Bacalhau, Paella & Pasta - Lisbon to Rome Cruise

Day 1 - Lisbon

Arrive: Sun 15 September 2024 / Depart: Sun 15 September 2024 at 19:00

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Day 2 - Portimao

Arrive: Mon 16 September 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 16 September 2024 at 19:00

Framed by golden sands and impressive cliffs, Portimão offers a relaxing beach getaway for sun-seekers. For lovers of history and architecture, take a stroll through the medieval Castle of Alvor, and for those that enjoy the beauty of nature delight in the cultivated fields and slopes covered with pine trees and wildflowers. Visit the Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição that dates back to the 14th century. After a devastating earthquake it was restored with an altar made from walnut wood and the interior walls that feature religious depictions in azulejos tiles. Bring home traditional lace, ceramics, leather goods and baskets.

Day 3 - Seville

Arrive: Tue 17 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 17 September 2024 at 18:00

Cádiz, Andalusia's world-renowned capital, has undergone major restoration in recent years. Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, ubiquitous red-tile roofed buildings, and bustling street markets make this a most delightful port. The old town, on the tip of the peninsula, is buzzing with beautiful, lively plazas. To get there, you pass through the new town, an elegant metropolis with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good starting point for a day trip to nearby Seville, where you can visit the Alcazar, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture surrounded by lovely gardens; majestic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla); and Giralda Tower, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Day 4 - Motril, Granada

Arrive: Wed 18 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 18 September 2024 at 17:00

Day 5 - Ibiza

Arrive: Thu 19 September 2024 at 13:00 / Depart: Thu 19 September 2024 at 21:00

Ibiza is often called the "White Island" due to its abundance of whitewashed houses. Part of the Balearic Islands, it is covered with limestone hills and topped by lush pine forests. Winding lanes take visitors through cobbled streets to admire the stunning views across the bay or to a blissful calm amidst the action. Designer shops, fine restaurants, neighboring beaches and a thriving nightlife add to the excitement Ibiza has become world famous for.

Day 6 - Menorca

Arrive: Fri 20 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 20 September 2024 at 17:00

Visitors delight in Mahón’s charming shops and eateries, and the traditional Georgian buildings of its hilly old quarter. Explore the island and savor its dramatic views, quaint villages and well-preserved taulas of the island’s megalithic civilization. Be sure not to miss the Plaza de España, with market stalls lining the arcades of the former Carmelite friary, where you can purchase local art work and souvenirs. Savor fresh seafood, some paella, delightful local wines, and Mahón’s signature cheese at quaint local tapas bars.

Day 7 - Toulon

Arrive: Sat 21 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 21 September 2024 at 18:00

Explore bustling Toulon, with its fleets of naval ships, yachts and colorful fishing boats. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Faron and enjoy the amazing birds eye view of Toulon and the turquoise harbor. Learn about the town’s maritime history at the Museé de la Marine and about the Allied landing in Toulon at the Museé Memorial du Debarquement. Discover the maze of open-air markets and fountains in Old Town with its ancient cathedral, fragrant scents of herbs and olive oil, its restaurants, cafés and intimate boutiques. Take home designer fashions, fine jewelry, French perfumes and other Provencal mementos. Herbs de Provence, lavender, fine olive oil, and ceramics are popular.

Day 8 - Cannes

Arrive: Sun 22 September 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 22 September 2024 at 18:00

Explore glamorous ultra-fashionable Cannes, with its majestic hotels, millionaires, movie stars, and mega-yachts in a gem-like setting along the sparkling Mediterranean. Stroll along the Royal Palm tree lined Boulevard de la Croisette where world-renowned designers cater to the rich and famous. Look for haute couture and antiques. Enjoy a cocktail in one of the grand hotels. Take lunch in a fashionable café on the boulevard. Visit the gardens and parks sprinkled along the boulevard. Hike up the hill to Le Suquet, the medieval old town. Enjoy a coffee at an outdoor café with expansive and exquisite views of the harbor.

Day 9 - Ajaccio

Arrive: Mon 23 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 23 September 2024 at 18:00

Ajaccio is located on the west coast of Corsica, and is the island’s largest town. Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Napoleonic legacy dominates the city in its statues and street names. Surrounded by green-hued mountains, with shady palm fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay, Ajaccio offers guests a pleasing number of sites to explore. View the Musee Fesch, with its fine collection of Renaissance paintings, and Napoleon’s birthplace, the Casa Bonaparte, now a museum. Relax at a local café, sip the local wines, taste the artisan cheeses and enjoy a bowl of Azimuno, a tasty fish soup.

Day 10 - Olbia/Sardinia

Arrive: Tue 24 September 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 24 September 2024 at 19:00

Wander through this lovely town and visit its 11th century cathedral with Roman artifacts and Punic burials. Or drive into the stunningly beautiful countryside of the Costa Smeralda with its towering cliffs, quiet grottoes and exquisite sandy beaches beside emerald green waters. Explore the enigmatic remnants of the ancient Nuraghic culture.

Day 11 - Rome

Arrive: Wed 25 September 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Wed 25 September 2024

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter. Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.