ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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at sea...
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Kora La
You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.
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Tapas @ The Mediterranean
You’ll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas – meat or veg skewers – for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
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Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist.
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Mini-Train & Mountain
Go off the beaten track and discover all Corsica’s best bits. The island’s scenery is nothing short of sensational. Think herby-green maquis, vineyards and sheer granite cliff faces - it’s about as far as you can get from the cosmopolitan buzz of the beach resorts. Your tour takes you on a drive through the mountains to Cricheto Pass. Before heading back to the ship you’ll board a little wheel train to get to grips with Corsica’s back country and learn all about herbs like sage, juniper and myrtle that make up the maquis.
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A Taste of Corsica
This trip is about as laid-back as it gets, with the focus falling very much on tradition. You’ll head through the outskirts of town, delving deep into the fragrant Corsican countryside. The first place you’ll come to is a winery where you’ll get chance to try the fruity local tipples. You can purchase a bottle or two of your favourites, then head off to a factory specialising in essential oils. If you thought the countryside smelled sweet, wait until you get to this place. The air is thick with the scent of natural oils and remedies, which you’ll see being made from local herbs and flowers. Moving on, you’ll stop off at a family-run nougat factory. Indulge your sweet tooth with a few chunks of this French fancy. You’ll get to see a step-by-step demonstration of how it’s made, too. Plus, if you’ve developed a taste for it, there’s time to buy the ones you like best before heading back to the ship.
Corsica's Natural Beauty
When beauty was handed out, it appears Corsica was at the front of the queue. For centuries, the island has drawn people based on its looks alone – and on this trip you’ll get to witness it for yourself. Leaving the port behind, you’ll venture into the spectacular Corsican countryside. The first thing you’ll probably notice is that a lot of the island’s covered in maquis. It’s a thick carpet of sweet-smelling flowers that’s earned Corsica the title ‘the scented isle’. Your first stop is Prunelli’s River Gorge, where red granite cliffs plunge dramatically into the river. Then you’ll carry on to the view point above the artificial lake of Tolla - the views will have you reaching for your camera. There’s time to take photos before you head back to the ship, passing through traditional hill villages on the way.
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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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Rome On Your Own
Been to Rome and know your way around? Good with a map? Then take advantage of this coach transfer into the centre of Rome and explore the city at your own pace. A local escort will accompany you into Rome to a drop-off point in the heart of the city. On the way, they’ll give you a map and point out all the ‘must sees’. They’ll also tell you the meeting point and time for your return journey. With around seven hours free time, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to explore independently.
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Express to Rome
This is a very special tour that gives you chance to visit Rome on the Express to Rome. It’s a fast, private and luxury train, which is a new and exclusive way to discover the Eternal City. Shuttle coaches will be waiting to transport you across to the monument side of the city for the start of your guided walking tour that will take in famous sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Navona Square and of course, the ultimate symbol of Rome - the mighty Colosseum. After a stop for lunch at a typical Italian restaurant, 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. After some free time here you’ll reach the station, where your exclusive train will take you back to Civitavecchia.
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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. An escort will accompany you to Florence, where you’ll start your guided visit. 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 some free time to explore, whether you want to visit the famous galleries 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 15minute 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 Livorno behind, enjoy the gorgeous Tuscan countryside on your way to Pisa. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at the bus terminal and will walk to Miracle Square. 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 Livorno.
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Exclusive - Inside the Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the prima donna of Italy’s architecture. This tipsy-looking tower began tilting during construction and it’s demanded constant attention ever since. On this trip, you’ll get the chance to go inside the temperamental-looking tower. A flight of 296 stairs leads to the top. When you reach the summit, you’ll be standing close to the spot where Galileo conducted some of his experiments into gravity. These tests were ground-breaking in every sense of the word. The scientist dropped 2 different sized balls off the top of the tower back in the 16th century to prove that their size didn’t affect how fast they fell. Once you’ve scaled the tower, you’ll have some free time in the square that surrounds it. The Campo dei Miracoli is postcard pretty and edged by souvenir stands where vendors sell Leaning Tower themed everything – from statues to chess sets. You’ll take the scenic route back to the port when you’ve finished exploring.
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Monaco & Monte Carlo On Your Own
On this tour we’ll take you to some of the French Riviera’s most glamorous cities, and – after arming you with a map – give you time to explore at your own pace. The first stop is Monaco and its Old Town that juts out on top of the 450-foot-tall Rock. Here, a domed cathedral and the stately Prince’s Palace share space with the Oceanographic Museum, which houses a king-sized aquarium. Plus, the views from the Rock are great, taking in the city, port, and sea. After a couple of hours of free time in the city, our next stop is Monte Carlo. The drive there shadows part of the Formula 1 track and finishes up in the heart of Casino Square, where the fountained gardens are permanently ringed with glitzy cars. Spend time browsing exclusive boutiques, or have a flutter at the casinos – they’ve starred in a couple of James Bond films.
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St Tropez by Boat
Half the fun of this trip is the journey – a guided boat tour that’ll take you to the heart of St Tropez. It trails the Riviera coast and its miniature coves and villages, before reaching St Tropez and its frontline of dusky pink houses. As we sail into the marina, keep an eye out for celebrities sunning themselves on sleek super yachts. For almost a century, St Tropez has been the playground for the rich and famous – Coco Chanel favoured it in the Twenties, while the likes of George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez drop by nowadays. Beyond the waterfront, the old town is a maze of streets and fountain-decorated squares where fishermen’s houses have been transformed into boutiques and restaurants. Start off your free time with our guided walk, or have the 2 hours to yourself before returning to St Raphael by boat.
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St Tropez & Port Grimaud
Follow in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty on our coach trip to St Tropez and Port Grimaud. The panoramic drive to St Tropez is the warm up – you’ll get a real taste of the French Riviera’s medieval towns and white-sand beaches. Once in St Tropez, we’ll take you on a walking tour. The place started life as a fishing village, and remained pretty anonymous until fashionistas like Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot started dropping by. Celebrities still gravitate to its exclusive marina, where super yachts jostle for space. The town’s kept its old-world charm, too – we’ll take you around the old district, a tangle of slim streets decorated with jasmine trellises and tiny squares. You’ll also have free time to browse the maze of boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. Then it’s on to Port Grimaud, a Venice-like village of alleys linked by canals and bridges, and lined with multi-coloured fisherman-style houses. Take a little boat ride here before visiting the village part of Grimaud for some free time before returning to the ship.
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The Barcelona Explorer
Barcelona is an amazing city with so much to see and do, but where do you start? How do you get around? Let us take the hassle out of your day on the Barcelona Explorer. We’ll take you to the three big hotspots and give you plenty of free time to explore for yourself or with your guide. Stroll around Ciutadella park. A charming green oasis, full of sculptures. You'll also find the “Castle of the three Dragons” - built for the Universal Exhibition in 1888. It looks a little like a medieval castle, but now a days hosts archives for the Museum of Natural Sciences. Next stop - Sagrada Familia, a Basilica like no other. Still unfinished it’s the number one attraction in the city. And no trip to Barcelona would be complete without a bit of shopping, so it’s on to Cataluyna Square the heart of the city at the top of Las Ramblas to shop to your heart’s content.
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Sporting Barcelona
See the world famous football stadium, Camp Nou, home of Barcelona FC since 1957. Discover the club’s history and prestige with a visit to the magnificent trophy room. You’ll start with a drive by the Masia – the football school where many famous players started their careers. Then it's time for a tour of the Stadium. See the visitors changing rooms, the tunnel to the pitch, its dugouts, as well as the TV studio and the press room. Then head inside to the museum and discover the history of the club. There’s also an exhibition and a collection of sculptures. Afterwards, you’ll head back to the port, passing Montjuic mountain and taking in fantastic views of the Olympic Ring, the Olympic Stadium and an outside view of the Spanish Village. And, there'll be a photo stop during the tour.
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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.
