Mediterranean Delights - 13 nights, July 2013

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.

Discover Italy’s most iconic landmark at your own leisure. Upon arrival, take the short walk to Field of Miracles and enjoy around one hour to explore Pisa and to browse the many souvenir stalls.

Florence is a delightful city to discover. Upon arrival you’ll head to Santa Croce Square, where you’ll have around four hours to explore independently. Sightsee at leisure or relax at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria. See some of the many wonderful monuments, browse in the elegant boutiques or head to the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the River Arno.

Your Escort will arrange specified meeting times and places in both Pisa and Florence.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a 15 minute walk to and from the parking area to the Field of Miracles. An inside visit to the tower is not possible due to time restraints. 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. The level of walking is at guests’ discretion. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress appropriately when entering churches. The coaches cannot be held for latecomers and a return taxi to Livorno costs around £80-£100. The order of this tour may vary. This excursion is non-guided and exclusive of lunch and entrance fees. Some shops may be closed on Sundays and guests are asked to bear in mind the general shop opening times in Italy.

Depart the pier in a comfortable air-conditioned coach towards the small town of “San Martin del Tesorillo".Without a doubt the huge expanse of orange groves is a colourful sight to behold.

The central village square is known as the Plaza de la Constitución, while the modern Church of San Martin de Tours dates from the 1960s. This white village is famous for its orange groves and its emblematic half-moon-shaped, steel truss-girder bridge which spans the river Guadario as it flows down to the Mediterranean. Enjoy some free time to embrace the enchanting atmosphere.

Sitting high on a hilltop between the Rhonda mountains, Costa del Sol and Gibraltar is the village of Casares with its winding streets and spectacular views. To say that Casares is beautiful is an understatement. Most of the white villages are beautiful, but there is something very special about the sight of Casares that causes a visitor to park the car and simply stare; for it is known as one of the most photographed villages in Spain. You’ll have an hour to explore, shop for souvenirs or just sit in one of the many street cafés and watch the world go by.

Return to the pier taking in the sights of the endless rows of both orange and lemon groves.


This excursion will operate by mini coach and on foot. Please carry your passport as this will need to be presented at the border. The duration of free time is approximate and dependent on local conditions. Euros and credit or debit cards are accepted for purchases. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Perched on the Tuscan hills of Pisa, with the ancient arena of Lari as its back garden, is the world famous family-run ‘Martelli’ pasta factory.

Since 1920, the Martelli family have been producing 4 different shapes of pasta ‘spaghetti’, ‘Penne Classiche’, ‘Spaghettini’ and ‘Maccheroni di Toscana’. What makes this even more special is that only family members work in the factory and because of this, have lovingly kept up the passion of this great Italian tradition.

After your visit, we’ll take you on a scenic ride through the Italian wine country to visit a typical farmhouse, where you will learn about the production of wine and enjoy a generous portion of pasta, and pizza accompanied by local wine.

Finish your experience with a taste of vin santo, a typical sweet wine with cantuccini biscuits. After a few hours filled with the aromas and tastes of Tuscany, take in more beautiful scenery during the return drive to Livorno.


This excursion operates by coach and on foot. The transfer to Lari takes around 45 minutes. The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

This tour is unguided, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy Monaco at your own pace.

You will be given a map of the Principality of Monaco and booklet, which includes tourist attractions (including opening times and entrance fees). Attractions you may like to visit in Monaco are the Prince's Palace, the Palace Square - to see the Changing of the Guards at 11.55 am sharp; the Oceanographic Museum, Aquarium or Monaco Cathedral - the choice is entirely yours. Your guide will advise you of the meeting point for the bus service between Monaco and Monte Carlo. (Please note there will only be one complimentary departure.)

You will have time in Monte Carlo to shop along the Place du Casino, admire the fabulous yachts in the harbour or perhaps have a flutter at the Casino. Attractions worth a visit include the Japanese Garden and the National Museum.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Due to the very hilly nature of Monaco and Monte Carlo, you will be required to negotiate steps and inclined surfaces. There is a considerable walk to and from the bus drop-off points. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Entrance fees are not included.

Delve into the heart of the Old Quarter at Murcia with a visit to the 13th century Cathedral, the façade of which is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Spain. In the interior, the stone tracery of the late Gothic ‘Velez Chapel’ is sure to impress.

Enjoy a refreshment before visiting the Sanctuary of the Fuensanta, one of the region’s most revered religious sanctuaries. Of particular note are the frescoes on the interior of the dome, depicting the yearly pilgrimage of the statue of the Virgin.

A panoramic walking tour of Cartagena, beautifully situated on the superb natural harbour, starts off with a stroll past the monument to the Heroes of Cavite and the Town Hall. Admire the 18th century doorway of the Casino and the delightful modernist houses. Hear of the history behind the Roman Theatre and its commemorative descriptions.



Guests are advised that there is approximately three hours of walking with some steps to negotiate.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


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, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).

Delight in the wonderful collection of plants at Alameda Gardens. The Gardens are an important conservation project and house a collection of plants from around the world as well as displays of local flora. Join your guide who will point out the various plants, sights and wildlife whilst guiding you through its fascinating history.

Gibraltar's cable car is the island's only purpose-built tourist attraction. Enjoy a ride up to the very top of the Rock and marvel at the breath-taking views. At the cable car's top station take advantage of the restaurant and bar as well as cloakroom facilities. You are free to wander independently around the many terraces and enjoy the splendid views of the city of Gibraltar to the West, the coastline of Africa to the South, the Spanish mainland to the North and the blue waters of the Mediterranean to the East.

After your tour a shuttle service will take you straight back to the ship or you may prefer to be dropped off in the Irish Town pedestrian area to explore the many shops. Alternatively, relax in a pub or café, before making your own way back to the ship.


This excursion will operate by mini-bus, cable car and on foot. Ground at the Gardens is generally paved with steps and some steep gradients and there are 35 steps at the cable car. Please expect queues at the cable car. Guests are reminded that Gibraltar's apes may be encountered on this excursion and should not be touched or fed as they may bite. If you choose not to take advantage of the local shops a shuttle service will take you back to the ship.

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.

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.

Sit back and relax as you drive south through the Murcian countryside to the once thriving mining town of La Unión. The Romans were the first people to begin extracting minerals from the mines here and with a landscape that is dotted with zinc, iron, lead and pyrite you will have some stunning photograph opportunities.

Cartagena was founded by the Phoencians in 227BC but flourished as part of the Roman Empire, when it was known as Cathargo Nova. Around the city there is an abundance of Phonecian, Roman, Byzantine and Moorish remains and as your city panorama continues around Town Hall Square and Calle Mayor (main street) you will see the contrasting architecture.

One of the most interesting remains of the city is the Roman Theatre Museum. Once inside, enjoy a guided walk around the Museum and learn more about the many influences that the inhabitants of this important region had. If you don’t feel like walking, there is the option to watch a DVD about the Museum and Roman Theatre while you wait for the group.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 40 minutes of optional walking at the Roman Theatre Museum.

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.

Dolphin watching not only gives you the opportunity to get out into the fresh air on a boat trip in the Bay, but the thrill of seeing dolphins swimming playfully alongside the boat and leaping in the waves is unforgettable.

Your experienced captain and crew will point out the different species of dolphin found in these waters - the Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin and Bottle-nosed. These mammals breed in the sheltered waters, which are rich in food, and young dolphins can often be seen - always a great attraction.

Sailing back towards the Rock, your captain will point out key landmarks and give you some interesting snippets about Gibraltar.

Afterwards, a coach will be waiting to take you back to the ship. Time permitting, you may opt to walk into town (550 yards away). In this case you will be responsible for making your own way back to the ship.


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 mini-coach and boat. Guests are advised that whilst every effort will be made to find the dolphins, these animals are in their natural habitat and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Guests are advised to take a camera, binoculars and sun protection. This tour is weather dependent.

Your guide will introduce you to the popular sites of Lucca, such as the Renaissance walls. The walls are Lucca's most significant monument, surrounding the city with almost two miles of ancient ramparts.

As you come to the heart of Lucca, you will see the Romanesque-style Duomo with its asymmetrical façade. Founded in the 6th century, the Duomo is home to the 'Volto Santo', an image of Christ supposedly carved by a witness of the crucifixion.

Through the maze of shadowed streets, you will find yourself in one of Lucca's hidden treasures. The oval shaped Amphitheatre Piazza was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre and offers 360 degrees of Italian architectural charm. Beautiful buildings, such as the Baptistery of Saints Giovanni and 5thcentury Reparata, along with typical pastel-washed houses, will encircle you.

Before returning to Livorno, you will have some free time to explore independently or do a spot of shopping. Lucca has many wonderful little shops and is an ideal place to pick up some of the local wine, oils and other specialities of the region.

Those wishing to discover Lucca independently are welcome to do so, as you might like to spend longer shopping and exploring.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Although there is a moderate amount of walking, the ground is flat and the pace will be slow. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests should dress appropriately if entering churches.

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.