04/09/2023 Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Discovery. 

Depart 1800.

05/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

06/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

07/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

08/09/2023 Malaga, Spain

Malaga, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

A reflection of the many cultures which have intermingled in this port city over the centuries, Malaga boasts a wealth of historical sights. Chief among these are the imposing Moorish citadels of Alcazaba and its gardens, and the ruins of Gilfarbaro Castle, as well as the Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance cathedral. Picasso, one of the city’s most famous sons, is celebrated at the Museu de Picasso in the artists’ quarter, which is also home to the Centre of Contemporary Arts as well as a host of smaller galleries and displays of street art.

Included excursion

An included sightseeing excursion will show you Malaga’s highlights.

Optional excursions

Visit a Spanish family for a tour of their home and garden before sitting down to a five-course meal of tapas.

09/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

10/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

11/09/2023 Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, which is overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The surrounding UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. An included excursion will reveal more of the island's scenery.

Included excursion

Enjoy an included scenic island tour.

Optional excursions

Visit the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina or even head underground to the Byzantine-era Catacombs of St Paul.

12/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

13/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

14/09/2023 Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol, Cyprus

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

With a core full of character and an eastern resort area that has been popular with holidaymakers for decades, Limassol offers visitors a little bit of history, a lot of modern comfort and access to many of the island’s must-see attractions. It was at Limassol Castle that Lionhearted King Richard I of England married Queen Berengaria following his impromptu invasion of Cyprus in 1191. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find a medieval centre of pedestrianised streets, ancient mosques, Greek Orthodox churches and boutique-lined boulevards. An included sightseeing excursion is included here. From Limassol you can explore the archaeological sites of Kourion and Kolossi, or venture further afield to Paphos, home to the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings.

Included excursion

Explore your surroundings on an included sightseeing excursion.

15/09/2023 Antalya, Turkey

Antalya, Turkey

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

Situated at the foot of jagged mountains, overlooking the Mediterranean, the sun-drenched resort of Antalya is often referred to as the 'capital of Turkish tourism'. The old town, known as Kaleici, is an inviting warren of narrow lanes, punctuated by shops, and overlooked by Ottoman houses huddled against the city walls. Here you can see architectural remnants from previous occupations, including the 13th-century fluted minaret, the triple arched Hadrian's Gate built in 130AD, and the Hidirik Kulesi tower – reputed to be a former Roman lighthouse. The Archaeological Museum boasts extensive artefacts from the Bronze Age, through Roman rule and into the Ottoman era, and is often described as one of the country’s finest museums.

16/09/2023 Rhodes Town, Rhodes

Rhodes Town, Rhodes

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The island of Rhodes is a blend of ancient architecture and modern amenities. Its strategic position has been recognized since the fifth century BC, passing from Roman to Byzantine hands into possession of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, the Ottomans, Italians, finally becoming part of Greece in 1948. Rhodes Town was founded in 408 BC and has a rich history, which you can discover on an included sightseeing excursion. Said to be the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe, many of the historic buildings in the old town were built in the 14th and 15th centuries, whilst the new town features much Italianate architecture. Withi the walled town is the long, cobbled 'Street of the Knights' where, in the 16th century, knights and visiting dignitaries could find a home-from-home and speak their native language in the Inns of the Tongues.

Included excursion

Delve into the history Rhodes Town on an included sightseeing excursion.

17/09/2023 Heraklion, Crete

Heraklion, Crete

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Greece’s largest island boasts a rich history that can be traced back over 5,000 years. One of the ancient world’s most advanced civilisations, the Bronze Age Minoans, built an incredible palace labyrinth that thrived for 1,500 years. The Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans came next but it was the Venetians who have left a lasting impression on its capital Heraklion, best seen in the 16th-century walls which encircle the old town, the old harbour and the sea fortress of Koules Castle. The outstanding artefacts unearthed at the Palace of Knossos, the haunt of the mythical Minotaur, are displayed at Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum.

Optional excursions

Visit the nearby archaeological site of Knossos to marvel at the ancient Minoan culture’s legacy or explore traditional island villages for a glimpse of Cretan life.

18/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

19/09/2023 Palermo, Sicily

Palermo, Sicily

Arrive 0900. Depart 1600.

Conquered time after time, Palermo is a great melting pot of cultural influences with an array of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architectural sights. Of special note is the 12th-century collection of the Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, Zisa Palace and Palermo Cathedral, which have been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Head to Quattro Canti, a Baroque piazza in the city’s heart, to feel Palermo’s pulsating beat.

20/09/2023 Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari, Sardinia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1600.

Centuries-old Cagliari is a memorable sight to behold – especially when approaching by sea. Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion. The cityscape is crowned by Il Castello, the medieval hilltop old town which is penned in by Pisan and Aragonese ramparts. Don’t miss the 13th-century cathedral and the five-mile-long sands of Poetto, a prime example of a Sardinian beach. 

Included excursion

Grand churches, watchtowers and shuttered townhouses that rise over the capital’s seven hills will be revealed on a panoramic included sightseeing excursion.

21/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

22/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

23/09/2023 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

The sprawling city of Lisbon is spread across seven hills. It boasts two UNESCO-listed sites: Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama is entombed and Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

24/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

25/09/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

26/09/2023 Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.