Mediterranean & Northern Europe Explorer

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy

   Departs 06:00 pm.

   Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications.Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

2. 2

   Sardinia (cagliari), Italy

   Arrives 09:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

   The views from the Terrazza Umberto I are panoramic: one looks out over Sardinia's capital, a city ancient even in Roman times. Mountains frame the azure waters of the gulf. Nearby lagoons harbor flocks of flamingos and egrets. Welcome to one of the most intriguing ports in the Western Mediterranean. Founded by Phoenician traders in the 7th century B.C., Cagliari has been a Carthaginian colony and a Roman seaport. Those fine old walls supporting the Terrazza Umberto I were erected in the 13th century by the Italian city-state of Pisa. In addition to its fine old Italian architecture, Cagliari boasts superb light, inviting waters and excellent beaches.The city-state of Pisa and the Kings of Aragon vied for control of Sardinia for two centuries. The cathedral, built by Pisans in the 13th century, holds the mausoleum of a 15th century Aragonese prince.

3. 3

   At Sea

4. 4

   Malaga, Spain

   Arrives 09:00 am, departs 08:00 pm.

   One of Spain's oldest cities, Malaga has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, who called it Malaka. A city of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and sunny plazas, Malaga offers an idealized image of Spain. Malaga was the chief port for the Kingdom of Granada, the last stronghold of Moorish Spain. The city fell to Ferdinand and Isabelle in 1487. The re-conquest of Spain ended with the fall of Grenada in 1492, the year Columbus discovered the New World. In addition to the fabled Alhambra, Granada boasts some significant landmarks such as the Old Quarter, the majestic Granada Cathedral, Alcazaba – an ancient Moorish fortress nestled above the city, and the Royal Chapel – the final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Andalusia's main port is also your gateway to the resorts of the Costa del Sol.

   Day 5

   Arrives 07:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

5. 6

   Lisbon, Portugal

   Arrives 10:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.

   Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies. Then, on November 1, 1755, a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city in the space of 10 minutes. Only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, survived. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas.

6. 7

   At Sea

7. 8

   At Sea

8. 9

   Le Havre (for Paris/Normandy), France

   Arrives 07:00 am, departs 08:00 pm.

   Perhaps no other place in France holds more associations for English-speaking visitors than Normandy. The historic Allied landings on D-Day - 6 June, 1944 - live on in the memories of British and Americans alike. Nor has Le Havre forgotten the dark days of the war. The port was nearly completely destroyed during the Normandy campaign. Today, Le Havre is France's second largest port and the gateway to Paris, "City of Light," the Norman countryside, and the historic landing beaches. Travelers usually head for the historic landing sites or to Paris. Yet Le Havre was designated a World Heritage Site in 2005. The Musee des Beaux Arts Andre Malraux boasts one of the finest collections of Impressionist painting in the world.

9. 10

   Southampton (for London), England

   Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

   The south of England boasts a dramatic coastline that encloses some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. The landscape of hills and heaths, downs and forests, valleys and dales, is without rival. Southampton serves as your gateway to the countryside - and to a wide variety of historic sites, national landmarks and charming. And of course, London is a two-hour drive by modern highway. The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home for many years to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear.

   Day 11

   Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

10. 12

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Arrives 09:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.

    Mention Holland and most people think of tulips, windmills, and wooden shoes. In reality, Amsterdam has been a vital European cultural center since the Middle Ages.The Dutch boast that God may have made the world, but they made the Netherlands. Dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee have allowed the Dutch to reclaim their low-lying country from the North Sea. The marsh that originally surrounded Amsterdam steadily disappeared beneath the expanding city. Vibrant, fascinating and always alive, Amsterdam is imbued with the quality the Dutch call "gezelligheid." Explore the city's 700-year-old streets and marvel at its stepped-gable houses. Cruise down its bustling canals and browse the colorful flower markets. Did we mention that you can shop for everything from cheese and chocolates to diamonds and Delftware?

11. 13

    At Sea

12. 14

    Kristiansand, Norway

    Arrives 07:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

    Norway's fifth largest city was founded by Christian IV in the year 1641 as a market town and administrative center on Norway's then-strategic southern coast. The city is separated from Denmark by the Skagerrak, the long strait that connects the Baltic and North Seas. Today the capital of the Aust-Agder region is one of Norway's most popular vacation destinations: the city and the surrounding countryside boast the sunniest summer weather in Norway.

13. 15

    Oslo, Norway

    Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

    Forest-clad slopes plummet to an island-studded fjord. Welcome to Oslo, Scandinavia's oldest capital city. The commercial center of Norway, Oslo has been a major trading port for over a millennium. Its harbor is crowded with shipping that ranges from cruise ships to workaday shrimp boats. Though a relatively modest city in size - some 550,000 Norwegians call it home - Oslo is one of the largest capital cities in the world in terms of area. The hills and lakes of its outlying countryside are a paradise for lovers of winter sports. And the city itself boasts a sophisticated, yet cozy charm, with a blend of 19th- and 20th-century buildings, many decorated with woodcarvings and bright frescoes, and wide avenues dotted with public squares and parks.Oslo is the least populous capital in Scandinavia. The city offers excellent theater, great cafés and quality shopping.

14. 16

    Skagen, Denmark

    Arrives 07:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

    On Denmark's northern tip, where the Baltic meets the North Sea, lies Skagen (pronounced "Skain"). Skagen is a fishing town with a maritime history that reaches back to the early Middle Ages. Boasting white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and stunning natural landscapes, the area has lured artists since the mid-19th century, drawn to the radiant light's interplay on the rugged landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes. The town has been featured in world-famous paintings by artists such as Michael and Anna Ancher and P.S. Krøyer, and the area has long enjoyed a rich artistic heritage. Guided bicycle excursions give a unique, up-close perspective on this pretty town, with its picturesque white-picket fenced neighborhoods featuring brightly painted yellow houses crowned by red-tiled roofs. Stroll through one of the many art galleries and museums, such as Skagen Art Museum and the Skagen Odde Nature Center. When it's time to taste the delicacies of the region, head to Pakhuset for a chance to discover one of Skagen's most iconic foods-marinated herring accompanied by Aquavit, a traditional spirit of Scandinavia infused with spices and herbs. A visit to Grenen, where the North and Baltic Seas converge, is a must for all voyagers-you can even straddle the waters with a foot in each mighty sea.

15. 17

    Copenhagen, Denmark

    Arrives 05:00 am.

    Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture.Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.

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