Mediterranean Isles 2009

Mahon

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7-night cruisefrom £629 per person

Enjoy some of the most unspoilt and beautiful islands in the Med on the Island Escape or the Island Star with our Mediterrean Isles cruise.

Price & book this cruise

Cruise ports of call

  1. Palma, Majorca
  2. Trapani, Sicily
  3. Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy
  4. Ajaccio, Corsica
  5. Alghero, Sardinia
  6. Mahon, Menorca
  7. Palma, Majorca

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

Trapani, Sicily

This beautiful west coast corner of Sicily is brimming with wonderful medieval architecture, irresistible cuisine and bags of laid-back charm.


Civitavecchia, Italy

RomeView larger image

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.


Ajaccio, Corsica

Corsica offers its visitors classical Mediterranean scenery with its forests, jagged mountains and stunning views of the Prunelli Gorges. It also enjoys a reputation for some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

A taste of Corsica

  • Half Day excursion, £32.00/adult, £16.00/child
  • Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps

Join our guides as we take you to sample some of the local specialities made in the heart of the Corsican countryside. Included in this tour is the unusual opportunity to experience the production process of natural oils, herbal and homeopathic remedies from the local flowers and herbs at the essential oil factory. We also visit a traditional winery to sample some refreshing wines, which benefit from the mild climate and the coolness of the mountain peaks and a family-run nougat factory where you can sample this delicious treat during a fun step-by-step demonstration of how it is made.

Prunelli Gorges

  • Half Day excursion, £28.00/adult, £14.00/child
  • Activity level: Suitable for most passengers

On this tour you will experience the wild beauty of Corsica with its forests, deep gorges and jagged mountains in abundance and your guide will teach you about the colourful history of the island, its geography and traditions. You will reach heights of 2000 metres to admire the views over the unspoilt beaches of Ajaccio's Gulf followed by a stop at Prunelli's Gorges with stunning views perfect for those must-have pictures.


Alghero, Sardinia

Sardinia boasts silver beaches, breathtaking cliffs and an indented rocky coastline.  Home to the famous Neptune's Grotto - a superb saltwater lake hidden within marine caves - it is an island not to be missed.

A taste of Sardinia

  • Half Day excursion, £28.50/adult, £19.00/child
  • Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps

Leaving the port of Alghero we take a scenic drive also giving time for a scenic photo stop. Then its on to the "Sella and Mosca" one of the major wineries in Europe and nestled amidst lush vineyards in the green valley. You will have time to soak up the atmosphere and visit the wine cellars both old and new. After a short explanation you'll enjoy a wine tasting with a treat of fine Sardinian cheeses and sweets.

Elephant rock & Castelsardo

  • Half Day excursion, £25.50/adult, £13.00/child
  • Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs

This excursion gives you the chance to discover the rugged coast of the island.  We stop firstly a few kilometres from Castelsardo where you can see the “Elephant Rock”.  The name of the rock obviously comes from its shape and was the site of burials in ancient times.  Then we move onto the village itself.  Castelsardo is a fortified town, set high on the mountains with spectacular panoramic views.

Alghero Panoramic Drive

  • Half Day excursion, £25.00/adult, £12.50/child
  • Activity level: Suitable for most passengers
  • Family-friendly

The tour will proceed along a panoramic road to reach Piazzale del Tro from where you can view the Cape of Capo Caccia. As we leave Piazzale del Tro we cross the town of Alghero along the  "Strada dei 2 mari" (route of the 2 seas) passing in front of the Sella & Mosca winery and also Santa Maria la Palma,. A comfort stop will be made at the bar "Sa Sevada. After the stop we reach Porto Ferro esplanade from where you have a view of the coastline including the ancient fortifications (towers of the Aragonese period); then continue to Porticciolo esplanade to admire the magnificent bay in its natural surroundings. The sightseeing will continue to CapoCaccia esplanade from where it is possible to see the "Isola Foradada (Island with a hole) that owes its name to a long grotto crossing it at the sea level. On the way back to Alghero a stop at Porto Conte Bay will be made. The Romans called it Nimpharum portus and it is, without any doubt, the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean. Being so well surrounded, it seems almost a lake with its calm waters. Then we will pass in front of Nuraghe Palmavera and from the coach the guide will explain the history of this particular and ancient building. A final stop will be made at Fertilia, a village built by Mussolini for the Istrian/Yugoslavian refugees. Short time for a coffee or an ice-cream or to admire the view over Alghero will be given before re-boarding the coach and driving back to the pier and the ship.


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

Rural view of hills of MajorcaView larger image

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.