The Hidden Wonders of the Mediterranean

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.

Welcome to Valletta, Malta. Europe’s smallest capital was crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2018 for its brilliant mix of history and modernity. Amidst the cobblestone streets and ancient walls of this World Heritage-listed city, you’ll find a lively art, culinary and nightlife scene.

Step on board Scenic Eclipse this afternoon and begin your Mediterranean journey with a warm greeting from the Captain and the crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious suite, then join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar to toast the start of an unforgettable Signature Yacht Cruise.

Please book your flight to arrive into Valletta prior to 02:00 PM.

Trapani, the most important town on Sicily’s west coast, lies below the headland of Mount Erice and offers stunning views of the Egadi Islands on a clear day. Trapani’s Old District occupies a scimitarshaped promontory between the open sea on the north and the salt marshes to the south. The ancient industry of extracting salt from the marshes has recently been revived, and it is documented in the Museo delle Saline. In addition to the salt marshes,Trapani’s other interesting environs include the beautiful little hill town of Erice, the promontory of Capo San Vito stretching north beyond the splendid headland of Monte Cofano, the lovely island of Motya and the town of Marsala. Trips farther afield will take you to the magnificent site of Segesta or the Egadi Islands, reached by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.

Trapani was founded as a port for the hilltop fortress town of Erice. As ‘the city between two seas’, it holds an important strategic position on a peninsula where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Tyrrhenian Sea. Walk the narrow streets filled with refined baroque buildings with their typical wrought-iron balconies, picturesque restaurants and antique shops. Visit the unfinished Temple of Segesta, built in 424BC by the native Elymi tribe. Be sure to try Cassatelle, delightful, deep-fried pastries filled with a sweet mixture of ricotta cheese and chocolate drops, often enhanced with a hint of lemon.

Tonight, immerse yourself in a curated selection of live entertainment, from soothing melodies to vibrant performances, each crafted to capture the spirit of your destination.

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.

Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia, nestled between the rolling hills and the sea. It’s home to one of the longest beaches in Italy, Poetta Beach, and Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, known for its bright pink flamingo colonies. Savour unique culinary experiences, such as the traditional dishes malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and porceddu (roast suckling pig).

Back on board, step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, Salt Therapy Lounge and Vitality pool. Later, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap delivered by your butler.

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.

This morning, enjoy the unforgettable experience of sailing into Mahón, where colonial-style houses, dramatic cliffs, and the charming old town create a spectacular panorama.

Known for its British-style Georgian houses and medieval streets filled with palaces, churches and fortresses, Mahón is truly Vella i Bella (‘Old and Beautiful’). As the capital of the laidback island of Menorca, the gentle rhythm of island life is set by the slow waves that lap the shorelines. Experience history during a walk through the old town and gain insight into the storied past of this charismatic place with a charm all its own.

Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila —the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbor is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets that offer some of the city's best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey has a useful map of walks through the old city.

Ibiza is one of the four main Balearic Islands, an archipelago off the east coast of Spain. While it’s known as one of the world’s great party capitals, famed for its beach clubs, bars and nightclubs, its beaches are undeniably beautiful, and you’ll discover archaeological sites and tiny, whitewashed villages almost untouched by modern life. Inland, the island is all limestone hills and lush pine forest, and home to artisan producers.

Once you’ve explored the island, enjoy a drink back on board at the Sky Bar while watching the stunning Ibiza sunset.

A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.

For thousands of years, Cartagena has been a busy port thanks to its natural harbour. This city’s long history is evidenced through its archaeological ruins, the 3rd-century fortified castle that overlooks the city and the 2nd-century amphitheatre. Its old town boasts pretty plazas and a plethora of beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

As dusk falls, choose from up to 10 culinary experiences on board including Elements, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood or channel the spirit of Asian Fusion at Koko’s. Journey to France at Lumière+, or dine in the privacy of your suite, choosing from a comprehensive 24-hour menu.

Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.

At the northwestern tip of the African continent lies Tangier, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the ‘White City’ for its whitewashed houses lining winding streets, Tangier has been shaped by numerous cultures and civilisations over the centuries. The strong Spanish influence makes it a prime example of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Today, Tangier is a bustling modern port and the busiest in the Mediterranean.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla, this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2,200 years old, Seville has a mutli-layered personality; home to Flamenco, high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites, there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez, the resting place of Christopher Columbus, the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming, Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience, a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets, tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

Thanks to its design, Scenic Eclipse can sail inland and dock right in the heart of Seville, the historic centre of Andalusia, which sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Enjoy an overnight stay to fully explore this architectural treasure, where Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Moorish influences intertwine. Highlights include the soaring Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede, the ornate Iglesia Colegial del Salvador, and the city’s charming plazas and winding streets, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and Andalusian character.

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

On the western Algarve coast, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this once renowned fishing port, now transformed into a promenade with shops selling traditional lace, ceramics, and leather goods, and fantastic restaurants. Portimão is celebrated for the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha. Architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th-century blend with colourful contemporary structures.

After a day of discovery, immerse yourself in Koko’s Asian Fusion, where bold, authentic flavours from across Asia are brought to life in a sleek, modern setting. From expertly rolled sushi to sizzling stir-fries, every dish offers a vibrant taste of the East.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring. Your journey concludes here after one last breakfast on board Scenic Eclipse. Farewell the crew and new friends as you depart, taking away memories to last a lifetime.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM.

Helicopter not operational in Morocco. Submersible not operational in Europe, including the Mediterranean.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.