- 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 person2 passengers 18 nights 13th March 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
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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
View Full Itinerary
Islands and Coastlines of the Mediterranean: March
13/03/2022 Southampton
Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

14/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
15/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
16/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
17/03/2022 Malaga, Spain
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.

18/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
19/03/2022 Barcelona, Spain
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.

20/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
21/03/2022 Salerno, Italy
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.

22/03/2022 Palermo, Sicily
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.

23/03/2022 La Goulette (for Tunis), Tunisia
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.

24/03/2022 Cagliari, Sardinia
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.

25/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
26/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
27/03/2022 Cadiz, Spain
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.

28/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
29/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
30/03/2022 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
31/03/2022 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.

-
13th March
Southampton
1Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
-
14th March
At Sea
-
15th March
At Sea
-
16th March
At Sea
-
17th March
Malaga, Spain
5Malaga, 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
-
19th March
Barcelona, Spain
7Barcelona, 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
-
21st March
Salerno, Italy
9Salerno, 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
10Palermo, 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
11La 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
12Cagliari, 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
-
26th March
At Sea
-
27th March
Cadiz, Spain
15Cadiz, 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
-
29th March
At Sea
-
30th March
At Sea
-
31st March
Southampton
19Southampton
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.
Itinerary map for Islands and Coastlines of the Mediterranean: March
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
Malaga, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Palermo, Sicily
Cagliari, Sardinia
Cadiz, Spain
- 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
The sights and scents of a souk
Where better to experience the hustle and bustle of a vibrant market than in the medina of Tunis, where the heavenly scent of spices and incense fills the air. Browse colourful stalls overflowing with tempting goodies, from jewellery and fabrics, to leather ware and perfume. Be sure to have a chat with the friendly shopkeepers, who are always happy to help.
A window into ancient Roman life
The ancient Roman town of Pompeii is preserved as it was nearly 2,000 years ago. A guided walk along streets frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD reveals shops, baths, statues, fountains and squares. Probably the most touching sights are the homes, many still with wall-paintings and one even features a mosaic panel bearing the legend, ‘beware of the dog’.
The Cathedral of Monreale
One of Sicily’s most important attractions, this UNESCO-listed cathedral near Palermo was conceived by William II as a political statement, as well as an artistic one. The asymmetrical, twin-towered facade is a fine example of Norman architecture, while inside the cathedral you’ll discover awe-inspiring mosaics depicting stories from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Spirit of Discovery departing Southampton
from £4,080 per person2 passengers
18 nights 13th March 2022 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required