Views over Gaudi’s Barcelona
Explore Spain’s cultural capital.
Malaga’s historic Alcazaba
Malaga is still guarded by the palatial fortress of Alcazaba.
Palermo
The history of this exotic capital is reflected in its varied architecture of Arabic, baroque and art nouveau styles.
The sun-baked rooftops of Cagliari
Enclosed by medieval walls, the Castello offers splendid views over Cagliari.

Saga Cruises

Islands and Coastlines of the Mediterranean: March

Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton

from £4,080 per person

2 passengers 18 nights 13th March 2022

Prices & Availability

Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required

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Overview Itinerary Ship What's Included At sea Reviews Explore Ashore

Overview

No fly
Chauffeur service
All Inclusive

A showcase of regional contrasts

Italy’s beautiful islands and Spain’s Moorish Andalusia region take centre stage on this circumnavigation of the Mediterranean.

Follow in the footsteps of the Phoenicians, who established colonies throughout the Mediterranean, on this 18-night cruise combining visits to seven unique ports with time to relax and enjoy life on board Spirit of Discovery. On shore take the opportunity to discover some of Europe’s most iconic cultural landmarks, from Granada’s 13th-century Alhambra palace built by Spain’s Muslim rulers and the unfinished Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, to the archaeological site of Pompeii and the Medina of Tunis with its vast array of monuments, mosques and mausoleums. These UNESCO-listed gems are among the world’s most culturally important attractions.

A visit to the port city of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea offers a gateway to Italy’s beautiful Amalfi region, where mountains plunge dramatically into the turquoise sea and pastel-coloured towns cling precariously to cliffs. The coastal road from Salerno to clifftop Sorrento offers incredible views as it winds past elegant villas, terraced vineyards and luscious lemon groves. Italy’s largest island, Sicily, has been a crossroads of civilisations for millennia. The capital Palermo is a fascinating melting pot of cultures where Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, baroque churches and Gothic palaces sit side by side, framed by date palms.

Your five sightseeing tours will be in

Malaga, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Palermo, Sicily
Cagliari, Sardinia
Cadiz, Spain

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Itinerary

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13th March

Southampton

1

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.
14th March

At Sea

2

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
15th March

At Sea

3

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
16th March

At Sea

4

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
17th March

Malaga, Spain

5

Malaga, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Set on the balmy Costa del Sol, Malaga has basked in the Spanish sunshine since the 8th century BC when the Phoenicians founded it. The city flourished under the Moors and a palatial fortress, The Alcazaba, still guards it from this time.

Look forward to an included sightseeing tour and see the impressive exterior of the vast Malagueta Bullring. The city centre is home to a Roman Theatre dating back to the first century AD, which was unearthed in 1951 – this can only be accessed on foot.
18th March

At Sea

6

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
19th March

Barcelona, Spain

7

Barcelona, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Stylish and dynamic, Spain's cultural capital has so much to offer. Visit La Rambla, the fabulous shopping street that's abuzz with street performers and musicians. Follow the call of Gaudi and seek out the artist's most famous yet incomplete work, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, and explore the enchanting old streets of the Gothic quarter.

An included sightseeing tour is a great way to see some of the main attractions. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Benedictine mountain monastery of Montserrat where you’ll enjoy spectacular views.
20th March

At Sea

8

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
21st March

Salerno, Italy

9

Salerno, Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

This classic seaside city on the beautiful Amalfi Coast was once a Roman port town, then a centre of learning during the 16th century when the world’s first medical university was established here. Ancient landmarks and a charming old quarter, landscaped parks and fascinating museums bring Salerno’s past to vividly to life.

Perhaps take a stroll along its palm-lined promenade framed by the overlooking Monti Lattari mountain range or take the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. To step into the region’s ancient past, take a short drive to impressively preserved Pompeii, the ancient town of Herculaneum or Paestum, famed for its three ancient Greek temples.
22nd March

Palermo, Sicily

10

Palermo, Sicily

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

As the capital of the Italian island of Sicily, Palermo is an interesting blend of grand architecture and crumbling facades, as you will see during your included sightseeing tour. Its most notable landmark is easily the UNESCO-listed cathedral which was built in the Arab-Norman style. The 12th-century cathedral of Cefalu forms part of the same UNESCO ensemble.
23rd March

La Goulette (for Tunis), Tunisia

11

La Goulette (for Tunis), Tunisia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Today Spirit of Discovery will cruise into La Goulette, the port for Tunis. The Tunisian capital is home to many archaeological sites, including the ancient ruins of Carthage. The city centre itself is an eclectic mix of Berber and Arab cultures which can be discovered in the UNESCO-listed medieval Medina.
24th March

Cagliari, Sardinia

12

Cagliari, Sardinia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

After admiring Cagliari’s tapestry of sun-faded buildings cascading down the hillside from aboard ship, perhaps set off on foot to explore the capital’s old quarter at the summit. Enclosed by medieval walls, the Castello provides far-reaching views over the city and beyond. Your included tour offers a more relaxed approach to sightseeing.
25th March

At Sea

13

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
26th March

At Sea

14

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
27th March

Cadiz, Spain

15

Cadiz, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Christopher Columbus left the sheltered bay of this city on two of his voyages to the New World, and one might wonder whether it was difficult for him to leave the turquoise waters and charming buildings of the old world behind! Cadiz is divided into two areas, and the spacious avenues and modern buildings of the new district contrast with the authentic, well preserved traditional city with its flat-roofed Moorish-style houses and narrow, twisting alleys.

Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of the area.
28th March

At Sea

16

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
29th March

At Sea

17

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
30th March

At Sea

18

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
31st March

Southampton

19

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.