Islands of the Mediterranean

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The history of this Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, just 20 miles from the Spanish coast, goes back to the ancient Greeks and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It is believed to have taken its name from Tingis, the daughter of Atlas, the mythical supporter of the Heavens. It was later ruled by the Romans and Arabs while Spain, Portugal, France and England also played important parts in the city’s diverse history. The city lies on a bay between two promontories and you can enjoy superb panoramic views if you head up to the ancient Kasbah, a former military fortress now full of elegant buildings and architecture while the Medina – the oldest part of town – is a warren of cobbled streets boasting a chronology of architectural styles charting the city’s colonial history. Perhaps sip a mint tea at a pavement cafe and watch the chaos of everyday life unfold around you.

Included excursion

See more of Tangier on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Visit Tétouan and wander through its walled medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. 

Mahon, capital of Minorca, lies in a sheltered natural harbour. The rocky shoreline is dotted with elegant Georgian-style architecture, a throwback to its period of 18th-century British occupation. The museum in Fort

Marlborough offers a look back at this era. Other attractions close by include 19th-century Mola Fortress, built to prevent the return of the British, and Far de Favaritx lighthouse.

Included excursion

Set off on an included excursion to see more of the local area.

Optional excursions

Delve into the island’s history with a visit to Ciutadella or go hiking in S’Albufera Natural Park.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800. 

The mountainous island of Corsica has been a French island since 1768 that nevertheless has a distinctly Italian vibe. The legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte can be felt throughout Ajaccio. As the birthplace of the French Emperor, Napoleon’s memory has been preserved in a museum in his childhood home, the grand cathedral where he was christened and in the square named after him. Explore the atmospheric squares and lanes of the old town, enjoy the relaxed air of the harbourside cafes or visit one of the fine museums, such as the Fesch which has paintings by Botticelli, Raphael and Titian.

Included excursion

An included excursion will reveal some of the local highlights.

Optional excursions

Explore Cargese and Calanches on foot.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Alghero is an attractive medieval city, set on the island’s sandy Coral Riviera. Honey coloured walls encircle this fortress city, which brims with nostalgic charm and character. Alghero gets its Catalonian feel from several centuries of Spanish rule, and was once known as Barcelonetta. A walk through the narrow streets of the old town will uncover a selection of bars, restaurants and unique craft shops, while there are also several scenic beaches and coves nearby.

Included excursion

Enjoy an introduction to the area on an included excursion.

Optional excursions

Visit the archaeological site of Nuraghe Palmavera, a Bronze Age village. 

⚓ Land by launch or tender.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The charming town of Motril sits between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in Spain’s Costa Tropical. It offers a gateway to the Alpujarras, villages of Andalusia and Granada, whose crowning glory is the Moorish Generalife gardens and Alhambra palace.

Included excursion

An included excursion will reveal the attractions of Motril.

Optional excursion

Enjoy a tour of UNESCO-listed Alhambra of Granada.

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

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay or visit a Gin Distillery.

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.