Wonders of the Western Mediterranean
Overview
Wonders of the Western Mediterranean
This classic cruise of the Western Mediterranean shines a spotlight on the vibrant ports of Spain at a most glorious time of year. Delve into the country’s famous fiesta and flamenco scene where you’ll experience the rhythmic pulse of this passionate nation. Even the cuisine, with its great variety, will spice up your life with the warming flavours of paprika, saffron and cayenne pepper. Spain is also the motherland of some of the world’s most well-known artists, from Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, to Antoni Gaudi, whose imaginative architecture and mosaics have left an indelible mark on the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona.
Visit three unique Spanish regions: Andalusia, renowned for having 3000 hours of sun per year; Cartagena, which is characterised by its ancient Roman and Moorish heritage; and Catalonia, with its lengthy beaches and typically Mediterranean traditions. You’ll also call at the French ports of Ajaccio and Toulon, where you can explore the colourful markets and elegant fountains of the charming old town or ascend to the summit of Mount Faron by glass-bottomed cable car for magnificent views across the city and out to sea.
What's included:
- A chauffeur service to the port up to 250 miles each way or included car parking,
- All meals, snacks and daily afternoon tea including speciality dining
- All-inclusive drinks & A choice of wines at lunch and dinner
- Gym, sauna & exercise classes
- Included sightseeing excursions
- All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges
- 24-hour room service plus Free Wi-Fi
- Porterage of luggage at the port
- Free shuttle bus at most ports
- Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner
- Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.
Sightseeing tours included to:
- Málaga, Spain
- Cartagena, Spain
- Toulon, France
- Barcelona, Spain
Hand Picked By
"As a main agent for Saga we were excited about their new 2022 sailings. By booking early, you can enjoy the best discounts, and their price promise ensures you will always receive the best price - even if they lower their fares after you've booked. And, as peace of mind is important to our customers, they include insurance and cancellation cover as standard which includes cover for Covid 19."
Mandy Shilling
Additional Information
- Departure Date: 18th July 2021
- Duration: 15 nights
- Highlights: Spain’s vibrancy is undeniable: from the flavour in Valencia’s cuisine to the colourful architecture that adorns Barcelona’s streets.
Ship Overview
Spirit of Discovery
Spirit of Discovery features the design cues, cuisine and levels of service you expect in the world’s finest boutique hotels. Except here you can wake up in a new idyllic location different to the one you went to sleep in. The luxurious, world-class design on board heralds a new era for Saga Cruising, and will offer the chance to experience so much more. All backed by Saga’s famous personal service and inclusive value.
Spirit of Discovery Profile
- Gross register tonnage: 58,250
- Passengers: 999 Guest capacity (double occupancy)
- Crew: 530
- Length: 774.3ft
- Beam: 102.4ft
- Year built: 2019
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Southampton
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: At Sea
Day 4: At Sea
Day 5: Málaga, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Balmy Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Begin your explorations with a included sightseeing tour of 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: Cartagena, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Surrounded by hills and history, Cartagena is an old unspoilt beauty of Murcia. An included panoramic tour offers the perfect introduction to the highlights of the city. Here you can retrace its history back to the Roman empire as manicured promenades lead you to ancient ruins, leaving you to marvel over the many archaeological finds unearthed in Cartagena. The most impressive of which is a well-preserved Roman theatre, discovered in 1988.
Enjoy the opportunity to see a traditional Spanish Horse Show at a performance exclusively for Saga guests or sit back and relax on a sightseeing drive through the city.
Day 7: At Sea
Day 8: Ajaccio, Corsica
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The small and beautiful island of Corsica is a secret world of valleys and mountains, enchanting bays and mysterious forests. Ajaccio is the capital and gateway to the island's rugged and fragrant interior, as well as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Trace the legacy of the prominent military leader, born here in 1769, and perhaps visit his ancestral home, Maison Bonaparte, now a national museum showcasing period furnishings and artefacts of the famous ruler’s life.
Another museum worth a visit is the Palace Fesch Museum of Fine Arts, which houses one of the most beautiful collections of Italian paintings in France. Alternatively, soak up the sun on the trendy waterfront promenade, and peruse the market in search of local liqueurs, sweet treats and cheeses.
Day 9: 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. Look forward to an included tour revealing the highlights. 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 10: Barcelona, Spain
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Stylish and dynamic, Spain's cultural capital has so much to offer, as you’ll see on an included introductory tour. 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 11: At Sea
Day 12: 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 13: At Sea
Day 14: At Sea
Day 15: At Sea
Day 16: Southampton
Disembark Spirit of Discovery.
:
Additional Information
- Departure Date: 18th July 2021
- Duration: 15 nights
- Highlights: Spain’s vibrancy is undeniable: from the flavour in Valencia’s cuisine to the colourful architecture that adorns Barcelona’s streets.
Cabin and Fares
| Cabin Type | Guide Price | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony | From £3,472pp | All Inclusive |
View CabinBalcony --All cabins include 24-hour room service, Wi Fi, tea & coffee making facilities, turndown service, private balcony, private bathroom and wc with shower, fresh fruit, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. | Enquire Now |