Day 1 - Southampton

Days 2 & 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Seville (tours from Cadiz), Spain

Departs afternoon Historic, mysterious and romantic, the Spanish city of Cadiz is unlike any other. Founded in about 1100 BC, it is generally accepted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in today’s Europe. But for the thin strip connecting it to the mainland to its south, Cadiz is an island of history and architecture that impresses at every turn through the streets of this charming ancient port.

You will find a complex warren of streets, bustling bars and pretty beaches; it is difficult to know what to do or where to go first. Packed with historic sites, monuments and an excellent museum of art and archaeology, Cadiz is a draw for history buffs and those attracted by the arts.

To begin with, consider a visit to the Catedral de Cadiz, an elegant, baroque-neoclassical, yellow-domed cathedral. Admire the view from the Campo del Sur as the sun goes down to see a breath-taking array of colours. Outside the cathedral, you will find the sizeable Casa del Obispo museum. It is on the site of 1,640 square yards of excavated ruins, and helps to bring to life the colourful history of Cadiz.

Cadiz is home to one of Spain’s most famous carnivals – Los Carnavales. Roaring on for two weeks, this carnival is distinctive due to its celebration of the clever, the witty and the irreverent. Rehearsals and contests are held throughout the year, meaning that in Cadiz, the carnival feels omnipresent.

When you are ready to relax after all that heat, head to one of Cadiz’s many beautiful beaches. Try Playa de la Victoria, a spacious beach with a happy and relaxed vibe and easy transport links. It is just over half a mile south of the Puerta de Tierra and stretches 2.5 miles along the peninsula. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the weather or try your hand at some water sports, you can do it all here.

You may also want to visit La Caleta- this pretty beach is sandwiched between two castles; Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastian. It is not difficult to see why this beach is one of the most photographed in the city, and the picturesque cove also attracts many small fishing boats at sunset. Make sure to pick up some seafood by the beach, as it is some of the best in Spain.

The history of this Spanish city is fascinating and complex. La Pepa, Spain’s first liberal constitution was signed here in 1812. It went through plenty of turbulent times, too; in 1587, England’s Sir Francis Drake raided the harbour and “singed the King of Spain’s beard,” delaying the Spanish Armada. The city came under siege again in 1596, when Anglo-Dutch attackers burnt the city to the ground.

Fortunately, Cadiz’s fortunes changed in the 18th century, when it saw 75% of Spanish trade with the Americas. Because of this, Cadiz grew into one of the richest and most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in Spain, producing the country’s first progressive and liberal middle class.

Days 5 - 7 - At Sea

Day 8: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Departs afternoon The Pearl of the Adriatic is in a beautiful location in the far south of Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea. It's known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls since the 16th century. Nearby Mount Srd is easy to reach by cable car and offers stunning views over the city, while the unique Sponza Palace is a harmony of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles dating back to 1272.

Acknowledged as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik is truly an amazing destination to visit with its lively morning market piled with fresh flowers, cheese and fish. The Old Town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and it is no wonder as its history is as rich and intriguing as the first sight of it looming out of crystalline waters is breathtaking.

Day 9 - Zadar, Croatia

Departs early evening Zadar is a historic place, with Roman ruins and medieval churches to explore. Meanwhile, the cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants are great places to relax and enjoy the town’s distinct ambience.

Day 10 - Venice, Italy

Departs early evening The romance of Venice, the city built on water, is hard to beat at the best of times, but perhaps even more so when the mesmerizing and memorable sunset casts a pleasant glow over the charming canals. This being Venice, exploring the maze of markets and cafés has to be by gondola, before heading to Harry’s Bar for a Bellini cocktail. The whole experience of the unique city is surreal, but charming.

Day 11 - Sibenik, Croatia

Sibenik is a historic city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Krka. It is part of an Adriatic archipelago of 242 islands, islets and reefs lapped by crystal clear waters. Though lesser-known than some of the other cities along Croatia’s coast, Sibenik possesses much picturesque charm. Jutting into the deep natural harbour, it is a pleasing jumble of terracotta rooftops guarded by four imposing fortresses and mighty walls. Within these walls you will find lanes and passages winding up the hill and around the mediaeval centre.

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Transit Messina Strait, Italy (Cruise-by)

Departs morning Time certainly hasn't stood still in Messina, Northeastern Sicily. Here you can discover how the history-rich harbour city has obtained its contemporary feel and how the residents set their watches. From Messina you can visit the infamous Mount Etna and the Silvestri Craters, which stand testament to the forces of nature and preside ominously over their surroundings.

Day 14 - Cagliari, Sardinia

Departs afternoon Historic Cagliari is the capital of southern Sardinia, and is the real epitome of the Mediterranean sun-soaked pace of life. Its hilltop Castello is a medieval walled quarter overlooking the old town. Architectural highlights include the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral, from where you can explore the historic centre, taking refreshment on board in the many cafés that line the charming piazzas.

Day 15 - At Sea

Days 16 - Gibraltar

Departs early evening Gibraltar is perhaps best known for The Rock, a 426-feet limestone ridge with sheer drops on its northern and eastern sides. Beyond, Gibraltar’s landscape is rural, diverse, and well worth exploring.

Day 17 - 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Southampton

Today your cruise ends as you sail into Southampton and disembark.