Mediterranean Idyll - 10 nights, August 2013

Set in the heart of Costa Blanca, Elche is surrounded by thousands of palm trees, which were originally introduced by the Phoenicians in around 300 BC. Enjoy a stroll along the paths between the ponds and the abundant plants, shrubs, trees and cacti in the Priest’s Garden. The Garden’s focal point is the magnificent eight trunked ‘Imperial Palm’. Treat your taste buds to a specially-prepared tasting of local produce such as dates, fig bread, dried apricots and date liqueur, while you admire a demonstration of how a palm tree is pruned.

In the old town centre, a short visit will be made to the Basilica de Santa Maria. This delightful, blue-domed baroque church, built in the 17th century is where the yearly passion play, the ‘Mystery of Elche’ is held.

Stroll through the tranquil Municipal Park, before enjoying some free time to explore Elche on your own.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey to/from Elche is approximately 1¼ hours each way. This tour involves walking over flat, hard-packed sand and pavements for approximately three hours.

Take a scenic drive along the coastal road to Nice, passing through Beaulieu and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Upon arrival in Nice, you will take a guided walk through the narrow streets of the Vieille Ville — the Old Town. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore on your own, relax in a café or stroll through the delightful flower market.

Leaving Nice, you will drive along the famous Promenade des Anglais, then take the motorway to the glittering resort of Cannes. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to explore the Côte d’Azur’s most famous resort, home to the internationally renowned film festival. Stroll La Croisette, which separates the elegant town from parkland and beaches, browse the boutiques or view the pleasure boats in the marina.

A delicious luncheon of local delicacies will be served in a restaurant in Cannes.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over relatively flat ground. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. Guests are advised to purchase a drink from one of the small cafés in Nice and Cannes in order to use the restroom facilities. On Mondays the flower market is replaced with a flea market.

Depart from the pier for a scenic hour’s drive towards the beautiful Village of Alberese , located in the Natural Park of Maremma, the first Natural Park in Southern Tuscany.

At a family-owned farmhouse, relax in pleasant surroundings and enjoy a tasting of some traditional fare of this part of Italy and sip over a well deserved glass of wine.

Sit back, on a scenic carriage ride, where you can discover the beauty of the surrounding area.

During your ride, lookout for wildlife, flora and fauna, including the magnificent Olive and Pine trees.

Rejoin your coach for a relaxing drive to Civitavecchia.


This excursion operates by coach, carriage and on foot. There are steps to negotiate at the farmhouse. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Euros are accepted for local purchases.

Take a short transfer to the harbour where you will reach the helipad and your waiting helicopter.

Hold tight for an exciting ten minute ride over the colourful city of Barcelona. Fly over some of the significant sites including the Forum, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and the Tibidabo hills. You will also fly over FC Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium, the Olympic grounds and facilities at Montjuic.

Your panoramic helicopter will be flying 1,500 feet over the city to provide you with a true bird's eye view of Barcelona.


This excursion will operate by coach and helicopter. This tour will operate subject to local weather conditions and may be cancelled at short notice. Each helicopter seats a maximum of six. Not all guests will have a window seat, but there is good visibility from all seats. If the ship is berthed in Terminal A, you may transfer to the heliport on foot (approximately ten minutes walk each way).

The Roman City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it, has been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a 2,000 year old fabulous spa town, built around Britain's only hot mineral springs.

Bath offers a multitude of fantastic places to visit and is very easy to navigate on foot. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the city has some of the finest architectural sites in Europe and boasts a unique and diverse range of historic features, which attract people the world over.

Your visit will begin with a panoramic tour of Bath, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be approximately three hours’ free time to explore this historic city at your own leisure. Watch the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre, wander around the fabulous shops or simply sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Bath is approximately 1¾ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling). Any walking is at guests’ own discretion. Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.

Your tour begins with a drive towards the Olympic Village passing by the Citadel Park, the Arch of Triumph. Your informative guide will point out all the highlights and give explanations along the way.

You will arrive at the Olympic Village where you will be given some free time to enjoy the beautifully renovated marina, with shops and restaurants and promenade.

You will continue along the marina avenue towards Passeig de Gracia, a wide boulevard lined with lovely Art Nouveau buildings that connects the Gothic Quarter to the village of Gracia.

On your way to Montjuic you will pass by Placa Espanya, the Fair and Congress Palace and Maria Cristina Avenue.

Before returning to your ship, enjoy a panoramic photograph stop from scenic Montjuic's mirador with some of the best views over the city.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a ten minute walk at the viewpoint at Montjuic. Guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach.

Upon arrival in Aix en Provence, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the old capital. Aix owes much to the nobles who built their fine houses and endowed the city with imposing public buildings from the 16th century onwards. Cours Mirabeau lies at the heart of Aix, aristocratic façades of old mansions line the avenue, with wrought iron balconies and finely carved doorways. Here you can admire some of the finest examples of the ‘healing’ fountains for which Aix is renowned.

Explore the old quarter and the beautiful Saint Sauveur Cathedral, which is exceptionally rich in works of art, and is noted for its Merovingian baptistery and grandiose organ.

Enjoy some free time on your own to discover the city further or indulge yourself in a spot of shopping in Aix en Provence’s many fabulous boutiques.



This tour will operate by coach and on foot. The drive to Aix en Provence takes approximately 45 minutes each way. Flat comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over some uneven and cobblestone ground, including steps.

On a short panoramic tour of the city, you will pass through the Paseo de Gracia, the widest avenue in town. Here, you will see plenty of Modernist houses designed by Gaudi; including the unusual La Pedrera House and other important architects of the period.

Designed by Gaudi; in 1882 and never completed, the Church of Sagrada Familia stands as witness to Gaud's creative, although controversial genius. Construction began again in 1939, but faltered due to confusion over Gaudi's plans. Join your guide for an interior visit and learn about Gaudi's vision for the Church. The final construction is meant to include 18 towers in total and is based on the 12 apostles, four evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

Park Guell was designed by Gaudi in the early part of the 20th century. Take a leisurely stroll through this hillside garden suburb of Barcelona, fashioned after the English model of a 'Garden City'.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves some walking, including steps uneven surfaces and cobblestones throughout Park Guell. Due to parking restrictions there is a 15 minute walk each way to the Sagrada Familia. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended.

Your journey from Civitavecchia takes you along the highway, through the city and into the heart of Rome.

Upon arrival, you will visit one of the grandest of all Rome's monuments, the Colosseum. Once inside, it is easy to imagine the magnificence of ancient Rome. From one of the great viewpoints, you will see this enormous arena that once featured 76 numbered entrances, marble seats and subterranean passages where animals and other apparatus were hidden from view.

A short stroll from the Colosseum leads you to the Roman Forum (exterior view). See remains of the Senate buildings, where decisions affecting the entire Roman Empire took place. Your guided walk will continue through Venice Square and on to the Trevi Fountain.

Join the romantic custom of tossing a coin into Rome's most famous fountain to ensure that some day you will return.

To round off your tour, you will head to the Pantheon for an exterior view of the immense columns and awe-inspiring hemispherical dome. Afterwards, free time will be given for you to enjoy the charming Piazza Navona and browse the shops and boutiques.

An Italian-style luncheon will be served to allow you to 'refuel' during your tour.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves a substantial amount of walking and standing (approximately six hours in total). Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress appropriately for entering churches.The itinerary is subject to local conditions.

As you drive around Italy’s legendary capital, you will be intrigued by the stunning picture of its past and present, by the tranquil fountains that adorn the squares and streets, and by the sculptures and frescoes that cover every church.

Once in the city you take a panoramic sightseeing tour passing by the Vatican walls, which outline the area of the Vatican City, the Lungotevere and the Ara Pacis.

Next, you will pass by Muro Torto (the Roman walls), Villa Borghese and enter the old town by Porta Pinciana. Pass through Via Vittorio Veneto, symbol of the Italian ‘dolce vita’, the white marble Victor Emmanuel Momument, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Circus Maximus.

A brief stop will be made for you to photograph a building of epic proportions, The Colosseum; an image that will no doubt become a precious memento of your visit to the eternal city of Rome.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. All sightseeing will be done from the coach. No entrances are included. A comfort stop will be made during the one hour and 30 minute transfer to/from Rome. Guests must be able to negotiate the steps onto and off the coach.

See Gibraltar's oldest and most famous residents, the apes, at close quarters. The semi-wild apes roam freely around the slopes at this viewpoint and you can usually get some great photographs. Please remember the apes are wild animals, do not be tempted to touch or feed them and please watch your belongings as they have been known to take things.

St. Michael's Cave is a large natural cavern filled with uniquely formed stalactites and stalagmites. It is said that this bottomless cave is linked to Africa by a fifteen mile long passage under the straits.

Located on the southern tip of Gibraltar at Europa Point, Trinity Lighthouse is still in use and its light can be seen from a distance of thirty miles.

At the end of your tour, you can either be dropped off at Main Street for shopping, or at the Cable Car Station, where you can take a ride independently to the Top of the Rock (cable car payable direct). Alternatively, you will be taken directly back to the ship.


This excursion will operate by mini-coach and on foot. There are approximately 75 steps at St. Michael's Cave, however guests can remain on the mini-coach during this visit. Comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended as some areas of the Cave can be slippery. Lighting in the cave is dim and coloured for effect. Guests who choose to be dropped off for shopping or the cable car are responsible for making their own way back to the ship by taxi or on foot. Some of the roads up to the Rock can be winding and narrow.

Stonehenge is Britain's most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument. It is as old as the great temples and pyramids of Egypt and remains as compelling today as it was to the people who built the first phase over 5,000 years ago. This mighty symbol is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its awesome majesty and mystery.

The stone circle of shaped stones, lintels, unique jointing and absolutely perfect geometry make it the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. The stones are fenced off for their preservation and protection, however your guide will accompany you along the encircling pathway for close up views and will describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence.

After a short drive from Stonehenge, you will arrive at the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury, with its historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional eating houses and medieval Cathedral. Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture which also boasts the tallest spire in Britain, Europe's oldest working clock and the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. Enjoy free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. There will be approximately 2½ hours of free time in Salisbury. Luncheon and the Cathedral entrance fee are not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

A relaxing drive North will cross Gibraltar's unique runway to the border between this small colony and Spain. There will not be a stop here, but as you drive by there is a great opportunity to view this remarkable border and the Spanish mainland beyond.

Proceeding along the outskirts of town and passing the American War Memorial and the Trafalgar Cemetery, you will soon reach Europa Point. From this vantage point, admire the fine views of the coast of North Africa, twelve miles across the famous Straits of Gibraltar. From here, you can appreciate why this territory was, and continues to be, of such strategic importance to the British Navy.

Relax and enjoy refreshments at the renowned Rock Hotel. From this location overlooking a Genoese fishing village, you can admire the spectacular views to Spain and North Africa. Take in the scenery as you savour a delightful tea accompanied by a tempting selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes.


This excursion will operate by mini-coach.

Head to the Old Harbour and board the ‘little train’ for a leisurely one hour narrated ride through the city. En route, you will pass St Victor Abbey, a late Roman monastic foundation named after the local soldier and martyr, Saint Victor. Admire the finely manicured city gardens of Pierre Puget and the Cathedral de la Major, a huge and extravagant construction started in the 19th century in Neo-Byzantine style.

Climbing up high to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, you will have time to enjoy a panoramic view from the highest point in the city. Visit the Basilica and marvel at the impressive multi-coloured marble, mosaics and murals. The little train will wind its way back to the Old Harbour, where you will have some time at leisure to enjoy a spot of retail therapy or sit back relax and enjoy a drink in one of the many cafés.



This tour will operate by coach, trolley train and on foot. Guests are advised not to leave belongings on the ‘little train’ when disembarking at the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, as the vehicles may change. To enter the Notre Dame Basilica there are 170 steps to negotiate; for those guests wishing to just enjoy the views it is not necessary to climb these steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Originally an Etruscan trading post, Pisa grew to be one of the greatest commercial and seafaring towns in the Mediterranean. Today, Pisa offers Renaissance splendour intermingled with modern shops and lively cafés.

The setting for the famous Leaning Tower and splendid Cathedral is the Field of Miracles. Here you will also find the Baptistry and Campo Santo. The Cathedral is one of the finest Pisan-Romanesque buildings in Tuscany; its wonderful four-tiered façade is a medley of colonnades and intricate arcades.(exterior visit only)

The foundations of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began to subside when the builders reached the fourth storey, and each year it was said to lean a little more. A band around the tower prevented further lean, and the tower is now in the same condition as it was in 1810 (exterior visit only).

Time permitting, you will have a chance to do a spot of shopping and browse Pisa's many souvenir stalls.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The majority of this tour is on foot, flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There is a 15 minute walk to and from the coach park to the Field of Miracles.Entrance to the Tower is approximately 20 Euros. Euros are accepted for purchases.