About the cruise

Cruise your way around the Mediterranean, soaking up the culture, sights and sounds of each destination. Your first port of call is Lisbon. One of the least well known, but certainly one of the loveliest of European capitals, it was built on seven hills and is situated at the mouth of the Tagus River. Head for the fascinating Alfama District with its maze of cobbled streets, stroll along the Avenida da Liberdade, the widest street on earth, or ride the quirky, Eiffelesque lift up to the elegant Chiado Quarter for shopping and coffee. Welcome, now, to the most famous rock in the world. From Gibraltar’s summit, on a clear day, you can see across to Africa - a view that demonstrates its strategic importance. Snap the infamous apes before descending to the town with its British phone boxes, road signs and - thankfully - pubs. A festive Christmas day at sea awaits you next.

Once known as the ‘White Bride of the Mediterranean’, Tripoli has a great deal of allure, due to its historic mosques and lively streets. Its most dominant feature is the Red Castle, with its labyrinth of courtyards, alleyways and houses built up over the centuries. Visit the Roman City of Sabratha and admire the ruins of the theatre built during the reign of Emperor Commods, with its three-storey backdrop of stone columns. An island with a rare distinction next, you sail to Malta. Awarded for heroism during the Second World War, it was given the George’s Cross For Valour. Today, Valletta’s imposing Grand Harbour bears witness to the Crusaders and Knights Templar who built here on their way to and from the Holy Land.

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 and you will see in the New Year while in port. Vigo is one of Spain’s premier fishing ports, so don’t miss the local seafood. The Old Town is crammed with excellent restaurants. At Bayona, the old fortress has become a hospitable parador. Further afield, it is worth making the pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. James at Santiago de Compostela, the third holiest site in all Christendom. Revel in a few days relaxation on board before arriving back in Southampton on Monday 5 January.