Day 1: Southampton, England

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1800.

Day 2-4: At Sea

Day 5: Málaga, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Balmy Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Get your bearings with an included panoramic tour of the city. Its historic centre runs from the bustling harbour up to the foot of the Montes de Málaga. Here you can discover both Phoenician and Roman remains, a palatial Moorish fortress – The Alcazaba – and see masses of Renaissance and baroque architecture. There are numerous beautiful religious buildings, not least Málaga cathedral, and some lovely gardens, notably La Concepción Historical Botanic Gardens.

Day 6: At Sea

Day 7: Mahon, Minorca

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Quieter and more relaxed than the resorts of neighbouring Majorca, the capital of Minorca is a great place to unwind with its array of cafes, restaurants and colourful shops. Occupied by the British during the 18th century, its colonial rule is spelt out in the Georgian-influenced architecture, dotted among remains that are neoclassical, baroque and Romanesque, which you can appreciate on an included scenic tour.

Perhaps go in search of the 18th-century Santa Maria Church, watch the boats bobbing in the harbour or learn the history of the island at the Museum of Minorca, housed in a 17th-century monastery. Further afield lies the opportunity to see a display of Minorcan horses and the unique Iberian style of horsemanship at a stud farm in the coastal regions of Cala Galdana.

Day 8: Toulon, France

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

A beautiful coastal resort approximately 32 miles from Marseilles, popular Toulon has an extensive port that is home to the French navy, as well as a picturesque old town of colourful markets and elegant fountains. Overlooking the city’s northern border is Mont Faron, the 1,900-foot summit of which can be accessed by a seven-minute cable car ride.

Consider capturing the city-filled panorama on your camera or remain on the waterfront to visit Toulon’s naval museum for an extensive exploration of the city’s maritime past. Further afield, beyond Mont Faron, is Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park, a forested landscape studded with rocky curiosities and providing a calming contrast to the busier city.

Day 9: Portofino, Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The pretty coastal village of Portofino was once a bustling base for fishermen. Today, its yacht-filled harbour illustrates its transformation into a popular luxury travel destination, while retaining plenty of its traditional charm.

After an included tour, perhaps take your seat in one of the many waterside bars or cafés and watch the world go by, or for more adventurous guests, consider following one of Portofino’s hiking trails towards the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. For those enthusiastic about the area’s history, no visit to Portofino would be complete without stepping inside Castello Brown, a 15th-century fortification that now houses a collection of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Day 10: Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Located just 45 miles north of Rome, Civitavecchia has been the city’s chief seaport for more than two millennia. It is, therefore, the ideal cruise destination from which to visit cultural treasures such as the ancient Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica. But you don’t need to go far for sightseeing: a walking tour of Civitavecchia will highlight the 16th-century Michelangelo Fortress and the Cathedral of St Francis, built on the remains of a small Franciscan church.

Stroll along Civitavecchia’s cobbled streets with a refreshing ice cream or take a short drive into the countryside to find Castle Gandolfo, the pope’s private gardens and traditionally their summer residence.

Day 11: Salerno, Italy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

This classic seaside city on Naples’ beautiful coast was once a Roman port town, then a centre of learning during the 16th century when the world’s first medical university was established here. Ancient landmarks and a charming old quarter, landscaped parks and fascinating museums bring Salerno’s past to vivid life. Enjoy an included tour, then maybe take a stroll along its palm-lined promenade framed by the overlooking Monti Lattari mountain range or take the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

To step into the region’s ancient past, take a short drive to impressively preserved Pompeii, the ancient town of Herculaneum or Paestum, famed for its three ancient Greek temples.

Day 12: At Sea

Day 13: Barcelona, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Stylish and dynamic, Spain's cultural capital has so much to offer. An included sightseeing tour offers the perfect introduction to this popular tourist destination. Visit La Rambla, the fabulous shopping street that's abuzz with street performers and musicians. Follow the call of Gaudi and seek out the artist's most famous yet incomplete work, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, and explore the enchanting old streets of the Gothic quarter.

Alternatively, treat yourself to a tasting of gourmet chocolate and Cava, one of the most important products made in this area.

Day 14: At Sea

Day 15: Gibraltar

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The British overseas territory of Gibraltar is often described as a home from home, punctuated by red postboxes and traditional pubs. Overlooking its narrow colonial streets and sandy peninsular is the Gibraltar Rock, a 1,400-foot-tall limestone formation for which Gibraltar is famous. For those that enjoy a challenging hike, the Rock offers an excellent opportunity to dust off your walking boots and immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. Alternatively, enjoy a cable car ride to its summit, or stay grounded in the beautiful Almeda Botanical Gardens.

During your time in port, you might meet the Barbary Macaques who call Gibraltar home, recognised as the only wild monkeys in Europe. Want to go deeper into Gibraltar’s history? Take a tour of the tunnels used by British forces during World War Two, or step into St Michael’s Cave to admire the stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 16-18: At Sea

Day 19: Southampton, England

Arrive 0800.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.