Mediterranean Delights - 13 nights, July 2013

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.


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 operates on foot. There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

The little city of ancient Alghero today conserves a look of a typical coastal town - unplanned, with narrow and twisting streets. The old town barely covers one-tenth of todays city, but is a delight to explore on foot. Discover Alghero's ancient Catalan origins as your guide takes you on a fascinating walking tour of the town.

Overlooking the wide Gulf of Asinara, from an elevated site, Castelsardo has a truly picturesque aspect. Here, you will see a Gothic mixture of well-preserved ancient walls and characteristic narrow streets and steps. Dominated by an ancient castle and an imposing girdle of walls, the centre still preserves much of the essence of simple old town life.

Products of the local artisans can be found brimming from the numerous shops in Castelsardo. Keep an eye out for the typical baskets woven by the locals.

A Sardinian-style luncheon will be served whilst you are entertained by local Sardinian folk-music.

During the journey, you will pass the trachytic mass, Elephant's Rock, resembling a reclining elephant.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately one hour of walking over steep, inclined and cobblestoned surfaces. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Interior visits of the church will not be possible when services are taking place. Guests are advised to take care when crossing the road at Elephant's Rock. The order of this tour may vary.

On arrival in Florence, you will take a walk to Santa Croce Square with your Escort. Sightsee at leisure or enjoy ‘people-watching’ from a ringside seat at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria. Re-visit some of the wonderful monuments missed on a previous occasion or browse in the elegant boutiques in the city or at the goldsmiths on the famous Ponte Vecchio.

This is the perfect tour option for those who want to take in some of the many museums Florence has to offer, such as the Accademia, Uffizi, the Medici chapels and many more.

Alternatively, you may want to take your place in the queue to visit the spectacular interior of the Duomo or climb the heights of its impressive dome for incomparable views of the city.

The day is yours to do as you please. Your Escort will arrange to meet at a specified time and place for the return drive to Livorno.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is non-guided and exclusive of lunch and entrance fees. The transfer to Florence takes around 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. Traffic is not permitted and the coach drop-off point is a 15-minute walk to and from the city centre. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The coaches cannot be held for latecomers and a return taxi to Livorno costs around $140.

Setting off from the port, you will take a drive to Monaco and enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town. Stroll through the cobblestoned lanes, passing by the Oceanographic Museum and St Nicholas’s Church. You will also view the exterior of the Prince’s Palace. Some limited free time will be given before driving to Place du Grand Casino in Monte Carlo. The time spent in Monte Carlo is for you to enjoy at your own leisure, before reconvening for a delicious French cuisine luncheon in the famed Café de Paris.

Afterwards, you will drive along the middle cornice road, passing the medieval village of Eze. En route soak up the scenic views of Villefranche, Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu.

Your return drive to Cannes will take you via Nice and along the Promenade des Anglais, passing the famous Negresco Hotel.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking, which includes some uneven and cobblestoned surfaces, steep inclines and steps. Comfortable, flat non-slip shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included at the Prince's Palace or Casino. Guests are reminded that suitable attire is required for entry to the Grand Casino along with passport identification.

Enjoy the views of the most Southerly point in Europe, site of the Trinity Lighthouse.

Step back in time to the year of 1940 when Britain was at war with Germany and Italy and the future of Gibraltar looked bleak. A decision was taken by Winston Churchill and the British Military leaders to construct a massive network of tunnels. Experience these World War II Tunnels as your guide takes you on a journey through this amazing fortress. Visit the areas that housed the hospital, power station, military headquarters and accommodation for nearly 10,000 troops and civilians.

On a clear day, the views of Spain are spectacular from Jock's Balcony lookout point. You will have free time to enjoy the display of photographic images, depicting life as it was in the 1940's.


This excursion will operate by mini-coach and on foot. At the Fortress, a health and safety briefing will be given and hard-hats will be provided. Guests are advised that there is a steep incline to be negotiated upon exiting the Tunnels. We recommend flat, non slip shoes are worn. Guests have the option to either be dropped off at Main Street or taken back to the ship. Guests dropped off for shopping will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship.

One of Barcelona's famous landmarks is the 600-year-old Catalan Gothic Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules. View the exterior of this marvellous building as well as absorbing the other sights of the Gothic Quarter.

Your tour continues to the huge Catalunya Square - the main square of the city - before taking the Passeig de Gracia to the city's most unique attraction, the Church of Sagrada Familia (photograph stop only). Started in 1882 and still unfinished, this church with its profuse decoration is a sight that should not be missed.

Visit the Spanish Village at Montjuic, built for the 1929 Universal Exposition. Stroll through the Andalusian or Castilian streets in the 'Village', where free time will be given for you to browse independently and shop for souvenirs.

Leaving the Spanish Village, and time permitting, enjoy a panoramic view of the Olympic Ring surrounding the Olympic Stadium.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours' total walking involved on this tour, including steps. Due to parking restrictions there is a 15 minute walk each way to the Sagrada Familia.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.


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 Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency.

Leaving the pier you’ll take a 20 minute scenic drive around the Bay of Gibraltar to the edge of a natural Cork Forest. En route you’ll have a brief photo stop allowing you dramatic views of the “Rock” framed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Tucked away in the forest, you‘ll visit a typical Andalucian farmhouse dating from 1797 with a patio and traditional old barns. This building is part of a family-run cork and cattle farm.

Your guide will show you how the cork bark is harvested from the oak trees, a centuries-old method to create the perfect cork bottle-stopper. Andalucia produces half of the world´s cork and this area boasts a special high quality cork sold to the international wine trade market. Whilst you are at the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to view the deep red local Retinto breed of cattle, one of Spain's purest breeds, and sample some local tapas.

You may wish to browse for a memento of your tour at the traditional farm shop offering local products such as leather and cork goods, excellent quality olive oils and sherry, and beautiful handcrafted souvenirs all locally sourced.


This excursion operates by coach and on foot.There is approximately 45 minutes of walking over various surfaces with a few steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please carry your passport as this will need to be presented at the border.

The Principality of Monaco covers just one square mile on the Cote d'Azur. Despite its small size Monaco has a large reputation that spans the globe.

The Principality of Monaco is proudly ruled by Prince Albert II. You will see the exterior of the Prince's Palace, home of the royal family, where every day at 11.55am sharp, you can see the Changing of the Guards ceremony. Your guide will show you the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier III married film star Grace Kelly, and where they are now both laid to rest.

The Principality is composed of four districts: Monaco-Ville, the capital; La Condamine; Monte-Carlo; and Fontvieille. Visit the most famous district, Monte-Carlo, full of glitz and glamour, where fortunes have been won and lost on the roll of a dice. During some free time you will have the opportunity to stroll amidst the exclusive designer boutiques, restaurants and gardens or perhaps do a spot of people watching. One of Monte-Carlo's most famous buildings is, of course, The Grand Casino, which exudes pure elegance and elitism.

Enjoy a taste of French cuisine, during luncheon at a restaurant in Monaco.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around two hours' walking over uneven and inclined surfaces. There are approximately 80 steps to Casino Square and 19 steps to reach the Cathedral. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included at the Prince's Palace or Casino.

There’s water action everywhere with 21 different attractions at Fantasy Island, including Torpedo Slides, Grand Rapids, Aquamania, Double Spiral, Foams, Kamakazes, Superslides and a children’s pool with a set of mini slides in the shape of different animals. Hurtle down the rapids before encountering an exhilarating splashdown - soak up the excitement and shoot into mid-air reaching mind blowing speeds. Feel the sensation as you slide up and down in a spinning giant tube, and hang on tight in your boat as you tumble down to a splash pond below.

To give you flexibility during your day, lunch has not been included in the fare and can be purchased from the variety of cafés within the Park.

With so much to do, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and is not guided, but will be escorted by a hostess. Sun-loungers and umbrellas are available for hire and are payable direct. Please ensure that you take adequate sun-protection with you. Guests are advised that, for safety reasons, t-shirts and inflatable armbands should not be worn whilst using the water slides. The journey to the Waterpark takes approximately 45 minutes.

Before arriving into one of Europe's most captivating cities, you will make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfectly situated terrace offering fabulous views over Florence.

Take a trip up to the typically Florentine church of San Miniato perched on the highest point in Florence, offering a wonderful panorama. Your guide will show you inside this charming church built in 1013. Continue to Palazzo Davanzanti Museum, a fine example of a noble Florentine house built in the 14th Century.

Within Florence, you will have an opportunity to visit one of the most famous galleries in the world, the Uffizi. This incredible museum contains one of the greatest collections of paintings in existence. Feast your eyes on works by da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and many more.

Luncheon will be served at an enchanting restaurant where you will enjoy a spectacular view over the Cathedral Dome (weather permitting).

Following luncheon, you will take a guided walk to Piazza Signoria to see the remarkable Renaissance sculptures and architecture. You will also have some free time for shopping or independent exploration before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. Due to limited availability, early booking for this tour is recommended. The transfer to Florence takes 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests should dress appropriately when entering churches. The view from the restaurant is dependent on weather conditions. The order of this tour may vary.

Take a scenic drive northeast from Livorno, passing through medieval towns in the rolling Tuscan Hills, famed for their premium olive oil and the acclaimed wines of Chianti. These slopes are dotted with vineyards and silvery green olive groves providing plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.

Sangiovese is the principal grape used in the production of Chianti. Enjoy a visit to a renowned Estate where you’ll have a tour of the winery, and learn how Tuscan wines are produced.

Relax on a scenic horse carriage ride around the Estate where you can enjoy magnificent views over the fertile valley of olive groves and fields covered with the vines which produce this wine.

Sample a variety of house wines accompanied by bread, olive oil, cheese and salami. You will also have the opportunity to sample Vin Santo - a sweet dessert wine.

Afterwards you’ll have an opportunity to purchase some of the fine local wine.


Guests must be able to negotiate steps on and off the coach and horse carriage. There is approximately 10 minutes of walking on this tour.

Nice is the undisputed 'Queen and Capital' of the French Riviera. Take a drive along the
Promenade des Anglais, a three-mile-long seafront boulevard with palms and flowers following the curve of the wonderful Bay of Angels.

Popular with both the young and the young-at-heart, the little train is a pleasant and unusual way to discover Nice. You will board a small open-air land train for a narrated panoramic ride through Nice. See the narrow streets of the old town, featuring interesting buildings and an abundance of small shops, bars and restaurants. Pass by the Cours Saleya, where the local flower market is held. Make your way up to Castle Hill which offers you wonderful views over Old Nice and the glittering Bay of Angels.

There will be an opportunity to spend approximately one hour of free time to enjoy the sights and atmosphere of this popular Riviera resort town. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, wander through the old town and purchase some local specialties or a souvenir of your visit.


This excursion will operate by coach and road train This tour involves limited walking however guests must be able to undertake an approximate 15 minute walk from the coach parking area to the land train departure point. There are also some steps to negotiate, including those onto and off the coach. Guests will also be required to undertake a certain amount of walking during free time. In order to use toilet facilities guests are advised to purchase a drink from one of the small cafés. These are likely to be located on the basement level. On Mondays the flower market is replaced with a flea market.

Take in the sights of the famous Riviera town of Nice during your panoramic drive along the Promenade des Anglais, which sweeps around the Bay of Angels towards Antibes. Enjoy the sights as you pass by the famous Hotel Negresco. Your panoramic tour also includes sights such as the famous Regina Hotel and Cimiez Hill.

The Old Town and Market area is full of atmosphere; a network of twisting, narrow lanes and steps, where there are tall houses with pastel-coloured façades, shops and restaurants. A flower market is held in the Cours Saleya. Here you will have free time to browse at leisure, admiring the colourful produce and specialities of Provence. Local honey, olive oils, fruits, handicrafts and souvenirs are all beautifully displayed, giving you an ideal opportunity to purchase a memento of your visit or the perfect gift for someone at home.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the coach. There is little walking involved in this tour. On Mondays the flower market is replaced with a flea market.

Embark on a drive through the breathtaking scenery of the New Forest to Beaulieu, one of England’s top visitor attractions. On the journey, you will pass by a quaint village and glimpse some of the wild ponies and livestock which the New Forest is famous for.

Beaulieu has many highlights including the National Motor Museum, an Ancient Abbey, Palace Manor House and a variety of gardens including a Victorian, kitchen and wilderness garden.

Within the fascinating National Motor Museum you can see some of the earliest examples of motoring from the 1890s through to legendary world-record breakers, such as Campbell’s jet powered Bluebird which broke the world land speed record in 1964. The museum has a 1930s street scene which shows the shops, vehicles and tradesmen of the period which will bring back memories of a bygone era.

During 2013 you'll be able to witness the fascinating BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which houses the world’s largest collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating 50 years of Bond, with 50 vehicles from the films, this exhibition includes iconic on-screen favourites such as Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Zao’s Jaguar XKR loaded with weapons from Die Another Day and Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace.

Admire the remains of the lovely 13th century Abbey with its timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere. One of the buildings now houses a monastic exhibition which illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks.

The grand Palace Manor House has been the stately home of the Montagu family since 1538. With its combination of 14th century Gothic and 19th century Scottish Baronial architecture, the House offers an insight into the past with many fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs.


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 grounds are spread out over a vast area, however there is a monorail which connects the main attractions. There will be approximately three hours of free time to explore the Beaulieu Estate at your own leisure.