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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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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Savona (for Genoa and Turin), Italy
Savona’s located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, at the very top of Italy’s boot. Yachts and cruise liners bob in the narrow harbour, which juggles traditional architecture…
Time in port: 08:00 - 17:00Show Top Things to Do
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Genoa On Your Own
You take the reins on this half-day trip to landmark-packed Genoa, the capital of Italy’s Liguria region. It’s around an hour from the port, and you’ll have three hours of free time to get to know the city known as ‘La Superba’. Check out the Piazza de Ferrari with its impressive bronze fountain, and call in at the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo – AKA St Lawrence Cathedral – to snap some photos with its zebra-striped walls. You can grab a double helping of palaces, too – there’s the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Reale. A bevy of coffee shops and gelaterias hide in the alleyways, so there are plenty of brunching opportunities. In fact, the city’s believed to be the birthplace of pesto – a sampler should be on your agenda.
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Discovering Genoa
Today you’ll get acquainted with an ex-pirate hotspot and the largest Medieval city centre in Europe – Genoa. This port city was once an economic superpower thanks to a huge shipping industry, but in the past suffered through plague, wars with Venice and political unrest. It’s been nicknamed ‘La Superba’ for its long list of landmarks and rich history, and today your guide will peel back the layers. Columbus’ House and the Porta Soprana Gate are just some of the highlights you’ll visit. You’ll also have an hour of free time to explore the city after your tour – perhaps tuck in to a taster of locally made pesto and famous Genoese focaccia.
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Calvi, Corsica
There’s no better way to arrive in Calvi than by cruise ship. As you pull into the iconic harbour, you’ll be greeted by its towering citadel. Beneath the soaring peaks…
Time in port: 08:00 - 18:00Show Top Things to Do
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Corsican Old Villages
This tour takes in the picturesque mountain villages of Corsica’s Balagne region, which is famous for its olive groves and fruit orchards. First up, you’ll pass through the ancient village of Calenzana, with its views of Calvi Bay, the Genoese towers of Caldanu and Spano, and the Monte Grosso mountains. From here, it’s on to the villages of Zilia, Cassano and Lughignono, before making tracks for Col de Salvi and Cateri. Cateri is particularly good-looking, with its balcony-clad houses and 12th-century chapel. Then it’s on to Sant Antonino, one of the oldest villages in Corsica. There’s some free time here, so you’ll get to explore the winding lanes, stepped alleyways and stone houses that spill down the hillside. You’ll then drive on passing through the village of Ile Rousse and, finally, Lumio. In ancient times, this place was at the centre of sun-worshipping cult activity.
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Balagna Scenic Drive
This guided driving tour takes you through Corsica’s picturesque Balagne region, which is overflowing with olive groves, fruit orchards and velvet green hills. You’ll set off towards Notre Dame de la Serra, an 18th-century chapel that offers up sweeping views of the mountains and Calvi below. You can get off the bus for a photo stop, before continuing past wind-whipped bays and beaches. Next, you’ll venture through the countryside. As you pass the ruins of an ancient silver mine, keep an eye out for the Genoese tower where Prince Bonaparte built his hunting pavilion in 1852, and try to spot the Capo Tondo or ‘Round Mountain’ on the way. Driving on, you’ll pass close by to the coastal wildlife reserve of Scandola, where you’ll come across the Balagne Deserte – a deserted region of red rock that’s smothered in greenery. Nearby, you can see the Cirque de Bonifato – a dense forest filled with evergreens and pines. A relaxing tour and complete scenic treat!
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Calvi Walking Tour
This guided walking tour gives you the lowdown on Calvi’s past, from its origins as a quaint fishing village and its century spent as a Genoese stronghold, to how it emerged as the trendy hotspot it is today. After setting off from the pier, you’ll head for the citadel, which is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the port. You’ll pass through the drawbridge and stop to admire the sweeping views, before heading for the Place d’Armes and the 13th-century Cathedral St John Baptiste, which dominates the main square. Next on the agenda is the former home of Calvi’s most famous resident, Christopher Columbus. Then it’s over to the enormous Caserne Sampiero, which used to be the governor’s palace. It dates back to the 13th century and, in those days, the castle’s tower was used as a dungeon. Next up, you’ll visit the Oratoire St Antoine Church, with its graceful granite carvings, before moving on to the city’s ancient ramparts and the Ville Basse – the lower part of Calvi. Last but not least, you’ll take in a very different face of the town – the Quay Landry. Its sleek marina, boutiques and café-lined promenade attract a well-heeled crowd.
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Toulon (for the Cote d'Azur), France
Fusing French Riviera glam with the feel of a traditional old town, Toulon is your gorgeous gateway to the Côte d’Azur.
- Follow the sound of popping corks and clinking…
Time in port: 09:00 - 18:00
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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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Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is up there with the most famous cities in the world, and for good reason. Sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola hills, thisSpanish…
Time in port: 09:00 - 17:30Show Top Things to Do
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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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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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Barcelona and Sagrada Famillia
Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece – the Sagrada Familia – is the main feature on this trip. The towering basilica is still getting a few finishing touches, despite work starting more than 130 years ago. It’s got a UNESCO World Heritage tick, and is by far Barcelona’s most striking landmark. The rest of the day takes in the city’s remaining best bits, including the 1992 Olympic Stadium, which is perched on a hilltop. Once you’ve snapped a couple of panoramic pics, it’s only a short hop across to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. At the end of the day you’ll get to see the Passeig de Gracia, one of Spain’s most expensive streets, which features a couple more of Gaudi’s eye-catching designs.
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
