Central Mediterranean Cruise

Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Thu 02 October 2025 / Depart: Thu 02 October 2025

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Mon 06 October 2025 / Depart: Mon 06 October 2025

An ancient city with a name to match - it was founded more than 2,200 years ago by Carthaginian leader Hasdrubal - Cartagena is now one of Spains busiest commercial centres. Step ashore here, though, and you are immediately aware of its rich history. In fact, you see it even as you cruise towards the harbour as this is flanked by towering fortresses. Then, in the centre of the old town, you will find the original Carthaginian castle and sections of the old city walls. But Cartagena is also a city which moves with the times hence the new harbourfront development which includes the unique National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. As part of Murcia province, Cartagena cruise port is also an excellent base for visiting the city of Murcia itself and its distinctive Baroque cathedral; the 17th century religious sanctuary of Fuensanta; the Fortress at Lorca Taller del Tiempo; the spa resort of Balneario de Archena; and for touring into the mountainous interior or along the Costa Blanca to Alicante.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Cagliari

Arrive: Wed 08 October 2025 / Depart: Wed 08 October 2025

Most of the city's impressive attractions can be seen just by walking through the walled Castello area with its winding alleyways and open piazzas. Do not miss the 2nd Century Roman amphitheatre and the colourful botanical gardens featuring 500 different plants. There is a lively covered market every weekday and Saturdays just north of the Castello and you will be spoilt for choice with restaurants in the marina area, with fish and seafood a speciality. There are numerous bars, pizzerias, and ice cream stalls along the seafront. While, for pure relaxation, search out the superb sandy beaches in Poetto, just 15 minutes from the city.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Katakolon

Arrive: Fri 10 October 2025 / Depart: Fri 10 October 2025

The small Greek port of Katakolon was developed in the 19th century to serve the thriving local trade in currants. Today it is your starting block for Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games. A pretty town on the banks of the River Alpheios, Olympia lies only a short drive away from the port and its historic stadium - where the first Olympic torch was lit in 776 BC and is a fascinating site to explore. You can still see the marble starting blocks used by early athletes in the 45,000-seat arena, as well as the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the gigantic Temple of Zeus - its gold and ivory statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. If you have already visited Olympia, you could spend your day exploring the lush wine country north of Katakolon and sampling the local vintages.

Day 10 - Corfu

Arrive: Sat 11 October 2025 / Depart: Sat 11 October 2025

Corfu is a beguiling island of wildflowers and cypress groves, Venetian architecture and herb scented mountains. It is also an island where you'll discover the shallow waters of the Aegean Sea as it laps long stretches of golden sand. In Corfu Town, wander the narrow alleyways of the Venetian old town, explore the two fortresses and gasp in awe at the stunning views. Take a ferry across to the islet known as Mouse Island, which according to legend, is actually a ship turned to stone!

Day 11 - Dubrovnik

Arrive: Sun 12 October 2025 / Depart: Sun 12 October 2025

This beautiful city is situated on the Dalmatian coastline of the Adriatic sea at the southern end of Croatia. Amazingly, most of the war damage has been repaired and Dubrovnik is once again the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic'.

Day 12 - Split

Arrive: Mon 13 October 2025 / Depart: Mon 13 October 2025

Nestling on the sparkling Dalmatian coast, the medieval Croatian port of Split, faces the myriad magical islands of the Kornati archipelago which include Brac, Hvar and Vis.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - Sicily

Arrive: Wed 15 October 2025 / Depart: Wed 15 October 2025

The island of Sicily is separated from Italy by the Strait of Messina, and retains an air of independence from its motherland. Messina, has wide avenues, a stunning harbour and is located close to the classical ruins of Tindari and the ancient city of Taormina. A mountainous and rugged land, Sicily is dominated by Europe's largest volcano, Mt. Etna. With four live craters around its summit, this is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Gibraltar

Arrive: Sat 18 October 2025 / Depart: Sat 18 October 2025

Britons love cruising to 'home from home' Mediterranean cruise port Gibraltar - and not just because it has some excellent pubs and tax free shops (good buys include glassware, china, leather goods, alcohol, perfume, silk and cashmere garments). Gibraltar also offers wonderful views of the Bay of Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountains from the Rock Restaurant, served by cable car from the Grand Parade. Birdwatchers can spot more than 230 species and there are clearly marked nature trails you can follow to discover the country's flora and fauna. The most famous 'fauna' of course, are Gibraltar's Barbary apes - get off the cable car at the halfway station to see these, then proceed to the top and hire an audio tape charting the Rock's fascinating history. Alternatively spend a day at the beach - Catalan Bay is the prettiest, with its colourful fishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Southampton

Arrive: Tue 21 October 2025 / Depart: Tue 21 October 2025

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.