Mediterranean Essence
7-night cruisefrom £579 per person
Absorb the many different flavours of the Med as breathtaking scenery and culture combine on our Mediterranean Essence cruise on the Island Star.
Cruise ports of call
- Palma, Majorca
- Ajaccio, Corsica
- Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy
- Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy
- Villefranche / Nice, France
- Mahon, Menorca
- Palma, Majorca
- 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
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.
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.
Santa Margherita, Italy
Once an ancient fishing village, Santa Margherita today is an elegant resort with a palm-lined promenade, brightly coloured houses and many fashionable shops to explore.
Genoa city tour
- Half Day excursion, £27.00/adult, £13.50/child
- Activity level: Not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties / wheelchairs
On arrival in Genoa the first part of the tour is done by coach, pointing out St. George's Palace. Then on foot we explore the many historical sites of Genoa many based around the De Ferrari Square. The city centre has a network of small alleyways to discover on foot. After the walk through the city, we take you by coach to the viewpoint of "Carignono" where you see the whole city before you.
Coastal explorer
- Half Day excursion, £41.50/adult, £20.75/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
- Family-friendly
The best way to see the beautiful scenery this area has to offer. As you cruise along the coast in your private motor launch, the guide will point out all the places of interest. We make two stops where you can explore in more detail. The first is at the port of Rapallo. You will visit the castle which dates back to the 14th Century, then have a walk through the narrow alleyways where there are the painted houses and colourful shops. Back on the motor launch, we then visit Portofino. This is a stunning port which started as a small fishing village, however now it is a playground for the rich and famous.
Villefranche / Nice, France
Take a stroll through the charming French town of Villefranche, settle down for a day of sun, sea and sand or prepare for an exciting encounter in glitzy Monte Carlo.
Monaco & Monte Carlo
- Full Day excursion, £40.00/adult, £20.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
See the best sights in Monaco and Monte Carlo, all in a day. In Monaco you will see the famous Rock of Monaco, the Prince's Palace and the Cathedral. The full day option gives you some free time here. Then we travel onto Monte Carlo and drive along part of the Grand Prix Motor Racing Circuit, but at normal speed! We then take the elevator to the Place du Casino main square with its Grand Casino and Hotel. Then enjoy some free time in one of the most elegant locations in Europe.
Scenic views of the French Riviera
- Full Day excursion, £38.50/adult, £19.00/child
- Activity level: Moderate walking involved and possibly some steps
Three visits to capture the French Riviera. We start with Cannes, famous for its glittering film festival before heading for Grasse, the home of French perfume. The main industry here is for Dior and St. Laurent. The last visit is to the 16th century walled village of St Paul de Vence, a gathering place for artists with an atmosphere all of its own. Depending on the length of the call the visit to the perfume factory may not take place.
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.




