About the cruise
Step on board glorious Oceana for two weeks of Mediterranean sunshine. Vigo is your first destination. An island that is home to national parks, numerous beaches and a network of cultural museums. In its historic heart, lose yourself in the narrow streets or follow the pilgrims to the impressive cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It was from historic Lisbon, built on the banks of the Tagus River, that some of Europe’s greatest explorers set sail. Memories of that glorious past linger amidst the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital’s 18th century lower town.[/p]
Barcelona is Spain’s second city and the place to go for fiesta fun, cutting edge fashion, architecture, food and design. Here you will discover the works of the eccentric genius Gaudi and art collections by Picasso and Miro. The beautiful bay of Villefranche in the south of France rises steeply from the sea and houses a host of colourful Italianate buildings that provide a pretty backdrop to the bobbing boats. From here you can visit the 16th century citadel, explore nearby Nice or make your way to Monte Carlo.
From the Italian port of Livorno, you are in for one of the best days of your life - as long as you appreciate beauty, art and fine food. Your toughest choice will be whether you opt for Florence with its galleries, palazzos, art treasures and timeless Duomo, or Pisa, where the famous Leaning Tower steals the thunder of the equally exquisite Baptistry next door.[/p]
Magnificent Rome was simply a small town over 3,000 years ago, yet today it is home to majestic domes, marble clad basilicas, imposing buildings and priceless works of art. Welcome to Cartagena, where the historical and the modern combine to form a magnificently scenic area. Learn about the port’s fascinating history with a visit to ‘Castillo de la Concepción’ – ruins surrounded by lovely gardens. Or investigate Cartagena’s more recent additions with a walk around ‘calle Mayor’ to observe some of the city’s modernist architecture. Your final port of call is Gibraltar, where you can see the stalagmites and stalactites of St. Michael’s Cave or take a cable car to the top of the impressive limestone Rock for spectacular views. You arrive back in Southampton on Saturday 23 August.[/p]