Treasures of the Western Mediterranean

Dover.

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Gibraltar.

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, 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

Optional excursion

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

Spend the day at sea.

Barcelona, Spain.

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

An included panoramic excursion offers the perfect introduction to this unique city.

Toulon, France.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

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.

Included excursion

Enjoy an overview of the local area on an included panoramic excursion.

Optional excursion

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

Monaco ⚓.

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.

Optional excursion

Follow in the footsteps of American actress Grace Kelly, who became the Princess of Monaco when she wed Prince Rainier in 1956. Alternatively, travel along the Corniche Road to the Belle Epoque and visit the Rothschild Villa in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Ajaccio, Corsica.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1630.

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.

Optional excursion

Discover the splendid coastal scenery of Calanques on an optional tour.

Mahon, Minorca.

Arrive 0900. 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. Join an included panoramic excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions before exploring at your own pace.

Included excursion

Join an included panoramic excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions.

Spend the day at sea.

Ceuta, Spain.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The Iberian enclave of Ceuta is set on a peninsula that juts out from the North African coast. It combines an exotic fusion of Spanish and Moroccan culture and has many fortifications, such as the 15th-century Royal Walls, that reflect its tumultuous past.

Optional excursion

Visit Tétouan in neighbouring Morocco. Its small but well-preserved medina encompasses three distinct sections: Andalusian, Jewish and Berber, earning it a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Portsmouth.

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.