ITINERARY
ITINERARY
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Barcelona City Highlights
Few cities have got the power to wow you like Barcelona. Since the end of the Spanish War, Barcelona has flourished into a cosmopolitan metropolis. On this extensive city tour, visit the city’s most recognised landmark – Gaudi’s unfinished Sagrada Familia, which looks like a giant sandcastle that’s been washed away by the tide. Afterwards, enjoy some free time, then carry on by coach through Montjuic Gardens, up to the lookout point of Miramar for great views of the city and harbour.
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Barcelona On Your Own
Been to Barcelona before? Like to take things at your own pace? Then why not join us on our transfer that lets you explore this majestic Catalan city under your own steam? Home to lots of famous monuments like Gaudi's incredible unfinished church, Sagarada Familia, this city brings you a new surprise at every turn. You could visit the world famous Nou Camp stadium, home of Barcelona FC. Get to know the real Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter. Or explore Ciutat Vella, the oldest part of the city. There's even a zoo, an aquarium and a cable car to entertain you. But remember, no trip to Barcelona is complete without a stroll down the most famous street in Europe, Las Ramblas. Watch as street entertainers make fun of the passers by. Have your portrait sketched by one of the talented artists. Or shop ‘til you drop in the chic boutiques. Don't miss this opportunity to explore one of the worlds most visited cities at your leisure.
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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 & 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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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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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.
at sea...
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Surf & Turf Steakhouse
As its name suggests, this speciality restaurant majors in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. 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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Gallery 47°
You’ll find this trendy Italian restaurant on the second floor of the ship’s main dining room, 47°. It’s a laid-back place, where bookings aren’t necessary, and its designer look features a colour scheme inspired by the sunset.
