Treasures of the Western Mediterranean

You start the tour by heading towards the airfield runway to reach the British/Spanish Frontier. Proceed towards the southernmost point of Gibraltar, Europa Point and the sight of the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Great Britain.

Here, alight from your transport to take some photographs of the views of the busiest shipping lane in the world, the mingling of the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and two Continents. We then head to the Rock of Gibraltar.

Drive down to Princess Caroline’s Battery and enjoy the impressive scenery from the Nature Reserve, the Bay and the Spanish Mainland along with a wide selection of Mediterranean flora and fauna along the way. Then travel via the Upper Rock area- passing by the Moorish Castle and the Tower of Homage that still bears the scars of battle.

Additional Information

This is a coach-based excursion with most of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at any short photo stops will be at your discretion. The duration of this tour is dependent on traffic. Any type of wheelchairs, scooters or foldable walkers are not permitted on the buses. These can be brought to the bus and then stored at the terminal until you return from the tour.

See some of Barcelona’s sights from the comfort of your tour vehicle during this introduction to the city, with stops at Paseo Lluis Company and Montjuic hill. Your tour begins by heading to Poblenou, a neighbourhood that has experienced substantial industrial growth. On route you will pass by the Colon Statue, Barceloneta beach and Ciudadella Parc. From here, you will arrive at the city centre before continuing towards the Art Nouveau San Pau Hospital. Enjoy a short stop at Paseo Lluis Company, a promenade where you can view the Arc de Triomf. Afterwards, reboard your coach and continue your panoramic tour of the city, passing Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá before arriving at Plaza Cataluña and Plaza Universitá. The last part of the tour takes you to Spanish Square, where the Montjuic hill is located. Drive up and admire a spectacular panoramic view over the city before you drive back to the harbour. If time allows, there will be a short photo stop at the National Museum of Cataluña.

Additional Information

This is a coach-based excursion with most of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Walking during brief photo stops will be at your discretion. The duration of this tour is dependent on traffic conditions. This tour does not visit Sagrada Familia. There will not be any comfort stops during this tour.

Enjoy this short introductory tour to Toulon by coach. Drive through Le Mourillon district, where you can capture the inner bay, which was the first military harbour in France, and see the boats berthed in front of the old town. Here, you can also enjoy the view across the ring of mountains that surround the bay – including the well-known Mont Faron. See some of the area's golden sandy beaches and drive along the emblematic coastal road of Toulon: the Corniche Marius Escartefigue. Named after a pre-war politician, this road runs along the southern slopes of Mont Faron and offers a spectacular view of the bay. From your coach, look out for the Place de la Liberté, the Opera House and other buildings built in the grand style made fashionable by Baron Haussmann, who went on to create the Grands Boulevards in Paris. There will be a photo stop at the Tour Royale, a huge circular tower built in the 16th century to defend the harbour. After your drive you will return to the port.

Additional Information

This is a coach-based excursion with most of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at photo stops is at your discretion. Views will be dependent on weather and this tour may operate in a different order to described.

From the pier, take a short transfer to the idyllic Arenal d’en Castell, where a brief stop is scheduled for you to enjoy the views over Arenal and the Addaia Fortress.

The next stop will be Monte Toro, the island’s spiritual centre. At the summit of this hill is the Sanctuary of the Mother of God of Toro, run by a Franciscan community of nuns. At the top, there is a statue of Jesus of the Sacred Heart, whose pedestal is dedicated to those Menorcans who died during the Moroccan war.

Return to the port, following a photo stop at the top of Mounte Toro.

Additional Information

This is a coach-based excursion, with most of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking during photo stops will be at your discretion.

Stroll around the Alameda Gardens before capturing views of The Gibraltar Rock on a scenic cable car ride. This tour will also take you to delight in the collection of plants at Alameda Gardens, which are an important conservation project.

First, join your guide who will point out the various plants, sights and wildlife whilst also describing its rich history as you wander around the grounds.

Gibraltar’s cable car is the territory’s only purpose-built tourist attraction, and you then have the chance to ride up to the very top of the Rock. Enjoy free time to wander around the many terraces and capture the views of the city of Gibraltar to the west and the coastline of Africa to the south.

After your tour, a shuttle service will take you straight back to the ship, or you may prefer to be dropped off in the Irish town pedestrian area to explore the many shops.

Alternatively, relax in a pub or cafe, before making your own way back to the ship.

Additional Information

There is approximately one mile of walking. This excursion operates by mini-bus, cable car and on foot. The ground at the gardens is generally paved with steps and some steep gradients. Please expect queues and crowds at the cable car and be aware that the cable car may not operate during harsh weather conditions which can also affect the views you will see. Passengers are reminded that Gibraltar’s apes may be encountered on this excursion and should not be touched or fed as they may bite.

Learn about Gibraltar's unique wartime history on this tour. Begin by travelling past the British/Spanish Land Frontier. Your first stop is Europa Point, site of the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Britain, where you can savour dramatic views of the Atlantic merging with the Mediterranean.

Next you will be taken to the nature reserve, home of the Northern Defences Sector, where you might be able to catch a glimpse of Gibraltar’s most famous residents, the mischievous Barbary apes. Continue to the Hays Level where you begin a guided tour and visit the exhibition which displays a collection of photographs illustrating the history of the World War Two tunnels.

Additional Information

This tour involves walking of up to approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile lasting around 45 minutes with a steep incline of 450 yards on the way out of the tunnels. There are some low ceilings in the tunnels.

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life on this aquatic-creature based boat trip. Gibraltar’s bay boasts three species of dolphin and seven species of whale, as well as sunfish, flying fish and turtles. After departing from your ship, take the short drive to the ‘Dolphin World’ pleasure cruiser.

Then, after setting off into the bay, learn about the history of this tiny colony, and you will be given an insight into the marine life of the bay with a running commentary from your guide.

After landing, return transport will be available back to the ship, or if there’s enough time, you can choose to walk into town for shopping and a little independent exploration.

Additional Information

We recommend that you take some warm clothing for the boat ride. This excursion involves up to 280 yards of walking to reach the vessel and a couple of steps to board the vessel unassisted. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and refreshments can be purchased on board if you wish.

From the quayside, travel north towards Gibraltar’s unique runway to the border between this small British Overseas territory and Spain. Proceed along the outskirts of town, passing the American War Memorial and The Trafalgar Cemetery to arrive at Europa Point.

After a panoramic tour, you will be dropped off in front of the Bristol Hotel in Main Street, where you will be greeted by the Distillery Manager who will walk you to the venue. The tour begins with a brief history of the Art of Distilling, plus an insight into gin production before a comprehensive timeline of gin’s chequered past.

At the end of the gin tasting experience, take home a complimentary sample of your favourite spirit.

Additional Information

There is approximately 100 yards of essential walking and a couple of steps to enter the venue. This is a small group tour with limited capacity. Any type of wheelchairs, scooters or foldable walkers are not permitted on the buses. These can be brought to the bus and then stored at the terminal until you return from the tour.

This tour takes you on a journey through the rich history of Garrison Library, intertwined with the narrative of Gibraltar. Leaving the port, take a short coach transfer to Garrison Library. In the lower Reading Room, a static display of books narrates the evolution of the library from its inception to the present day. The upper Reading Rooms showcase a noteworthy artifact – a sandglass from around 1830. The sandglass was once used to time readers eagerly awaiting delayed news from England, notably from newspapers like The Times.

The Garrison Library holds a unique position as the pioneer of print culture in Gibraltar, with the establishment of the first printing press in 1801 and the birth of the Gibraltar Chronicle in the same year. Today the Gibraltar Chronicle remains in print and stands as the second oldest continuously published English newspaper. During your visit, archival copies of both The Times and the Gibraltar Chronicle will be available for you to admire. In the Upper Reading Room, you'll encounter a portrait of the esteemed founder, Colonel Drinkwater, and the Ball Room. This unusual feature leads to a balcony offering a panoramic view of the garden. You will also witness the digitisation process in the state-of-the-art studio, where the team preserves the valuable newsprint collection for future generations.

Additional Information

You will spend two hours at Garrison’s library, one hour will be spent either walking or standing. There will be up to 250 yards of walking and walking during time at leisure is at the guest's discretion. This tour is graded based on the amount of time walking and standing. This is a small group tour with limited availability.

Visit the sacred mountain of Montserrat or 'Sawtooth Mountain', where you can admire views from a near birds-eye perspective over the mountain ridge. Although relatively small by Spanish standards - less than six miles long and 4,280 feet high - this mountain is very distinctive, and the barren peaks of this isolated crag resemble fingers reaching into the sky, as if in prayer. Your coach takes you north from Barcelona along the Llobregat Valley to the railway station at Monistrol, where you join the train. After the 15-minute ascent on this modern rack-and-pinion railway, reach the famous monastery, which was founded to commemorate the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the mountain. Although it was largely rebuilt in the 19th century, the abbey still houses the statue of the Black Madonna, said to have been found by shepherds in a cave in the 9th century. Once at the top of the mountain, you will be given a ticket that allows you entry to the Montserrat Audio-Visual Exhibition. You can also taste the local Aromas de Montserrat liquor, and, if you wish, walk up to the Sanctuary for a close view of the statue. Finally, after visiting the basilica, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning down the mountain by coach to Barcelona, where you re-join your ship.

Additional Information

This tour involves one mile of essential walking over uneven ground, long periods of standing and five steps. If you wish to walk up to the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, where the statue is located, you will need to negotiate a flight of 60 steps. The journey to Montserrat should take around an hour and a half each way. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Lunch is included (example menu: cannelloni Rossini, roast chicken with vegetables and a dessert. Water and wine will be served with lunch). If you have any dietary requirements please advise the Explore Ashore Team once on board.

After a short transfer from the port to the city, join a guided walk to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece and one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. The construction of La Sagrada Familia began on March 19, 1882, as a project by the diocesan architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar. At the end of 1883, Gaudi was commissioned to continue the work, a task which he did not abandon until his death in 1926. Already designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a Minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI, it is hoped that the church will be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death. After viewing the grand exterior of this masterpiece, you will continue your excursion to Montjuic to visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Here, you can discover the museum's extensive art collections, the history of the building itself and enjoy a beautiful view over Barcelona. After your visit, you will have some time at leisure before returning to the port by coach.

Additional Information

There is up to two miles of essential walking, some over cobbled ground and up to 15 steps. This tour will also involve periods of standing. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. The visit to La Sagrada Familia is external only and during peak tourist months, sites may be crowded. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Visit the coastal town of Sitges and enjoy a guided walking tour, before exploring at your own pace during time at leisure. The town of Sitges has retained its old fishing village charm by preserving its old town and beaches, while also becoming an internationally renowned destination for its film festival, carnivals and welcoming, progressive culture. On arrival, a guided walking tour will reveal the highlights of the city, including the baroque, 17th-century Church of St Bartomeu and Santa Telca, the Palau Maricel and the old town, where you can discover the ruins of the medieval town wall, historic buildings and the Plaça de l’Ajuntament square. After your walking tour you will have the opportunity to explore further with approximately 45 minutes at leisure before returning to Barcelona by coach. During your free time you could take a stroll along the seafront esplanade, learn about the history of Bacardi Rum’s founder at Casa Bacardí Sitges, and perhaps sample the town’s local paella, arroz a la Sitgetan.

Additional Information

There is up to half a mile of essential walking on this tour, some over cobbled and uneven ground. Walking during free time is entirely at your discretion. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Departing the port by coach, drive to Montjuïc, where you can enjoy the panoramic view, before heading to Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum also known as the ‘Spanish Village’. Built in 1928, the Poble Espanyol was designed to impress visitors at the 1929 Barcelona Universal Exposition with the most iconic features of Spanish architecture. The designers visited over 1,600 villages to gain inspiration and collect materials before finalising their design. During the Exposition, cultural events were held each day, from folk dances to horse-riding competitions. Initially, the venue was to be demolished after the Exposition, but the creators agreed that it should be built to endure. Today, the Poble Espanyol is a space dedicated to architecture, culture and Spanish traditions, where you can find replicas of 117 buildings from different Spanish regions, collections of contemporary art, artisan workshops and local shops. Enjoy some time to explore before continuing the tour to Tablao de Carmen, which opened in 1988 as a homage to the world-famous Carmen Amaya. Carmen was a Spanish-Romani flamenco dancer born in Barcelona who danced her way to the top from impoverished beginnings, becoming known as ‘the greatest flamenco dancer ever.’ Here, you can watch a traditional Flamenco show and enjoy a glass of Sangria, before returning to the ship.

Additional Information

There is approximately 650 yards of essential walking and 30 steps on this tour. Some of the walking will be over cobbled ground and we recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. You will be seated during the Flamenco show. The order of visits may vary.

Head to Cassis, a small seaside resort nestled at the foot of the Cape Canaille cliffs. A former Roman trading post, admire Cassis’ quays lined by cafes and restaurants, jagged coves, natural beaches and its old town. From Toulon, you will drive to the outskirts of Cassis village where you will board a small road train for a transfer to the harbour. Here, embark on a scenic cruise among the Massif des Calanques, the steep walled inlets and bays of Calanques National Park. This network of canyon-like inlets is one of the geological marvels of southern France. Beneath the surface of these towering rock formations lie caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, now accessible only to divers. After your 45-minute boat trip, you have free time to explore the Provençal port of Cassis, before returning by coach to Toulon.

Additional Information

There is approximately 275 yards from the train drop off to the boat. Guests will be required to walk a total distance of 550 yards over cobbled ground. Any further walking during free time is at your discretion. A certain amount of dexterity is required when boarding and disembarking the boats unaided. The boat trip may be cancelled at short notice in the event of adverse weather conditions. The boat used is exclusive to Saga guests. This tour has limited capacity.

Travel by bus to the former capital of Provence, the birthplace of renowned artist Paul Cezanne and home to the famous novelist, Emile Zola. Aix-en-Provence sits at the foot of the Sainte Victoire mountain. Few towns remain as well preserved as the traditional capital of Provence – Aix-en-Provence, also home to a combination of 18th and 19th century architecture and surrounding boulevards. Upon your arrival, you will board the little train to discover the main sites of the Aix-en-Provence including Cours Mirabeau – this wide avenue, flanked by plane trees, is the hub of Aix. Built in the 17th century on the site of the medieval ramparts, Cours Mirabeau originally had no shops or boutiques. On the right side stand the aristocratic façades of the old mansions with their carved doorways and wrought-iron balconies supported by caryatids or atlantes from the Puget School. You may also spot the natural hot water fountain covered with moss, built in 1734. Its water, which once gushed out at 34°c, was appreciated by the Romans roughly 2000 years ago for its healing properties. Another site you’ll see is St Sauveur Cathedral – a monument where styles from the fifth to the 17th centuries sit side-by-side. Also pass by the Romanesque nave, the baptistery of the Merovingian period, the Triptych of the Burning Bush and the Gothic part before enjoying some free time prior to driving back to Toulon.

Additional Information

Walking during your free time is at your discretion however expect to walk more than 500 yards over cobblestone streets. The drive to and from Aix-en-Provence is approximately one-and-a-quarter hours each way.

Leaving Toulon, start your scenic drive towards St Mandrier Peninsula. The Tamaris coast road leads to Balaguier Bay, where there are two forts: L’Ayguillette and Balaguier fort, the latter was recaptured from the English in 1793 by the young Napoleon. Continue the drive, passing through Six-Four-les-Plages, to reach Sanary-sur-Mer. Sanary-sur-Mer is a 16th-century port town in the heart of Provence with a harbour lined with brightly painted buildings and a promenade dotted with palm trees. At one end of the port is a 13th-century tower, once part of an important defensive system. While the church bell of 16th-century Notre Dame de Pitie, set on a hilltop overlooking the town, was rung by the resident hermit to warn of enemy ships on the horizon. Enjoy some free time to relax with a refreshment in one of the harbourside cafes or take a stroll in the old town and browse the boutiques before returning by coach to Toulon.

Additional Information

You will have approximately one hour of free time in Sanary-sur-Mer, where walking is entirely at your discretion. Expect to walk more than 500 yards over cobblestone streets.

Discover Toulon Bay on this leisurely late-afternoon excursion. From the port you will walk directly to the boat with your guide. During your one-hour boat trip, enjoy a guided tour of the bay and a refreshing glass of wine. Boarded by high, limestone hills topped with umbrella pines, this bay is reputedly one of Europe’s finest natural harbours. Since ancient times, Greek and Roman ships have visited the bay, which now hosts Toulon's naval base. This ancient defence system has served as France's strategic military site for several hundred years. The adjacent coast is lined with forts, built on the hilltops bordering the bay. Toulon’s coast is also lined with deep creeks shaded by pines, with turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and small fishing ports.

Additional Information

There is approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile of essential walking, from the cruise terminal to the boat and back. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Guests must be able to board the boat unaided. There are no toilet facilities on the boat.

The city of Monaco is yours to discover during this enjoyable tour that offers plenty of time to explore further at your leisure. First travel to the Rock of Monaco by city bus, where you can enjoy some free time and see the 19th-century Monaco Cathedral, known as the final resting place of Prince Rainier III and his wife, the Princess of Monaco – Grace Kelly. After, your tour continues by bus to Monte-Carlo where, during free time, you can head into the Place Casino – a golden square boasting the Hotel de Paris, Café de Paris and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino. View the exterior of the imposing casino which stands on a fine terrace, surrounded by gardens. Following your visit to Monte Carlo you return to the ship.

Additional Information

This tour has been graded based on the amount of walking likely required to enjoy your free time as it is expected to exceed a mile over some uneven ground including cobbled streets. An inside visit of the cathedral or palace is not included – you may choose to visit these in your free time. Admission to the cathedral is free and a visit to the State Apartments in the palace costs approximately €10 per person (subject to change). However, the cathedral and palace may be closed to the public for religious services or state occasions. Access to the State Apartments is only possible by stairs. There are 19 steps to reach the cathedral, where appropriate clothing is required to enter. Smart clothes are recommended when visiting the Casino, and you will need to show your passport. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. The city buses that operate services within the Principality are small and have limited seating. This tour is not recommended for limited mobility. In Monaco traffic can be very busy and venues may be crowded.

This tour will give you the opportunity to soak up the scenery of the French Riviera. Relax and enjoy a panoramic drive with stops in the towns of Eze and Menton. Menton, the “Pearl of Cote d’Azur”, is the last French town before reaching the Italian border and is known as the warmest resort on the French Riviera. Enjoy free time here to browse the shops or relax in a café soaking in the welcoming atmosphere and wonderful sea views. This excursion will then take you to admire even more panoramic views, set one above the other on the mountainsides. After your free time, you will reboard the tour vehicle and continue on to the medieval village of Eze. It’s perched high on a promontory like an eagle’s nest, dominating Cap d’Ail. There’s roughly half-an-hour’s free time in the Lower Square of Eze to relax, stretch your legs and take photographs of the views before returning to your ship.

Additional Information

Walking during your free time is entirely at your discretion, however this tour is graded based on approximately 800 yards of walking which can be expected to enjoy your free time at both stops. Traffic can affect the duration of free time on this tour.

Leaving the shores of Monaco, enjoy a scenic drive down to St Jean Cap Ferrat for a visit to one of the most prestigious villas of Southern France: the museum “Ile de France”. This villa, Rothschild, houses a collection that Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild assembled throughout her life. This attraction was inspired by the great Renaissance residences of Venice and Florence and is surrounded by seven gardens of different themes. The villa contains a collection of porcelains, furniture, carpets, tapestries and canvases displayed among what were the apartments of Madame de Ephrussi. After a guided visit through the rooms and exhibits, you can take some leisurely time to stroll through the French, Spanish, Florentine, and Japanese gardens. You’ll likely encounter the “music fountain” with water leaping out every 20 minutes along to the rhythm of the music. Your coach and guide will then bring you back to Monaco.

Additional Information

Expect to walk about 1000 yards at the Villa Rothschild, with a fairly steep uphill slope from the coach park to the Villa. The walking otherwise is mostly indoors and level, with occasional steps. Walking in the gardens is entirely at your discretion. We do not recommend this tour for guests with limited mobility.

Head to the Côte d’Azur, made up of sandy beaches. The mildness of the climate, its sunshine and its location, between the sea and mountains, makes this region the ideal place for cultivating gardens. From Menton to Grasse, and from Eze to Cannes, you can find more than 80 gardens, twelve of which have been awarded the “remarkable garden” award. Menton is labelled as “The Pearl of France” and is renowned for its traditional production of lemons and kumquat citrus fruits – including the famous limoncello liquor and many lemon-based sweet delicacies. On the slopes surrounding this small town, you’ll spot gardens arranged mostly between the 1850’s and World War One. You will particularly pay a visit to the Val Rameh Garden, constructed in 1875 by the De Monléon family. Afterwards, it was purchased by Lord Radcliffe, a former governor of Malta and used to grow subtropical and tropical plants. Eventually, it passed to Miss Campbell, a rich English lady, and then to France’s Natural History National Museum before opening its doors to the public in 1967. After this visit, there will be a short ride to Menton where you will be invited to sample some drinks and products derived from citrus fruits grown in the local area. Some free time will follow in the pedestrian area before your return to the ship.

Additional Information

This is a small group experience and there will be up to approximately 1100 yards of essential walking, some over uneven ground with a few steps. Further walking during your free time will be entirely at your discretion. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

This full-day tour consists of views of the French Riviera. From Monaco to the Middle Corniche, pass by scenic vistas of Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu, before reaching the medieval village of Eze. Perched on a craggy peak above the Mediterranean Sea, here, you can enjoy a walk in this peaceful town closed to the traffic. It boasts landscapes of the coast, idyllic for your stroll along the narrow stone streets where you can admire these nearby views from. Leaving Eze, you’ll enter the ‘pearl’ of the Côte d’Azur: Nice. After a sightseeing tour of the city, passing by the palm-laced Promenade des Anglais, a stop will be made in the Old Nice. Here, you will stroll on the Cours Saleya with its colourful flower and fruit market. Then enjoy an included lunch served at a local restaurant before reboarding your coach for a 45-minute drive to the Principality of Monaco. After your tour vehicle parks at the foot of the rock of Monaco, you can reach the highpoint by escalators and elevators. Up on the hill, enjoy a guided walking tour passing by the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral and the Prince’s Palace. After visiting the Rock of Monaco, your coach will drive you back to the ship.

Additional Information

There will be approximately two miles of walking with some cobblestones. Walking in Nice is mainly over flat surfaces and walking in Old Monaco is slightly uphill. The fruit market in Nice is closed on Mondays. At the Rock of Monaco, guests must take an escalator and an elevator from the coach parking and approx 80 steps to the Casino square. A steep uphill walk over cobblestone streets awaits in Eze.

Leaving the pier by coach, journey along the Corniche towards Nice. Arrive along the Promenade des Anglais, a palm-lined boulevard stretching three miles on the Baie des Anges. Pass several landmarks including the legendary Negresco, a hotel with a rococo facade. Continue your drive, passing the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built with pink bricks, light grey marble and vividly coloured ceramic. Then, enjoy a stop for a stroll to the Franciscan Monastery, gardens and Roman Arena’s before driving back to Old Nice. Explore the Old Town on foot and walk along Cours Saleya as your guide points out the different sights of interest. Inside the maze of Old Nice, you will stop and visit a typical Bistro where you can enjoy a tasting of cheese and wine before returning to the ship by coach.

Additional Information

This tour involves approximately one-and-a-half miles of walking over flat and cobbled ground and up to 10 steps. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. This tour has limited capacity.

Admire the stunning coastal scenery of Calanques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you explore Cargese and Calanches on foot. From Ajaccio, you’ll head north for a 75-minute drive to the ancient Greek village of Cargese, gently climbing up the San Sebastiano Pass – offering splendid views over the Sagone Gulf and up to the summit of Monte Cinto. During the walking tour, your guide will share the history of this 17th century hilltop village. In 1676 a group of 600 Greeks, fleeing the Turkish invasion of their homeland, sought refuge in Cargese, which has been known ever since as ‘the Greek village’. Cargese is an attractive town of whitewashed houses set high on a rocky promontory overlooking a deep blue bay. In the centre of town you will see two fine churches – one a Roman catholic church boasting ‘trompe l’oeil’ paintings and a view from the terrace, and the other follows the Greek Byzantine tradition. The tour continues with a visit to one of Corsica’s natural wonders, the rose-coloured cliffs of “Calanches de Piana” a UNESCO World Heritage site.There will be time to admire the views and take plenty of photos, as well as enjoying a refreshing soft drink before taking the scenic drive back to Ajaccio.

Additional Information

This is a strenuous tour which involves walking up to three miles, with uneven ground, inclines and steps. Walking during time at leisure is entirely at your discretion. This tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. Proper attire is required to enter religious buildings; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Tour groups are not permitted to enter churches during services and weddings, on Sunday mornings and church holidays; you may have a chance to visit the church independently.

From the port set off together to discover the Imperial City on a picturesque walking tour through the Old Town. Following the footsteps of greatness, you will see the town hall, Palm Tree square dominated by a statue of Napoleon robed like a Roman consul and surrounded by four lions, and de Gaulle square, with its equestrian statue of Napoleon on horseback accompanied by four of his brothers.Next, you will pass by the cathedral, completed in 1593 and dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was here that Napoleon was christened in 1771. The tour continues to the front of Maison Bonaparte, which is situated in the town centre. Napoleon was born here in 1769 and lived in the house until the age of nine. The house had been the Bonaparte family home since 1682, and apart from a few tumultuous years in the late 18th century when the family had to flee Corsica for mainland France, it remained so until well into the 20th century. In the late 1960s, it was given to the French government by Prince Victor Napoleon and became a national museum.

Additional Information

This tour is entirely on foot. There is up to one-and-a-half-miles of walking over uneven pavements and up to 20 steps on this tour. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes.

Visit the seaside resort of Porticcio by Little Train, enjoy a tasting of local products and some time at leisure to explore while you are there. Your tour starts with a walk to the ferry departure where you will board your ferry to Porticcio. On arrival, board the Little Train and ride to the centre of Coti, where you will have a short stop for some free time before continuing your train ride. Relax on the train, admire the scenery and listen to traditional Corsican music. After your train trip there will be a stop in Porticcio where you can indulge in a small tasting of local products before spending time at leisure. Return to Ajaccio by ferry.

Additional Information

The walk to and from the ferry is 550 yards each way. Walking during time at leisure is entirely at your discretion. Some ground may be uneven, so we recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. A certain amount of dexterity is required when boarding and disembarking the boats and little train unaided. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Depending on weather conditions the boat may be replaced with a bus.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Tolla and the Prunelli Gorges and look forward to tasting a variety of local products. Your tour starts with a drive to the Prunelli Gorges, during which your guide will tell you about Corsica’s history, geography and unique traditions. Pass the Prunelli Gorges, where the Prunelli Rivers cut through jagged granite hills. Stop to take in the view over scenic Lake Tolla, then continue through the peaceful villages of Ocana and Tolla with their high granite buildings. Then, you alight your coach for a tasting of local products, including a variety of hams, Corsican biscuits and cheese. Return to the ship by coach after your tasting.

Additional Information

There is up to 325 yards of walking over some uneven ground. There are up to 10 steps at the restaurant. Some of the driving will be along winding roads.

Head to the outskirts of Ajaccio for the opportunity to enjoy the delightful flavours and aromas of local produce. During this excursion you will visit a honey farm, where you can learn about the benefits of the beehive products as well as taste this unique honey. The local produce comes from a rich biodiversity with more than 2800 vegetal species, 127 of which are endemic to the island. The Mediterranean climate allows bees to gather honey from flowers all year round and for this reason Corsican people have been making honey for centuries. Your next visit will give you an insight into the organic Essential Oil distillery located close by. Corsica has an abundance of plants and trees, which are used to produce essential oils, floral water and a variety of massage oil for medicinal purposes, aromatherapy and perfumery. Enjoy your visit here before returning to the ship by coach.

Additional Information

The walking distance from the pier to the tour vehicle can be up to 350 yards. During the tour expect to walk up to 550 yards, with 10 steps and periods of standing throughout. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes.

Disembark your ship to start your walking tour of Mahon accompanied by a local guide. En route, you will pass by the local market, bustling every morning in the heart of the city centre.

Continuing your stroll, your guide will introduce you to the history of the island and delve deeper into the influences of different cultures that have joined the population here. Next, you’ll pause outside the Santa Maria Church to admire the exterior pillars and side chapels before stopping by Teatro Principal De Mao – built in 1829, titled Spain’s oldest opera house.

After your visit, it’s time to head back to the ship by foot with your guide, taking in the passing sights one last time.

Additional Information

Expect up to approximately two miles of walking over uneven ground and cobblestones including a small number of steps. The Market is closed on Sundays and will not be visited if your tour takes place on this day. This tour has limited capacity.

Visit the port town of Ciutadella and megalithic chamber tomb, Naveta des Tudons.

Leaving the ship, board your coach and travel to your first stop, Naveta des Tudons. This megalithic burial chamber was used between 200 and 750 BC, and you will have the opportunity to learn about the tomb's history during your visit. After taking some photographs your tour continues to Ciutadella.

On arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, which will pass the Cathedral, which was built on the foundations of an old mosque. After your walking tour you return to the port by coach.

Additional Information

There is one-and-a-half miles of essential walking on this tour over uneven ground. It is advisable to wear suitable footwear for walking.

Enjoy a short drive to the Arenal d’en Castell, which boasts an expansive view over the Arenal and Addaia Fortress. This quaint Spanish island is also home to the Caribbean-like Cala Tirant – a surf beach set on the northernmost point of Minorca, which you’ll be able to see from a distance during your tour.

Continuing to the fishing village of Fornells, you can take in some more blue landscapes with the surrounding bay before heading to the key highlight of your tour: Binissues. Home to a farm and museum manor, tradition and history intertwine in a rural environment, giving you the most authentic experience of Minorca. During your visit, you can see a traditional working farm in action, alongside the stately home with richly decorated rooms.

Also, explore a peasant farmer’s house and an old straw loft housing relics of the peasant past, revealing what daily life was like over a hundred years ago. While here, you will also find out about Minorca’s most popular cocktail drink, Pomada, first made for the British Sailors who were stationed on the island for over a century. At the end of your visit, sample some of the local products as you are shown how this simple, yet refreshing drink is prepared. It will be served in a “porrón”, a little bottle which will be shared outside on the pastoral grounds.

Before returning to the port, there will be a stop at Monte Toro, the highest spot on the island, providing you with a few panoramic photo opportunities.

Additional Information

There will be approximately one-and-a-half miles of essential walking, some over uneven ground and with a few steps. Further walking, including at any photo stop, will be at your discretion. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes.

Make the short drive from the pier to the lagoons of S´Albufera, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Now a protected natural park, the area was once threatened by the possibility of a private housing development that would have seriously damaged the lagoon and the local ecosystem if not stopped. Learn how the local administration is restoring the environment through the plantation of autochthonous vegetation. Take in the natural beauty while walking along the Camí de Cavalls, a historic trail along the island’s coastline, originally constructed for military purposes during the French rule. As time passed, some sections of the route were gradually lost to urban growth and erosion, but these are being restored to allow both locals and visitors to use the trail and enjoy the natural environment. See the historic defence tower Torre Des Rambles, built by the British on top of a craggy cliff. Enjoy the amazing view over the island Illa d’en Colom along the walk back to Es Grau beach. After your hike, return to the ship by coach.

Additional Information

This is a strenuous tour with up to three miles of walking over uneven ground. You must have a good level of physical fitness to participate. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. We recommend that you wear appropriate footwear for walking.

Capture the highlights of Ceuta by coach and enjoy some free time at Plaza de Nuestra Señora de África. Leaving the port by coach, travel along the waterfront and enjoy the changing view of the region’s landscapes.

Your drive takes you up the slopes of Mount Hacho and past the Desnarigado Castle Museum to see the Hermitage of San Antonio, a 16th-century building. From here you can capture a view of Europe and the Rock of Gibraltar. Reboarding the coach, the tour continues to the other side of Ceuta where you can see the city from a different perspective.

Another stop will be made at Plaza de Nuestra Señora de África, the heart of this multicultural city. Around the square you’ll find the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de África, where the image of the patron saint and permanent mayor of the city is venerated; the cathedral, built on the site of an old mosque; the Town Hall and the military headquarters of the Comandancia General.

You will then return to the ship.

Additional Information

There is approximately 300 yards of essential walking. Walking during time at leisure is entirely at your discretion, you will have approximately 20 minutes of free time during the stop at Plaza de Nuestra Señora de África.

The walled city of Ceuta has long stood guard over the Straits of Gibraltar. The walled area dominates the old town of this cosmopolitan Mediterranean city. Ceuta’s cuisine reflects the cultural mix of its inhabitants and coastal location, with delicacies including fish and shellfish often cooked in an Andalusian-style stew, or fried and marinated. Meat tends to be prepared in a Moroccan style with spices and seasonings.

Enjoy a short walk into the heart of the city, stopping at the covered market where local produce is sold. During the walk you can learn about the local architecture, see the main square of Ceuta and the Plaza of Africa. You’ll stop at three different bars to sample a variety of small tapas style dishes, each offering a taste of the region.

At the end of the tour, you can opt to stay in the town centre and explore independently or return to the ship on foot or by shuttle bus.

Additional Information

There is up to one-and-a-half-miles of essential walking and this tour is entirely on foot. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes. There will be seating available in the bars visited on this tour. If you have any dietary requirements, please advise the on-board Explore Ashore Team at least 72 hours in advance.

On this excursion, discover the best of Ceuta on land and from the sea. A short transfer will take you to Plaza de Africa, where you’ll find a poignant 19th-century monument dedicated to the heroes and victims of the African War.

From here you'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Africa and see the cathedral from the outside. Continue on foot towards the Tardorromana Basilica, where you'll be given a brief history of the Basilica. Follow your guide along the Royal Walls and past the Legion Museum, before boarding the pleasure boat 'El Desnarigado'.

Once aboard, enjoy a picturesque coastal cruise with a wonderful view of Ceuta. Sights include the Moat of San Felipe, the Royal Walls, Southern Bay, former Women's Prison, and the Castle of the Desnarigado. Relax and listen to stories of heroes and villains as you explore the coast.

Additional Information

There is up to three-quarters-of-a-mile of essential walking, you will be walking for one-and-a-half hours over uneven and cobbled ground. There will also be periods of standing and there are a few steps to board the boat, which you must be able to board unaided. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. When visiting religious venues, knees and shoulders must be covered. The tour may operate in a different order to described.

The town of Tetouan lies at the foot of the Rif mountains. It’s a short drive from the Moroccan border along the coast through a series of fishing villages. At Martil, you turn inland and climb up the Oued Martil – a valley filled with the scent of eucalyptus, almond and orange trees. Although Tetouan is now part of Morocco, its architecture has retained its Andalusian character.

You will gain an insight into the town on a panoramic drive to the Place du Primo and the Place de Hassan II. Alight your coach and join your guide for a walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of the medina. Wander past the street cafes and whitewashed buildings to El Melal, the old Jewish Quarter famous for its jewellery shops.

Arrive at the Berber Zoco, a bazaar in the very heart of the city, where you can enjoy some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs, jewellery, leather goods and other local handicrafts. After, sit down to a Moroccan lunch accompanied by a performance of traditional music and dance from the Rif mountains before returning to Ceuta.

Additional Information

There is up to one mile of essential walking, some over uneven ground, with inclines and steps. Further walking during free time is at your discretion. Lunch will include a traditional Moroccan meal (example: Chicken, vegetables and cous cous). If you have any dietary requirements, please advise the on-board Explore Ashore Team at least 72 hours in advance. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. To visit Tetuan, you cross an international border, so you must bring your passport on this tour. Euros or credit cards are recommended for additional purchases. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes and clothing suitable for the day's conditions. It can take up to an hour each way to cross the border.

Chefchaouen, locally known as ‘The Blue City’ is a picturesque Moroccan hamlet painted in blue. Travel by coach from the coastal town of Ceuta and through the Rif mountains, to arrive in Chefchaouen, a journey of around two hours and 15 minutes.

On arrival, join your guide on foot to explore the maze of azure houses, alleyways and tiled mosques. Chefchaouen was founded in 1741 and flourished with the arrival of Muslim refugees from the Spanish Reconquest. It was this conflict that made El Cid a Spanish hero and expelled the Moors from their beloved city of Granada. Spanish, Berber, Arab and Jewish quarters sit side by side in the four main districts. A winding road leads up the hill to the Place Uta el Hammam, the large square at the heart of the medina in the centre of the city. Bazaars overflowing with craftwork in leather, silk, wool, and wood are the pillars of the city's economy and a great place to find a souvenir. Enjoy some time to explore and browse.

After your time in the medina, continue to the ancient walls of the Alcazaba or the crenellated red towers of the exotic Kasbah. Your guide will take you through the Andalusian Quarter to the waterfalls of Ras el Maa, where women wash clothes and sheep's wool, which is then carded and spun into yarn. Then, sit down to a traditional Moroccan lunch whilst folklore performers sing and dance, immersing yourself in the local culture before returning to Ceuta.

Additional Information

There is up to one mile of essential walking, some over cobbled ground and periods of standing. Walking during free time is at the guests’ discretion. The drive to Chefchaouen is approximately two hours and 15 minutes each way. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Lunch will include a traditional Moroccan meal (example: Chicken, vegetables and cous cous). If you have any dietary requirements, please advise the on-board Explore Ashore Team at least 72 hours in advance. To visit Chefchaouen, you will cross an international border, so you must bring your passport on this tour. Euros or credit cards are recommended for additional purchases. We recommend that you wear flat walking shoes and clothing suitable for the day's conditions.