Culture & Cuisines of The Mediterranean

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

One of Western Europe’s most ancient cities, founded 3,000 years ago by Phoenician merchants, Cadiz hugs Andalucia’s sunlit Atlantic coast. It’s a historic and intriguing seaport-from which Spain’s galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure – characterised by palm trees, look out towers and weathered old buildings. From here you can visit Jerez de la Frontera, centre of Spain’s sherry production, and put to the test the creations of its many bodegas!

Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cuisine in the many restaurants that line the promenades.

The Old Town district – like similar districts in other major European cities – is where you will find some of the oldest, most beautiful and most interesting sites in the city, including the UNESCO-Listed Lonja de la Seda, 13th century Santo Domingo Convent and Torres de Serranos – a 14th century gothic gateway that’s considered the oldest in Europe.

Tarragona is located on Spain’s beautiful Costa Dorada, and situated just 60 miles south-west of Barcelona. It’s a destination renowned for stunning beaches, which boast golden sands and crystal clear waters that bask in the warm Mediterranean sun.

Besides its spectacular, beach-laden coastline, the effervescent port city of Tarragona offers a wealth of delights to discover within its charming ancient heart. A collection of lively bars, restaurants and trendy cafés offer up a taste of authentic modern Spanish life, while ruins of Spain’s second-most important Roman site and a number of fantastic museums, centuries-old treasures and architectural highlights offer a glimpse into a fascinating history too.

Tarragona’s many highlights include the magnificent Cathedral, which features a glorious mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and overlooks the city from its highest point; the 2nd century Roman amphitheatre; and the Roman circus, considered one of the best-preserved circuses in Europe. Las Rambla Nova, Tarragona’s main street, makes for a perfect place to stroll, combining the beauty and diversity of unique historic architecture with the modernity of high-end shopping and fine dining.

Today Spain’s major commercial port and naval base, Cartagena lies on the coast of Murcia, its great indented bay guarded by rocky promontories, each topped by a fort. Founded in 221 BC by Hasdrubal, leader of the Carthaginians (hence the name) from North Africa, it has a fascinating history – and as Nova Carthage was long the Romans’ principal settlement in their Iberian stronghold. Attractive promenades extend along the harbour, while to the northeast is the famous beach and watersports resort area of the lagoon-like Mar Menor.

The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain’s finest expression of Moorish art.

The Port of Leixões (Portuguese: Porto de Leixões, pronounced ) is one of Portugal’s major seaports, located 4 km north of the mouth of the Douro River, in Matosinhos municipality, near the city of Porto.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.