31/10/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

01/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

02/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

03/11/2022 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

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 Bélem Tower, built in his honour. An included sightseeing tour is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included sightseeing excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

04/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

05/11/2022 Cartagena, Spain

Cartagena, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Cartagena is a city of surprises, not least the Roman theatre that was only unearthed in 1988. The surrounding hills are crowned by castles while the harbour is protected by an 18th-century sea wall. Set on the coast of Murcia, Cartagena has been a prized port since the Carthaginians wrapped it in ramparts and there are still portions of these Punic fortifications standing. Other attractions include the 13th-century cathedral in the old town as well as an array of modernist gems, such as the town hall.

Optional excursions

Journey through the foothills of the Sierra Carrascoy to the city of Murcia, capital of the province of the same name. Settled by the Moors in the 9th century and conquered by the Christians in the 13th, this bustling city features an array of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque.

06/11/2022 Valencia, Spain

Valencia, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The ancient port of Valencia was founded by the Romans and features a wealth of magnificent architecture in its old town. Highlights include the 13th-century cathedral with its iconic El Miguelete bell tower and the Gothic La Lonja Silk Stock Exchange, a testament to the city’s immense wealth during the 14th to 15th centuries. Turia Gardens, an urban oasis that was once a river, flows from Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Science, a futuristic complex that encompasses Europe’s largest aquarium, Oceanografic. An included sightseeing excursion provides a relaxing introduction to the city.

Included sightseeing excursion

You’ll be given an introduction to the city on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Explore the wetlands surrounding the coastal lagoon at Albufera Nature reserve or embark on an underground boat ride exploring the San Joseph caves.

07/11/2022 Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Eclectic Barcelona is a city of many faces, from subterranean Roman ruins to the elegant architecture of the Gothic quarter and the imaginative designs of Gaudi. An included sightseeing excursion will provide an overview of the city. Barcelona’s heart is Placa de Catalunya, an immense square dotted with fountains and statues, which bridges the old city and the 19th-century Eixample district. Lively La Rambla, the city’s main pedestrianised artery, flows from this square to Port Vell. Landmark sights include the Sagrada Familia, the 13th-century cathedral and Mercado de la Boqueria, a colourful indoor market.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing tour offers the perfect introduction to this unique city.

Optional excursions

Discover the Benedictine Montserrat Monastery set on a mountain top and reached by cable car.

08/11/2022 Sète, France

Sète, France

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Packed full of authentic French charm, this down-to-earth port rewards visitors with a glimpse of traditional maritime life. The waterfront homes of the low town are divided from Mont St-Clair’s high town by a series of canals, earning Sète the epithet of the ‘Little Venice of Languedoc’. An included sightseeing excursion will point out the highlights before you are free to explore the old fisherman’s quarter, cosy cafes and galleries independently.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing excursion will point out the highlights before you are free to explore its cafes and galleries independently.

Optional excursions

Discover the imposing fortress of Carcassonne, a relic of medieval France or visit the attractive town of Montpellier.

09/11/2022 Roses ⚓ , Spain

Roses ⚓ , Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The charming Catalan town of Roses is perched beside a natural arc at the end of the Costa Brava’s Gulf of Roses. Founded by ancient Greeks, its sights include the citadel archaeological park, which was built around a Romanesque monastery, and the restored Castell de la Trinitat that was partially destroyed by Napoleonic Troops in 1814. Roses is well placed for exploring the costa’s glorious beaches and the nearby artistic havens of Figueres and Cadaques, both linked to master of Surrealism, Salvador Dali.

Optional excursion

Follow in the footsteps of Salvador Dali on a visit to the quaint coastal towns of Figueres and Cadaques.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

10/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

11/11/2022 Gibraltar

Gibraltar

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies compact 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, during an included sightseeing excursion. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.

Included sightseeing excursion

Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

12/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

13/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

14/11/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

15/11/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.