Traversing The Med: A Mediterranean Feast

Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naples’ underworld reputation has mellowed in recent years, making it the perfect starting point for your explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plague and infamous natural disasters, Neapolitans are well known for their dramatic, larger-than-life personalities. A dedication to family and their ancestral roots makes them natural storytellers, with a passion to share their stoic city and its intrinsic tales with all they encounter. Developed by Rome’s elite as a series of holiday resorts and prosperous towns, the southern coastline of the Bay of Naples offers a wealth of insights into the ancient world, while the modern city of Naples is an eclectic mix of winding lanes, underground channels and glass-fronted high-rise buildings, making it a town with more than its share of tall tales.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ options highlight two cherished Neapolitan pastimes: delving into the city’s storied history and indulging in its renowned cuisine, while history enthusiasts can explore the archaeological site of Pompeii to gain insights into Roman life and understand how its opulence contributed to the city’s demise. The afternoon is free for further exploration before gathering this evening to celebrate your journey at a welcome event–Neapolitan style.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For Napoli on a Plate, visit a local pizzeria to sample two varieties of pizza plus indulge in one of Naples’ iconic pastries. On the Naples; Yesterday-Today tour, walk the streets, visit important buildings and enjoy a visit to the city’s underground archaeological complex. Or opt to visit Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius with an expert local guide to uncover one of the world’s best-known archaeological sites.

This morning is at your leisure to explore Naples at your own pace or join for a full-day exploration of the magnificent Palace of Caserta.

On the full-day Palace of Caserta exploration, visit this masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with over five floors, 1,200 rooms, 11 acres of gardens, pools, fountains and cascades, and almost 300 acres of parklands. Designed according to the wishes of Charles of Bourbon III, by Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century, Caserta was a palace ahead of its time. Respect for nature became the palace’s calling card, drawing from trends spreading across Europe at the time. Hundreds of rare and precious plants from around the world were brought to Caserta, and still grown there today. Grand, excessive and opulent, a visit to Caserta will fill your diary with superlatives.

Transfer to the port mid-afternoon to board the ship and sail west to the Italian island of Sardinia. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you meet your onboard team and crew.

Crossing ‘the Med’ on traditional trade routes, reach the coastal city of Olbia on Sardinia’s east coast in time to spend the afternoon on your preferred ‘Your Choice’ experience.

The Mediterranean’s second largest island, Sardinia is unique and enigmatic. Its coastline, beaches, granite cliffs and mountainous inland showcase sprawling resorts and medieval villages–all a testimony to the island’s eventful history as the center of the Mediterranean’s east to west trading route. A succession of conquerors gifted to the islanders’ animals, seeds and plants to be raised and populated. Understandably the most popular plants were vines, which now support a burgeoning wine business with Sardinian wines popular in Europe.

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Aga Khan’s Folly; Porto Cervo tour, explore this playground for the rich and famous, taking in the town’s upscale charm and marina with luxurious superyachts. Or get a Taste for Sardinia’s Wines on a hosted vineyard tour with insights into the farm’s integrated cultivation methods and the Vermentino grape that’s a cornerstone of Sardianian winemaking; end with a tasting complemented by charcuterie.

Your journey today takes you to a slice of France in the Mediterranean. Though it has been part of France since 1769, Corsica maintains a distinct identity, blending Italian and French influences due to its historical ties with both nations. Known for its rugged landscapes, winding roads and craggy coves, Corsica’s 340,000 inhabitants have a strong sense of regional pride, tested annually by an influx of three million tourists. The island’s status as a territorial collectivity grants it greater autonomy within the French Republic, allowing for the preservation of its Corsican language and customs. This blend of French governance and Corsican heritage creates a rich, multifaceted culture that sets the island apart from mainland France.

‘Your Choice’ experiences fill your morning, with time this afternoon to enjoy the town of Bastia on your own, before sailing for the French mainland in the early evening. Founded in 1378 by the Genoese, Bastia blends French and Italian influences, making it a quintessentially Corsican town. Its Baroque historic center captures the essence of an ancient Mediterranean port. The name “Bastia” comes from “bastion,” referencing the Genoese fortress built to guard against islanders. Explore the Terra Vecchia (Old Town) on foot, starting at the palm-filled Place St-Nicolas, which flanks both the port and the lively Boulevard Général-de-Gaulle. The vibrant colors of the old town’s houses once served as landmarks for returning sailors and continue to brighten the town today.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Explore the Cap Corse Peninsula for rugged mountains and beautiful coastline with possible visits to seaside villages of Erbalunga, Sisco, Pietracorbara, Porticciolo, Pino and Nonza (the latter with a black-sand beach). On the Wine Tasting in the Patrimonio excursion, explore a local winery, learn about Nieluccio, the main grape variety, plus Sangiovese, Grenache, Sciaccarello and Vermentino, and enjoy a tasting. Or opt for the Living Heritage Company-LN Mattei Distillery tour to learn about the company’s award-winning spirits and sample a few, including the renowned aperitif Le Cap Corse Mattei.

There are plenty of treats on offer today as we reach the French mainland and berth at the port of Nice in true “Riviera style”.

More than any other Riviera city, Nice oozes charm. Its kilometers of beach, backed by iconic hotels and luxurious apartments and fronted by the Mediterranean Sea, have attracted the rich and famous for centuries. The broad boulevard along the beachfront, named Promenade des Anglais, honors Queen Victoria, who often brought her entourage to escape the dreary English winter. Russian aristocrats also made Nice their home, building a Russian Orthodox church that today holds a memorial to the fallen Czar and his family. Noted for its sunny days and enchanting evening light, Nice has long drawn artists whose galleries are filled with paintings of the city itself. Chagall, Matisse, Dufy, Picasso and more worked, lived and loved here among their wealthy sponsors and bon vivant friends. Residents, focused on fun in the sun, stroll to the market daily, buying fresh produce, gourmet foods, and flowers to adorn their seaside homes.

The centrally located port offers the chance to stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean from Nice’s Plage Publique De l’Opera, or perhaps head to the city’s famous neighbor, Monaco. One thing is for sure: in true Riviera style, today will have a touch of decadence.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Walking Nice & its Famous Markets food-focused tour, take a guided walk through the Old Town and visit the colorful stalls of local vendors at the Cours Saleya. Or opt for the Principality of Monaco & Prince Albert’s Collection guided tour of Prince Albert’s car museum in Monaco, the palatial precinct known locally as The Rock, and the Cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married and now rest. Experience the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on a tour and light lunch at Cap Ferrat, the imitation Renaissance-style palazzo of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, complete with exotic, Provençal, Japanese and Florentine gardens. Or learn about the Art of Perfumery on a visit to Galimard, one of France’s oldest perfume houses, including a hands-on workshop to create your own perfume to take home.

Fronted by a marina packed with yachts and a port dominated by the French Navy, Toulon is a city on the rise. Not as glitzy as Saint-Tropez, Nice or Cannes, Toulon is a working town with coastal appeal and a vibrant culinary scene, attracting predominantly French holidaymakers. A crucial naval port since the 15th century, Toulon’s strategic harbor has played a vital role in French maritime operations. During World War II, the local Resistance fighters, including the Maquis, undertook numerous acts of sabotage, including the dramatic 1942 scuttling of the French fleet to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. This act stands as a testament to the city’s resilient spirit, which adds to its rough charm and very “French” attitude.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, experience Toulon’s Sunday Market Scene with a local guide, tasting local delights at the Cours Lafayette Market. Another morning option is Living the High Life in Saint-Tropez for a visit to the decadent seaside city. For a full-day option, the Aix en Provence & Wine Tasting at Domaine de la Brillane walking tour, lead by a local guide, features the Saint Sauveur Cathedral and the pedestrian-only Cours Mirabeau, followed by a visit to an estate complete with a tasting of local wines and charcuterie.

Often dubbed the Venice of Languedoc for its picturesque canals and bridges, Séte is known for its thriving seafood industry, with its bustling fish market and waterfront restaurants offering fresh catches from the nearby Thau Lagoon. Séte’s waterside promenades are dotted with colorful buildings and busy cafes, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying an aperitif, glass of locally produced wine, or a cool beer amid soothing waterfront views. For those selecting a morning ‘Your Choice’ experience, the charming town of Sète waits for independent exploration in the afternoon. The city center is just a ten-minute walk from the port, making it easy to discover its attractions at your own pace.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, the Montpellier & Château de l’Engarran Wine Tasting offers a tour through the city’s architectural wonders and old quarter, followed by a wine tasting at an estate dating back to the 17th century. Another morning option is the Medieval Pezanas & the Art of Making Vermouth tour, to explore the picturesque medieval village and tour La Maison Noilly Prat to learn about and sample France’s top-selling liqueur: vermouth. For a full-day excursion, the Prince of Walled Cities-Carcassone tour explores the moviemaker-loved town famous for films such as “Puss in Boots” and “Men in Tights.”

Entering Spain, find yourself at the vibrant Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Choose your favorite ‘Your Choice’ experience for a fun-filled morning. Socially, culturally and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveler’s lips. A palatial stronghold of the 15th century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Join a local guide for the Best of Barcelona to experience works by the city’s famous artists and authors, including Antonio Gaudi. Or experience the Art of Food Catalonian Style for a locally guided walking tour through the Gothic Quarter for tastings and historic markets.

Having familiarized yourself with the city, either return to the ship for lunch, or remain in town for a free afternoon exploring Barcelona’s many attractions. Stroll iconic Las Ramblas, visit one of the city’s renowned galleries, or shop to your heart’s content. The ship will be at the downtown port, ready to set sail for Mallorca in the early evening.

It’s time to say “Hola” to Mallorca, with a full day in port at Palma de Mallorca to enjoy the sun, wine and food that makes this island so unique. An autonomous region of Spain, the economy of the Balearic Islands has ebbed and flowed in line with the waters to which they owe their fame. Recent years have brought an influx of tourists on flight-inclusive packages and Europeans seeking an ‘expat’ lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from far more sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told. Spend the morning ashore, before sailing west to the Spanish coast.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the King of Oils tour, visit a local olive oil farm to learn about the production process and sample this hallmark of the island. Choose the Palma de Mallorca tour with a local guide to experience the capital’s squares, palaces, courtyards, castles, gardens and cathedral.

It’s time to relax and enjoy sailing the Med today as you follow the traditional trade route from the Balearic Islands to the Spanish coast. Enjoy a swim, sauna or simply relax with a good book. Hone your photography skills with the ship’s resident photographer or join a presentation by your host.

Meet the mainland at the port of Motril, affording access to the city of Granada and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada; the Alpujarra’s. Immerse yourself in the rural culture, with a chance to spend time with descendants of those who have lived on the land for generations, with a farm-to-plate experience or walk amongst the Moorish empire and Christian monarchical periods’ greatest architectural achievements at the eclectic city of Granada.

You can choose from a selection of full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Tour Granada, a Moorish city with the famed Alhambra and the geometric gardens of the Generalife. Or tour the Alpujarra, the food basket of Andalusia known for specialty pastries and cakes, ending with lunch at a typical small farm/farmhouse to meet some of the Moriscos’ descendants (Muslims forced to be baptized in order to remain) and hear their story.

Meeting the African coast at Morocco, find a city with a few tales to tell. Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, affording one of Europe’s most egocentric stories. Designated an International Zone in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco’s civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals and espionage abound in this city which remains as colorful as its history suggests.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, visit the Tangier Kasbah District, Kasbah Museum & American Legation Museum to discover the traditional Sultan residence that’s now a fashionable residential area of Tangier, plus the first American public property outside the United States. Another morning option is the Taste of Tangier, a foodie tour through the historic M’sallah and the old town district with plenty of tastings at bustling markets. For a full-day option, the Artisan Enclave of Tétouan with Traditional Lunch tour explores the coastal enclave and its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Medina. Walk the souk and Jewish and Spanish quarters, visit an artisan school and enjoy lunch at a local Riad.

The proud city of Cádiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, it is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine produced was Vinum Ceretensis.

From Phoenicians to Iberians, Romans to Moors, Cádiz had its fair share of invaders. It is no wonder its skyline is dotted with 120 watchtowers, including the 150-foot-tall Torre Tavira, used for spotting sails as they appeared on the horizon–often the first sign of the return of long-lost explorers. A Spanish naval base even today, it was off the coast of Cádiz, at Cape Trafalgar, where the British won the battle of the same name over Napoleon’s fleet, with the loss of Horatio Nelson. It was from Cádiz where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the new world. And it was in Cádiz harbor where Sir Francis Drake sacked and burned so many ships that he delayed Spain’s attempt at invading England by at least a year and changed the course of world history.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the morning Story of Sherry tour, walk the historic center of Jerez and spend time with a wine expert, who introduces the region’s wines during a wine tasting. On the morning A Taste of Cádiz tour, explore the whitewashed Casco Antiguo with its plazas, baroque churches, 18th century merchant houses and historically trade-rich port, plus learn of its modern-day importance to bluefin tuna fishing, and sample some alongside oysters and other fish. On the full-day Walking the Heart of Seville tour, join a local guide to visit historic buildings, including the largest Gothic structure in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giralda Tower, the once-thriving Jewish quarter and the central square; a boxed lunch is included.

Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived, and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbor to a coast of classic caved beaches, Portimão fishes for a different catch these days, with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). The morning Silves Castle & Portuguese Pastry Workshop tour offers a locally guided excursion to a famous castle, followed by a hands-on workshop making Doce Fino; return to the ship for lunch and then enjoy free time to independently explore Portimão. The morning Silves Castle & Portuguese Pottery Workshop visits the same famous castle after a pottery demonstration by a local ceramicist; return to the ship for lunch and then enjoy free time to independently explore Portimão. The full-day Caminho dos Promontórios Clifftop Walk with a Winery Picnic Lunch excursion follows the clifftop Caminho dos Promontórios, or Path of the Headlands Walk, followed by a picnic lunch among the vines (including wine samples) at a traditional Algarve winery, nearby.

Lisbon sits on the Tagus River, granting it access to the coast that contributed to Portugal becoming one of the world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Bartholomeu Dias sailed under Portuguese patronage, discovering new lands and establishing trade routes. The city flourished, with much of the wealth from its colonies invested in grand architecture.

On the morning of All Saints Day in 1755, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Lisbon, followed by tsunamis and fires that devastated the city. Over 75% of the population perished. Today, Lisbon reflects this history, with few buildings predating the 18th century. The city was rebuilt with wide boulevards, elegant facades and parklands, all complemented by opulent baroque interiors and distinctive black-and-white tiled pavements. Lisbon’s compact size makes it easy to explore, with hillside suburbs accessible by trams and funiculars, and a vibrant waterfront that continues its historic trading legacy.

Disembark the ship and join a locally guided tour of Lisbon. The city’s story unfolds as you visit the suburb of Belem, with its Jerónimos Monastery, where you’ll hear more of Vasco de Gama’s adventures; the waterfront memorial of Monumento dos Descobrimentos, honoring Prince Henry the Navigator and his fellow explorers; and the Torre de Belém–the 16th-century fortification that acted as the gateway to Lisbon for all seafarers. This insightful tour tells tales of exploration, colonization and devastation, drawn together by the history of a city the influence of which has shaped much of our modern-day world.

Near the famed Cais do Sodré train station, sits the beautiful building of the Mercado da Ribeira with its Moorish-style dome. To end your tour, visit this famous market and its popular ‘Time Out’ food complex. Lisbon’s populace has shopped for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat here since 1882, with the market’s latest innovation including 30 ‘pop-ups’ offering petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and traditional products such as cheeses, cured hams, smoked sausages, fish conserves, wines and more. Your local guide introduces you to a variety of Portuguese specialties, such as pastéis de nata–the Portuguese tart, a national specialty, with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry. Take time to explore and enjoy lunch (own expense), before transferring to your hotel mid-afternoon.

This evening, gather to celebrate your journey at a farewell event.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.