ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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Palma, Majorca
Palma. Think leafy boulevards that echo with the stilettos of stylish shoppers. Tiny tapas bars tucked down narrow sidestreets. Architectural gold hidden in the historic…
Departs: 22:00
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Marina di Carrara (for Florence and Pisa), Italy
The dramatic white-marked mountains behind Marina di Carrara have played a key role in sculpting Italy’s historic looks. What looks like snow, is in fact some of thepurest…
Time in port: 07:00 - 19:00Show Top Things to Do
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Florence & Pisa
The city of art, Florence has so much to offer, from grand old Renaissance churches to timeworn Medieval streets. The city’s historical centre is now a pedestrian zone and this is where your sightseeing begins. Clap eyes on the orange-roofed Duomo and weave your way through the pretty maze of streets to the Gothic Old Palace with its ornate courtyard. You’ll get to see Ponte Vecchio, too, the only bridge in Florence to survive the World War II bombings. After that, you’ll have approximately 45 minutes to explore or just tuck into a tasty lunch in the sun. Then it’s time to head for your second city of the day – Pisa. Once you get here, it's approximately a 20 minute walk to the Miracle Square to see the famous Leaning Tower, one of the most recognised sites in the world.
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaving the port behind, enjoy the gorgeous Tuscan countryside on your way to Pisa. When you get here, an escort will walk you through to Miracle Square where you’ll meet your official guide. Your walking tour will focus on this famous meeting point, otherwise known as Campo dei Miracoli, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Visit the 13th-century cathedral, with its Tuscan-Romanesque facade and Muslim-inspired interior. See the Baptistery, built between 1153 and 1278, and, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where Galileo conducted his gravity experiments. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to shop for souvenirs before meeting with your escort and returning to Marina di Carrara.
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Florence On Your Own
Like to do your own thing? Been to Florence before and want to explore under your own steam this time? Then this flexible option is the perfect choice. You’ll drive to Florence with a local escort, who’ll be there to assist you, give you advice and point out the main places of interest. Spend your free time strolling around the quaint streets of this romantic city, doing a little shopping 'Italian-style' or calling in at some of the galleries and museums that find a home here. It’s the perfect tour for anyone looking to discover the hidden beauties of Florence at their own pace!
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Savona (for Genoa and Turin), Italy
Savona’s located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, at the very top of Italy’s boot. Yachts and cruise liners bob in the narrow harbour, which juggles traditional architecture…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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Genoa On Your Own
You take the reins on this half-day trip to landmark-packed Genoa, the capital of Italy’s Liguria region. It’s around an hour from the port, and you’ll have three hours of free time to get to know the city known as ‘La Superba’. Check out the Piazza de Ferrari with its impressive bronze fountain, and call in at the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo – AKA St Lawrence Cathedral – to snap some photos with its zebra-striped walls. You can grab a double helping of palaces, too – there’s the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Reale. A bevy of coffee shops and gelaterias hide in the alleyways, so there are plenty of brunching opportunities. In fact, the city’s believed to be the birthplace of pesto – a sampler should be on your agenda.
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Discovering Genoa
Today you’ll get acquainted with an ex-pirate hotspot and the largest Medieval city centre in Europe – Genoa. This port city was once an economic superpower thanks to a huge shipping industry, but in the past suffered through plague, wars with Venice and political unrest. It’s been nicknamed ‘La Superba’ for its long list of landmarks and rich history, and today your guide will peel back the layers. Columbus’ House and the Porta Soprana Gate are just some of the highlights you’ll visit. You’ll also have an hour of free time to explore the city after your tour – perhaps tuck in to a taster of locally made pesto and famous Genoese focaccia.
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Calvi, Corsica
There’s no better way to arrive in Calvi than by cruise ship. As you pull into the iconic harbour, you’ll be greeted by its towering citadel. Beneath the soaring peaks…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00 | Tender to shoreShow Top Things to Do
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Corsican Old Villages
This tour takes in the picturesque mountain villages of Corsica’s Balagne region, which is famous for its olive groves and fruit orchards. First up, you’ll pass through the ancient village of Calenzana, with its views of Calvi Bay, the Genoese towers of Caldanu and Spano, and the Monte Grosso mountains. From here, it’s on to the villages of Zilia, Cassano and Lughignono, before making tracks for Col de Salvi and Cateri. Cateri is particularly good-looking, with its balcony-clad houses and 12th-century chapel. Then it’s on to Sant Antonino, one of the oldest villages in Corsica. There’s some free time here, so you’ll get to explore the winding lanes, stepped alleyways and stone houses that spill down the hillside. You’ll then drive on passing through the village of Ile Rousse and, finally, Lumio. In ancient times, this place was at the centre of sun-worshipping cult activity.
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Balagna Scenic Drive
This guided driving tour takes you through Corsica’s picturesque Balagne region, which is overflowing with olive groves, fruit orchards and velvet green hills. You’ll set off towards Notre Dame de la Serra, an 18th-century chapel that offers up sweeping views of the mountains and Calvi below. You can get off the bus for a photo stop, before continuing past wind-whipped bays and beaches. Next, you’ll venture through the countryside. As you pass the ruins of an ancient silver mine, keep an eye out for the Genoese tower where Prince Bonaparte built his hunting pavilion in 1852, and try to spot the Capo Tondo or ‘Round Mountain’ on the way. Driving on, you’ll pass close by to the coastal wildlife reserve of Scandola, where you’ll come across the Balagne Deserte – a deserted region of red rock that’s smothered in greenery. Nearby, you can see the Cirque de Bonifato – a dense forest filled with evergreens and pines. A relaxing tour and complete scenic treat!
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Calvi Walking Tour
This guided walking tour gives you the lowdown on Calvi’s past, from its origins as a quaint fishing village and its century spent as a Genoese stronghold, to how it emerged as the trendy hotspot it is today. After setting off from the pier, you’ll head for the citadel, which is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the port. You’ll pass through the drawbridge and stop to admire the sweeping views, before heading for the Place d’Armes and the 13th-century Cathedral St John Baptiste, which dominates the main square. Next on the agenda is the former home of Calvi’s most famous resident, Christopher Columbus. Then it’s over to the enormous Caserne Sampiero, which used to be the governor’s palace. It dates back to the 13th century and, in those days, the castle’s tower was used as a dungeon. Next up, you’ll visit the Oratoire St Antoine Church, with its graceful granite carvings, before moving on to the city’s ancient ramparts and the Ville Basse – the lower part of Calvi. Last but not least, you’ll take in a very different face of the town – the Quay Landry. Its sleek marina, boutiques and café-lined promenade attract a well-heeled crowd.
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Marseille, France
Marseille is one of the Med’s most atmospheric ports. Grungy, bohemian buildings sit alongside grand, Art Deco apartments. Fish stalls jostle for space between delisand…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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Cassis
“He who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing”. Even if this saying by French poet Frederic Mistral seems exaggerated, it nevertheless reflects the interest of this seaside gem, tucked at the foot of the Cape Canaille Cliff. A former Roman trading post, Cassis oozes charm, with its café-lined quay, jagged little coves and enticing beaches. When you get here, you’ll get some free time to browse and shop after a short introduction by your guide. Later on, you’ll reboard the coach for a 30-minute drive to Cap Canaille - Europe’s highest sea cliffs which offer up incredible photo opportunities.
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Marseille City Tour
The cosmopolitan city of Marseille is France’s second biggest city. You’ll start your day with an orientation of the city, which includes views of the Old Port and St. John & St. Nicholas Fort. Then you’ll carry on to the imposing Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica from where you can enjoy a remarkable view of Marseille. Other sights you’ll tick off your list include the St. Victor Abbey, La Major Cathedral and the beautiful mansions and villas lining the Corniche.
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Aix En-Provence
Discover Aix, the stunning former capital of the Provence region. It’s also known as the town of the tempestuous politician Mirabeau and the famous painter Paul Cezanne. Soak up the atmosphere in this charming place, which has preserved most of its character from the 17th and 18th-centuries. Your guide will show you around and walk with you through the Old Town, from tree-lined Cours Mirabeau to Quartier Mazarin, passing elegant old hotels, majestic avenues and fountains on the way. Then you’ll enjoy some free time for shopping, exploring or an al fresco lunch, before rejoining your guide for the trip back to port.
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Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is up there with the most famous cities in the world, and for good reason. Sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola hills, thisSpanish…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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Barcelona City Highlights
Few cities of the world can boast such architectural richness and culture as the electrifying metropolis of Barcelona. This extensive tour of the city takes in many of the major highlights, including the Old Quarter and the city’s most eccentric landmark - Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Work on this church began in 1882 and still continues today. If you’re a first time visitor to Barcelona, don’t miss the chance to see it. Another ‘must see’ attraction you’ll visit is The Spanish Village, where you can see many examples of Spanish architecture. Enjoy the arts and crafts shops and spend some time shopping before taking a drive through Montjuic Gardens.
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Barcelona and Sagrada Famillia
Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece – the Sagrada Familia – is the main feature on this trip. The towering basilica is still getting a few finishing touches, despite work starting more than 130 years ago. It’s got a UNESCO World Heritage tick, and is by far Barcelona’s most striking landmark. The rest of the day takes in the city’s remaining best bits, including the 1992 Olympic Stadium, which is perched on a hilltop. Once you’ve snapped a couple of panoramic pics, it’s only a short hop across to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. At the end of the day you’ll get to see the Passeig de Gracia, one of Spain’s most expensive streets, which features a couple more of Gaudi’s eye-catching designs.
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Barcelona Bike Tour
For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our bike tours. This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.
Palma, Majorca
Palma. Think leafy boulevards that echo with the stilettos of stylish shoppers. Tiny tapas bars tucked down narrow sidestreets. Architectural gold hidden in the historic…
Arrives: 06:00
