Mediterranean Treasures and Douro Delights

Arrive in Monte Carlo and be transferred to your ship. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome reception on board your ship, accompanied by your Tour Leader and fellow travellers.

Travel into the heart of Tuscany today. Visit the Abbazia di Sant'Antimo, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy. You’ll then enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Col d'Orcia in Montalcino

Visit Col d'Orcia in Montalcino, the home of Brunello, one of the most famous red wines in Italy. Delight in a tour of the estate gardens and the cellar, followed by an exclusive barrel tasting. You’ll then enjoy lunch in the estate’s villa, where farm-to-table products are paired with the estate’s wines. 

Colourful fishing boats line the busy port of Marina Grande, gateway to the famous isle of Capri. Perhaps take a boat ride inside the turquoise waters of the Blue Grotto (own expense) or stroll through Capri’s narrow alleyways.

Today, dock in the harbour of Giardini Naxos, located on the eastern shore of Sicily and the perfect base to explore Mount Etna. Head to the ancient town of Naxos before ascending the idyllic road up to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Arrive at Crateri Silvestri, approximately 6,500 feet above sea level, to embark on a cable car ride up the slopes. Transfer to a 4x4 vehicle for the rest of the journey until you reach a mighty elevation of 9,500 feet. Join an informative walk with a professional alpine guide and admire the expansive lava fields and panoramic views across the Catania Gulf.

An island rich in history, Malta has been occupied by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French and British. This heritage is reflected in the architecture of Malta’s charming capital, Valletta. Disembark your ship and set out on a guided walking tour, followed by a special tour of Casa Rocca Piccola.

Signature Experience – Casa Rocca Piccola

Embark on a private tour of Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace and family home in Valletta. You’ll be met by the owners who will share the rich history of their ancestral home. After the tour, enjoy a glass of prosecco and indulge in a tasting of local delicacies in the aristocratic garden. 

Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese Islands. Here, you may wish to tour Victoria (own expense), or board a local boat to Comino's Blue Lagoon, located between the islands of Malta and Gozo (own expense).

Relish a day at sea where you can relax and explore the incredible amenities on board. Enjoy a spa treatment (own expense) or savour a delicious meal at one of the ship’s many restaurants.

Today dock in Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital and the birthplace of Napoleon. Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to Calanues de Piana, part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and known for its spectacular coastal scenery (own expense).

Today dock in the colourful port of Saint Tropez, located in the glamourous Côte d'Azur. 

Signature Experience – Wine Tasting in Saint Tropez

Arrive at a family-owned vineyard and be welcomed by the owner. Embark on a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the estate, cellar and the barrel rooms. Indulge in a cocktail-style lunch in the beautiful grounds. Savour local provençal fare and sample the estate’s impressive array of wines. Afterwards, enjoy a game of pétanque, a ball game that originated in the south of France and is a derivation from the ancient sport of boules. 

Located on Spain’s rugged Costa Brava, Palamos is home to spectacular beaches. Perhaps travel to Salvador Dali’s Castle Museum in Pubol (own expense) or learn about the Costa Brava’s ancient past with a visit to Begur (own expense).

After breakfast, disembark the Seabourn Ovation in Barcelona and travel to Madrid via train. Once you’ve arrived in Madrid, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore.

Today, you’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a welcome dinner.

Choose how you want to spend your time in Madrid today.

Freedom of Choice – Madrid Food Tour

Learn all about the traditional sights, smells and flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour of the capital’s best food spots.

Freedom of Choice – Museo del Prado

Admire beautiful displays of art at the Museo del Prado. Relish the museum’s collection of artwork from iconic Italian and Flemish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch.

Freedom of Choice – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

If you’re a sports fan, you're sure to enjoy a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the second largest stadium in Spain and home to the Real Madrid Football Club. 

Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhão, where your ship will dock overnight.

Visit Pinhão Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. Later, be awed by the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before you as your ship cruises through the heart of the Douro Valley region to Régua. Soak up the serenity of this enchanting setting as you glide past terraced vineyards and lush, rolling hills.

Enjoy a full day in Régua, where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing options before a special Signature Experience.

Freedom of Choice – Tour Lamego

Set among hills adorned with vineyards in the Alto Douro region, Lamego is a charming town. On a guided tour, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego.

Freedom of Choice – Visit Palácio de Mateus

Embark on a trip to Palácio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine.

Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca

Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in the Lamego municipality, the prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features 75 hectares of vineyards.

Enjoy a relaxing morning sailing through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option. 

Freedom of Choice – Tour Guimarães

Explore Guimarães, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

Arrive in the charming city of Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before enjoying a Signature Experience in the evening.

Signature Experience – Fado performance in Palácio da Bolsa

Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Spend a full day discovering Porto. Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity in the morning before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. During your final night on board, your river ship offers the best vantage point to take in the city's beautiful sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Freedom of Choice – Cooking Demonstration

Porto is famous for its delectable cuisine and you can discover its culinary heart with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration.

Freedom of Choice – Port Tasting

Visit Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto's famous Port wine cellars. Here, you'll visit Taylor's Port, which was established over three centuries ago and is one of the oldest founding Port houses. Take a guided tour of the recently renovated 300-year-old cellars followed by a Port tasting.

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city’s iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a farewell dinner.

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena before enjoying free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then soak up the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Your incredible journey draws to an end today. Following breakfast, be transferred to the airport.