Gems of the Western Med Voyage from Lisbon to Rome with Stay, 17 September 2023 (11 nights)

One of the oldest and most vibrant districts of Lisbon, Alfama is the place to be for artisan eateries, quirky boutiques and Fado bars. It’s best explored on foot or by the tram to experience as many of the attractions and highlights as possible.

One of the most visited sites in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery was completed in the seventeenth century. In 1983 UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site and it’s certainly a must visit to admire the beautiful architecture both inside and out.

Here visitors will discover over 450 different species of marine life, including sharks, rays, penguins and otters. Cruisers of all ages will love following the route around the central aquarium to learn about the major ecosystems of the ocean.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Torre de Belém was built to protect Lisbon from attackers from the sea. Despite its role, the fort was decorated with lavish carvings and details, which are best viewed from the banks of the Rio Tejo.

Tram 28 is the classic Lisbon mode of transportation – rattling around the narrow streets in a bright yellow tram that dates back to the 1930’s. Hop on and take one of the best tours of Lisbon, passing highlights and attractions along the way.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape, Sintra is a romantic destination to escape to for the day. Featuring enchanting palaces and rolling hills, this town is easily accessible from Lisbon via a regular train service.

Established in 200 BC, Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of the biggest highlights of Lisbon. Get to know the city’s unique and fascinating history, explore the imposing walls, wander the shady gardens and admire the vast views from the Observation Terrace.

One especially for the animal-lovers, a trip to Apes Den is a must to get up close to the only free-roaming primates in Europe. Located at two cable-car stations, these monkeys are inquisitive, playful and curious and will keep you entertained for hours.

1,400 feet above the sea, this is one of the best attractions of Gibraltar and a must visit to spot its fascinating wildlife, such as the Barbary Macaques. Take a walk, admire the views and get up close with nature – but keep an eye on your belongings!

The Great Siege Tunnels are a must visit for history enthusiasts for their vital role played during the Great Siege on Gibraltar by Spain and France. Taking a tour of these impressive tunnels is a great way to get to know the history of this territory.

For the adventurous and determined, the Mediterranean Steps is a challenging hike that rewards you with stunning views at 421 metres above sea level. Admire the many species of flora and fauna, as well as the wildlife, such as Barbary Macaques and Barbary Partridges.

After being linked to numerous myths and legends throughout time, Saint Michael’s Cave is teeming with fascinating history. Found within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, it houses an auditorium for shows, drama, music and spectacular light shows.

With gorgeous views overlooking the city, Castillo de Gibralfaro was built in the 8th century as a lighthouse and military barracks. Its imposing walkways provide a scenic walk, while the museum nearby offers great insight into the history of the castle.

This iconic landmark was first built in the historic city centre in 1530, with work finishing in the 17th century. With a Gothic Renaissance style, it boasts a tower standing at 84 metres tall, providing breath-taking photo opportunities.

One of Malaga’s stunning historical monuments, La Alcazaba – meaning citadel – was built between 1057 and 1063. It has since been restored and features Roman walls and a dungeon, as well as stunning views of the harbour and old town.

As Malaga’s oldest historical monument, El teatro Romano was discovered in 1951 and has since uncovered much of Andalusia’s rich history. Visitors can marvel at the fascinating features of the theatre, such as the orchestra area, while more is still being uncovered.

The perfect place to take a romantic evening walk or find fantastic hidden gems, Valencia’s Old Town is made up of numerous cultural influences and historic architecture. Here, you’ll find the Central Market, many tapas bars and a number of tourist hotspots.

Dedicated to the science and culture of the world, The City of the Arts and Sciences is home to five main attractions: the Hemisfèric, the Umbracle, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanográfico and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía.

Rising above the rooftops of the city’s old town is Valencia’s bell tower. Its striking exterior design has become a famous symbol, while the interior can be explored via 207 steps to the top, where you’ll find a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the landscape.

After diverting the river Turia to prevent flooding, Jardín del Turia was created in the riverbed. It has been developed over many years to become one of the largest urban parks in Spain. Here you’ll find Gulliver kids’ park, Exposition Bridge and Zoo Valencia.

Built between 1482 and 1548, La Lonja de la Seda is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the Valencia Silk Exchange and is now a stunning landmark to explore, with intricate carvings, sculptures and twisting columns.

As the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 species, the Oceanográfico has no shortage of marine life to discover. With aquariums dedicated to numerous ecosystems as well as a dolphin habitat and an underwater restaurant, the Oceanográfico is a must!

At the heart of Valencia is the cathedral, an iconic landmark showcasing a variety of architectural styles including Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic. Visitors receive an audio guide to discover the history of this stunning cathedral while they explore.

Visiting Las Ramblas is an absolute must when in Barcelona. Visitors can experience the weird and the wonderful, from the Museu de l’Erotica to the Miró Mural, in between trying a range of authentic tapas bars and cafes before a much needed siesta.

Although the Sagrada Familia is not technically complete, it’s still an impressive sight to behold. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this spectacular Basilica hosts many masses, events and a place to simply marvel at in wonder.

Home of the cultural heritage of Barcelona, the Barcelona City History Museum manages several sites of interest including archaeological sites and historic houses. Visitors will discover the Roman colony, prehistoric Spain, Barcelona’s Jewish community and more.

Comprising of vibrant gardens and beautiful architecture, Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí and officially opened in 1926. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding showcase of Gaudí’s genius design, Park Güell makes a wonderful place to go for a walk.

Another one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batllo is a truly eye-catching building to explore. Visitors are able to explore this fantastic showcase of the designer’s work, and even enjoy live music and other events on the roof terrace.

This modernist building was the last residence to be designed by Antoni Gaudí and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the building with an audio guide, and even enjoy rooftop shows on a romantic evening.

One of Barcelona’s oldest beaches, Sant Sebastià Beach features everything you need for a fantastic day in the sun. With indoor and outdoor pools, changing rooms and amenities for lounging, visitors can go for a dip, enjoy an ice cream and find dinner all in one area.

With capacity for over 99,000 people, Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and cathedral to the Catalans’ second religion- the beautiful game! Visitors can catch an exciting game of football here or take a guided or un-guided tour of the grounds.

The Exotic Garden of Monaco is a great place be one with nature and enjoy the vast sea views. Stroll around the garden in the sunshine and see many types of Mediterranean fauna, cacti, and flowering succulents, some which originated from a collection started in 1895.

Just a short walk from Monte Carlo, Larvotto Beach has a beautiful, calm shore that’s perfect for all ages to take a dip in and spot marine life. Larvotto Beach is surrounded by restaurants, cafés and bars, and provides showers and toilets onsite.

With all the glitz and glamour one would expect of a casino, Casino de Monte-Carlo offers all your favourite games in a luxurious, sophisticated setting that even James Bond approved of! For both experts and newcomers, Monte Carlo Casino is an exciting place to spend the evening.

Dedicated to marine science and maritime history, the Oceanographic Museum is a great place for the whole family, boasting a 450,000 litre tank for tropical marine life, as well as a Shark Lagoon. Visitors can even get hands on with deep sea inhabitants at the Touch Tank.

Originally built in 1191 as a Genoan fortress, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco has a long, dramatic history to be discovered. Though the palace is the residence of the ruling Prince, visitors can explore the exquisite state apartments and gardens that also host concerts.

Locally referred to as Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was first built in 1064, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo – a graveyard – and the Campanile – the cathedral’s bell tower which is perhaps better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Today the square has become a popular place to relax and enjoy the warm sun in some beautiful, historic surroundings.

Maria Assunta. Construction of the building began in 1173, and in spite of a detailed, thought-out design it is believed that a slight lean was evident from the building of the second floor. Building was intermittent due to wars and sociological events, and the tower was not completed until roughly the year 1370. Since this time the lean has been stabilised, and tourists are permitted to enter and climb the staircase to the top for a wonderful view.

The cathedral – or Duomo – and baptistery are two important historic sites which are often overlooked in favour of the Leaning Tower. The cathedral itself dates back to 1064, and you can see within there are influences from the Arabic world, with column designs being reminiscent of those often seen in mosques. The neighbouring baptistery is the largest in the country, and was originally designed in 1152, before being remodelled in the mid-13th century.

Found in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in Europe at just 0.44km² with a population of 1,000 people. It acts as headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and is home to The Apostolic Palace - the Pope’s residence –the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.

Within Vatican City is one of the biggest churches in the world; St. Peter’s Basilica. Accommodating up to 20,000 people, this is where the Pope delivers services. Its 136 metre high dome was designed by Michelangelo, and was completed in 1614.

The colosseum was opened in 80 A.D. with 100 days of exciting games. It was mostly used for gladiatorial combat and fights with animals until around the 6th century when it began to fall into disrepair. It was then used to store building materials until the 18th century, when the papacy decided it should be preserved. As it stands now, however, more than two-thirds of the structure has been destroyed.

Known the world-over for its elaborate, 15th century artwork courtesy of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Luca, and Perugino, the Sistine Chapel is where new Popes are elected and ordained. It is located within Vatican City, inside The Apostolic Palace.

This Michelangelo sculpture is located inside St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the body of Jesus after he has been crucified, being held by the Virgin Mary. The statue was originally commissioned by Jean de Billheres – a French cardinal – as a memorial for his tomb.

This is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. There are myths surrounding the building of the original Pantheon, but the structure we see today was built in 120 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. It was created as a Pagan temple to “honour all Gods” – which is the translation of “Pantheon”. In the year 609 it was converted to a Christian church, although it is still widely known as the Pantheon.

This popular public square is located where the (now fallen) Stadium of Domitian once stood, in 86 A.D. Since then it has been developed into a social gathering spot, adorned by three magnificent fountains that were commissioned in the 16 and 17th centuries. These are Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno.