Jewels of the Mediterranean

Embark Spirit of Discovery. 

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

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 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 excursion

Delve into the island’s history with a visit to Ciutadella

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700. 

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 excursion

Take a scenic drive through the Prunelli Gorges

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. 

Step ashore in this ‘Billionaire’s Playground’, which is blessed with fine beaches, exotic gardens, and luxury boutiques. Monaco exudes glitz and glamour, from the elite high rises overlooking the yacht-packed marina to the medieval quarter set atop Monaco Rock. The latter is crowned by the Place du Palais, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony plays out every day. It is also where Hollywood legend Grace Kelly wed Prince Rainier. Not-to-miss sights include the aptly named Grand Casino of Monte Carlo, Monaco Cathedral and the world-famous Grand Prix circuit. 

Included excursion 

Explore the local area on an included excursion. 

Optional excursion 

Travel along the Corniche Road to the Belle Epoque and visit the Rothschild Villa in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. 

⚓ Land by launch or tender.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. 

Experience the multi-faceted city of Marseilles, the country’s second-largest city, set on the French Riviera. At its centre is the centuries-old Vieux Port filled with fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The city is watched over by the hilltop Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, built in the 19th century. Highlights include the fortresses of St-Jean and St-Nicholas and the cathedrals of Old Major and Nouvelle Major.

Included excursion

Look forward to an included excursion in this cosmopolitan city.

Optional excursions

Visit Avignon or head to the Châteauneuf du Pape.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. 

Barcelona has numerous attractions, from subterranean Roman ruins to the elegant architecture of the Gothic quarter and the imaginative designs of Gaudi. At the city’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 and the 13th-century cathedral.

Included excursion

Enjoy a short introduction to Barcelona on an included excursion.

Optional excursion

Visit the Mountain Top Monastery of Montserrat or Discover Sitges

Spend the day at sea.

Arrive 0930. 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 0700. 

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.