ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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at sea...
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Kora La
Our signature pan-Asian speciality restaurant makes an appearance onboard Marella Discovery. You'll find dishes created by renowned chef Ian Pengelley such as his duck and watermelon salad. The menu covers off south and east Asia, featuring dishes like Indian spiced king prawns, and Indonesian beef rendang curry. 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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47°
Marella Discovery’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery. It also hosts The Great Musical Afternoon Tea. This weekly event brings the West End to Marella Cruises, with dishes inspired by famous musicals – like the ‘Vietnamese Melody’ beef tenderloin yakitori and the ‘On My Own’ petit choux. There are six teas to choose from, as well as a cocktail of your choice. Plus, the whole place is decorated with show posters and memorabilia.
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Snack Shack
Festival food stalls and iconic British beach huts provided the inspiration for this grab ‘n’ go eatery. This means you can expect to pick up things like bacon butties for breakfast, and sweet chilli chicken wings, mezze salads and focaccia sandwiches in the afternoon.
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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
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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St. Tropez & Port Grimaud
Once a sleepy fishing village, St Tropez was catapulted onto the world map in the 1950’s by legends like Brigitte Bardot and Sacha Distel. They turned it into the French Riviera’s chic capital and these days it’s home to the crème de la crème in film and fashion. There are far more luxury yachts than fishing boats moored at the beautiful harbour. After an hour-and-a-half drive from the port, enjoy a guided walk from the waterfront through the old streets. Take a look at the pink and yellow houses, which have been converted into fashionable cafes and pastry shops. You’ll see Place des Lices, too, where lots of celebs play petanque in the summer. Then you’ll get around two hours’ free time for a little retail therapy or a laid-back lunch. Later on, make a brief visit to charming Port Grimaud, also known as the Little Venice of France. This unique resort looks like a traditional Mediterranean fishing village but in actual fact it’s a modern complex of luxury villas and houses linked by a network of canals, neat little bridges and narrow alleys.
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The Charming Village of Cassis
“He who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing.” Even if this saying by French poet Frederic Mistral seems exaggerated, it still reflects the interest of this little seaside resort at the foot of the Cape Canaille cliff. A former Roman trading post, Cassis is every bit the charmer with its café-lined quays, jagged little coves and sun-blushed beaches. Your coach will drop you off at the top of Cassis, where you'll board a mini-train to take you to the bay area. When you get to this friendly little town, enjoy a short introduction from your guide, then spend some free time getting to know the place, shopping in the boutiques or relaxing in the cafes. Later on, taking the mini train back to the top of Cassis, you’ll re-board the coaches for the drive back to Toulon. If the weather allows it, we'll even to drive to Gineste Hills, a stunning view point, famous in these areas - Make sure you pack your camera for this one.
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Seaside Villages Bandol & Sanary-Sur-Mur
With its pretty pink and white houses, Sanary Sur Mer gives you a real flavour of Provence. Stroll along the 11th-century harbour, where local boules players share a joke and fishermen sell off their catch at the daily market. The nearby town of Bandol is a real treat, too, with its elegant palm-lined promenade packed with cafés and boutiques. It’s a great place to get your hands on fantastic local produce. Keep an eye out for the wine that comes from the vineyards backing this oh-so-sophisticated resort.
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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.
