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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Palermo, Sicily
Sicily’s capital is an exotic blend of Middle Eastern architecture, Baroque buildings and colourful marketplaces you’ll love to explore.
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Palermo & Monreale
This trip starts right in the heart of the Sicilian capital, Palermo, with a visit to the ancient cathedral. The huge, ornate building dates back to the 12th-century, and you’ll have time to snap a picture or two of the Norman, Gothic and Moorish architecture before the next stop. From here, your guide will lead you to Quattro Canti, one of the city’s prettiest and most famous squares, before you hop back on the coach for a trip to the mountain village of Monreale. Here, you’ll get to tour one of Sicily’s most popular attractions – the Cathedral of Monreale. Like its counterpart in Palermo, the first stones were also laid in the 12th-century, but this place comes with an even bigger reputation – as a national monument of Italy. Once you’ve finished your tour, there’s a slice of time to explore the winding streets and admire the views of the Conca d’Oro valley.
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Walking Tour of Palermo
You’ll be right in the thick of things on this trip, as you explore Sicily’s biggest city on foot. Starting at Palermo’s pretty pier, you’ll soon see the jumbled architectural influences as you weave a path through the city – a style described by locals as an Arabic-Norman mix. There are even tell-tale signs of Irish rule here, with the famous Quattro Canti crossroads designed to represent the four provinces of Ireland. As you get closer to the city centre, the colossal orange-hued Palermo Cathedral comes into view, and just around the corner is the Palazzo dei Normanni – filled with gold pillars and colourful mosaics. There’s no strict itinerary to stick to on this trip, so you’ve got carte blanche to do what you wan,t at your own pace.
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Vineyards tour and tasting
You’ll leave the coast behind on this trip, as you cross the mountains and head inland to a traditional Sicilian vineyard. You’ll get to see the wine-making process from start to finish at this picturesque winery, starting with a tour of the entire site. The more complicated bits will be explained by an oenologist, which in plainer terms is a wine scientist. There’ll be a sommelier on hand when it comes to tasting the different reds and whites, too, which Sicilian’s insist are among the best in the world. There’ll be savoury platters of bread, olives, meats and cheeses, plus a few dessert-style tasters before things wrap up. You’ll enjoy all of these with panoramic vistas from the open-air decking, so bring a camera to make the most of the rolling views.
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Naples (for Pompeii & Capri), Italy
Naples is Italy’s most red-blooded city. This is the place where the pizza is so good people don’t wait for their slices at restaurant tables, they order it to-go from…
Time in port: 07:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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Pompeii
Explore the historical city of Pompeii, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. This fascinating tour’s the perfect introduction to this ancient city, situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. It was destroyed in 79AD, following the famous volcanic eruption that smothered it in 6 to 7 metres of pumice and ash. You’ll walk with your guide around the remains of this impressive - and doomed – city to get a feel for what life was like in Roman times before the city’s destruction. A fascinating tour that is not to be missed!
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Pompeii & Vesuvius
A real history fest, this one ticks off two of Italy’s most impressive sights. First up is Pompeii, the city that was frozen in time, stopped in action and covered in ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. And today, the remains of temples, villas and streets look more or less as they did 2,000 years ago. You’ll even get to see the people who were turned to stone trying to flee the city. From here, it’s on to Mount Vesuvius itself. The mighty fire mountain is up alongside Krakatoa in the notoriety stakes. And it’s the only active volcano on Europe’s mainland. You’ll get off the coach at the 1000m mark, and through national park to its summit. The leg work is well worth it – as you can imagine, the views from the here are phenomenal.
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Sorrento & Pompeii
Sorrento is such a beautiful summer resort, even the Italians can’t resist its charms. On arrival at this chic town, you’ll get some free time to browse around and enjoy lunch on your own. Then you’ll travel to one of the most important and famous archaeological sites in the world - Pompeii. Some 2000 years ago when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the city was covered by a layer of ash measuring 6 to 7 metres deep. Excavations only began in the 18th-century, making a tremendous impact all over Europe. This tour’s a great opportunity for you to discover two great cities in one day.
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Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Few cities on earth have the power to bowl you over quite like Rome. Discover a city packed with historical wonder, artistic splendour and culinary temptation at every…
Time in port: 07:00 - 19:00Show Top Things to Do
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Rome - All In One Day
Similar to the Rome Express, this tour gives you the chance to visit all the major sites in Rome, this time you'll travel there in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned coach. On arrival to the Eternal City you’ll see famous sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Venice Square and of course, the ultimate symbol of Rome - the mighty Colosseum. After some free time to enjoy lunch, you’ll carry on to the Vatican City to see the famous St. Peter’s Square. Created by Bernini, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You’ll also find here the famous Basilica where St. Peter was buried. Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design to create an unparalleled masterpiece. This is an ideal trip for first timers to Rome.
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Tuscania & Wine
You’ll breathe in the woody scent of cypress trees, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and sip sweet wine in a rustic family country house on this tour. You can also fill up on some of the Italians’ favourite foods, like bruschetta, olive oil and liver pâté, for example. The other half of the trip is spent in Tuscania, a medieval hamlet that’s enclosed by time-worn stone walls. Like Rome, it rises up from seven hills, and is surrounded by steep ravines. You’ll check out two of the local churches while you’re here. S. Maria Maggiore is an 8th-century structure that’s dotted with romantic statues and overlooked by a medieval clock tower. S. Pietro, meanwhile, was built between the 8th and 13th centuries, and boasts a huge domed roof and Romanesque columns that run along the front of it. There’ll be a guided tour of the village, which looks much like it did centuries ago.
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Taste of Rome
You’ll tick off some of Rome’s must-see sights on this tour. For starters, there’s the Colosseum. A huge mass of arches and columns, it once held crowds of up to 50,000 people who came to watch the gory gladiator battles in action. Venice Square takes that title the beating heart of ancient Rome. You’ll also tick off the Baths of Caracalla, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, and leafy Villa Borghese Park. Your guide will fill you in on all the history as you make your way around the city. Later, you’ll have the whole afternoon to explore it at your own pace. You’ll be given a map and all the information you need before you head off. Spend some more time sightseeing, hit the shops, or just sit back in a café and watch the world go by.
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Propriano, Corsica
Sandwiched between Sardinia and the top of Italy’s boot, Propriano delivers a taste of the go-slow Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s a far cry from Corsica’s busiest coastal…
Time in port: 09:00 - 15:00Show Top Things to Do
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Sartene
This tour takes you to what is known as ‘the most Corsican of the Corsican towns’, which is none other than Sartene! Set high on the ridge, Sartene is a Medieval fortified town of narrow, cobbled streets and grey granite houses, perched magnificently in the mountains. Located near the coast, Sartene was therefore vulnerable to invaders and regularly attacked by pirates in the Middle Ages. Here your guide will show you around the main sights, such as: Piazza Porta and the Ste. Anne district and tell you about the town’s history and vendettas. After some free time for shopping you continue your journey passing by the famous Spina Cavallu Bridge. This elegant rare Pisan stone arch dates back to the 13th century and is beautifully situated with a backdrop of rippling vineyards and olive trees. Just so you know... There is approximatley 1 hours walking over uneven and steep ground.
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Bonifacio by land and sea
A visit to Corsica’s most southern tip is on the cards on this tour. On the drive over, you’ll stop at Roccapina, where you can see the lion-shaped granite rock that looks over the Genoese tower – it’s an opportunity for some great photos. Once you arrive in Bonifacio, the mini train will take you past the ruins of three mills, and the Church of St Dominique. You’ll also be treated to panoramic views over the neighbouring island of Sardinia. You’ll continue on foot to the citadel – your guide will tell you all about the chapel of St John the Baptist, and the 14th-century Church of Saint Marie Majuere. The walking tour finishes up in the marketplace. From there, you can brave the 100 steps down to the marina. Or, hop back on the mini train and it will get you there. Next, you’ll be boarding a boat for a tour of the Bonifacio caves. From the sea, you’ll have views over the town, perched on top of 230-feet-high limestone cliffs. You’ll see Sdragonatto cave, meaning the little dragon – it’s shaped like Corsica. The tour wraps up with some free time – you can sit in a café, or do some shopping.
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Seaside Campomoro
There’s a lot to do in the seaside village of Campomoro – you can tailor this tour to suit you. You’ll start off with a drive along a winding clifftop coastal road. You’ll see over the Gulf of Valinco – the views are top-drawer. Once you arrive in Campomoro, you’ve got two hours to explore under your own steam. Hike up to the 16th-century Genovese watchtower, which was built to defend against pirate attacks. Or, wander round the shops in the marina and village. If you want to relax, you can claim a spot on the mile-long beach.
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Palamos, Spain
Fringed with a ribbon of sun-kissed sands, Palamos started life as a tiny fishing village. The legacy of fishing continues today with the day’s catch sold off to thehighest…
Time in port: 09:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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The Best of Costa Brava
Costa Brava’s famous for its great weather and top-notch resorts. On this relaxing tour, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the pretty town of Lloret. Despite being a dynamic tourist town, it’s still managed to retain its customs, traditions and local character. You’ll also visit the Santa Clotilde Gardens - this magnificent garden offers breath-taking views over the sea. Take a walking tour with your guide before enjoying some free time here. After Lloret, make your way to Tossa de Mar in Catalonia. It’s a really pretty place, laced with cobbled streets and crowned with a magnificent old castle. The surrounding scenery’s impressive, too, with rugged mountains, emerald valleys and natural springs jostling for the attention of your camera lens. You’ll have some free time here to enjoy the sun or browse the shops.
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Mini Train & Medieval Villages
You’ll get to explore the Medieval village of Pals today, which is tucked away in the north of Spain. The day starts with you boarding a trolley train for a ride through the region’s rustic countryside. On board, you’ll learn all about the process of rice-making – famous in this part of the country. Through carriage speakers, a guide will chart the entire journey of the paella-staple, from the seeding of the paddies to the harvest of the grain, and the grinding at the mill to its final merchandising. Plus, you’ll get to soak up views of the vast rice fields and the soaring Montrgri Mountain on the way. There’ll be a stop at a traditional 15th-century rice mill before you head to Pals, too. When you get to the village, the time is yours to spend however you fancy. Be sure to pass through the Gothic Quarter, with its 4th-century towers, stone balconies and arched windows.
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
