28/10/2021 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

29/10/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

30/10/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

31/10/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

01/11/2021 Málaga, Spain

Málaga, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Set on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is known for its beautiful beaches and choice of restaurants. Look forward to an included scenic tour to introduce this sophisticated, and culturally dynamic city. Within the old town you’ll find the 18th-century Cathedral, the impressive Moorish fortress-palace of the Alcazaba, and the magnificent Castillo de Gibralfaro overlooking the port.

For art lovers, Málaga’s highlight must be the Picasso Museum with its fine collection of works by the artist who was born here in 1881. Alternatively, join an guided tour of the Málaga Automobile Museum, home to an incredible collection of classic cars.

02/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

03/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

04/11/2021 Valletta, Malta

Valletta, Malta

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The island of Malta is set in the heart of the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa, and has a fascinating history stretching back millennia. The approach to the capital is truly magical, with the morning sun illuminating the limestone fortifications and skyline of domes and steeples. Valletta is a veritable open-air museum showcasing the contributions to the great architecture and art collections of the city made by the Knights of St John nearly five centuries ago – it’s hardly surprising the city has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After an included introductory tour, set off on foot to explore independently. You won’t want to miss St John’s Co-Cathedral, or the Grand Master’s Palace with its frescoes of the Great Siege by the Ottomans.

05/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

06/11/2021 Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Enjoy time in the city of Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Lying on Crete’s north coast, Heraklion is surrounded by impressive walls built by the Venetians, one of the best preserved monuments in the Mediterranean basin. Explore easily on foot, perhaps taking in the old town, 17th-century Town Hall and Venetian Morosini Fountain. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses many important artefacts recovered from the Palace of Knossos, a nearby ancient archaeological site which you could also choose to experience on a guided tour. Alternatively, you could visit a selection of traditional Cretan villages for a taste of local life.

07/11/2021 Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece 

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Arrive at the famously pretty island of Mykonos, one of the islands of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos is characterised by brilliant blue-domed roofs on whitewashed churches, and windmills that slowly spin in the breeze. According to Greek mythology, the island was formed from the petrified bodies of giants defeated by Hercules one of his twelve labours. Having been an important supply island to nearby Delos since ancient times, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that Mykonos gained popularity as a holiday destination, and today the island attracts jet-setters from around the world. Take a ferry over to Delos island to explore the vast archaeological site with its Doric temples, amphitheatre and intricate mosaics.

08/11/2021 Canakkale, Turkey

Canakkale, Turkey 

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

For centuries, the area surrounding the Dardanelles has been the crossing point for invading armies, with Alexander the Great making his crossing here in 334BC on his way to conquer Persia. Situated in this region rich in ancient and modern history is the Turkish seaport of Çanakkale, the gateway to the ancient ruins of Troy. It was in 1865 that Frank Calvert, an explorer and Heinrich Schliemann, a pioneer archaeologist, began digging through a hill outside the city and discovered the remains of Troy. Perhaps take the chance to visit the legendary city. If you decide to spend the day in Çanakkale, take a stroll along the waterfront and look out for a replica of the iconic Trojan horse, used in the 2004 movie starring Brad Pitt.

09/11/2021 Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

East and west collide in this transcontinental city which straddles the Bosphorus Strait, and an included tour offers the perfect introduction to this vibrant metropolis. Originally named Constantinople by the Romans, a city has stood here for almost three millennia, ruled by various empires from the Greeks to the Ottomans, and as a result, Istanbul simply oozes history. Contrast two of its greatest mosques, the extraordinary Blue Mosque, so called for its blue mosaic tilework, with the ancient St Sophia – an exquisite example of Byzantine architecture that dates back to the 6th century. Perhaps take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus to admire the changing cityscape, or tour the historic Topkapi Palace complex which was the home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.

10/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

11/11/2021 Piraeus (for Athens), Greece

Piraeus (for Athens), Greece

Arrive 0800 on November 11. Depart 1700 on November 12.

Ancient treasures hide around every corner in the Greek capital, most famous of all being the Acropolis, perched high above the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the great architectural complexes of the ancient Greek world, comprises the Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. Join an included scenic tour for an introduction to this ancient city, and with an overnight stay in port, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the city’s attractions independently. Perhaps head to the ancient Agora or the National Archaeological Museum, and don’t miss the atmospheric medieval quarter and the upmarket Kolonaki district with its fancy restaurants and boutiques.

13/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

14/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

15/11/2021 Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari, Sardinia

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Have your camera ready as you sail towards the Sardinian coast, as Cagliari presents a perfect panorama as you approach by sea. Enjoy an included scenic tour, then set out to explore more – the island's capital has a wealth to see and do. Why not delve into its past in the National Archaeological Museum, seek out the beautiful sandy Poetto beach, or stroll around the maze of narrow streets in the historic Marina district. There'll be the chance to explore nearby Nora, a Roman city partially submerged by the sea, or you can experience traditional Sardinian food, drink and music during lunch at a rural commune in the countryside.

16/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

17/11/2021 Almeria, Spain

Almeria, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Boasting more sunshine hours than anywhere else in Spain, Almeria is an intriguing blend of wild beaches, deserts and Moorish whitewashed houses. In fact, it's famous as a film location for the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s, including a few Clint Eastwood classics. The wealth of farming communities in the surrounding area mean that local produce is deliciously fresh too.

The city of Almeria is overlooked by the Islamic fortress, Alcazaba, and many of its buildings exhibit African influences which you can admire on your included tour. Discover more of the surrounding countryside on a tour of the Cabo de Gata and Nijar Natural Park, an area noted for its drought-adapted flora and incredible jagged cliffs tumbling into the azure sea below.

18/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

19/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

20/11/2021 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

21/11/2021 Southampton

Southampton

Arrive 0800.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.