10-NIGHT MEDITERRANEAN JOURNEY VOYAGE

Athens exudes a unique charm; its lively character wins over tens of thousands of visitors every year. Street markets vine-covered tavernas souvenir stalls and ancient monuments are dotted among high-rise buildings in this capital city which one out of four Greeks calls home. For tourists the greatest advantage is that most attractions are accessible on foot in the central area around the landmark Acropolis.Athens was named after Athena the Greek goddess of wisdom who according to mythology won the city as prize after a duel against Poseidon. The city can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of western civilisation; the place where democracy was invented and philosophy art and architecture were refined. After a classical golden age when it was home to Socrates Plato and Aristotle the city declined in the Middle Ages dwindling to nothing but a town with a few thousand residents gathered in the colourful area that is now known as the Plaka until its rebirth as capital of an independent Greece in 1834.Nowadays the city is busy and bustling. While the pollution frantic gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open beauty of Greece's coast and islands Athens is truly the heartbeat of the country and ancient wonders like the Acropolis the Parthenon and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaesus ensure that Athens will always have its attractions.

Valletta, which is the capital of Malta, embraces the famed charm of an Italian city, its many Baroque palaces set on narrow steep streets that form a grid pattern. Grandmaster Fra Jean de la Valette, together with the Knights of the Order of St John, founded and carefully planned the city.

As the saying goes, the city was 'built by gentlemen for gentlemen', with the first stone being ceremonially laid in 1566 after Ottoman forces withdrew their siege of the Maltese Islands and the Knights of St John took over. The purpose of the city, built in a short span of 15 years on a plateau between two harbours on Malta's northeast coast, was primarily to fortify the island. Secondly, it was to provide palaces, inns for the eight Knight's groupings, churches for worship, and gardens for recreation. These grand remnants of the Knight's occupation still adorn Valletta in the form of some splendid Baroque buildings and fortifications.

But the majestic architecture manages not to overwhelm the island's carefree personality. Valletta balances its sombre grandeur and religious tone with colour and jollity. The city has a fun but not raucous nightlife, along with some great restaurants and magnificent chances to see the sights. It's a very safe and friendly city, welcoming of tourists, and well-equipped to host them.

Trapani, the most important town on Sicily’s west coast, lies below the headland of Mount Erice and offers stunning views of the Egadi Islands on a clear day. Trapani’s Old District occupies a scimitarshaped promontory between the open sea on the north and the salt marshes to the south. The ancient industry of extracting salt from the marshes has recently been revived, and it is documented in the Museo delle Saline. In addition to the salt marshes,Trapani’s other interesting environs include the beautiful little hill town of Erice, the promontory of Capo San Vito stretching north beyond the splendid headland of Monte Cofano, the lovely island of Motya and the town of Marsala. Trips farther afield will take you to the magnificent site of Segesta or the Egadi Islands, reached by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.

Cagliari is a city located in the south of Sardinia, Italy. The city has a population of over 150,000 people and is the capital of Sardinia. Cagliari is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, culture, and history. The city is home to many Roman and Punic ruins, as well as a medieval castle. The climate in Cagliari is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation with a bit of culture and history thrown in, Cagliari is the perfect destination. The city’s beaches are some of the best in Italy, and there’s plenty to see and do away from the sand. Be sure to visit the Roman ruins of Nora, the medieval castle of Castello, and the museum of Archaeology. And of course, no trip to Cagliari would be complete without sampling the delicious seafood on offer!

A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.

Malaga has long been a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Located on the Costa del Sol, along the southern coast of Spain, Malaga enjoys yearly warm weather and sandy beaches perfect for those looking for some relaxation.

Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops. Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide. Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles. If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space. If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.

Lisbon has somewhat rediscovered itself in recent years, reclaiming its rightful place as the 'golden city' of southern Europe. Much of this is due to the officials of Lisbon having elected to rejuvenate the city during the 1990s. This ongoing focus on the future has meant making the most of the attractions, both old and new.

One day can span centuries as visitors move between the picturesque medieval section of the Alfama district and historic São Jorge castle to being amazed by the spectacle of the futuristic Oceanarium of Lisboa.

Infrastructure has also been improved, with additions like the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge across the River Tagus, which links the city's airport to a network of national motorways and has facilitated access to other parts of Portugal. There is also a new showcase railway hub, the Gare de Oriente, which is the pride of a new modern suburb on the east bank of the Tagus, creating an even better link between Lisbon and the rest of Europe. But if tourists really want to see the city in style, they must be sure not to miss a ride on the famous Tram 28, which winds its way through the oldest parts of the city and gives visitors a feel of the history and rich culture Lisbon has to offer.