Mediterranean Grand Voyage

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.

It is hard to believe that in 1702, amid the calm setting of Vigo’s fjord-like harbour, an English and Dutch force once fought and defeated the French and Spanish fleets anchored here. A major port city of Galicia, renowned for its seafood, Vigo has an appealing old town with a labyrinth of steep and winding narrow streets and shaded squares. Nearby is Santiago de Compostela, Christendom’s third most holy pilgrimage shrine, in whose vast Gothic cathedral lays the body of St James.

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!

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.

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.

Alicante’s splendid Paeso Maritimo stretches northeast from the harbour, bristling with pleasure boats, to the expansive beach of Playa del Postiguet. The Rambla de Mendez Nunez leads to a lively market, while the Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bar is dedicated to the patron saint of Alicante. Most famous city landmark, the 3rd century Castillo de Santa Barbara, perched above the city on Mount Benecantil, affords marvellous city panoramas.

Alicante’s splendid Paeso Maritimo stretches northeast from the harbour, bristling with pleasure boats, to the expansive beach of Playa del Postiguet. The Rambla de Mendez Nunez leads to a lively market, while the Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bar is dedicated to the patron saint of Alicante. Most famous city landmark, the 3rd century Castillo de Santa Barbara, perched above the city on Mount Benecantil, affords marvellous city panoramas.

The second of Spain’s four Balearic Islands, Menorca has an engaging charm perfectly embodied in the easily explored capital of Mahon with its attractive shops, outdoor market and the traditional buildings of its hilly old quarter. One of Europe’s best natural harbours – where the 18th century British fleet sheltered when Menorca was ruled from London (Admiral Nelson’s visits are commemorated still by the local Nelson Gin!)

The dramatic maquis-covered landscapes of Corsica – ruled by the Genoese for centuries and often seemingly more Italian than French – span 650 square miles of fretted, beach-fringed coastline, alp-like mountains that soar to 9,00ft, cool pine and chestnut forests, sunburst vineyards and olive groves. From the little resort of Propriano by the sands of the Gulf of Valinco you can explore the capital, Ajaccio (birthplace of Napoleon), and the unspoilt scenery of Corsica’s wild interior.

Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region.

However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in.

Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin.

Situated between two of Italy’s most beautiful and best-known destinations, the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, the lively city of Salerno is – perhaps unsurprisingly, but not justifiably – overlooked by many visitors to, and explorers of, the gorgeous Campania region.

However, the loss of the ‘over lookers’ is certainly the gain of those who do take the time to visit and explore Salerno; there are centuries of rich history – influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byzantines – to delve into here, landmarks, monuments and museums and aplenty awaiting discovery, and authentic local life to immerse yourself in.

Whether you choose to see the medieval churches and capture the gritty elegance of the neighbourhood trattorias; sample traditional cuisine at the finest restaurants, or people watch at one of the cafés over a proper Italian espresso; or take a stroll along the picturesque, tree-lined promenade, Salerno is sure to get under your skin.

Strategically situated midway between Sicily and North Africa, Malta is in every sense a Mediterranean crossroads – a tiny island with an epic and heroic history in which invasion and siege have seen the influence Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and, of course, Britain all leave an enduring mark upon its cultural heritage. The16th century walled capital of Valletta with its Grand Harbour is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture, its narrow streets a tempting honeycomb of colourful shops and stalls.

There’s no mistaking the past wealth and proud spirit of this ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, perched on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. An independent city-state for 600 years until conquered by Napoleon, Dubrovnik survives, despite recent events, as one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities – a timeless architectural showpiece, whose graceful churches and cloisters, palaces and fountains, mellow Baroque facades and encircling ancient walls, all seem more stage set than reality.

In the heart of Dalmatia, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast dates back to the days of Diocletian. The old town is built around the harbour and much of the old city remains to this day. A visit to the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian is well worth a visit. Other notable site include the cathedral; the Temple of Jupiter; the Golden Gate; the Silver Gate; and Peristyle Square.

An island until the 19th Century, Koper is the main port in Slovenia and the gateway to Central Europe. The old town is abundant with architecture and cultural monuments. The richness of the culinary heritage, as well as the hospitality, kindness and attention of the native Slovenians, guarantees a pleasant visit.

The walled port of Zadar lies on the dramatic northern Dalmatian coast. Located between Rijeka and Split, it is quieter than its neighbouring resorts on the south coast and rich in history and natural beauty.

The capital of Dalmatia for many centuries, Zadar has an old network of narrow streets in which you can lose yourself marvelling at the roman ruins and Romanesque churches. The Zadar region oozes natural beauty and boasts 200 hidden islands and islets, bays and isthmuses that create an opportunity for all types of water sport activities.

Exploration of the archipelago is a must and a short boat ride will take you to the islands of Dugi Otok, Pašman and Ugljan.

If you want to explore further afield, Zadar is also the perfect base from which you can explore this part of Croatia and especially its national parks. It’s barely an hour from Krka National Park for some swimming and walking or Paklenica National Park if you fancy a spot of hiking or rock climbing.

The Old City is a highly preserved example of life in the Middle Ages, and the medieval architecture there has ensured its place as a UNESCO listed ‘World Natural and Historical Heritage Site’.

This beautiful Greek island may have a chequered past, but its interesting history, stunning natural beauty and glorious climate make it one of the most appealing holiday destinations in Europe. Ruled by many foreign powers in its time, the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, and British influences are seen within the wide avenues, narrow flagstone alleys, open squares, ancient churches and fortresses of historic Corfu Town.

Aside from Corfu’s seemingly endless stretches of fine beaches and azure blue waters, the island’s main attraction is the historic Old Town – an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognised for its diverse mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture, the Old Town is home to stunning palaces, vast fortresses and charming public buildings. The 15th century Old Fortress, New Fortress and imposing Church of St. Spyridon in particular are must-visit sites, while Spianáda – the largest square in the Balkans and one of Corfu’s most impressive places – is awash with stunning French architecture from the 19th century and worth visiting too.

Capital of the ruggedly beautiful Crete, largest of the Greek Islands, whose ancient legends and history dates back 5,000 years to the Minoans, Europe’s first civilisation. Here was born Zeus, king of the gods, and here at the site of Knossos was the fabled labyrinth where Theseus slew the Minotaur. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks have all left their mark, and more recent monuments to the battles of World War II abound.

Capital of the ruggedly beautiful Crete, largest of the Greek Islands, whose ancient legends and history dates back 5,000 years to the Minoans, Europe’s first civilisation. Here was born Zeus, king of the gods, and here at the site of Knossos was the fabled labyrinth where Theseus slew the Minotaur. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks have all left their mark, and more recent monuments to the battles of World War II abound.

Ermoupoli, also known by the formal older name Ermoupolis or Hermoupolis, is a town and former municipality on the island of Syros, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it is part of the municipality Syros-Ermoupoli, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit.

Largest island of the Dodecanese, Rhodes was the headquarters of the crusader Knights of St John before defeat by the Ottoman Turks. Within the capital’s massive citadel walls the medieval Old Town presents a hive of narrow cobbled streets, dominated by the Avenue of the Knights and imposing Palace of the Grand Masters. More modern distractions await in the New Town while nearby is picturesque Lindos, clustered below a hilltop acropolis and Crusader Castle.

Limassol is the chief port of the Republic of Cyprus. The city lies on Akrotiri Bay, on the southern coast, southwest of Nicosia; it is the island’s second largest city and is also its chief tourist centre.

Close by Limassol are the ruins of Kolossi Castle, where King Richard I of Englad is reputed to have honeymooned with Berengaria in 1191. Also worth visiting are the ruins of the 11th-century BC Mycenaean colony of Curium; and the ruins of Amathus, founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. The ancient city of Paphos – the fourth century BC capital to the Kings of Egypt – offers an enchanting excursion.

Limassol is the chief port of the Republic of Cyprus. The city lies on Akrotiri Bay, on the southern coast, southwest of Nicosia; it is the island’s second largest city and is also its chief tourist centre.

Close by Limassol are the ruins of Kolossi Castle, where King Richard I of Englad is reputed to have honeymooned with Berengaria in 1191. Also worth visiting are the ruins of the 11th-century BC Mycenaean colony of Curium; and the ruins of Amathus, founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. The ancient city of Paphos – the fourth century BC capital to the Kings of Egypt – offers an enchanting excursion.

A Roman amphitheatre, ancient catacombs and the site of the great Pharos lighthouse recall distant glories, while the 19th century Montazah Palace – a former royal residence – and seafront boulevards reflect a more recent era. Alexandria exists in the land that gave birth to the first great civilisation.

‘No part of the world can be more beautiful’, wrote Freya Stark, ‘than the western and southern coasts of Turkey’. In their midst lies the lively resort of Marmaris, whose harbour, old shopping bazaar and 16th century Venetian fortress are framed by an almost land-locked bay of inviting blue.

North-westwards Turkey’s legend-filled Aegean Coast, where Antolia’s pine-clad mountains drop down to a rocky shoreline punctuated by picture-postcard coves and dazzling beaches.

Built on the shores of two continents and seat of successive Byzantine and Ottoman Empires for 1,500 years, Istanbul (the Constantinople of old) is a chaotic, cosmoplitan collision of East and West, past and present. Among its great wealth of monuments and landmarks are the ethereal Blue Mosque, glittering Topkapi Palace (once home of the sultans), vast Kapali Carsi (the world’s largest covered bazaar) and the aromatic Egyptian Spice Market.

Built on the shores of two continents and seat of successive Byzantine and Ottoman Empires for 1,500 years, Istanbul (the Constantinople of old) is a chaotic, cosmoplitan collision of East and West, past and present. Among its great wealth of monuments and landmarks are the ethereal Blue Mosque, glittering Topkapi Palace (once home of the sultans), vast Kapali Carsi (the world’s largest covered bazaar) and the aromatic Egyptian Spice Market.

The port of Piraeus brings you to Athens, one of the great names of antiquity, the city of Plato and Socrates, a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy. You can step in to that history on the heights of the Acropolis with its glorious 2,500-years-old Parthenon dating from the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Below, in the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka District’s honeycomb of streets, little shops – and tavernas that come alive at night with the pulse of bouzouki.

The port of Piraeus brings you to Athens, one of the great names of antiquity, the city of Plato and Socrates, a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy. You can step in to that history on the heights of the Acropolis with its glorious 2,500-years-old Parthenon dating from the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Below, in the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka District’s honeycomb of streets, little shops – and tavernas that come alive at night with the pulse of bouzouki.

Built on the site of ancient Pharai, Kalamata, the second largest city in Peloponnes is fantastic destination for museum lovers. It has a small, but attractive, old town, which was rebuilt having been completely destroyed by the Turks in the war of independence.

Overlooking a vast sweeping bay, Tangier is the traditional gateway to Morocco. Though no more than 15 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar from Europe, this is a cosmopolitan city that stands on the threshold of Africa. Its world of soaring minarets and domes, ancient casbah (once the sultan’s walled palace and gardens) and animated souks express the rich part-Arab, part-African heritage of a city that has seen occupation by 12 nations since the 5th century.

Poised between the Atlantic and the snow crowned Atlas Mountains, Agadir is a lively resort set beside a vast beach. The town presents the modern face of Morocco, but one where a pervasive sense of ancient and deep-rooted tradition still lingers – while inland, where the warm Sahara winds blow, the citadel-oasis or Taroudant, reflects Berber culture at its most exotic.

Sophisticated Santa Cruz – Tenerife’s capital – is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks.

Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too.

Away from the capital, many of Tenerife’s highlights await on tours, including the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical lava stone Pyramids of Guimar. Exploring the volcanic El Teide National Park to marvel at majestic Mount Teide, or even climb Spain’s highest peak, is an unmissable experience.

With its feel of mainland-Spain, spiced up with an eclectic mix of Asian and African cultures, Las Palmas is one of the Canary Island’s most popular destinations, attracting sun-seekers who come to relax on its golden-sand beaches and soak up the gorgeous, year-round climate of Gran Canaria.

Founded over 500 years ago, Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, and has three gorgeous beaches, including Playa de las Canteras, regarded as one of the world’s best beaches, to enjoy.

Vegueta, the oldest quarter, is both atmospheric and fashionable, with extensive historical architecture plus a fine selection of boutiques and smart bars. At its centre stand the twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral; started in 1500 but still unfinished, the cathedral has a unique mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical styles in its construction. In Plaza Santa Ana, bronze statues of dogs – the Romans named the islands after legendary canines – stand guard over the 17th-century Palacio Regental, the Town Hall and the Bishop’s Palace.

The sweet arc of Playa de las Canteras at the town’s other end offers the tantalising possibility of taking a dip between sightseeing and shopping. The bewildering maze of streets behind the beach hides many fine restaurants serving an array of wonderful Canarian cuisine.

Arrecife is the gateway to the island of Lanzarote, whose desolate yet dramatic lunar-like landscapes and coal-black sand beaches were shaped by 18th century volcanic eruptions. Ride by camel to the still hissing rocks of the great ‘Fire Mountains’ in Timanfaya National Park – then cool down with a glass or two of wine and delicious paella in a local seafront restaurant!

The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden’ with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation!

The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden’ with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation!

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe’s greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal’s former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital’s 18th century lower town – a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

You’ll find that Portugal’s second city, set picturesquely on the banks of the River Douro, has some unexpected and long-established links with Britain, not least because of it’s role as the home of Portugal’s port wine trade. A fascinating Old Town, whose 12th century cathedral overlooks a maze of narrow streets, medieval houses and little baroque churches, is testimony to Oporto’s rich history.

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.