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| 28th28 | AprApr | 202525 | Barcelona, Spain, embark on the MS Caledonian Sky | | |
| The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars. Fly from the UK and arrive in Barcelona, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. |
| 29th29 | AprApr | 202525 | Palma de Mallorca, Spain | | |
| If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió. Today, you’ll reach the shores of Mallorca, where the island’s capital of Palma is set against a spectacular white-sand bay. The morning is at your leisure to explore. Perhaps head out on an optional tour of the city’s historic quarter with a guide. Stroll through a medieval maze of streets and delve into the district’s Moorish heritage. This afternoon, enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner. |
| 30th30 | AprApr | 202525 | Mahón, Menorca, Spain | | |
| The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahon has a impressive natural deep water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. This, coupled with its strategic location, has made it a stronghold for many nations throughout history. Mahon has an abundance of historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch of Saint Roc which is all that remains of the wall that once encircled the whole town. The island was occupied by the British during the 18th century and Lord Nelson is thought to have stayed there. Indeed, San Antoni Mansion, located on the north side of the harbour, houses a collection of Nelson memorabilia. The legacy of colonial rule can be seen in the muted Georgian style of some of the buildings, but Mahon still boasts attractive examples of neo-Classical, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shaded squares and welcoming pavement cafés, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that most shops in town close for a siesta between 1330 and 1730. Journey to the island of Menorca, known for its sweeping countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. The morning is yours to discover the capital, Mahon, at leisure. Mahon, locally known as Mao, features one of the largest natural harbours in the world and in 1708, the British and Dutch joined forces and captured the island. Perhaps join an optional guided tour, including a visit to a local gin distillery to learn about the gin-making process. In the 18th century, the distillation of gin began in Mahon to satiate the thirst of British sailors. Mahon gin is recognised as being one of the first gins made in the Mediterranean. |
| 1st01 | MayMay | 202525 | Bonifacio, Corsica, France | | |
| Located in the South of Corsica, Bonifacio is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. From its breathtaking views and sandy white islands to its historic citadel, the city is a must visit for anyone travelling to the island. Relish a relaxing morning on board. Later, arrive in the stunning natural harbour of Bonifacio, located on the fashionable French island of Corsica. The busy marina boasts a collection of private yachts, an array of chic restaurants and bars along the waterfront. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to visit the fascinating Old Town, where quaint narrow streets are lined with impressive historical buildings. Marvel at the charming medieval houses perched on the edge of the limestone cliffs. |
| 2nd02 | MayMay | 202525 | Alghero, Italy | | |
| A tourist-friendly town of about 45,000 inhabitants with a distinctly Spanish flavor, Alghero is also known as "Barcelonetta" (little Barcelona). Rich wrought-iron scrollwork decorates balconies and screened windows; a Spanish motif appears in stone portals and bell towers. The town was built and inhabited in the 14th century by the Aragonese and Catalans, who constructed seaside ramparts and sturdy towers encompassing an inviting nucleus of narrow, winding streets with whitewashed palazzi. The native language spoken here is a version of Catalan, not Italian, although you probably have to attend one of the Masses conducted in Algherese (or listen in on stories swapped by older fishermen) to hear it. Besides its historic architectural gems such as the Alghero Cathedral and Palazzo d'Albis, the fortified city is well worth a visit to simply stroll and discover local culture on narrow cobblestone streets. The city also has a reputation to serve great food at reasonable prices. Today, dock in Alghero, located on the attractive Coral Coast of Sardinia. With the day at leisure, perhaps join an optional guided visit to the Coral Museum. Located inside an elegant art nouveau villa, the Coral Museum pays tribute to the red coral found along the coast of Alghero. In addition to the exhibit, explore the garden filled with coral sculptures and the villa the museum is housed in. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional cruise and board a local boat to Neptune's Grotto to witness centuries-old stalactites and a salt-water lake. |
| 3rd03 | MayMay | 202525 | Cagliari, Italy | | |
| Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island's capital has steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture, from modern to medieval. This city of nearly 160,000 people is characterized by a busy commercial center and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel (called, simply, “Castello”). The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The imposing Bastione di Saint Remy and Mercato di San Benedetto (one of the best fish markets in Italy) are both musts. Discover Sardinia’s capital of Cagliari on a guided excursion. Visit a selection of the city’s main sights, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria and Monte Urpinu offering breathtaking views of the city. Stroll through the historic Castello district. Later, travel by coach to the World Heritage-listed Su Naraxi in Barumini, Sardinia's most significant archaeological site. Admire the mysterious beehive-looking structures, built by the Nuragic civilization in the Bronze Age. |
| 4th04 | MayMay | 202525 | Palermo, Italy | | |
| Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Favorably situated on a crescent-shaped bay at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, it has attracted almost every culture touching the Mediterranean world. To Palermo's credit, it has absorbed these diverse cultures into a unique personality that is at once Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. The city's heritage encompasses all of Sicily's varied ages, but its distinctive aspect is its Arab-Norman identity, an improbable marriage that, mixed in with Byzantine and Jewish elements, created some resplendent works of art. No less noteworthy than the architecture is Palermo's chaotic vitality, on display at some of Italy's most vibrant outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, and above all in its grand climax of Italy's most spectacular passeggiata (the leisurely social stroll along the principal thoroughfare). Join a sightseeing tour of Palermo and discover the heart of this vibrant city accompanied by a local expert guide. Visit the Arab-style street markets and delight in the architecture of medieval and baroque churches, fascinating squares and fountains. Other highlights include the Palatine Chapel and the Royal Chapel of the Norman Kings of Sicily, situated on the ground floor at the centre of the Royal Palace. This afternoon, your ship will set sail for Malta. Later, join your fellow travellers for a Captain’s Farewell Dinner. |
| 5th05 | MayMay | 202525 | Valletta, Malta, disembark the MS Caledonian Sky | | |
| Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. |
