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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Cagliari, Sardinia
Sardinia’s capital has managed to strike just the right balance between old and new. On the one hand the city is dotted with history – the Phoenicians, Carthaginiansand…
Time in port: 08:00 - 14:00Show Top Things to Do
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Cagliari Sightseeing
A cultural melting pot, Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. It’s a real class act, buzzing with cosmopolitan charm yet retaining a great old-fashioned feel. Your tour will start with a drive to the ancient part of Cagliari and its jaw-dropping coastline. Make a short stop at the tranquil sanctuary of Bonaria. Built in the early 14th-century by the Aragons, it’s got a great little museum crammed with votive offerings. From here, make your way to the historical centre. Sights to cross off your list here include the 17th-century cathedral, known for its ornate Baroque interior, as well as two grand-looking Pisa Towers and the magnificent bastions. This part of the town is known as ‘Castello’, a once impregnable fortress, which offers up great views over Cagliari. You’ll then get some free time to browse the shops or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll. Then, on the way back to the ship, you’ll drive through the more modern part of Cagliari - the Marina district, packed full of Liberty-style villas.
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Relaxing Scenic Drive
Come and judge for yourself the beauty of Sardinia on this relaxing coach trip. After meeting your guide, you’ll drive along the main streets of the town to the peaceful Basilica of Bonaria, dedicated to the guardian of the sailors. From here, it’s off to soak up some great views of the gulf of Cagliari, before making a beeline for the beach of Poetto, one of the best sandy swathes in the Mediterranean. It stretches between the sea and the famous salt pools which attract a large number of birds during winter, especially flamingos. From Poetto, head along the coastal road to Villasimius. One of the main new tourist resorts on Sardinia’s southeast coast, its piece de resistance is a swanky new yachting port. This is a really relaxing way to see the beauty of Sardinia.
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Pula & the Excavations of Nora
Accompanied by a guide, take a drive along the beautiful south-western coast as far as Nora. You’ll actually be following the same route that thousands of pilgrims walk every year as they follow the cart of the Christian Martyr Saint Efisio. After passing St. Gilla's lagoon, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see bright pink flamingos, you’ll stop in Nora. Founded by the Phoenicians, this port town was later occupied by Carthaginians and Romans before being abandoned in the Middle Ages. Today you can still see the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse, plus a collection of Roman buildings that are almost completely intact. See the Roman baths with splendid mosaics and a theatre dating from the height of the Empire. Surprisingly some buildings can also be seen under the water. Last but not least, see part of the little church built on the place where Sardinia’s patron saint was martyred. Here, every year, during early May, one of the island’s most colourful religious celebration takes place. Once you’ve got your fill of history and culture, a visit to the pretty little village of Pula is next on the list. This laid back town has cobbled streets lined with bars, small boutiques and souvenir shops. The perfect place to relax before returning back to the port.
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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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Piombino (for Siena and Pisa), Italy
Piombino is the gateway to the Tuscan cities of Siena and Pisa. Hilly Siena is packed with Gothic architecture, Medieval monuments and hundreds of restaurants. Pisa,meanwhile,…
Time in port: 09:00 - 19:00Show Top Things to Do
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Easy Pisa
If you want to see the fantastic sights of Pisa, but would prefer to sit back and relax while you take in the views, this tour is for you. You’ll get a ride on a trolley train, which will drop you right in the centre of the action at Campo dei Miracoli – Miracle Square. Here you’ll find the famous Leaning Tower, as well as the cathedral and the Baptistery. There’ll be plenty of time for you to capture pictures of these iconic sights, shop for souvenirs, and even grab a gelato before the train ride back to the coach.
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One day in Siena
Take a journey through the beautiful green landscape of southern Tuscany, and you’ll reach the Medieval city of Siena – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive, you’ll get a walking tour through the historical centre. Your guide will lead the way and talk you through the history of the sights you pass, including the Piazza del Duomo, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is one of the most important and most beautiful Gothic buildings in Italy. You’ll also see the museum of Santa Maria della Scala – it was once an ancient hospital that cared for orphans and pilgrims. Next on the agenda is the world-famous Piazza del Campo, which plays host to a number of impressive buildings and has been the centre of the city since the 12th century. Stroll past the Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia tower and the square’s beautiful monumental fountain, the Fonte Gaia. You’ll then have some free time to explore Siena, do some shopping and tuck into some Tuscan food – the Italians never skip lunch!
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leave the port of Piombino behind and take in the views of the iconic Tuscan countryside on your drive to Pisa. When you get there, you’ll be escorted to the Miracle Square, where you’ll meet your walking tour guide. This square is also known as the Campo dei Miracoli, and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It’s home to an impressive 13th-century cathedral, with a Tuscan-Romanesque façade and Muslim-inspired interior. You can also visit the Baptistery – it’s the largest of its kind in Italy. And last but not least, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This iconic tower is often referenced as one of the wonders of the world, and it’s where Galileo is said to have conducted his gravity experiments. After you’ve had your fun staging pictures that look like you’re holding the tower in place, you’ll have some free time to explore Pisa, before heading back to Piombino.
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Villefranche (for Monaco and Nice), France
Think of the French Riviera and what springs to mind? Expensive yachts? Wide, palm-fringed boulevards? Glittering turquoise seas? Experience the glamour and glitz ofFrance’s…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00 | Tender to shoreShow Top Things to Do
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Monaco & Monte Carlo
This one’s a great introduction to the world-renowned Principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo. Make your way along the famous coastal road, the Middle Corniche, passing the Medieval village of Eze, which towers above the sea. In Monaco, your coach will park at the foot of the peninsula and the escalators and elevators will whisk you to the top. Here, it’s time to begin your walking tour, passing the Oceanographic Museum and cathedral, up to the forecourt of the Prince’s Palace. With your tour complete, you’ll rejoin the coach for a drive along a section of the famous Grand Prix circuit. Then, in Monte Carlo, you’ll have some time to enjoy a coffee at the famous Café de Paris, take in the views, or photograph the world famous Monte Carlo Grand Casino from the outside.
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Nice, Monaco & Monte Carlo
This tour takes you from the sights and sounds of cosmopolitan Nice to the Grand Prix circuit of Monte Carlo. It begins with a drive along the promenade of Nice as your guide points out some of the city’s most famous sights. Then it’s time to make your way to Monaco. When you get here, take the escalators and elevators to the top and start your walking tour, passing by the Oceanographic Museum, the cathedral and the forecourt of the Prince’s Palace. After that, it’s time to drive along a section of the famous Grand Prix circuit before stopping at the Casino Square in Monte Carlo. Simply watch the world go by with a coffee at the famous Cafe De Paris or enjoy a little window shopping at the chic boutiques.
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Nice Trolley Train Tour
On this trip, you’ll get up close to some of Nice’s modern and Medieval landmarks. You’ll kick things off with a 75-minute journey to the city. You’ll take the scenic route to the old quarter, passing by the well-preened orchards of the 15th-century Cimiez Monastery and the pink-dome-topped Negresco Hotel on the way. When you arrive, you’ll swap the coach for an electric trolley train, which will chug through the winding cobbled streets. Keep your camera handy, because you’ll tick off a few of the city’s main attractions during the ride, including the 350-year-old Nice Cathedral and the yacht-filled Port of Nice – the biggest of its kind on the French Riviera. After a 45-minute tour, you’ll then head out on foot. You’ll stroll down a stretch of the Promenade des Anglais – the city’s seven-kilometre-long, beachfront walkway – and wander around an open-air market. The latter’s a good place to pick up a bottle of bellet wine – a type of red that’s produced in the nearby countryside. Afterwards, you’ll hop back on the coach for the return journey to the port.
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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
