Mediterranean Grand Voyage

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

At the north western tip of Spain, La Coruna is Galicia’s largest city – from where in 1588 the Spanish Armada sailed to its fate. It’s the port of call for nearby Santiago de Compostela, in whose ornate 11th century cathedral rests the body of St James. With Jerusalem and Rome, it remains one of Christendom’s most holy places – to which in the middle ages up to two million pilgrims came each year.

One of Western Europe’s most ancient cities, founded 3,000 years ago by Phoenician merchants, Cadiz hugs Andalucia’s sunlit Atlantic coast. It’s a historic and intriguing seaport-from which Spain’s galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure – characterised by palm trees, look out towers and weathered old buildings. From here you can visit Jerez de la Frontera, centre of Spain’s sherry production, and put to the test the creations of its many bodegas!

Ibiza is most famous for it’s summer parties, with thousands of people descending upon the island to enjoy the nightlife. However, large parts of the island are World Heritage Sites. One spectacular site is El Vedra, a nature reserve said to be the third most magnetic point on earth.

One of the Western Mediterranean’s most colourful metropolises, Spain’s cosmopolitan second city overflows with interest, it’s mood infused with a vibrant Catalan spirit and heritage. You’ll catch the pulse of Barcelona when you stroll the mosaic paved Ramblas, the city’s social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays – and meet its unique cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi, and some outstanding museums and parks.

Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cuisine in the many restaurants that line the promenades. The Old Town district – like similar districts in other major European cities – is where you will find some of the oldest, most beautiful and most interesting sites in the city, including the UNESCO-Listed Lonja de la Seda, 13th century Santo Domingo Convent and Torres de Serranos – a 14th century gothic gateway that’s considered the oldest in Europe.

Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cuisine in the many restaurants that line the promenades. The Old Town district – like similar districts in other major European cities – is where you will find some of the oldest, most beautiful and most interesting sites in the city, including the UNESCO-Listed Lonja de la Seda, 13th century Santo Domingo Convent and Torres de Serranos – a 14th century gothic gateway that’s considered the oldest in Europe.

Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cuisine in the many restaurants that line the promenades. The Old Town district – like similar districts in other major European cities – is where you will find some of the oldest, most beautiful and most interesting sites in the city, including the UNESCO-Listed Lonja de la Seda, 13th century Santo Domingo Convent and Torres de Serranos – a 14th century gothic gateway that’s considered the oldest in Europe.

The second of Spain’s four Balearic Islands, Menorca has an engaging charm perfectly embodied in the easily explored capital of Mahon with its attractive shops, outdoor market and the traditional buildings of its hilly old quarter. One of Europe’s best natural harbours – where the 18th century British fleet sheltered when Menorca was ruled from London (Admiral Nelson’s visits are commemorated still by the local Nelson Gin!)

The dramatic maquis-covered landscapes of Corsica – ruled by the Genoese for centuries and often seemingly more Italian than French – span 650 square miles of fretted, beach-fringed coastline, alp-like mountains that soar to 9,00ft, cool pine and chestnut forests, sunburst vineyards and olive groves. From the little resort of Propriano by the sands of the Gulf of Valinco you can explore the capital, Ajaccio (birthplace of Napoleon), and the unspoilt scenery of Corsica’s wild interior.

Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region. However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin.

Italy’s third largest city is as exuberant as it is rich in history. Naples is the gateway to exploring some of Italy’s richest sightseeing treasures like Pompeii and Heraculem, where the ancient Roman ruins stand preserved to this day courtesy of the ashes of nearby Mount Vesuvius. Or the fabled city of Sorrento whose vitality is only matched by the splendour of its coastal setting. Quintessentially Italian the resort is a bustling maze of shops, boutiques and open-air cafes. Capri and the picturesque villages of the Amalfi coast will all compete for your time.

Fronted by glorious blue waters and surrounded by deep valleys, rugged cliffs and soaring mountains; Sorrento looks simply breathtaking as you glide along the Amalfi Coast towards the town. Once ashore, be sure to look back across the Bay of Naples to savour the incredible views of Capri Island and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento’s charming streets are an absolute delight to explore in search of an abundance of attractions and historic structures, many of which date back to Roman times. The Cathedral, St. Francis Monastery and the Basilica di Sant’Antonino are not-to-be-missed; while the Villa Pollio Roman ruins, Archaeological Museum and Puntacampanella Nature Reserve are well worth a visit too. You’ll also discover hundreds of tourist-centric shops, lovely cafes and fine restaurants.

Gateway to Rome – Italy’s Eternal City, living monument to a 3,000-year history that has shaped the civilisation of our western world. From the Colosseum and Forum of Ancient Rome to the city’s great masterpieces of renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, the emblems of past grandeur provide a backdrop for the elegant designer boutiques, pavement cafes, inviting trattorie and countless sophisticated pleasures of today’s vibrant capital.

Gateway to Rome – Italy’s Eternal City, living monument to a 3,000-year history that has shaped the civilisation of our western world. From the Colosseum and Forum of Ancient Rome to the city’s great masterpieces of renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, the emblems of past grandeur provide a backdrop for the elegant designer boutiques, pavement cafes, inviting trattorie and countless sophisticated pleasures of today’s vibrant capital.

Gateway to Rome – Italy’s Eternal City, living monument to a 3,000-year history that has shaped the civilisation of our western world. From the Colosseum and Forum of Ancient Rome to the city’s great masterpieces of renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, the emblems of past grandeur provide a backdrop for the elegant designer boutiques, pavement cafes, inviting trattorie and countless sophisticated pleasures of today’s vibrant capital.

The Old City is a highly preserved example of life in the Middle Ages, and the medieval architecture there has ensured its place as a UNESCO listed ‘World Natural and Historical Heritage Site’.

An island until the 19th Century, Koper is the main port in Slovenia and the gateway to Central Europe. The old town is abundant with architecture and cultural monuments. The richness of the culinary heritage, as well as the hospitality, kindness and attention of the native Slovenians, guarantees a pleasant visit.

Lesser known than the beautiful, yet well-trodden cities of Split and Dubrovnik, Sibenik offers all of the quintessential delights than one might have come to expect from destinations situated on Croatia’s glorious Adriatic Coast. Sibenik is situated within a deep bay, one of the best-protected harbours found anyway in the Adriatic region, and boasts spectacular surrounding landscapes, while the city itself is a sight to behold from the first moment it comes into view; typically Croatian scenes of white-washed, terracotta-topped buildings hint at the type of treasures awaiting discovery ashore. Wander the little, steeply-angled streets and attractive squares framed by a mix of centuries-old architectural gems, shops and cafés reveal themselves; particular highlights to see-out include the impressive town hall, the churches of St Barbara and St Fran, and the piece de resistance: Cathedral Sveti Jakov. Built in the early 15th century, UNESCO-listed Sveti Jakov is considered one of Croatia’s finest and most important Renaissance-era landmarks, built from limestone and marble under the supervision of the great Croatian stone masters Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac.

In the heart of Dalmatia, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast dates back to the days of Diocletian. The old town is built around the harbour and much of the old city remains to this day. A visit to the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian is well worth a visit. Other notable site include the cathedral; the Temple of Jupiter; the Golden Gate; the Silver Gate; and Peristyle Square.

There’s no mistaking the past wealth and proud spirit of this ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, perched on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. An independent city-state for 600 years until conquered by Napoleon, Dubrovnik survives, despite recent events, as one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities – a timeless architectural showpiece, whose graceful churches and cloisters, palaces and fountains, mellow Baroque facades and encircling ancient walls, all seem more stage set than reality.

There’s no mistaking the past wealth and proud spirit of this ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, perched on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. An independent city-state for 600 years until conquered by Napoleon, Dubrovnik survives, despite recent events, as one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities – a timeless architectural showpiece, whose graceful churches and cloisters, palaces and fountains, mellow Baroque facades and encircling ancient walls, all seem more stage set than reality.

With its palm-lined cobbled promenade, stunning beaches and vibrant town centre, Argostoli is the perfect place to soak up the glorious Mediterranean sunshine while enjoying unique Greek culture. Surrounded by gorgeous azure waters and boasting a beautiful natural harbour, Kefalonia’s is also the island’s largest port town. Despite being a modern, commercial town, Argostoli’s tradition and heritage oozes from its charming architecture, vibrant squares and pretty landscapes. Lithostroto – the main street in the town centre – is the hub of the town and home to a number of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Kampanas Square – found in the middle of Lithostroto – offers superb views of the town and the beautiful Koutavos Lagoon. Just a short distance from the town centre you will discover the impressive Agion Theodoron Lighthouse. Rebuilt in 1953 after an earthquake destroyed the original 19th century building, the lighthouse has a unique design that features 20 columns and a small tower.

Built on the site of ancient Pharai, Kalamata, the second largest city in Peloponnes is fantastic destination for museum lovers. It has a small, but attractive, old town, which was rebuilt having been completely destroyed by the Turks in the war of independence.

The port of Piraeus brings you to Athens, one of the great names of antiquity, the city of Plato and Socrates, a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy. You can step in to that history on the heights of the Acropolis with its glorious 2,500-years-old Parthenon dating from the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Below, in the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka District’s honeycomb of streets, little shops – and tavernas that come alive at night with the pulse of bouzouki.

Legend has it that the island of Santorini is the site of Plato’s lost city of Atlantis. The extraordinary landscape of its western edge is the result of the eruption in 1450 BC of a marine volcano, the sheer cliffs of whose caldera rim climb to high into the Aegean sky. You can reach the white houses of cliff top Thira Town by cable car or donkey, while further afield Akrotiri offers a glimpse of the Minoan civilisation overwhelmed by the volcano.

Built around a pretty lake against a backdrop of imposing red-rock cliffs and tall trees, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most picturesque towns. A vibrant ‘resort’ throughout the holiday season, the town attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, interesting historic sites and fantastic beaches.

Although Agios Nikolaos appears imposing, with its typically Greek whitewashed buildings towering over Lake Voulisméni and Merabello Bay, it is in fact very easy to explore on foot. Taking a stroll along the town’s tree-lined streets, alleys and boulevards in the Mediterranean sunshine is the best way to take in the attractions. Plenty of bars, shops and restaurants serving fine local cuisine, several charming Byzantine-era churches and interesting archaeological, folklore and national history museums all await discovery. The stunning marina and sandy beach of Ammus are well worth taking the short walk from the town centre to discover too.

Largest island of the Dodecanese, Rhodes was the headquarters of the crusader Knights of St John before defeat by the Ottoman Turks. Within the capital’s massive citadel walls the medieval Old Town presents a hive of narrow cobbled streets, dominated by the Avenue of the Knights and imposing Palace of the Grand Masters. More modern distractions await in the New Town while nearby is picturesque Lindos, clustered below a hilltop acropolis and Crusader Castle.

Largest island of the Dodecanese, Rhodes was the headquarters of the crusader Knights of St John before defeat by the Ottoman Turks. Within the capital’s massive citadel walls the medieval Old Town presents a hive of narrow cobbled streets, dominated by the Avenue of the Knights and imposing Palace of the Grand Masters. More modern distractions await in the New Town while nearby is picturesque Lindos, clustered below a hilltop acropolis and Crusader Castle.

Largest island of the Dodecanese, Rhodes was the headquarters of the crusader Knights of St John before defeat by the Ottoman Turks. Within the capital’s massive citadel walls the medieval Old Town presents a hive of narrow cobbled streets, dominated by the Avenue of the Knights and imposing Palace of the Grand Masters. More modern distractions await in the New Town while nearby is picturesque Lindos, clustered below a hilltop acropolis and Crusader Castle.

On Turkey’s Aegean coast, this lively little resort boasts a captivatingly picturesque setting – with tiers of whitewashed houses ablaze with flowers rising from the colourful port and yacht marina to windmill topped heights. Birthplace of Herodotus, the ‘Father of History’, it was founded some 2,500 years ago as a Greek colony. No visit should miss the ruined tomb of King Mausolous (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the 15th century Crusader castle dominating the town – and the many shops selling leather ware and jewellery.

Kuşadasi is a beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast, and a gateway for the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus, one of the nation’s best preserved ancient cities.

Numerous attractive cafes and restaurants scattered along palm-lined boulevards serving a variety of fresh seafood and local specialities add to the lively atmosphere of the town. For a slice of tranquillity many visit Kuşadasi’s various steam baths and the natural spas.

Built on the shores of two continents and seat of successive Byzantine and Ottoman Empires for 1,500 years, Istanbul (the Constantinople of old) is a chaotic, cosmoplitan collision of East and West, past and present. Among its great wealth of monuments and landmarks are the ethereal Blue Mosque, glittering Topkapi Palace (once home of the sultans), vast Kapali Carsi (the world’s largest covered bazaar) and the aromatic Egyptian Spice Market.

Strategically situated midway between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is in every sense a Mediterranean crossroads – a tiny island with an epic and heroic history in which invasion and siege have seen the influence Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and, of course, Britain all leave an enduring mark upon its cultural heritage. The16th century walled capital of Valletta with its Grand Harbour is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture, its narrow streets a tempting honeycomb of colourful shops and stalls.

The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain’s finest expression of Moorish art.

The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain’s finest expression of Moorish art.

The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain’s finest expression of Moorish art.

Dominated by ‘the Rock’, a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs’ Gebel el Tarik or Tarik’s Rock is today simply ‘Gib’. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar – from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer – with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to enjoy the grandstand views to a nearby Africa, and of course make a call on those Barbary apes!

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe’s greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal’s former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital’s 18th century lower town – a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe’s greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal’s former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital’s 18th century lower town – a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.