Itinerary
- Day 1
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Your cruise kicks off in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Make sure your flight arrives before 1:00 PM so you'll have time to get to the port and board the Emerald Cruises luxury yacht this evening. You'll want to arrange ground transportation in advance since you'll be heading straight to embark.
Landmarks/POIs Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Day 2
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Pull into Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote on the island's eastern side. The historic centre has plenty to see with its museums, old buildings, and neighbourhoods worth walking through. If you're interested, there are beautiful beaches nearby and golf courses with Atlantic views. You could also just wander the vibrant streets and soak in the local atmosphere.
Optional Activities
- Volcano tour with wine tasting (Timanfaya National Park, Los Hervideros, La Geria Vineyards wine tasting - extra expense, must be pre-booked, 4 hours, Moderate activity level)
- 4x4 Adventure (off-road exploration of volcanic formations, LagOMar house, Teguise, Montaña Quemada, La Geria ash-covered vineyards, Timanfaya lava fields, Monument to the Peasant - extra expense, must be pre-booked, 4 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Arrecife Timanfaya National Park Los Hervideros La Geria Vineyards - Day 3
At Sea
Today it's all about the yacht itself. Take a swim in the infinity-style pool, head up to the Sky Deck for panoramic ocean views and relax there, or find a quiet spot in the Observation Lounge. It's one of those perfect days at sea where you can move at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4
Casablanca, Morocco
You'll arrive in Casablanca, Morocco's main port and a city where modern high-rises sit next to colonial buildings and Arab-Muslim heritage architecture. Check out the atmospheric Medina and walk through the city centre to see the art-deco buildings. The Hassan II Mosque is particularly worth visiting since it's built right over the water, which is something you don't see every day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque guided tour (iconic Hassan II Mosque with interior and exterior visit, scenic Anfa residential area, historic Habous district, Royal Palace esplanade, Mohamed V Square, United Nations Square - 4.5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Optional Activities
- Tour of Rabat (scenic drive to Morocco's capital, Royal Palace exterior visit, Chellah necropolis, Tour Hassan, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Oudayas Kasbah - extra expense, 5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Hassan II Mosque Medina of Casablanca Mohamed V Square United Nations Square Royal Palace of Rabat Chellah Tour Hassan Mohammed V Mausoleum Oudayas Kasbah - Day 5
Cádiz, Spain
The yacht reaches Cádiz in Andalusia, a coastal town on Spain's Atlantic side. You'll dock here this evening and stay overnight, so you'll have time to settle in and maybe grab dinner once you're docked. The town is known for its beautiful beaches and local seafood, so there's plenty to look forward to.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Cádiz - Day 6
Cádiz, Spain
Explore Cádiz at your own pace today. Try the local seafood specialties like 'pescaíto frito' (fried fish) and 'tortillitas de camarones' (shrimp fritters) at one of the local restaurants. La Caleta beach is great for sun and sand, and it's positioned nicely between two castles. You could spend an hour or two there, or just walk the streets and see what you find.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Jerez and the unique taste of sherry (relaxing panoramic drive through Cádiz, charming Jerez de la Frontera with churches, palaces, orange trees and fountains, Alcázar de Jerez fortress-palace, walking tour, Tío Pepe winery bodega visit, sherry tasting of 2 wines - extra expense, 4.5 hours, Moderate activity level)
- The best of Seville (panoramic drive through Seville including Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park, Casa Pilatos ducal residence, Cathedral of Seville exterior, La Giralda tower, Barrio de Santa Cruz old Jewish Quarter, free time - extra expense, 8 hours, Strenuous activity level)
Landmarks/POIs La Caleta Beach Jerez de la Frontera Alcázar of Jerez Tío Pepe Winery Plaza de España Maria Luisa Park Casa Pilatos Cathedral of Seville La Giralda Barrio de Santa Cruz - Day 7
Málaga, Spain
Málaga comes into view next, a port city in southern Andalusia with a history going back to the Phoenicians. The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress that overlooks the city and gives you good views of the area. From there, you can head to the Roman Theatre, which has been restored and sits close by. Both sites show different layers of the city's past.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tour of the charming white village of Mijas (coastal drive passing Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, mountain road to Mijas at 1,300 feet altitude, Chapel of Virgen de la Peña rock grotto church, Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate museum with history, demonstrations, chocolate tasting and wine - extra expense, 5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Alcazaba of Málaga Roman Theatre of Málaga Mijas Chapel of Virgen de la Peña Mayan Monkey Mijas Chocolate Museum - Day 8
Cartagena, Spain
You'll arrive in Cartagena on Spain's Mediterranean coast, a major naval station with architecture from multiple time periods. Walk around and you'll see Roman-era buildings next to Art Nouveau structures. The ancient Roman Theatre is particularly interesting because it was buried and rediscovered in 1987, then carefully restored. It's one of those places where you can really see the layers of history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Spain's most noble tradition: the strikingly elegant Andalusian horses (ranch near Cartagena showcasing pure Spanish-bred horses, Conesa family operated for 40 years, observe broodmares and foals, Spanish horse training and stallion management demonstration with Andalusian dancer, snacks included - EmeraldPLUS, 3 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Roman Theatre of Cartagena - Day 9
Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza comes into focus next, a Balearic Island off Spain's coast. It's known for electronic music and nightlife, sure, but there's more to it than that. You'll find beautiful sandy coves backed by pine-clad hills, and the island has committed to responsible tourism to keep these areas intact. It's a good spot to get a different feel for the Mediterranean.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- E-bike adventure (biking from Ibiza along south-east coastline, Playa de'n Bossa beach, Torre d'es Carregador at Ses Salines Park entrance, Es Cavallet Beach within protected ecosystem, return ride through D'Alt Vila exploring medieval upper town - extra expense, 3.5 hours, Strenuous activity level)
- Walking tour of D'Alt Villa (guided walking tour through UNESCO World Heritage Site medieval Old Town Ibiza, narrow lanes, steep cobblestone streets, panoramic terraces, Ses Taules Gate with Roman statue replicas, main square, 14th-century cathedral, Episcopal Palace, historic Town Hall, Convent of the Dominicans, free time and refreshment of coffee & ensaimada - extra expense, 3.5 hours, Strenuous activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Ses Salines Park Es Cavallet Beach D'Alt Vila Ses Taules Gate - Day 10
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has striking Gothic architecture throughout. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is worth seeing for its rose window, which is one of the largest in the world. You have options here: either join the included walking tour of historic Palma, or if you're more active, take a hike through the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana Mountains. Both give you different perspectives on the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Palma de Mallorca (Jewish quarter including Call Maior, Spanish Gothic Cathedral with 500+ year old columns and arches, Treasure Museum with ancient manuscripts and religious artifacts, scenic drive to 14th-century Bellver Castle medieval fortress and royal retreat, panoramic views of Palma and Bay - 4 hours, Moderate activity level)
Optional Activities
- Hike at the Tramuntana Mountain - EmeraldACTIVE (hiking adventure through UNESCO-listed Tramuntana Mountains beginning in Deià village, scenic trails through pine forests, olive groves, almond trees, coastal and mountain views, approximately 3 hours hiking, arrive in picturesque Sóller town with time for coffee or exploration - 5 hours, Strenuous activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of Santa Maria Call Maior Treasure Museum Bellver Castle Tramuntana Mountains Deià Sóller - Day 11
Barcelona, Spain
After breakfast, you have the day to explore Barcelona on your own. You can head into the city and spend the morning and early afternoon however you like. Later in the afternoon, you'll head back to board the Emerald Cruises yacht again since you're starting the second half of your journey. It's a nice chance to check out one of Europe's major cities at your own speed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Barcelona - Day 12
Menorca, Spain
Menorca, another Balearic Island, greets you next. This one has white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and green landscapes that are worth seeing. The capital, Mahón, is a busy port town with an old quarter full of narrow cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. You'll find waterfront restaurants and cafes along the water where you can grab lunch or coffee and watch the boats.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Villages of Menorca and Caves (Monte Toro highest point with historic sanctuary and views, ancient Torralba taula stone monolith, Xoroi Caves entertainment venue with cliff-top views, Binibeca charming resort town designed as fishing village - extra expense, must be pre-booked, 4.5 hours, Strenuous activity level)
- Cultures of Menorca (starting in Ciutadella with charming houses and traditional architecture, travel to Mahón with world's largest natural port, Fornells fishing village, Monte Toro for views and Monte Toro Virgin Chapel, Subaida cheese farm and vineyard with tastings, optional local gin tasting in Mahón, guided walk through Mahón - extra expense, must be pre-booked, 4 hours, Easy activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Monte Toro Torralba Taula Xoroi Caves Binibeca Ciutadella Mahón Fornells Subaida Cheese Farm and Vineyard - Day 13
Bonifacio, Corsica, France
Bonifacio sits on Corsica's southern coast, perched on a narrow limestone peninsula. The white limestone cliffs are quite dramatic, and the town has a medieval feel with its citadel and deep natural harbour. Views of the Mediterranean from up there are hard to beat. It's the kind of place that rewards just walking around and soaking it all in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Bonifacio - Day 14
Bonifacio, Corsica to Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
Spend the day exploring Bonifacio, which sits high above the Mediterranean. The white cliffs and ancient fortifications are the main draw, and the medieval streets are narrow and interesting to navigate. The town was carved out over time by wind and wave erosion, so the geography itself tells a story. By evening, you'll head to Porto Cervo in Sardinia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Highlights of Bonifacio with local produce tastings - EmeraldPLUS (mini train ride through Bosco quarter with St. Francis convent and mariners' cemetery, panoramic views of Sardinia, Corsican Gothic St. Dominique church built by Templars in 1270, stroll through narrow streets past 14th-century St. Marie Majeure church, historical sites including Two Emperors Street and Place des Armes, local delicacies and Corsican wine tasting at wine bar - 3.5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Bosco Quarter St. Francis Convent St. Dominique Church St. Marie Majeure Church Two Emperors Street Place des Armes - Day 15
Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
Porto Cervo is one of Italy's top beach resort towns and a favourite spot for wealthy yacht owners. The marina is full of impressive mega yachts and hosts major sailing competitions. Despite its luxury reputation, the town has held onto its Sardinian character with colourful villas, narrow winding streets, and nice piazzas scattered throughout. It's an interesting mix of glitz and local charm.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Villages of Sardinia and Coddu Vecchiu Giant's Tomb (quick stop in San Pantaleo surrounded by granite peaks, Coddu Ecchiu archaeological site with well-preserved Bronze Age Giants' Tomb Nuragic funerary structure and semicircular ceremonial area with large arched stele, tranquil summer village of Baja Sardinia with stunning views, leisurely walk back from Porto Cervo parking lot - extra expense, 4 hours, Moderate activity level)
- Panoramic tour and visit to La Maddalena (depart to Palau via San Pantaleo and Arzachena villages, public ferry to La Maddalena Island with panoramic Sardinia coastline views, Guardia Vecchia with vistas of Maddalena Archipelago and Corsica, Maddalena town exploration including Garibaldi Square known as Red Square, return public ferry to Palau, return to Porto Cervo ship or leisurely exploration - extra expense, 5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Porto Cervo San Pantaleo Coddu Ecchiu Giants' Tomb Baja Sardinia Palau La Maddalena Guardia Vecchia Garibaldi Square - Day 16
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, sits between rolling hills and the Mediterranean. One of Italy's longest beaches, Poetta Beach, is right here, and there's also the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park where bright pink flamingos gather. Try the local food while you're here: malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and porceddu (roast suckling pig) are both traditional dishes worth trying.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- City tour of Cagliari and Nora Archeological site (imposing citadel visit, National Archaeology Museum, magnificent Cathedral of Santa Marta with Baroque furnishings and intricate marble balustrades, Santa Gilla and Molentagus lagoons with vibrant wildlife including flamingos, cormorants, ducks and herons, Arsenale Square, San Pancrazio Tower for panoramic vistas, Piazzetta Mundula stroll - 3.5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Cagliari Citadel National Archaeology Museum of Cagliari Cathedral of Santa Marta Santa Gilla Lagoon Molentargius-Saline Regional Park Arsenale Square San Pancrazio Tower Piazzetta Mundula - Day 17
Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Trapani on Sicily's western coast is your next stop, a port town with deep historical roots. Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans all left their mark here over the centuries. The setting between the sea and nearby hills is scenic. Walk through the narrow winding streets, see the baroque-era buildings, and check out the markets selling fresh seafood and local produce. The Castello di Terra from the 14th century and the Palazzo della Giudecca from the 17th century are worth a visit.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Segesta and Erice (inland to archaeological park of Segesta with remarkably preserved 5th-century BC Doric temple and ancient Greek theatre with panoramic views, hilltop medieval town of Erice with cobblestone streets, ancient gates, striking Mediterranean and Egadi Islands vistas, past historic churches, towers and gardens, traditional Sicilian lunch, return to Trapani - extra expense, 8 hours, Strenuous activity level)
- Marsala, salt panes and wine tasting and Punic Warship Museum (scenic 'Salt Road' journey with windmills and salt mounds, Ettore Infersa salt flats with restored historic mill, downtown Marsala with Cathedral exterior on pre-existing Norman castle, Carthaginian Roman Norman Arab Spanish influences walking tour, leisure time, world-renowned winery such as Florio winery for wine tasting of five different styles of Marsala - extra expense, 5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Castello di Terra Palazzo della Giudecca Segesta Archaeological Park Erice Marsala Ettore Infersa Salt Flats Florio Winery - Day 18
Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Sicily's coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The scenery here is quite dramatic with a rugged coastline, beautiful beaches with clear waters, and lush vegetation. The Old Town has winding streets, pastel-coloured houses, and a 16th-century castle that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Volcano island tour by boat (departing Marina Corta on private motorboat, scenic journey across Aeolian archipelago, Vulcano Island volcanic landscape with three distinct peaks, disembark and explore on foot, free time in village with quaint shops and cafes, panoramic sail back to Lipari viewing Vulcano's west coast and I Faraglioni rock formations - extra expense, 3 hours, Moderate activity level)
- Lipari island tour and Malvasia tasting (local bakery visit with homemade cookies and 30-minute break, picturesque hills journey to Quattrocchi lookout point with Vulcano island and geological formations views, viewpoint overlooking Salina island with panoramic vistas, pumice stone quarries and obsidian streams exploration, Canneto village on east coast, guided walk to 16th-century Lipari Castle built by Spanish, Castle Cathedral originally built by Normans later rebuilt after pirate destruction, historic ramparts and architectural wonders, free time for leisure exploration - extra expense, 3 hours, Strenuous activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Lipari Castle Lipari Cathedral Vulcano Island I Faraglioni Quattrocchi Salina Island Canneto - Day 19
Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy
Giardini Naxos on Sicily's eastern shore gives you views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the active volcano visible in the distance. The beaches are sandy and nice for swimming, and the waters are clear and blue. A vibrant waterfront promenade runs along the water with restaurants, shops, and cafes. The town has a rich history with archaeological sites from ancient times, so there's more here than just the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Taormina (comfortable ride through Giardini Naxos to crown jewel Taormina, Cathedral exterior, ancient Greek Theatre ruins with majestic Mount Etna backdrop, Palazzo Corvaia and Odeon striking views, leisurely walk along Corso Umberto vibrant shopping street - 4 hours, Moderate activity level)
Optional Activities
- Hike to Madonna della Rocca - EmeraldACTIVE (scenic walk to small sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca at 400 meters above sea level, Mount Tauro perch near Saracen Castle ruins, charming hillside church built into rock with natural rock forming part of ceiling, adjacent abandoned monastery of Basilian monks - 3.5 hours, Strenuous activity level)
- Mount Etna & Wine tasting (ascent to Mt. Etna-Crater Silvestri at approximately 6400 feet above sea level, guided tour of spent craters with dramatic volcanic activity landscapes, descent to local Sicilian countryside winery, winery exploration and diverse wine offerings tasting - extra expense, 5 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Giardini Naxos Mount Etna Taormina Cathedral of Taormina Greek Theatre of Taormina Palazzo Corvaia Odeon of Taormina Corso Umberto Madonna della Rocca Mount Tauro Saracen Castle Mount Etna Crater Silvestri - Day 20
Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
Syracuse on Sicily's southeastern coast is a historic place with plenty of ancient ruins and beautiful architecture. Ortygia is the charming historical centre, an island connected to the mainland by bridges. Wander the narrow streets lined with Baroque buildings, visit the Cathedral of Syracuse, and find a waterfront restaurant for fresh seafood. It's one of those towns where every corner has something to discover.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Noto, the Baroque Jewel of Sicily and cannoli tasting (scenic 45-minute drive to UNESCO World Heritage Site Noto, Porta Nazionale entrance into golden stone city with ornate facades, 18th-century cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, elegant Villadorata Palace, town rising from 1693 earthquake rubble to Sicily's most beautiful destinations, traditional Sicilian cannolo tasting at famed Caffè Sicilia, free time for exploration or shopping - extra expense, 4 hours, Moderate activity level)
- Ortigia and local produce tasting (guided walking tour of Ortigia picturesque island district, Apollo's Temple ruins in Pancali Square, elegant Corso Matteotti and lively Archimede Square, Cathedral Square with stunning Arethusa Fountain overlooking bay, vibrant local market with regional specialties tasting at traditional dairy, return to pier with guide or continue Ortigia leisure exploration - extra expense, 3 hours, Moderate activity level)
Landmarks/POIs Syracuse Ortygia Island Cathedral of Syracuse Noto Noto Cathedral Archbishop's Palace of Noto Villadorata Palace Porta Nazionale Caffè Sicilia Apollo's Temple Pancali Square Corso Matteotti Archimede Square Cathedral Square Arethusa Fountain - Day 21
Valletta, Malta
Your cruise wraps up in Valletta, Malta's capital. The whole city is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and it's quite small but packed with history. You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home or to continue your holiday elsewhere. It's a good ending point for this journey through the Mediterranean.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Valletta
