Split on the Dalmatian Coast
Zadar
Ancient ruins of Sicily
A view over Dubrovnik
A Standard Balcony Cabin
Enjoy Asian cuisine at East to West
Coast to Coast
Look forward to delicious cuisine
The South Cape Bar
The Lido
Spirit of Discovery’s sumptuous Spa
The Britannia Lounge
The Playhouse
Included afternoon tea
Charms of Croatia and the Mediterranean
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
Ancient architecture meets breathtaking scenery
The unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar will greet you as Spirit of Discovery cruises into the port of Gibraltar. Contrast the city’s Palladian architecture with its typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes. Then, cruise into the Grand Harbour of Malta’s capital Valletta, overlooked by impressive 16th-century forts built by the Knights of St John. The city is known for its array of museums, palaces and grand churches.
Continue to the Adriatic and Croatia’s Dalmatian coast where the cities of Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik are brimming with historic sights, such as the Diocletian’s Palace, the Fosa Land Gate and the Onophrian Fountains. The region is rich in natural attractions too, such as Krka National Park. Next, experience authentic Sicily during a visit to Trapani where the maze of streets in the city’s centre are characterised by monuments, ancient churches and elaborate gold-stone palaces. Compare its offshore medieval fortress, The Dovecote, with medieval Santa Barbara Castle, which dominates Alicante’s skyline.
Conclude your all-inclusive cruise to the Mediterranean in 2026 with a visit to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant coastal capital, home to UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery and Bélem Tower.
Included excursion in every port
Radio presenter and PopMaster host, Ken Bruce
Ken joined the BBC in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland staff presenter. His first regular slot on Radio 2 was the Saturday Late Show in 1984 and the following year he fronted the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Ken also presented Radio 2’s coverage of Eurovision from 1988 until 2023 and was a regular presenter of Sunday Night is Music Night. Ken left Radio 2 in 2023 and now presents the Morning Show on Greatest Hits Radio. PopMaster, a quiz which has run for over 25 years, remains a very important slot within his show and can also be seen on television. Ken continues to present live shows around the country.
Human Forensic Workshops with Kate Schroder
Kate was awarded an MBE for services to health in 2009, with several national awards for her work in the NHS across hospitals, ambulance and community services. Kate originally trained in archaeological human forensics and has since qualified in biomedical forensic facial reconstruction, human remains analysis, crime scene forensics and trauma related reconstruction. She has worked with Counter Terrorism to help identify a rogue hit man and to train their active workforce in the fields of modern reconstructive forensics.
In an archaeological context Kate worked to uncover a large Roman grave scene and tested new techniques in the field to recover information about dietary, behavioural and medical practices from the past.
Itinerary
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1700.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains. Alternatively, visit the military museum, which is housed underground in a former military barracks and exhibits artefacts dating back to the 18th century.
Included excursion
Head to the Rock of Gibraltar and visit the Upper Rock area on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Enjoy a cable car ride and a visit to Alameda Gardens or take a tour of Gibraltar and visit to a gin distillery.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, overlooked by honey hued forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn. Highlights include St John’s Co-Cathedral, which houses the Caravaggio masterpiece, ‘The Beheading of Saint John’, and the Upper Barakka Gardens, located on the upper level of 16th-century St Peter and St Paul’s Bastion.
Included excursion
See some of Malta’s picturesque landscapes and charming villages on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Discover the mysteries of the ancient Tarxien Temples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagar Qim or visit Fort St Angelo.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0900. Depart 1900.
Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John’s Church, and the Archaeological Museum.
Included excursion
See more of your surroundings on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Tour the picturesque Krka National Park
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The Romans, Venetians and Hapsburg Dynasty have all had a hand in crafting Zadar, a compact yet charming city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The imposing Fosa Land Gate has acted as an entrance to the old town since 1543 and you can see the symbol for the Venetians – a winged lion – carved into its archway. Medieval churches, such as Byzantine St Donatus Church, are juxtaposed against contemporary artworks, the most notable of which is the Sea Organ built into the promenade steps.
Included excursion
An included excursion is a great way to explore.
Optional excursion
Head to the island of Pag or explore Zadar by Tuk Tuk.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Known as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th- century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with pretty stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views.
Included excursion
Join an included excursion to see the scenic highlights of the Dalmation Coast.
Optional excursions
Head to Ston, where you will board a local boat to visit the oyster and mussel beds, or combine a ride on the Dubrovnik cable car with a visit to the town of Cavtat.
âš“ Land by launch or tender.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Trapani has a small but bustling port. Located at the eastern end of the port is The Dovecote, an offshore medieval fortress, and at the far end of the western coast is the Torre di Ligny. In the heart of the city’s historic centre, on one of the watchtowers, is the city’s oldest gate with its 16th-century astronomical clock. The maze of streets are characterised by monuments, ancient churches and elaborate gold-stone palaces.
Included excursion
See some of the highlights on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Visit the Archaeological Site of Selinunte.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.
Capital of the Costa Blanca, Alicante’s skyline is dominated by the medieval Santa Barbara Castle, which offers a panoramic view over the narrow streets of the old town and seafront. The port sits in the heart of the city, close to the historic centre and there are numerous museums and archaeological sites to visit nearby.
Included excursion
An included excursion will reveal some of the city’s main sights.
Optional excursion
Join a tour to discover Guadalest.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0800. 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 BĂ©lem Tower, built in his honour. Close by is the charming town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its 19th-century romantic architecture.
Included excursion
See more of Lisbon on a choice of included excursion.
Optional excursions
Wander on foot through Lisbon’s downtown area to see the city’s historic architecture, visit Arrábida Natural Park and the Azeitão Winery, or explore Lisbon’s highlights by Tuk Tuk.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Important Information
§ Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, subject to medical screening. A price reduction will be applied if the included travel insurance is not required. Pre-departure cover (cancellation rights) is provided by Saga and is only available when taking out the included insurance. Read More
Spirit of Discovery
2019
Year built
987
Guest capacity (maximum)
540
Ship crew
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.
