Cadiz as immediately across the busy Avenida del Puerto from the Spanish port is the main square and shopping area. From there, it is easy to find your own way around this compact city. Behind is the 18th century cathedral (El Nueva) and the view from the top is worth the long climb up its internal stairs. The narrow streets of the old town below are lined by tall Moorish-style houses with flower-decked balconies mixed in amongst some small shops and tapas bars. Cadiz dates back to the 12th century BC so is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world but sultry Seville has long since outgrown its neighbour. La Giralda (the bell-tower next to its Gothic cathedral), is in Sevilles historic Jewish quarter which also has the whitewashed houses and exquisitely coloured bougainvillea that everyone associates with this lovely city.

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - At Sea

Day 22 - Southampton

Arrive: Mon 25 October 2027 / Depart: Mon 25 October 2027

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.