About the cruise

Enjoy an Indian summer as you travel with Arcadia on a leisurely voyage to the eastern Mediterranean. At your first port of call, lively Malaga, you can explore its Moorish roots. See the Arabic delicacy of the Alcazaba Palace or climb to lofty Gibralfaro Castle for commanding views. Further afield you can visit the dazzling white village of Mijas or drive down the coast to fashionable Marbella. Despite its recent troubles, Dubrovnik has managed to restore much of its original splendour and charm. Ornate palaces, cobbled streets, churches, fountains and marbled squares can all be found within its historic heart. For the perfect panorama, do not miss a walk on the mighty walls, which offers gorgeous views of the glittering Adriatic.

The idea of a beautiful city built on islands, in a lagoon, is so fanciful that it beggars belief, but then Venice is an unparalleled reality. A city with canals instead of streets, boats instead of buses and ornate bridges instead of walkways, it is a delight to explore. Take in the grandeur of scale of St. Mark’s Square, gaze at the Doges Palace and revel in the atmosphere of one of the world’s most magical and romantic cities. From here it is just a short overnight journey to Split in the heart of Croatia. This old and beautiful town is a joy to explore – from the ruins of the Roman palace of Diocletian to the cathedral that symbolises the city. Bari is the main city of the beautiful Apulian region of Italy. Stroll through the old town with its impressive castle, quaint trees and bustling piazzas. Alternatively, head out into the beautiful countryside to Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site with unusual little houses known as ‘Trulli’.

From here, Cephalonia beckons. It is the largest of the Ionian Islands, which are situated just off the west coast if Greece. The island is as rugged as it is beautiful with familiar cypress and olive trees carpeting its history-rich soil. Gibraltar is your last port, with its infamous apes and British culture. A trip to the summit of the Rock is definitely worthwhile, especially on a clear day where you can see across to the Moroccan Mountains. Revel in a few days relaxation on board, before arriving back in Southampton on Friday 26 September, just in time for the weekend.