- Rome’s Colosseum
This world-famous landmark once provided gladiatorial and dramatic entertainment to tens of thousands of spectators.
- Ajaccio
Famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio boasts an evocative old town.
- Lisbon’s vintage trams
Built on seven hills, like Rome, Lisbon’s cobbled streets are unsurprisingly hilly. Take the weight off your feet and take a ride on one of the city’s vintage trams.
- Mount Vesuvius
Its eruption in AD 79 froze a disastrous moment in time, providing the modern age with a window into the ancient past.

Saga Cruises
A Mediterranean Anniversary Celebration
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £5,237 per person2 passengers 17 nights 29th September 2021 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
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New holiday
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
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All Inclusive
Travel to the heart of the Mediterranean and explore the birthplace of the Renaissance
Voyage to the heart of the Mediterranean
Join us in the heart of the Mediterranean on board Spirit of Discovery as we celebrate Saga’s 70th anniversary in style. During your voyage, you are invited to explore the iconic city of Rome, with its treasure trove of bucket-list landmarks, Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance movement – and Naples, a city of architecture, archaeology and fine art.
In the city of Ajaccio, you will follow in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte and during your time in Cádiz, you will find yourself surrounded by ancient history and evidence of Spain’s Golden Age of Exploration. Providing a suitable conclusion to your cruise is the city of Lisbon, rocked by natural disasters in 1755 and traversed by a selection of delightfully vintage trams. Celebrate with us and visit some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic towns and cities.
Your five sightseeing tours will be in
- Cádiz, Spain
- Mahón, Minorca
- Livorno, Italy
- Naples, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
View Full Itinerary
A Mediterranean Anniversary Celebration
29/09/2021 Southampton
Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

30/09/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
01/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
02/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
03/10/2021 Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Your first port on this Saga celebration cruise is Cádiz, considered to be the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Europe. It was founded in approximately 1100 BC, a heritage that is evidenced by the impressive Roman theatre, discovered in 1980 and boasting a capacity for 10,000 spectators. Other notable landmarks include the Catedral Nueva (New Church), commissioned in 1717, completed in 1838 and crowned by yellow domes that can be spotted from far and wide.
If you choose to pay the fee to enter the cathedral, consider climbing the steep spiralling staircase belonging to the Torre de Poniente Bell Tower for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy an included sightseeing excursion to see the sights of Cádiz in comfort.

04/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
05/10/2021 Mahón, Minorca
Mahón, Minorca
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Welcome to the second largest of the Balearic Islands – Minorca. Its capital, Mahón – often called Maó - offers a blend of Anglo and Spanish characteristics, owed to the occupation by the British between 1713 and 1802. You will be greeted by the city’s five-kilometre natural harbour, often named as one of the largest in the world and providing a reason why the city has been so highly prized throughout history. Its colourful historic core bursts with Georgian architecture, leading you towards the 17th-century town hall.
For those wanting to dust off their walking boots, a ten-minute drive north will take you to Parc Natural de S’Albufera des Grau, a natural reserve fringed by beautiful beaches and providing precious glimpses of local flora and fauna. During your time in port you have the opportunity to join an included sightseeing drive through Mahón, passing many of the city’s key landmarks.

06/10/2021 Ajaccio, Corsica
Ajaccio, Corsica
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica offers visitors an abundance of stylish coastal towns, dense forests and dramatic peaks – the highest being Monte Cristo. Despite being part of France since 1768, Corsica retains a distinctively Italian feel. Its capital city, Ajaccio, showcases an evocative old town which contrasts refreshingly with a more modern district.
Made famous by providing the world with Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary figure’s birthplace has been transformed into an informative museum located in Ajaccio’s pastel-coloured core. Immerse yourself in the life and times of Napoleon before visiting the French Museum, in which a collection of some 16,000 paintings is on display, built up by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon’s uncle.

07/10/2021 Livorno (for Florence), Italy
Livorno (for Florence), Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Your time in Livorno, Tuscany’s third-largest city, will reveal a historic quarter crisscrossed by Venetian-style canals and a checkerboard terrace - Terrazza Mascagni - from which picturesque views of the coastline can be enjoyed. Join an included sightseeing tour or take a trip outside of the city where you will be met by Tuscany’s undulating countryside, blanketed by neat vineyards and quaint olive groves.
While Livorno is a charming cruise destination in itself, it is also prized for its proximity to both Florence and Pisa. Visit the city of Pisa and admire the characteristic lean of its iconic tower or spend time in the Renaissance city of Florence. The city’s abundance of medieval architecture is overlooked by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Duomo.

08/10/2021 Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Located just 50 miles from Rome, Civitavecchia is the iconic city’s chief seaport. In Rome you will find the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built – holding gladiatorial contests and even sea battles! – St Peter’s Basilica, arguably the most important Christian site in the world, and the Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque design. Of course, these three landmarks are only the start of an exploration of Rome.
Perhaps join an optional sightseeing excursion, passing the Baths of Caracalla, the site of Circus Maximus, the Temple of Hercules, the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica. Alternatively, you can enjoy a self-guided excursion, providing the independence to enjoy Rome at your own pace. If you would prefer to remain in Civitavecchia, a stroll past Forte Michelangelo will showcase one of Civitavecchia’s primary landmarks within view of your ship.
Please note, coaches are not allowed to stop while travelling through the centre of Rome. Many streets are narrow, and tour coaches are restricted to a few main arteries through the centre. Some famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Spanish Steps are not accessible by coach and can only be seen on foot.

09/10/2021 Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
For beauty, art and history, look no further than Naples, a city boasting two royal palaces, three castles and an extensive archaeological museum. If strolling through galleries to admire Caravaggio masterpieces is your cup of tea, consider a visit to Pio Monte Della Misericordia, and if you want tough – but rewarding – hiking trails, you might like to take on Mount Vesuvius.
On the other side of its dramatic form is the once-thriving settlement of Pompeii, frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of AD 79 and providing visitors with a window into the area’s ancient past. For those who are interested in the era when Naples stood as an independent kingdom – between the 13th and 19th centuries – take a trip to the Royal Palace of Naples, the seat of monarchical power in Naples and Southern Italy between 1600 and 1946. Its façade was created by the House of Savoy and inside you can enjoy palatial elegance and extravagant decoration. For guests who prefer to see the city of Naples without navigating it on foot, consider joining an included sightseeing tour.

10/10/2021 Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Sardinia’s capital city, Cagliari, features golden-hued palazzi (palaces), domes galore and an eye-catching citadel, Il Castello. Thousands of years of varied history have made their mark on the city, evidenced in this fortified old quarter.
The citadel is best admired from afar, perhaps at the ancient amphitheatre carved into the rock on the opposite side of the valley and at the citadel’s heart is the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria. To put the city’s history into perspective, consider visiting the National Archaeological Museum, built in 1800 and displaying an extensive collection of artefacts.

11/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
12/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
13/10/2021 Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.
Lisbon is Portugal’s historic and lively capital, built over seven hills and situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus close to the river’s mouth. Throughout its history, it has been an important port – Vasco de Gama set sail from here in 1498, as did the Spanish Armada in 1588 when Portugal was under Spanish rule. In 1755, a major earthquake destroyed large parts of the city, which were subsequently rebuilt. Lisbon is divided up into distinct areas lending the city a unique character.
From the atmospheric Alfama – Lisbon’s old town with its steeply cobbled streets and tempting alleyways, to the Baixa district with its elegant avenues and lively squares and the Bairro Alto, famed for its nightlife, there’s something here for everyone. Add to this a fascinating waterfront, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jeronimos Monastery and Torre de Belem, the shopping and business area of Av Liberdade and more and your only dilemma will be what to see and do first in this ‘City of Seven Hills’. Solving that dilemma, in part, is an included sightseeing excursion in Lisbon.

14/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
15/10/2021 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
16/10/2021 Southampton
Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.

-
29th September
Southampton
1Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
30th September
At Sea
-
1st October
At Sea
-
2nd October
At Sea
-
3rd October
Cádiz, Spain
5Cádiz, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Your first port on this Saga celebration cruise is Cádiz, considered to be the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Europe. It was founded in approximately 1100 BC, a heritage that is evidenced by the impressive Roman theatre, discovered in 1980 and boasting a capacity for 10,000 spectators. Other notable landmarks include the Catedral Nueva (New Church), commissioned in 1717, completed in 1838 and crowned by yellow domes that can be spotted from far and wide.
If you choose to pay the fee to enter the cathedral, consider climbing the steep spiralling staircase belonging to the Torre de Poniente Bell Tower for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy an included sightseeing excursion to see the sights of Cádiz in comfort.
-
4th October
At Sea
-
5th October
Mahón, Minorca
7Mahón, Minorca
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Welcome to the second largest of the Balearic Islands – Minorca. Its capital, Mahón – often called Maó - offers a blend of Anglo and Spanish characteristics, owed to the occupation by the British between 1713 and 1802. You will be greeted by the city’s five-kilometre natural harbour, often named as one of the largest in the world and providing a reason why the city has been so highly prized throughout history. Its colourful historic core bursts with Georgian architecture, leading you towards the 17th-century town hall.
For those wanting to dust off their walking boots, a ten-minute drive north will take you to Parc Natural de S’Albufera des Grau, a natural reserve fringed by beautiful beaches and providing precious glimpses of local flora and fauna. During your time in port you have the opportunity to join an included sightseeing drive through Mahón, passing many of the city’s key landmarks.
-
6th October
Ajaccio, Corsica
8Ajaccio, Corsica
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica offers visitors an abundance of stylish coastal towns, dense forests and dramatic peaks – the highest being Monte Cristo. Despite being part of France since 1768, Corsica retains a distinctively Italian feel. Its capital city, Ajaccio, showcases an evocative old town which contrasts refreshingly with a more modern district.
Made famous by providing the world with Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary figure’s birthplace has been transformed into an informative museum located in Ajaccio’s pastel-coloured core. Immerse yourself in the life and times of Napoleon before visiting the French Museum, in which a collection of some 16,000 paintings is on display, built up by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon’s uncle.
-
7th October
Livorno (for Florence), Italy
9Livorno (for Florence), Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Your time in Livorno, Tuscany’s third-largest city, will reveal a historic quarter crisscrossed by Venetian-style canals and a checkerboard terrace - Terrazza Mascagni - from which picturesque views of the coastline can be enjoyed. Join an included sightseeing tour or take a trip outside of the city where you will be met by Tuscany’s undulating countryside, blanketed by neat vineyards and quaint olive groves.
While Livorno is a charming cruise destination in itself, it is also prized for its proximity to both Florence and Pisa. Visit the city of Pisa and admire the characteristic lean of its iconic tower or spend time in the Renaissance city of Florence. The city’s abundance of medieval architecture is overlooked by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Duomo.
-
8th October
Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
10Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Located just 50 miles from Rome, Civitavecchia is the iconic city’s chief seaport. In Rome you will find the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built – holding gladiatorial contests and even sea battles! – St Peter’s Basilica, arguably the most important Christian site in the world, and the Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque design. Of course, these three landmarks are only the start of an exploration of Rome.
Perhaps join an optional sightseeing excursion, passing the Baths of Caracalla, the site of Circus Maximus, the Temple of Hercules, the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica. Alternatively, you can enjoy a self-guided excursion, providing the independence to enjoy Rome at your own pace. If you would prefer to remain in Civitavecchia, a stroll past Forte Michelangelo will showcase one of Civitavecchia’s primary landmarks within view of your ship.
Please note, coaches are not allowed to stop while travelling through the centre of Rome. Many streets are narrow, and tour coaches are restricted to a few main arteries through the centre. Some famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Spanish Steps are not accessible by coach and can only be seen on foot.
-
9th October
Naples, Italy
11Naples, Italy
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
For beauty, art and history, look no further than Naples, a city boasting two royal palaces, three castles and an extensive archaeological museum. If strolling through galleries to admire Caravaggio masterpieces is your cup of tea, consider a visit to Pio Monte Della Misericordia, and if you want tough – but rewarding – hiking trails, you might like to take on Mount Vesuvius.
On the other side of its dramatic form is the once-thriving settlement of Pompeii, frozen in time by the volcanic eruption of AD 79 and providing visitors with a window into the area’s ancient past. For those who are interested in the era when Naples stood as an independent kingdom – between the 13th and 19th centuries – take a trip to the Royal Palace of Naples, the seat of monarchical power in Naples and Southern Italy between 1600 and 1946. Its façade was created by the House of Savoy and inside you can enjoy palatial elegance and extravagant decoration. For guests who prefer to see the city of Naples without navigating it on foot, consider joining an included sightseeing tour.
-
10th October
Cagliari, Sardinia
12Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Sardinia’s capital city, Cagliari, features golden-hued palazzi (palaces), domes galore and an eye-catching citadel, Il Castello. Thousands of years of varied history have made their mark on the city, evidenced in this fortified old quarter.
The citadel is best admired from afar, perhaps at the ancient amphitheatre carved into the rock on the opposite side of the valley and at the citadel’s heart is the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria. To put the city’s history into perspective, consider visiting the National Archaeological Museum, built in 1800 and displaying an extensive collection of artefacts.
-
11th October
At Sea
-
12th October
At Sea
-
13th October
Lisbon, Portugal
15Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.
Lisbon is Portugal’s historic and lively capital, built over seven hills and situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus close to the river’s mouth. Throughout its history, it has been an important port – Vasco de Gama set sail from here in 1498, as did the Spanish Armada in 1588 when Portugal was under Spanish rule. In 1755, a major earthquake destroyed large parts of the city, which were subsequently rebuilt. Lisbon is divided up into distinct areas lending the city a unique character.
From the atmospheric Alfama – Lisbon’s old town with its steeply cobbled streets and tempting alleyways, to the Baixa district with its elegant avenues and lively squares and the Bairro Alto, famed for its nightlife, there’s something here for everyone. Add to this a fascinating waterfront, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jeronimos Monastery and Torre de Belem, the shopping and business area of Av Liberdade and more and your only dilemma will be what to see and do first in this ‘City of Seven Hills’. Solving that dilemma, in part, is an included sightseeing excursion in Lisbon.
-
14th October
At Sea
-
15th October
At Sea
-
16th October
Southampton
18Southampton
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for A Mediterranean Anniversary Celebration
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Five sightseeing tours will be in
Cádiz, Spain
Mahón, Minorca
Livorno, Italy
Naples, Italy
Lisbon, Portugal
- Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
- Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
- Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
- The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
- Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
- Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
- The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
Explore Ashore
Explore Florence
Welcome to the birthplace of the Renaissance movement. Overlooking Florence’s network of narrow cobbled streets and pretty palazzi (palaces) is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. Its construction took 140 years to complete, starting in 1293, and is waiting for your discovery on an optional walking tour through the city. Stepping inside will reveal a baptistry with its breathtaking Gate of Paradise and plenty of 16th-century frescoes.
Soak up the beauty of Capri
Recognised as the most beautiful of the islands in the Bay of Naples, Capri’s outstanding beauty has captivated writers such as D H Lawrence and Bernard Shaw, as well as three Roman emperors! As you approach the island on an optional excursion from Naples, you too will begin to understand what makes it so special. The picturesque main town is perched on a hill overlooking the quaint harbour below and brightly painted towns littered with grand mansions tumble down hillsides towards the water’s edge.
Enjoy the must-see sights of Rome
Trevi Fountain, the enormous Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica and the grand Pantheon: these are just a few of the must-see sights belonging to Rome. From Civitavecchia, the city’s primary seaport, you can enjoy a day trip to Rome and gaze in wonder at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, the remains of the chariot racetrack of Circus Maximus and the Temple of Hercules.
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £5,237 per person2 passengers
17 nights 29th September 2021 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required