Catalan Coastline of the Mediterranean

Portsmouth

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Gibraltar

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains, during an included panoramic excursion. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top of the Rock you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.

Included excursion

Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included panoramic excursion.

Optional excursions

Go in search of dolphins and other marine life in Gibraltar’s bay.

Spend the day at sea.

Palamos, Spain

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The idyllic fishing village of Palamos on the Costa Brava is renowned for its white-sand beaches, hidden coves and rich history, complete with relics of its Catalan and Roman past. Historic highlights include the 12th-century castle of Sant Esteve de Mar and the remains of the 13th-century Vila-Roma Castell – Roman Town Castle – located in the Montagut neighbourhood. The coastal scenery here has inspired many famous artists including Dali, Picasso and Chagall.

Optional excursions

Visit the medieval city of Girona, perched on the banks of the River Onyar and famous for its wine.

Sète, France

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Packed full of authentic French charm, this down-to-earth port rewards visitors with a glimpse of traditional maritime life. The waterfront homes of the low town are divided from Mont St-Clair’s high town by a series of canals, earning Sète the epithet of the ‘Little Venice of Languedoc’. Explore the old fisherman’s quarter, cosy cafes and galleries.

Optional excursions

Discover the imposing fortress of Carcassonne, a relic of medieval France or visit Aigues Mortes.

Port Vendres ?, France

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Port Vendres, a new port for Saga cruises, has been an active harbour town since the 6th century and was fortified by military architect Vauban in the 17th century on the command of Louis XIV. The Place de l'Obelisque features an 18th-century obelisk in homage to Louis XVI, while the Place Castellane is home to an exhibition relating to artist Rennie Mackintosh, who lived here for several years.

Optional excursions

Visit the Spanish town of Cadaqués, once home to artist Salvador Dalí or head to nearby Collioure, a favourite destination of Matisse.

Mahon, Minorca

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Mahon, capital of Minorca, lies in a sheltered natural harbour. The rocky shoreline is dotted with elegant Georgian-style architecture, a throwback to its period of 18th-century British occupation. The museum in Fort Marlborough offers a look back at this era. Other attractions close by include 19th-century Mola Fortress, built to prevent the return of the British, and Far de Favaritx lighthouse. Join an included panoramic excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions before exploring at your own pace.

Included excursion

Join an included panoramic excursion for an introduction to Minorca’s history and traditions.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Leixoes (for Oporto), Portugal

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

From Leixoes, an included panoramic excursion will take you to Oporto. It is set beside the Douro River which has served as the lifeblood of the city for centuries. On one bank lies Villa Nova de Gaia’s port wine lodges, which produce the city’s famous fortified wine, while on the other is the UNESCO-listed Ribeira old town. Cobbled streets climb the steep hillside which is crammed with historic buildings, including the 12th-century cathedral, neoclassical Stock Exchange and Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara. The wooden Rabelo cargo boats, which once ferried barrels of port now carry sightseers along the river – the Ponte Dom Luis I bridge offers a good vantage point from which to appreciate the entire riverscape.

Included excursion

An included panoramic excursion will transport you from Leixoes to Oporto set on the River Douro, called the ‘River of Gold’ by the Romans.

Optional excursions

Enjoy a memorable wine-tasting session in a traditional bodega.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Dover

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.