Mediterranean Splendour
7-night cruisefrom £649 per person
The ideal way to absorb all the many different flavours of the Mediterranean at a leisurely pace aboard the Island Star.
- Ports of call & itinerary
- Shore excursions
- On board experience
Shore excursions
We organise a wide selection of shore excursions to enable guests to pack as much in to their holiday as possible. All guests are of course welcome to stay on the ship or do their own thing in any port of call.
For a full list of available shore excursions, see our Shore excursions section.
Example shore excursions for this cruise
Naples, Italy
A very vibrant and busy city, Naples is in complete contrast to the surrounding coast and countryside, which is renowned for its blissful tranquility. Close by is Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius, beautiful Sorrento and the Isle of Capri.
Pompeii
- Half Day excursion, £36.50/adult, £23.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
Walk through the streets of this once bustling town where life stopped in an instant with the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Buildings and even people are perfectly captured and since excavated to provide a still-life snap-shot of 1st century Roman life. Enter the houses of the middle class villagers, see the theatre and the main square. A fantastic morning, where you feel part of the history.
Pompeii and Sorrento
- Full Day excursion, £45.00/adult, £25.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
The haunting air of Pompeii and the striking beauty of Sorrento village combined. After the visit to Pompeii, we take the Amalfi coast road, which offers superb views across the Bay of Naples. On arrival at Sorrento, you will be given directions and then its over to you. Enjoy free time (approx 1.5 hrs) to wander through the narrow lanes and have a bite to eat.
The Isle of Capri
- Full Day excursion, £45.50/adult, £23.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Board the hydrofoil for a 40-minute crossing to Capri's Marina Grande. This little island has become known as the "Island of Love", due to its natural beauty. You will board a local motor boat and sail along the east side of the island, passing through the Grotta Bianca and the natural arch. On return to Capri Marina, there's an optional visit to Capri Village via a cable car.
Civitavecchia, Italy
It's often said that Rome is like a huge open-air museum with its Colosseum and the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica and the famous Trevi Fountain. And Civitavecchia is the ideal stepping stone for a visit to this amazing city.
Monumental Rome
- Full Day excursion, £59.50/adult, £29.75/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
See the best that Rome has to offer by coach and by foot. The Italian capital is full of magnificent monuments. You will see many of these including the Colosseum and Piazza Colonna on the panoramic drive, before taking to foot to discover the famous Trevi Fountain - so toss in a coin and make a wish. After a light lunch we move on to the Vatican, where we visit the Basilica of St Peter, the largest and most famous Basilica in the world. This excursion enables you to see as much of this fascinating city as you can in a day.
Rome and the Vatican
- Full Day excursion, £67.00/adult, £52.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
The "State of the Vatican City" covers an area of 2 square kilometres and with only a few hundred people, it is the smallest state in the world. The visit starts in the Vatican Museums, where they say a lifetime isn't long enough to marvel at the works of art housed there. Then we enter the Sistine Chapel. The famous ceiling by Michelangelo took over 4 years to be completed and has recently been restored to its former splendour. As lunchtime approaches we head off to a restaurant in the centre of Rome, passing many landmarks along the way. After lunch there is a panoramic drive before the visit to the Basilica of St Peter, the biggest church in the world.
Colosseum, Trevi & more
- Full Day excursion, £55.00/adult, £30.00/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
After travelling by coach from Civitavecchia to Rome you will be met by a local guide from where your tour begins.The visit proceeds along a classic itinerary: Carcalla Baths,Circus Maxim, Marcello Theatre and Piazza Venezia finally stopping close to the Colosseum. From here we begin the walking tour with an internal visit of the Colosseum, eternal symbol of Rome built between 75 & 80AD on Emperor Nero's private lake.This visit to the interior will allow you to discover the beauty of such an ancient monument. Next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, the biggest and best preserved ancient arch erected in 315 to commemorate Constantines triumph over Maxentius. From Caesar on, all emperors left a sign of their empire in the area that connects the Colosseum to the Capitoline Hill and Venice Square.Passing by Tito's Arch there is an opportunity to enter the Roman Forum from where you will be able to view and learn about the ruins of the Forum, Nerva, Caesar, Trajan and the imposing Palatine hill.
After some free time for lunch or further looking around the tour will proceed to the Trevi Fountain, one of the masterpieces of Baroque Rome and on to Piazza Di Spagna, seat of the first European embassy established in the city permanently. Here is the renowned Barcacchia fountain similar to a half submerged boat, works by Bernini and also the famous Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti. Finally we reach the Piazza del Popolo, designed by the architect Valadier crossing the most exclusive shopping area in Rome. From here you will be transferred by coach back to the ship late afternoon.
Please note that this tour is completed on foot whilst in Rome and includes entry into both the Colosseum & Roman Forum
Cerveteri Necropolis by Electric Train
- Half Day excursion, £40.00/adult, £30.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
- Family-friendly
Lovers of archaeology or those who enjoy an insight into past civilisations will be in their element as we take you on this half day excursion to the nearby ruins of Cerveteri, the fulcrum of Etruscan civilisation. Excavation of the Etruscan city began in the 1800's and led to the discovery of the first tombs in the Necropoli of the Banditaccia. This spreads over 150 hectares immersed in greenery. This site was awarded the prestigious UNESCO 2004 World Heritage as it is seen as a masterpiece of creative genius. It is the only urban type of civilisation in pre Roman Italy. The visit by electric train is an exciting and easy way to now reach, visit and experience the Ceriti Monuments. While travelling along the sepulchral way you will ride through a scenic landscape over small bridges and up and down the hills which form the plateau from where you can admire the distant sea.The route will pass close to the Big Tumoli, the Tombs of Comune, the Tombs of the 5 chairs and then proceed near to the integral excavation of Laghetto II as far as the Via Degli Inferi. From here you will briefly leave the train and begin a pleasant walk through a narrow street visiting inside some of the most beautiful tombs such as the Capitelli Tomb and the Rillievi Tomb. Because the whole site leans towards life there is very little feeling of being within a burial ground area. An experience not to be missed. Transfer time to and from the site is approx 30 minutes by coach.
Elba, Italy
Perhaps best known as the place where Napoleon was exiled to, the beautiful and captivating island of Elba is known as 'the pearl of the Tuscan archipelago' and we can see why.
Calvi, Corsica
To experience that quintessential Corsica, Calvi is the place. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the grandiose medieval fortress, this little-known gem has something for everyone.
Mahon, Menorca
On the east coast of Menorca, the island's capital just begs to be explored. To absorb the atmosphere, stop for tapas and shop for island souvenirs. If you're feeling less energetic then there's always the chance to relax on the beach!
Island highlights
- Half Day excursion, £28.00/adult, £14.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Visit the fishing village of Fornells and the spiritual site of Monte Toro. On clear days spectacular views from the top look over the whole island with even a glimpse of Majorca. Then we head for Binibeca, Menorca at its picture postcard best.
Cuidadella
- Half Day excursion, £28.00/adult, £14.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Cuidadella is the ancient capital of Mahon and situated at the western side of the Island. Its small port extends into the heart of the old town, mainly medieval in origin. A broad avenue known as the Contramurada encompasses it, constructed where the old city walls once stood. You will take a guided walk through this charming city full of history, along the streets, through the market squares and past the Gothic cathedral and town hall with time to explore the city on your own.
Palma, Majorca
All of our Mediterranean cruises start in Palma. Think of it as the world's best departure lounge and a perfect place to get into the Mediterranean lifestyle.
City sightseeing
- Half Day excursion, £10.00/adult, £5.00/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
- Family-friendly
Palma is a fascinating city. There are so many things to see and do, that it would be a shame not to explore a little on the busy “changeover day” onboard. We have an agreement with the City Sightseeing Tours, which leave right from the terminal building. The whole circuit last one and a half hours, however they operate a “Hop on Hop off” system, so you can visit many of the sites. See your Shore excursion Team onboard for your special ticket.
Marineland
- Half Day excursion, £25.00/adult, £12.50/child
- Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
- Family-friendly
Why not spend your morning at Marineland? Just a short drive away, you can make the most of your last days holiday or, if you are with us for another week, escape the busy embarkation day. Marineland has a host of activities going on throughout the day including, Dolphin and Sea Lion shows, parrot shows and much more. See your Shore Excursion Team onboard to make a booking.


