ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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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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Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Surf & Turf Steakhouse
This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat and fish. The menu stars various cuts of steak, including the Porterhouse for two – and you can watch the chef cook yours on the open grill. Or you can create your own surf and turf with a selection of meats and seafood. 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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Mount Etna
Enjoy a scenic drive to Europe’s largest active volcano, the famous Mount Etna. Upon arrival at the Crateri Silvestri, around 1,950 metres above sea level, you’ll see slopes that soar up to 3,296 metres and mountains covered with cones and craters. From the top of the Silvestri crater, enjoy great views over the Gulf of Catania. However, the real attraction here is the crater itself and the remnants of awe-inspiring lava streams. Etna’s known to have erupted regularly during antiquity. The black lava around the crater dates from recent eruptions, while the grey lava is much older. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most impressive volcanoes in the world.
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Taormina
One of the prettiest towns in Italy, Taormina’s been a holiday resort since Roman times. And here’s your chance to get to know this characterful Medieval town, whose cliff-top setting alone is enough to win you over. Set off on a guided walking tour, passing places like the Gothic Corvaja Palace. Taormina’s star turn though is a Greek amphitheatre, known as 'Teatro Greco'. Work began on the place back in the 3rd-century BC and it owes much of its appearance to the Romans, the Greeks' successors in Sicily. Architecture aside, it’s the backdrop that’ll really take your breath away. Cue sparkling blue waters, jagged peaks and Mount Etna smoking in the distance. After you’ve had a good look around, there’s time for a little souvenir shopping or a stroll down Piazza del Duomo before heading back to your ship.
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Godfather Villages (Savoca & Forza D'Agro)
Set on the southern slopes of the Peloritan Mountains, Savoca was founded in the first half of the 12th-century. Your local guide will show you round this pretty little town and take you the Chiesa Madre and the Church of the Capucines. Afterwards, stop in front of the famous Bar Vitelli made famous by The Godfather film for a photo opportunity. Then walk through the ruins of the Medieval Castle, soaking up the Sicilian atmosphere. Your tour will continue to the gorgeous Medieval village of Forza D'Agro. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, it’s protected by a rock on which the 16th-century castle was built. Walk to the Church of Annunciation, where Michael Corleone's wedding was filmed in The Godfather II, then have some free time for photos before returning to your coach.
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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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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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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.
at sea...
Show Top Things to Do
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.
Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Surf & Turf Steakhouse
This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat and fish. The menu stars various cuts of steak, including the Porterhouse for two – and you can watch the chef cook yours on the open grill. Or you can create your own surf and turf with a selection of meats and seafood. 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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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.
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Valencia City Tour
Valencia’s well-known for its beautiful buildings. All Arabian, Gothic and Baroque flourishes, it’s literally knee-deep in design history. But there are plenty of modern touches, too. Your day starts with a fly-by driving tour taking in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with its space-age buildings, and the Gothic masterpiece, La Lonja – Valencia’s silk market. Next you’ll pass the Cathedral and Generalitat Palace. A flamboyant Gothic building, built in 1421 as the seat of the Valencian Autonomous Government. And be sure to check out the Gothic statue of the Virgin of the Less Fortunate you’ll find nearby. After that, you’ll make a beeline for the old quarter. Wander the cobblestone streets. Admire the Arabian architecture. And catch the rugged beauty of the city wall on camera. Other monuments that you can admire with the panoramic drive are the Bullring, Train Station, Quart Towers and Serranos Towers.
Lladro Factory & Scenic Tour
Lladro’s beautiful porcelain figurines decorate homes all over the world - and here’s your chance to see where they originate from. We’ll take you to the famous factory of Lladro just outside of town, to see how the much-loved porcelain is produced. The origins of Lladro can be traced back to a tiny workshop built in a town near Valencia back in the 1950s. It was a family business set up by three brothers, Juan, José and Vicente Lladro. Today, the company exports to more than 120 countries. Once you’ve had a look round, it’s time to leave the factory and set off on a guided tour of Valencia. We’ll take you through the city centre, where the architecture is a mix of Arabian and Gothic styles. Head to Plaza de la Virgen and stand in the shadow of the cathedral. Now this place is a real grab-bag of styles ranging from Roman and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. Have a look inside then head over to the Basilica de los Desemparados. Built in the 17th century, it’s one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Next up is a walking tour of the old quarter known as El Carmen, before making your way back to the pier. En route we’ll call in at a Lladró shop near the factory.
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Valencia & Oceanographic Park
This easy-going tour does exactly what it say on the tin. A coach will whizz you from the ship to the centre of Valencia, ready for a short, guided walking tour of the old quarter. There’s plenty to see en route. Think Gothic monuments, Renaissance architecture and elegant art nouveau buildings. Part two takes in Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe. There you’ll find over 500 different marine species ranging from sea urchins and sharks to whales and walruses.
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Cartagena Port of Cultures
Spend the morning admiring La Manga, a strip of white sandy beaches which, dividing two seas, creates the World’s largest swimming pool. Hence the name “Paradise between two seas”. Not a bad start for a day! While you take in this natural piece of art you’ll have time to stroll around the bars and shops before a short photo stop at the little fishing village of Cabo the Palos. Then it's off to Cartagena - being a port of cultures, it counts more than 2500 years of history. The best way to take it all in is to climb to the castle - or better take the scenic glass lift to the castle 47m high. From here you’ll enjoy the superb views of the port, the theatre and the bullring. After that you'll have some free time and your shopping can start from Calle Mayor, the very heart of the commercial centre. Enjoy!
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Easy Cartagena
See the famous La Manga Strip, one of the most unique places in Europe. Soak up superb views of the strip from the comfort of your coach and stop at the best viewpoint for pictures. To give you a taster of what to expect, La Manga is 21 kilometres long and 500 metres wide and translates as 'the sleeve’ in Spanish. This strip of land separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor or ‘small sea’ - in fact, its Europe’s largest lagoon. You’ll then carry onto Cavanna beach area before taking in the highlights of Cartagena while your guide and driver do all the work. Pass by La Manga Club Complex, it’s been voted Europe’s top golf resort three times in the past four years. A final stop will be made at the Calle Mayor street for some more free time and even a local coffee called ‘Asiatic coffee’. Made from local liqueur "43", coffee, condensed milk and cinnamon, it’s a must. The Calle Mayor is the main high street, where there’s plenty of shopping opportunities before returning to the ship.
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Elche and Botanical Gardens
Do you consider yourself to be green fingered? Then you can’t miss a visit to the Botanical Garden of the beautiful town of Elche. Famous not only for its garden, the town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site so expect spectacular surroundings, a wealth of monuments and bags of history. Plus it’s known as the national footwear capital of Spain! So obviously free time is included as well. Ever seen a palm tree in the shape of a seven-armed candelabra? Apart from being the biggest in Europe it’s just one of the 700 palm trees and over 500 other species of plants and flowers that awaits you at “Huerto del Cura” – Priest's Garden.
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