About the cruise
Visit some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular and charming destinations on this 16-night voyage on board Aurora. A pretty and historic port, Almeria offers splendid restaurants and stylish shopping. The architecture here is a beguiling blend of Moorish and Spanish influences, the weather warm and the nearby beaches attractive. Your next port was one of the most immaculately preserved of all medieval cities. Today the citizens of Dubrovnik have restored their ornate palaces and chapels and marbled streets to their original splendour. Stroll around the mighty walls for views of the city and the glittering sea, and you will understand why the city is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.
Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, is your next port. Here, the canals are lined by a staggering collection of palazzos. Sip a cappuccino in St. Mark’s Square, ride across the lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola ride or enjoy lunch overlooking the famous Rialto Bridge. Welcome to Split next, in the heart of the province of Dalmatia. Wander through its historic Old Town for a fascinating insight into days gone by. From the ruins of the Roman palace of Diocletian to its museums, galleries and cathedral, you will be captivated. Corfu is Greek nowadays, but in its past it has been Venetian, as well as British. The result is a distinctly polyglot culture. Venetian houses overlook the cricket pitch and you can order a ginger beer to accompany your moussaka. The Achilleion (a lavish palace) and the monastery of the Virgin Mary, by tiny Mouse Island, are amazingly photogenic.
Zakinthos is the Greek island idyll made tangible. Explore the white and charming main town, discover a secret beach and let the world go by. Or get into the swing of the place - listen to bouzouki, try ouzo and feast on dolmades and moussaka. The Majorcan capital, Palma, is the summer residence of the Spanish Royal family. A glance at its sweeping promenade, yacht-filled harbour and gourmet restaurants, and you will doubtless endorse their decision. From here you will sail back to Southampton, arriving on Sunday 31 August.