Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Lisbon
After your arrival, a transfer takes you straight to the hotel. Once everyone's checked in, you'll meet the group at a welcome reception to kick things off.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade or similar)
- Day 2
Lisbon
This morning, you'll explore Lisbon's main attractions by hopping on the city's famous tramcars and walking through the Old Town. From there, head to Jeronimos Monastery, which King Manuel I built in 1502 to honor Vasco da Gama's voyage to India.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade or similar)
Included Activities
- Ride on Lisbon's iconic tramcars
- Visit Old Town
- Visit Jeronimos Monastery
Landmarks Jeronimos Monastery - Day 3
Sintra and Lisbon
Head out to the Serra de Sintra mountains to visit King Ferdinand II's Park and the National Palace of Pena. You'll have free time to wander around Sintra, then drive back to Lisbon along the coast for your last night. Head to a local restaurant for dinner.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade or similar)
Included Activities
- Visit Park and National Palace of Pena
- Explore Sintra
Optional Activities
- Lunch at leisure in Sintra
Landmarks Palace of Pena - Day 4
Lisbon to Algarve
Travel south toward the Algarve coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and islands. By evening you'll arrive at your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve)
- Day 5
Algarve
This morning, take a local boat through Ria Formosa National Park, which stretches about 60km along the southeastern coast with islands, sandbars, lagoons and marshes full of wildlife. After lunch, you can relax and use the resort facilities.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve)
Included Activities
- Ria Formosa National Park boat trip
Optional Activities
- Relax by the pool
- Indulge in a spa treatment
Landmarks Ria Formosa National Park - Day 6
Algarve to Seville
Cross into Spain today and drive to Seville, the Andalusian capital. The city's known for flamenco dancing and its Moorish architecture mixed throughout.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Seville)
- Day 7
Seville
Spend the day exploring Seville. Visit the Royal Alcazar, Europe's oldest working palace built back in the 11th century by Muslim rulers. The complex has multiple palaces and gardens from different time periods. After that, check out Seville Cathedral and climb La Giralda tower.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Seville)
Included Activities
- Visit Royal Alcázar of Seville
- Admire Seville Cathedral
- See La Giralda tower
Landmarks Royal Alcázar of Seville Seville Cathedral La Giralda - Day 8
Seville to Granada
Drive to Ronda and take a guided walk through this mountaintop town perched above a deep gorge. You'll get views from all angles before heading on to Granada later.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Granada)
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Ronda
Landmarks Ronda 
- Day 9
Granada
A guided tour takes you through the Alhambra, a World Heritage site that tells Andalusian history through its Moorish design. You'll see the Court of the Lions with its restored fountain and walk through the Nasrid Palace complex. Tonight enjoy a flamenco performance and tapas in a local gypsy cave.
- Meals
- Dinner (Flamenco Show and Tapas in a local gypsy cave)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Granada)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Alhambra
- Visit Court of the Lions
- Explore Nasrid Palace complex
- Flamenco Show and Tapas
Landmarks Alhambra - Day 10
Granada to Córdoba
Visit an authentic Spanish olive estate to sample olives and learn about olive oil production. Later, travel to Cordoba, a historic Roman city with significant cultural importance.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Córdoba)
Included Activities
- Visit authentic Spanish olive estate
- Sample Spanish olive oil
- Day 11
Córdoba
This morning, a guided tour walks you through Cordoba's main sites including the Mosque-Cathedral and the historic Jewish Quarter. The architecture here reflects influences from multiple religions and cultures mixed together over centuries. You'll have free time after to explore more on your own.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Córdoba)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Córdoba
- Visit Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
- Visit historic Jewish Quarter
Landmarks Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba - Day 12
Córdoba to Madrid
Drive to Toledo and walk through the narrow, winding streets of this former capital of the Spanish Empire. The whole old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring, continue to Madrid for the night.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Madrid)
Included Activities
- Guided stroll through Toledo's narrow streets
Landmarks Toledo - Day 13
Madrid
A guided tour shows you Madrid's main sites: the massive Royal Palace, the green Buen Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. The evening is free so you can wander the city and try one of the many restaurants for authentic Spanish food.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Madrid)
Included Activities
- Guided discovery of Madrid
- Visit Royal Palace
- Visit Buen Retiro Park
- Visit Plaza Mayor
Optional Activities
- Dine at local restaurants for authentic Spanish cuisine
Landmarks Royal Palace Buen Retiro Park Plaza Mayor - Day 14
Madrid to Barcelona
In central Madrid, visit the Museo del Prado, Spain's main national art museum, on a guided tour. Afterward, take a train to Barcelona on the coast.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Le Méridien Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Museo del Prado
Landmarks Museo del Prado - Day 15
Barcelona
Start early with an exclusive visit to Casa Vicens, the first house Gaudi designed, located in the Gracia neighborhood before regular hours. Then take a tour around the city driving along Passeig de Gracia to see Gaudi's distinctive buildings and the outside of Sagrada Familia. Join everyone for a farewell dinner tonight.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Le Méridien Barcelona)
Included Activities
- Before-hours visit to Casa Vicens
- Panoramic tour of Barcelona
- Drive along Passeig de Gràcia
- See Sagrada Família exterior
- Farewell dinner
Landmarks Casa Vicens Sagrada Família - Day 16
Barcelona to Seabourn Venture
Take a paella cooking class this morning and then have it for lunch, the famous national dish. Later, transfer to the Seabourn Venture cruise ship. Unpack and meet other passengers as you settle in.
- Meals
- Lunch (Paella lunch)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Seabourn Venture)
Included Activities
- Paella masterclass
- Paella lunch
- Day 17
Port-Vendres
The ship docks in Port-Vendres, a coastal town on the Cote Vermeille in southern France near Spain. The town has a working fishing port and sits below the Alberes mountains. Choose from a guided tour of Perpignan, the medieval town of Thuir with its Caves Byrrh winery, or Salses-le-Chateau fortress.
Optional Activities
- Perpignan Guided Tour - walking tour of city centre, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Campo Santo cemetery cloister
- Caves Byrrh - visit medieval town of Thuir, tour historic French aperitif winery founded 1886, see world's largest oak casks, attend tasting
- Salses-le-Château Guided Tour - scenic drive to fortress village, explore fortress built for King Ferdinand of Aragon, learn strategic history
Landmarks Port-Vendres Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist Caves Byrrh Salses-le-Château - Day 18
Menorca
Dock at Mahon on the Spanish island of Menorca, which has open countryside, historic towns and good beaches. Mahon's port is the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean. Take an island tour visiting a fishing village and Monte Toro, a gin distillery tour, or optional snorkeling in Fornells Bay.
Optional Activities
- Island Tour - visit old fishing village on natural harbour, Monte Toro (spiritual centre of island), Binibeca with whitewashed houses
- Gin Distillery - learn about gin-making process, explore Mahón gin production dating to 18th century British occupation
- Snorkelling in Fornells Bay (additional expense) - fully escorted excursion, equipment provided, qualified instructor, explore crystal-clear waters, leisure time in Fornells fishing village
Landmarks Mahón Monte Toro - Day 19
Ajaccio, Corsica
Dock in Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica. Choose from exploring the Old Town and visiting Napoleon's birthplace at Maison Bonaparte, checking out Maison des Senteurs distillery and a local honey farm in the hillside town of Ocana, or driving through Prunelli Gorges to taste Corsican specialties.
Optional Activities
- Maison Bonaparte - guided walking tour of Ajaccio's Old Town, visit home where Napoleon was born 1769, see 18th-century furniture and Bonaparte family artefacts
- Etheric Oil and Honey - travel to Ocana commune, visit Maison des Senteurs distillery (20+ years), learn about organic essential oils, visit local honey farm with tour and tasting
- Prunelli Gorges and Corsican Tasting - scenic journey inland with Ajaccio Gulf views, pass mountain villages, Prunelli Valley and Tolla Lake, pause at Mercujo Pass, taste Corsican specialities in Bastelicaccia
Landmarks Maison Bonaparte - Day 20
Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrive in Cagliari on the Italian island of Sardinia this morning. Either take a walking tour of the ancient city including Piazza Palazzo and the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Cecilia, or visit a family-owned winery founded in 1918 for a wine tasting.
Optional Activities
- Guided City Tour - walking tour of ancient Cagliari, see Piazza Palazzo and Cathedral of Saint Cecilia (13th century, Pisan Romanesque style)
- Local Winery Visit - wine tasting at family-owned winery founded 1918, now in third generation of winemaking
Landmarks Cathedral of Saint Cecilia - Day 21
Valletta, Malta
Dock in Valletta, Malta's capital, a fortified city on a peninsula between two natural harbors. The diverse architecture reflects the many civilizations that occupied Malta. Tour either Mdina (the former capital and walled city) and Valletta, or visit Vittoriosa and Marsaxlokk fishing village with marketplace tastings.
Optional Activities
- Mdina and Valletta Guided Tour - visit Mdina (former capital, ancient walled city with medieval and baroque buildings), guided tour, explore Valletta (World Heritage Site, 1980)
- Vittoriosa Tour and Market Tasting - travel to Vittoriosa (Hospitallers residence 1530), proceed to Marsaxlokk (largest fishing village, traditional boats), wander marketplace, sample local produce
Landmarks Valletta Mdina - Day 22
Sicily
After breakfast, you're back in Sicily. Dock in Mazara del Vallo and head to Selinunte Archaeological Park, an ancient Greek city from the seventh century BC. A guide takes you through the Acropolis, eastern temples and ruins spread across 270 hectares. Return to the ship and sail in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Selinunte Archaeological Park
- Visit Acropolis
- Visit eastern temples and ruins
Landmarks Selinunte Archaeological Park - Day 23
Syracuse, Sicily to Greece
This morning, walk through Syracuse on Sicily's Ionian coast, founded in 734 BC by Corinthians. Tour Neapolis Archaeological Park with the ancient limestone quarry called Latomia del Paradiso, the Altar of Hiero II, the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre. Walk through Ortigia to see the earliest Greek buildings. Sail to Greece in the afternoon.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Syracuse
- Visit Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Visit Latomia del Paradiso
- Visit Altar of Hiero II
- Visit Cave of Cordari
- Visit Greek Theatre
- Visit Roman Amphitheatre
- Explore Ortigia
Landmarks Neapolis Archaeological Park Ortigia - Day 24
Katakolon, Greece
Disembark in Katakolon and travel to Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games. See the Temple of Zeus which once held a famous ivory and gold statue (one of the Seven Ancient Wonders). Tour the gymnasium, nymphaeum and stadium. Later, taste wine and olive oil at a Magna Grecia estate.
- Meals
- Tasting (Wine, olive oil and homemade delicacies tasting at Magna Grecia estate)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Olympia
- Visit temple of Zeus
- Visit gymnasium
- Visit nymphaeum
- Visit main stadium
- Magna Grecia Estate Visit and Tasting - wine, olive oil and homemade delicacies tasting, stroll through olive trees and vineyards
Landmarks Ancient Olympia Temple of Zeus - Day 25
Monemvasia
Arrive at Monemvasia, a striking medieval fortress town on a massive rock in the sea, connected by a narrow causeway. Called the 'Gibraltar of Greece', it has unique character. Choose from touring the castle and historic churches, taking a culinary walk sampling local products, or visiting the ruins of Mystras.
- Meals
- Lunch (Local restaurant lunch (Mystras option only))
Optional Activities
- Monemvasia Castle - tour narrow streets within castle grounds, see church of Elkomenos Christos (built 6th-7th century)
- Monemvasia Culinary Walk - learn about history, sample local products from Peloponnese (honey liqueur, extra virgin olive oil, local wine)
- Mystras Guided Tour - explore ruined Byzantine city on lower slopes of Mount Taygetos, visit church of Agia Sofia, Pantanassa Monastery, Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, lunch at local restaurant
Landmarks Monemvasia Castle Mystras - Day 26
Athens to Syros
Take a tour of Athens focusing on the Acropolis, a World Heritage site. See the Parthenon temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Wander through Plaka, the historic neighborhood with winding streets and neoclassical buildings. The afternoon is free. Later sail to Syros.
Included Activities
- Tour of Athens
- Visit Acropolis
- Visit Parthenon
- Stroll through Plaka
Landmarks Acropolis Parthenon Plaka - Day 27
Syros and Mykonos
This morning, dock in Syros, one of the smallest Cyclades islands. Walk through the Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin, the Vaporia district and Miaouli Square. Return to the ship and sail to Mykonos. Tour the village of Ano Mera, spend time in the main square, swim at Kalafatis beach, then walk through Chora with its whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, blue-domed churches and famous windmills.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Syros
- Visit Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin
- Visit Vaporia district
- Visit Miaouli Square
- Guided tour of Mykonos
- Visit Ano Mera village
- Visit Kalafatis beach
- Walking tour through Chora
- See old port and windmills
Landmarks Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin Mykonos - Day 28
Ephesus, Turkey
Dock in Kusadasi on Turkey's coast and drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Walk through broad streets with impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus built for a Roman senator. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch and folklore show at a local handicraft museum.
- Meals
- Lunch (Authentic home-cooked lunch at local handicraft museum with folklore show)
Included Activities
- Drive to Ephesus
- Explore ancient city of Ephesus
- Visit Library of Celsus
- Visit local handicraft museum
- Folklore Show and Traditional Lunch
Landmarks Ephesus Library of Celsus - Day 29
Gallipoli and Troy
Arrive in Canakkale this morning and tour the Gallipoli Peninsula to learn about World War I history. Visit trenches and memorials, then pay respects at Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair. After lunch, drive to ancient Troy to see the site of Homer's Trojan War and visit the museum with Trojan artifacts.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch back on board)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Gallipoli Peninsula
- Explore Gallipoli trenches
- Visit memorials
- Visit Anzac Cove
- Visit Australian Memorial at Lone Pine
- Visit New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair
- Visit ancient Troy
- Visit Troy museum
Landmarks Gallipoli Peninsula Anzac Cove Troy - Day 30
Istanbul
After breakfast, disembark from the Seabourn Venture in Istanbul as your journey concludes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
