Mediterranean Medley - 14 nights, August 2013

If you enjoy exploring independently, then this is the tour for you.

Spend a full day in Alicante, doing the things that you like to do. Why not visit the Castle of Santa Barbara, stroll through the charming Old Quarter taking in the Town Hall and the Cathedral, or admire the quaint streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz (the Holy Cross Quarter).

Perhaps you would prefer to simply relax and watch the world go by as you sip a refreshing ‘horchata’ in the shade of the palms of the beautiful Esplanade of Spain or take a dip in the crystal blue Mediterranean sea. If shopping is your thing, head for the famous El Corte Inglés Department Store. You could even treat yourself to a lunch of delicious seafood paella, whilst enjoying the view over the yacht harbour. The day is yours to truly spend as you wish. The options are endless.

Note: Your guide will give a commentary during your journey to Alicante and provide any information you may require to help you enjoy your day to the full. A map and information booklet will be provided to help you plan your time. Please note no meals or entrance fees are included. The drive to Alicante takes approximately 1¾ hours each way.

Discover the opulent Prince’s Palace, exquisite gardens, exclusive shops and casinos or just relax and absorb the atmosphere.

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

You’ll 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’ll 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.

Note: 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.

Visit the prestigious home of F.C. Barcelona – one of the biggest clubs in Europe and Europe’s largest football stadium.

A short panoramic drive will take you past Via Layetana, Passeig Gracia and the Diagonal area. Heading into the Montjuic Mountain, you will be able to see the Olympic Ring, Olympic Stadium and a short photograph stop will be made at the mirador.

Known locally as the Barça, Camp Nou is home to the city’s famous football club, F.C. Barcelona. This is one of the world’s richest football clubs and has more than 100,000 members. On arrival, you will go through the visiting team’s changing room, and continue along the corridor where players enter onto the ground. Afterwards, the guide will show you the press room and interview room.

Football fans will enjoy a visit to the Barça Museum, which displays memorabilia and trophies. You will have an exterior view of the impressive stadium, built in 1957 and extended in 1982 to accommodate 98,000 seated fans. A guided tour will be followed by free time to explore independently. As you exit the ground, there will be an opportunity for souvenir shopping.

Note: This tour involves a lot of standing, and there are many steps to be negotiated. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Due to strict pre-match security procedures, this tour is subject to late cancellation. The management may also close parts of the stadium without notice. Crowds are to be expected. Guests are not permitted to touch the pitch.

This is your opportunity to seek out these fascinating creatures – an experience not to be missed.

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.

Note: 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.

Wander through the cathedral city of Lorca and admire the unique mix of Moorish narrow streets and fabulous baroque architecture.

Over 2,000 years of history combined with rich baroque architecture and artistic patrimony make Lorca a fascinating city to discover.

Your first stop is at the Embroidery Museum, where you will see fantastic displays of local work. Admire the spectacular beauty and intricate workmanship, which went in to producing all of the embroidered displays in gold and silk. Your guide will also explain why the town’s Holy Week celebration has been declared a national celebration of great tourist interest.
Lorca is renowned as the land of craftsmen, so enjoy a visit to the Regional Craft Centre, which exhibits many local works including pottery, embroidery, leather and glass. You may even wish to purchase a piece of art to remind you of your visit.

A guided walking tour allows you to discover more about this intriguing town. Have your camera at the ready as you pass by many of the town’s most important buildings, the Town Hall, the church of San Patricio, declared a conservation area in 1941 and the Guerra Theatre, the oldest theatre in the region.

After your tour you will have some free time to shop or enjoy a drink in one of the many cafés.

Note: The journey to/from Lorca will take approximately 1½ hours each way. Guests are advised that the ground is uneven and cobbled in places. The walking portion of the tour will be three hours in duration.

Spend an unforgettable day walking amidst the splendour of Monaco and Monte-Carlo, playground of the rich and famous.

The Principality of Monaco covers just one square mile on the Côte 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.

Note: 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.

Take in the sights of Pisa by trolley train and boat. A perfect way to see the highlights of Pisa at an easy pace.

Board your boat for a scenic ride along the Arno River, which will allow you to see the principal sights of Pisa’s historical centre while your guide gives commentaries on the monuments and the city’s history.

Following your boat ride you will be transferred by trolley train to the main square of Pisa, the Field of Miracles. You guided tour of the square will include an exterior visit of the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery.

You’ll have around 45 minutes of free time to enjoy Miracle Square. Take some photographs of the incredible Leaning Tower, do a spot of souvenir shopping, enjoy an ice cream or relax in a nearby café.

Take note of the meeting point for your trolley train transfer back to the parking area, where you’ll rejoin the coach for the return drive to Livorno.

Note: Guests’ must be able to negotiate steps on and off the coach as well as the trolley train and boat. The trolley has only limited storage for wheelchairs. The amount of walking during the free time is at guests’ discretion; the terrain here is flat. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended.

Discover the highlights of wonderful Nice and spend some time browsing the colourful market stalls of the old town.

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.

Note: 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.

Discover the World Heritage City of Bath with its beautiful Georgian architecture, Roman history and stunning scenery.

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 the city, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the city’s parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be free time to explore at your own leisure, enjoy the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre or wander around the fabulous shops.

Note: 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). Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.

Take the Golden Corniche along the coast, visit the popular resort of St-Tropez, and explore Port Grimaud.

Journey south along the Golden Corniche through La Napoule, Port La Galere, Pointe du Cap Roux, Agay and St Raphael, with sweeping views of secluded bays and seaside villages. The coastal rock formations display a reddish tint, unique to the area south of Cannes.

Upon arrival to St Maxime, you will be transferred by boat to the international resort of St- Tropez. Here, visitors shelter from the sun and enjoy drinks at the exclusive waterfront cafés on one of the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean. Discover the delights of the harbour, cafés, shops, and boutiques on a walking tour, followed by some free time at your leisure to explore and perhaps purchase a spot of luncheon.

Afterwards, you will drive to Port Grimaud. Built in 1962, architect Francois Spoerry transformed a virtual swamp into a waterside village where houses line over four miles of canals. Each house has a waterfront view, a garden and space to moor a boat. Stone and wood bridges span the canals, connecting the port’s islets. A short boat trip on one of the small electric launches will take you through the community which is scattered with cafés, shops and restaurants, only accessible by foot or the small electric launches.

Note: This tour does not include luncheon, but offers free time in St-Tropez to allow for maximum flexibility. This tour involves two hours of walking over relatively flat ground and some steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Discover Southampton’s historic buildings and its links with the legendary Titanic on this fascinating walking tour.

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.

Note: 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 tour only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Visit two of the most well-known wine and Cava producers in Spain for a tour that will truly please your palate.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head through contrasting landscape dotted with vineyards and old Catalan houses, towards Freixenet Cellars.

The Cellars are located in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, a town situated in the heart of the Penedès region.

The constant efforts made by the company since the 1970’s have led to continuous expansion in world markets and made the Freixenet Group the world leader in its sparkling wines produced by the traditional method.

Your next visit is to Torres Wine Cellars, which is a modern, open winery standing alongside ageing cellars. Once inside the cellars, you will tour the facility and observe how this family wine is produced and bottled. The entire visit will be enjoyed in comfort on a car-train.

At the end of your visits to both Cellars, you will enjoy a glass of Cava at Freixenet and a glass of wine at Torres where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase wines of your choice.

Note: There is approximately 2¼ hours’ total walking during this tour including more than 150 steps, which may be slippery when wet. Cava and wine is available to purchase at each winery. This tour may operate in reverse. This tour is not recommended for anyone who may be claustrophobic as visits will be made to cellars four floors below ground level. The tour at the Torres Cellars is conducted by car-train.

See the spectacular and diverse city of Barcelona from the sky on an exciting helicopter ride.

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.

Note: This tour will operate subject to local weather conditions and may be cancelled at short notice. Each helicopter seats a maximum of five. 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 10 minutes walk each way).

This leisurely option provides a perfect introduction to Gibraltar followed by a spot of English tea.

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 Caleta 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.

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Enjoy an introduction to Barcelona’s historic heart, the Gothic Quarter, which exudes the very essence of the city.

From the Monument of Columbus, enter the colourful boulevard known as La Rambla. The walking tour then begins from the oldest part of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, surrounded by the remains of Roman walls. This is an ‘island’ within the urban metropolis with narrow, tortuous streets of ancient stone and magnificent historical buildings.

Moving into the Gothic Quarter, you will cross Plaça Reial to arrive at the site of the Palau de la Generalitat, a 15th century Gothic structure with a renaissance façade. After visiting Plaça Nova with its twin semi-circular towers of the well-preserved Roman Walls, and following the remaining ruins, you will arrive at the Cathedral, a Gothic structure dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.

At the Boqueria Food Market, you will have a chance to browse the many food stalls and soak up the atmosphere of the place.

Following the visit, there will be some free time for independent sightseeing and shopping before rejoining your coach back to the ship.

Note: This tour involves a substantial amount of walking over some cobbled surfaces and steps. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. On festive days, a guided visit inside the Cathedral is not permitted, however there will be time to explore independently. Modest dress is required inside the Cathedral; shoulders should be covered and no shorts or mini-skirts are allowed. The order of highlights may vary.