Traversing The Med: A Mediterranean Feast

Welcome to Malta. On arrival at Valletta Airport, make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet a ship representative, followed by a transfer to the group hotel. At the hotel, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet your team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Valletta. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. Today offers time to relax in preparation for your journey.

Sitting in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts unbeatable location, location, location. Its sunny charm and island lifestyle have made it a modern-day summer holiday destination, but historically, its strategic position has made it a target for invaders. The Maltese people, known for their convivial and family-oriented nature, have a long history of defending their homeland, from ancient Greek sieges to Napoleon’s forces. Their remarkable bravery during World War II, particularly during the Second Siege of Malta, earned the nation the George Cross from King George VI. This honor is proudly displayed on the Maltese flag and coat of arms, symbolizing their enduring spirit and resilience.

Your morning is spent in Maltas’ celebrated capital, Valletta, which remains a historical city with streets of fascinating sites telling more than their fair share of stories. Your local guide tells tales of the past and present at the Barrakka Gardens where you’ll gain a perspective of the city’s harbor from a naval point of view before exploring the Grand Masters Palace and Armory, where you’ll uncover an impressive collection gathered by The Knights of St John, while the multimedia show, Malta Experience, places thousands of years of Malta into perspective.

Your afternoon is free to stroll the streets of Valletta at your own pace, before boarding the ship. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner where you’ll meet your guide team and crew.

Sailing towards the southern shoreline of Sicily, arrive at Porto Empedocles. Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a choice of two engaging options this morning. Choose to join a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, where you will explore the rich history and fascinating lifestyles of Sicily’s ancient residents. Alternatively, head inland to a family-owned winery to discover the centuries-old significance of wine production on the island and enjoy a tasting of local wines.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Agrigento—The Valley of the Temples tour, visit the archaeological gem known as “one of the wealthiest colonies in Greece.” Or opt for a Sicilian Wine Tasting for a tour to learn about traditional winemaking methods followed by a tasting of wines paired with local snacks.

Sail south to Sicily to discover the land that gave the world The Godfather, Italian cinema and true Italian food. Considered by many mainland Italians to be ‘the poorer cousin’, Sicilian life encompasses a wealth worth more than any bank account – one of dedication to family, faith and food. Governed over centuries by an enviable list of European powerhouses, Sicily established a stoic personality early. Its determined, steadfast people are Sicilian first, and Italian second. Proud and passionate, they speak of their island’s history as if it happened only yesterday.

The ancient port town of Trapani acts as a gateway to two exceptional experiences. The choice, as always, is yours. You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On The Medieval Gem of Erice tour, visit this fortified medieval town with a guide followed by free time. Say I’ll Have Salt on That Please! to learn about artisanal sea salt production at the Salt Museum followed by a walk along the salt pans. Or opt for A Taste of Marsala to discover the local wine’s rich history through cellar explorations and a tasting.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea as you sail from Italy’s largest island to its second largest. This is a day made for relaxation to do as much or as little as you please. Perhaps unwind in the sauna, lounge on the Sun Deck, or find a quiet corner in one of the ship’s observation lounges. You might also discover a new favorite read in the ship’s well-stocked library, while this afternoon you’re invited to join your master storyteller for a fascinating presentation on the culinary traditions of the region—a true feast for the mind and senses.

Following Sardinia’s eastern seaboard, reach the coastal city of Olbia in time to spend the afternoon on your favorite ‘Your Choice’ experience.

Olbia, perched on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, has been a crucial Mediterranean trading port linking the island to mainland Italy for centuries. Today, it serves as the vibrant gateway to the world-famous Costa Smeralda—a stretch of dazzling beaches, luxury resorts and exclusive marinas, including the iconic Porto Cervo. From bustling harbor to stylish seaside playground, Olbia bridges Sardinia’s rich trading past with its glamorous present, welcoming visitors to explore one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted coastlines.

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Aga Khan’s Folly; Porto Cervo tour, explore this playground for the rich and famous, taking in the town’s upscale charm and marina with luxurious superyachts. Or get a Taste for Sardinia’s Wines on a hosted vineyard tour with insights into the farm’s integrated cultivation methods and the Vermentino grape that’s a cornerstone of Sardianian winemaking; end with a tasting complemented by Sardinian snacks.

Although his parents sent him to military college on the mainland before he turned ten, Napoleon Bonaparte famously declared that to know Corsica ‘is to be born there.’ A land of vertical granite cliffs and craggy bays, Corsica is a slice of France with a twist. Passed between the powers of Pisa, Genoa and France, even its language is a combination of Italian, spoken in a Tuscan dialect, and Latin. Corsica’s strategic location has it firmly within the realms of trade, and few of its towns were as commercially important as Bonifacio, located at its southern tip. Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a morning in town with your afternoon free to explore solo, or a trip inland with the opportunity to learn about the island’s thriving wine culture.

This afternoon, a complimentary shuttle will be available for those who wish to return to Bonifacio’s hilltop old town and soak up a little more of its unmistakable Corsican charm.

You can choose between a morning or a full-day shore excursion that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the morning Bonifacio excursion, be guided through medieval alleyways, a convent and various churches. On the full-day Sartene & Corsican Wines tour, visit both the village and a local vineyard to learn about Corsica’s distinct wines and enjoy Sartene’s cobblestone streets both with and without a guide.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea as you sail from Italy’s largest island to its second largest. This is a day made for relaxation to do as much or as little as you please. Perhaps unwind in the sauna, lounge on the Sun Deck, or find a quiet corner in one of the ship’s observation lounges. You might also discover a new favorite read in the ship’s well-stocked library, while this afternoon you’re invited to join your master storyteller for a fascinating presentation on the culinary traditions of the region—a true feast for the mind and senses.

The heart of this easternmost Balearic Island beats to its own drum–albeit a mellow one. Over 130 miles (210km) of sandy beaches, fjord-style calas and crescent shaped coves, protect a rural inland crisscrossed by some 40,000 miles (64,373km) of stone walls and farms. Unlike the neighboring island of Mallorca, nightlife is non-existent in Menorca. Instead, you will find handicraft industries such as costume jewelry, leatherwork, dairy farming and Menorcan horse centers popular among locals and tourists. After a century of British rule, Menorca was handed to Spain in 1802, yet the British influence remains. Not only is this evident in some of Menorca’s architecture but in its drinking culture too, as the island is believed to be the first place to produce gin in the Mediterranean. Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences showcase the island’s capital and head inland seeking traditional insights.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Explore Mahón and its traditional Gin for a brief intro tour of the city, followed by a visit to one of its renowned gin distilleries, complete with a tasting. Choose The City of Ciutadella for a visit to this historic market town and a glimpse into Menorca’s rural lifestyle, complete with free time after a guided walk through the old town. Or try Farming Finca Style to visit a traditional finca—a Menorcan farm—to learn about dairy farming and the slow, careful process that defines it here.

An autonomous region of Spain, the economy of the Balearic Islands has ebbed and flowed in line with the waters to which they owe their fame. Recent years have brought an influx of tourists on flight inclusive packages and Europeans seeking an expat lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from far more sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told.

Spend the morning on a ‘Your Choice’ experience, with a complimentary town-to-ship shuttle for those wishing to linger in Palma longer, before sailing west to the Spanish coast mid-afternoon.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose the Panoramic Palma tour with a local guide to experience the capital’s fortress, Marivent Palace and historic city center before enjoying free time to roam. Opt for the Moors of Mallorca to explore the city’s Moorish royal precinct on foot with a local guide. Or select the Best of Oils tour, visit a local olive oil farm to learn about the production process and sample this hallmark of the island.

Valencia’s Islamic legacy extends beyond its architectural wonders. It remains entrenched in the soul of the city and its inhabitants. It is reflected in how Valencians live; in the jargon they use and in place names scattered throughout the region. The city’s story is one of conquest upon conquest. The home of the mythical El Cid Valencia was a Moorish town, having capitulated without bloodshed, but with the arrival of the Christian armies its story changed and it was heavily involved in La Reconquista. Today’s three distinctive styles of ‘Your Choice’ experiences each immerse you in the culture and flavors of this historic region.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Panoramic Valenica & Spain’s Favorite Collectables excursion, visit a Lladró porcelain workshop followed by a panoramic drive through Valencia’s historic center and modern City of Arts and Sciences. Or choose The Story of Valencia for a walking tour of Valencia’s history, from Islamic rule to Christian dominance. Visit key plazas, the Silk Exchange (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Valencia Cathedral, which houses the Holy Grail. Or spend A Morning at the Mercado Central with a guide to experience one of Europe’s largest fresh food markets, with classic Spanish fare like jamón ibérico, Manchego cheese, olives, chorizo, and fresh seafood.

Spend a day at sea, relaxing and soaking up the Spanish sun as we sail its coast to the city of Malaga. Along the way, your host will entertain you with spicy tales of Spanish fare, while you relax over a sangria, perhaps!

Although very much a modern-day city, the apartment blocks and expat clubs of Málaga and the Costa del Sol hide an undercurrent of ancient traditions. Long before beach bars and resorts, this coastline was part of Al-Andalus, ruled by the Moors for nearly eight centuries. Their legacy runs deep, visible in the arches of the Alcazaba, the layout of the old town, and the way the city seemingly harbors something older beneath its surface, steady and enduring.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences range from an introduction to Málaga’s magical sites, to a visit to the Moorish enclave of Ronda. A complimentary shuttle service* will operate between the ship and the city center throughout the day, allowing you to explore Malaga at leisure or return to the town after lunch on board. (*dependent on pier allocation.)

You can choose from a selection of morning or half-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, Magical Málaga is a scenic driving tour around the city, visiting its architectural highlights (with photo stops). Or choose the half-day Moorish Enclave of Ronda to visit the whitewashed town with an exciting wartime history.

After a night sailing the Spanish coast, cross the straits of Gibraltar and cruise into Moroccan waters at a city located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe—Tangier. Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, affording you one of Europe’s most egocentric stories. Designated an International Zone in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco’s civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals and espionage abound in this city which remains as colorful as its history suggests.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences highlight Morocco’s vibrant artisan revival, with guided visits to the medina in Tangier, or a chance to enjoy the culinary heritage of Tangier. For a more relaxed alternative, or for those wishing to return to town, a complimentary shuttle will take you from the ship to the center of Tangier, where you can discover a gentler side of the city. Enjoy time at your leisure to sip mint tea in a local café, browse traditional craft shops, or take in the atmosphere at your own pace, before you sail north to Spain in the early evening.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Choose Tangier Kasbah district, Kasbah Museum and American Legation Museum to explore Tangier’s Kasbah, the Grand Socco, and the American Legation, the first US public property abroad. Or try A Taste of Tangier to explore Tangier’s culinary history, blending Moorish, Spanish and French influences. Sample local delights like caliente and bissara while strolling through the historic M’sallah district.

Returning to Spain, reach the proud city of Cádiz, which sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, it is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine produced was Vinum Ceretensis. From Phoenicians to Iberians, Romans to Moors, Cádiz had its fair share of invaders. It is no wonder its skyline is dotted with 120 watchtowers, including the 150-foot-tall Torre Tavira, used for spotting sails as they appeared on the horizon–often the first sign of the return of long-lost explorers.

A Spanish naval base even today, it was off the coast of Cádiz at Cape Trafalgar where the British won the battle of the same name over Napoleon’s fleet, with the loss of Horatio Nelson. It was from Cádiz where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the ‘new world’. And it was in Cádiz harbor where Sir Francis Drake sacked and burned so many ships that he delayed Spain’s attempt at invading England by at least a year and changed the course of world history.

You can choose from a selection of morning, midday or full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, The Story of Sherry walks the historic center of nearby Jerez with a wine expert, with an included wine tasting. The midday Historic Cadiz on the Tapas Trail excursion offers a guided tapas tour through the city’s historic center. And the full-day Andalusia’s Heart; Seville tour joins a local guide on a driving tour followed by time on foot and free time to explore this famed city’s flamenco, colorful houses, historic churches, traditional pottery workshops, grand pavilions and lush surroundings.

Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived, and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbor to a coast of classic, caved beaches, Portimão fishes for a different catch these days, with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer three distinct ways to explore the region. Choose a visit to the nearby hilltop town of Silves, accompanied by a Portuguese pottery demonstration or winery visit and tasting. Alternatively, take in sweeping coastal views on a panoramic drive, accompanied by a stroll along a section of the Caminho dos Promontórios, for a magical morning on the Algarve, before sailing for Lisbon mid-afternoon.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Silves & Portuguese Wine Tasting tour, join a local guide to learn about the city’s famous red sandstone Castelo de Silves, then drive to Quinta dos Vales Estate for a Portuguese wine tasting with local delicacies. Or choose Silves Castle and Portuguese Pottery Workshop to experience Portuguese ceramics with a local artisan. Learn pottery techniques and tour the historic Castelo de Silves. Enjoy free time to explore Portimão. Finally, the Ferragudo & the Path of the Headlands outing offers time to wander the waterfront and cobbled streets of Ferragudo before a guided walk along a scenic clifftop trail.

Lisbon, set along the broad waters of the River Tagus, became the launch point for Portugal’s Golden Age of Exploration. From this historic harbor, famed navigators like Vasco da Gama and Magellan sailed to chart new worlds, opening vital trade routes and bringing immense wealth to their homeland. That prosperity left its mark on the city through grand baroque buildings, ornate churches and tiled pavements. But Lisbon’s story is also one of resilience. In 1755 a powerful earthquake, followed by tsunamis and fire, destroyed most of the city. What rose from the ruins is the Lisbon you see today, with graceful boulevards, elegant facades and a vibrant waterfront that still echoes its maritime past.

Bid your ship farewell, then join a locally guided tour to visit Belém, where the city’s seafaring legacy is on full display. View the Monastery of Jerónimos, the striking Monument to the Discoveries, which honors Prince Henry the Navigator and his explorers, and the iconic Torre de Belém, a fortress that once guarded the entrance to the city for returning ships. Enjoy some free time in Lisbon’s charming city center, perfect for wandering cobbled streets, travelling on one of its quirky trams, sampling local flavors, or simply soaking in the riverside views, before transferring to your hotel for a final night in Portugal.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.