DAY 1 - 20 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 6 AM to 10 PM
On the coast of the largest Balearic island, this sun-soaked seaside city dates back to the 13th-century and is a must visit for any adventurer. A simple stroll will take you on a journey back in time, past breath-taking architecture, medieval history, bustling markets and to an endless array of authentic eateries. With so many hidden gems amongst iconic landmarks, places like Casa Antiguo are the best bet for a true taste of Palma culture.
Things to do in Palma, Majorca:
Le Seu Cathedral
Found in the heart of Palma, La Seu is a stunning Catalan Gothic style cathedral, with renowned architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its intricate design. Featuring 61 stained-glass windows, the building flooding with coloured light inside is simply a must.
Castell de Bellver
Built in the 14th century, Bellver Castle is surrounded by lush pine woods and houses an insightful museum of Palma’s municipal history. Visitors will love taking a walk around the moat before admiring the view out over the city and bay from the rooftop.
Casco Antiguo
The quaint, winding cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo are the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of Palma. Discover gothic bookshops, antique boutiques and must-see tourist sites such as La Seu and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Showcasing a wide range of art throughout history, Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is a must visit to discover the cultural heritage of Mallorca. With works by Picasso, Magritte and more, you’re bound to find your new favourite piece.
At Sea
DAY 2 - 21 Sep 2022
You will be at sea on day 2 while travelling from Palma, Majorca to Florence & Pisa (Livorno).
Florence & Pisa (Livorno)
DAY 3 - 22 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 7 PM
Made famous by its sloping bell tower, Pisa was once a simple but noteworthy port town. Over the years Pisa had some involvement in Italy’s military conflicts, and has seen success in matters of trade. Today most visitors come to see the fascinating Leaning Tower; a construction dating back to the 12th century that has been repeatedly repaired and stabilised over the years. As well as this is the neighbouring cathedral and baptistery, and the pretty Square of Miracles which houses them all. Pisa has a brilliant culinary scene, with many inexpensive restaurants serving amazing antipasti, pizzas, pastas, and other hearty Italian dishes.
Things to do in Florence & Pisa (Livorno):
Square of Miracles
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.
Leaning Tower
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.
Cathedral and Baptistery
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.
Monaco (Villefranche)
DAY 4 - 23 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Toulon
DAY 5 - 24 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Toulon started as a small fishing town in antiquity to become France’s first naval port, and the largest city in the scenic Var region. It's famous for its natural beauty. Here you can enjoy the local ‘chichis’ (similar to Spanish churros) on the beach during a pleasant stroll to the sound of the waves and chirping crickets, and explore the old town’s medieval buildings and 900-year-old cathedral. For the best views, take the cable car up Mont Furon.
Things to do in Toulon:
Mount Faron Cable Car
Climb Mont Furon in just six minutes thanks to this cable car that is as thrilling as it is convenient. Once at the top the views are unrivalled in the region, with great panoramas both out to sea and over the city with its backdrop of a peaceful forest.
Musee de la Marine
One of the five naval museums of France, this fascinating museum is based in the old port arsenal, which you enter through the grand guard gates. Inside, you’ll find many interesting exhibitions from scale model ships to naval clothing and equipment.
Plages du Mourillon
The place to be on sunny days, the sandy beaches host numerous activities, including watersports, for families. Awarded the blue flag label as an environmentally-friendly space, there are even ramps for those in wheelchairs to roll down and enjoy the water.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds
The construction of this Gothic and Romanesque cathedral began in the 11th century and was completed in the 18th. Toulon Cathedral is a national monument and inside you’ll find many treasures such as two paintings by famous Baroque artist Pierre Puget.
Barcelona
DAY 6 - 25 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
This vibrant seaside city is home to unforgettable architecture and creative scenes from renowned artists. The buildings you’ll find here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen, such as Park Güell and Casa Batllo, while foodies will be spoilt for choice with 20 different Michelin star restaurants. At the end of a busy day of shopping enjoy the energetic nightlife, or relax on the beach with newfound friends. Whatever your interests, Barcelona has the perfect itinerary for you.
Things to do in Barcelona:
Las Ramblas
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.
Sagrada Familia
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.
Barcelona City History Museum
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.
Park Guell
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.
Casa Batllo
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.
Casa Mila
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.
Sant Sebastia
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.
Camp Nou Stadium
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.
Valencia
DAY 7 - 26 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
After diverting its flood-prone river to the outskirts of the city and converting the remaining riverbed into a flourishing park, Valencia has quickly become a tourist hotspot in Spain. Ever the innovative, it combines traditional Spanish charm with futuristic buildings and districts, such as the City of the Arts and Sciences. Whether you’re here to immerse yourself in the culture or for the sun, sand and sea, you’ll love Valencia.
Things to do in Valencia:
Casco Historico
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.
City of Arts & Sciences
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.
El Miguelete
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.
Jardin del Turia
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.
La Lonja de la Seda
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.
Oceanografic
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!
Valencia Cathedral
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.
Palma, Majorca
DAY 8 - 27 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 6 AM to 10 PM
On the coast of the largest Balearic island, this sun-soaked seaside city dates back to the 13th-century and is a must visit for any adventurer. A simple stroll will take you on a journey back in time, past breath-taking architecture, medieval history, bustling markets and to an endless array of authentic eateries. With so many hidden gems amongst iconic landmarks, places like Casa Antiguo are the best bet for a true taste of Palma culture.
Things to do in Palma, Majorca:
Le Seu Cathedral
Found in the heart of Palma, La Seu is a stunning Catalan Gothic style cathedral, with renowned architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its intricate design. Featuring 61 stained-glass windows, the building flooding with coloured light inside is simply a must.
Castell de Bellver
Built in the 14th century, Bellver Castle is surrounded by lush pine woods and houses an insightful museum of Palma’s municipal history. Visitors will love taking a walk around the moat before admiring the view out over the city and bay from the rooftop.
Casco Antiguo
The quaint, winding cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo are the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of Palma. Discover gothic bookshops, antique boutiques and must-see tourist sites such as La Seu and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Showcasing a wide range of art throughout history, Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is a must visit to discover the cultural heritage of Mallorca. With works by Picasso, Magritte and more, you’re bound to find your new favourite piece.
Just spent a week on Marella Discovery1 What a brilliant time we had, we have sailed with P&O MSC Carniival But from start to finished we never had 1 complaint. The ship isn't an over the top glitzy show piece, it's modern clean and a great size, not to big and its deck arrangements for everything is very good no terrible ques for lifts, The food is excellent in 47. Which is Italian on the top. The staff are superb, always friendly and Xaptain Chris has a great family working for him. He is always seen around mixing with his staff giving them praise. AI. And a nice extra selection of 2 restaurants to pay a supplement. We had an outside cabin on deck 3, no noise and payed extra for a window. Transfers and trips well organised and the Itinary on the Adriatic explorer was superb(Venice,Croatia, Montenegro,Corfu stay for 7 days. Will def be booking again asap****
Good points food excellent ,shows excellent ,service very good ,drinks plenty ,staff always polite & helpful ,bad points toilet problem nearly every morning wouldn’t flush ,cabins looking a bit tired ,shower curtains horrible stick to you when trying to shower double bed configuration pushed up to wall so someone had to crawl over to get in & out not very good for older people ,entertainment in atrium & live room very repetitive and to loud couldn’t have a conversation.
Good points food excellent ,shows excellent ,service very good ,drinks plenty ,staff always polite & helpful ,bad points toilet problem nearly every morning wouldn’t flush ,cabins looking a bit tired ,shower curtains horrible stick to you when trying to shower double bed configuration pushed up to wall so someone had to crawl over to get in & out not very good for older people ,entertainment in atrium & live room very repetitive and to loud couldn’t have a conversation.
Lovely first cruise, enjoyed the itinerary. Food, service very good, disappointed with cinema choices aimed at children, strange for an all adults cruise. Struggled some days for a sun bed, lots of towels. Did 2 excursions, very good, but thought the Slovenian one should be changed round in order to have time to eat.
My husband and I went on a 2 weeks cruise around the Agean and Adriatic sea from 2nd until 16h August this year. We had the most amazing time ever. Everyone who worked on the ship was super friendly, helpful and very hardworking. I could not say one negative thing about our holiday. All the staff had a smile on their face and were always bright, cheery and happy. The food, entertainment, shows, music, facilities, destinations etc were all AMAZING. The only complaint I would make is that on the 2 days that were just sailing at sea it was impossible to get a sunbed and we had to sit on chairs on the deck because they were not enough beds for everyone! We got off at every port, most of which were new to us. The destinations were simply STUNNING........Santorini, Crete, Zante, Greek islands, Athens, Corfu, Turkey, Venice, Slovenia, Split, Dubrovnik, and Montenegro. Arriving at, and leaving these beautiful countries was truly a magical and unforgettable experience, especially because the talented guy on the ship sang for us on the top deck at all of these occasions......(Wonderful world, Pure Imagination, Time to say Goodbye.etc.) It was a moving an emotional experience sailing to such stunning locations and he had me crying with emotion on several occasions. We would 100% recommend a Thompson Cruise to any and everyone we meet. You will not be disappointed with them. We will definitely sail with Iglu again and look forward to our next cruise with them. Thank you for the holiday of a lifetime.........we had to go on a diet and detox we got home because of the delicious and endless choice of food and drinks that were ALL INCLUSIVE in the package!!!!!!!!!!
We went on the Adriatic Cruise for one week, the ship docked very near to the towns we visited making it easy to access them. We booked two trips onboard which were very good value for money. We cannot honestly complain about anything onboard. The staff were very friendly and efficient. Everywhere was spotlessly clean. The entertainment was good throughout, food was lovely no matter where you ate and drinks were plentiful. We would definitely recommend this cruise.
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful 7-day cruise in the Adriatic on Discovery. This was the second time we had sailed on the ship and it's one of our favourites. The staff are all very friendly and hard working, the service was good, and being Marella all the tips were included (although we did leave a little extra for our cabin steward). Catering on board was very good...we liked breakfast in the main dining room as you order the hot food but then help yourself to cereals. breads, fruit, cold meats and cheeses etc from a central buffet table, so you can eat straight away knowing your hot food is being prepared, which speeds things up a lot. We also ate dinner and the occasional lunch in the Dining Room and the food was always served at the right temperature and was tasty. The cruise was all inclusive so all the drinks were included, and we felt no need to upgrade to the premium drinks package as the choice on all inclusive was fine for our needs. Entertainment was good, with a broad mix of live music, quizzes and game shows, and the West End style shows in the theatre were very good. The Adriatic Explorer itinerary was excellent, covering a beautiful part of the world, and it's an itinerary I would be more than happy to repeat. All in all it was a great value cruise and we would certainly choose Marella again.
A totally brilliant holiday from start to finish. The ship and staff were lovely. Staff went out of their way to help especially when my partner asked if the poppodoms were gluten free and were told they weren't. The chef then turned up five minutes later with some he'd just made that were. Fantastic holiday and itinerary.
Marella Discovery is a beautiful ship - slightly smaller than we have been on before but just as enjoyable. It is an ex-Royal Caribbean ship so has all the lovely details of that cruise line. The staff and cruise director could not have worked harder than they did to give everyone a fantastic experience. We did have problems on the only formal night as after we had seen the captain there was no room at the two restaurants to eat so we ended up in the buffet. This was disappointing as it would have been nice to dine in a proper restaurant. The Italian restaurant we really enjoyed but the main restaurant we gave a 5 out of 10. The service was quite slow in both. The buffet restaurant we found to be very good. We visited beautiful ports and listening to the opera singer on the way out of Venice was truly magical and something I won't forget. We would not hesitate in booking another marella cruise. However we booked late and we had a cabin on deck 2 which did prove to be a bit noisy. But no other complaints.
We booked a 7 day cruise, Aug 2nd 2019, on Marella Discovery. It all looked good until we boarded the ship to find that we did not in fact have 3 rooms next to each other. Our invoice clearly showed room numbers allocated to us after paying extra an surcharge, but we ended up with 1 room on deck 3 and 2 rooms on deck 7. The reason for booking 3 rooms together was for medical issues. Staff blamed anyone but the ship's staff for the problem, even suggesting it was our fault for not checking again that the rooms we chose over the phone, when paying the supplement and that showed on the invoice, were the correct rooms? We were left with the difficult decision as to which family members' medical problem would mean them being 4 decks below us (thankfully there was no emergency). We left to make the best of the holiday after no attempt by desk staff to resolve the situation. TUI Rep dissolved the onboard TUI rep staff of any responsibilty as they not able to help in room issues. The holiday was spoilt by the room situation - but the ship is good and cruise in general was good.
* Please note - Itineraries calling into Venice and Dubrovnik will incur a small tourist tax per person, this will be added to your onboard account during the cruise.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
