Italy and the Western Mediterranean

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Gibraltar

Arrive 0800. Depart 1500.

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 high street chains, during an included panoramic 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 of the Rock you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.

Included excursion

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

Optional excursions

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

Spend the day at sea.

Toulon, France

Arrive 1000. Depart 1900.

The French Navy has laid anchor in Toulon’s sheltered harbour since the end of the 16th century. The port’s oldest fortification, the squat Tour Royale, was used to store the French national gold reserves during the Franco German war of 1870. The lively markets, boutiques, squares and harbourside eateries of this French Riviera gem exude joie de vivre. See the iconic 1950s red cable car making regular trips up Mount Faron which rears up behind the city – the ride affords outstanding views en route to the summit where a museum displays World War Two artefacts.

Optional excursions

Discover the ‘city of a thousand fountains,’ Aix-en-Provence.

Savona, Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The attractive port city of Savona is set on the Italian Riviera and is a new port of call for Saga cruises. In addition to the 16th-century Priamar Fortress and the ‘Torretta’ – a medieval harbour tower, the city is also home to the Cappelle Sistina – a mausoleum built by Pope Sisto IV who built Rome’s Sistine Chapel. Look out too for the remaining Ghibellini Towers which once served as defence towers.

Optional excursions

Visit the nearby city of Genoa and explore its pretty little streets and monumental squares.

Livorno, Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Set on the west coast of Tuscany, Livorno was founded in the 11th century to protect Pisa. During the Renaissance, the powerful Medici family commissioned its old town which features a latticework of canals and fortifications, including Fortezza Nuova. It became a free city during the 17th century, attracting traders which has contributed to its multicultural nature. Of note are the Baroque facades along Via della Madonna, the restored Duomo and the checkerboard promenade. An included panoramic excursion will reveal this working port’s mix of old and new.

Included excursion

See more of the city on an included panoramic excursion.

Portoferraio ⚓, Elba

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The rugged island of Elba, dotted with hilltop villages and castles, is set between Italy’s Tuscan coast and the island of Corsica. The principal town of Portoferraio sits at the tip of a deep bay on the northern coast. Yachts and pleasure craft fill the marina while boutiques and cafes line the narrow streets. A dominating fortress built by the powerful Medici family has guarded Portoferraio since the 16th century. The French emperor Napoleon spent a year in exile in Portoferraio and stayed at the Villa of the Mills, which enjoys a prime setting on a promontory overlooking the Ligurian Sea. In contrast, Napolean’s simple summer villa in San Marino features a museum displaying art and antiques from the era. Mount Capanne is the highest point on the island of Elba. The summit, 3,340 feet above sea level, can be scaled by cable car, where you can take in far-reaching island views on a clear day.

Optional excursions

Visit the fishing village of Porto Azzuro, home to both natural and historic treasures, such as the Spanish fortress of Longone.

Calvi ⚓, Corsica

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

A new port of call for Saga cruises, the Corsican town of Calvi has a sweeping crescent-shaped bay and is overlooked by a vast 15th-century citadel. The walls enclose narrow cobbled alleyways packed with buildings, such as the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Oratory of St Anthony. The fortifications offer panoramic views across the bay to the mountains of la Balagne.

Optional excursions

Visit he seven-acre site of Saleccia Botanical Gardens, perched atop a hill with sea views and hundreds of plant species from Corsica and around the world.

Spend the day at sea.

Palma, Majorca

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The elegant capital of the Balearics is characterised by attractive, palm-fringed squares lined with stylish shops and cafes, while the maze of streets in the old town reveal a distinctly Moorish heritage. Look forward to seeing more of your surroundings during an included panoramic excursion.

Included excursion

An included panoramic excursion offers a relaxing way to see the highlights.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

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 panoramic excursion is a great way to see some of the highlights.

Included excursion

See some of the city’s numerous attractions.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Portsmouth

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.