DAY 1 - 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.
At Sea
DAY 2 - 28 Sep 2022
You will be at sea on day 2 while travelling from Palma, Majorca to Cagliari, Sardinia.
Cagliari, Sardinia
DAY 3 - 29 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 3 PM
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia, and was the cradle of the Pre-Nuragic culture. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 8th century BC, and was later colonized by different populations due to its strategic position on the Mediterranean. Among the places of interest that stand out are the Bastion of Saint Remy, the ancient quarter of Castello, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Cecilia. There are also numerous other archaeological sites from different historical periods.
Things to do in Cagliari, Sardinia:
Bastione San Remy
The Bastion of Saint Remy, simply called Bastione by the inhabitants of Cagliari, is one of the entrances to the historic Castello district. After climbing the steps towards the fortress structure, visitors will be rewarded with a wonderful view from the panoramic terrace.
Calamosca Beach
The beach of Calamosca is about 4 km away from the city centre and can be reached by bus. From the beach you can admire the Calamosca Tower, now owned by the Navy, which was built by the Spanish in 1638 as part of the defensive system.
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption & Saint Cecilia
The construction of the Cathedral of Cagliari, in the Castello district, dates back to the 13th century and mainly has a Pisan Romanesque style. The facade (thirties of the twentieth century) is in neo-Romanesque style and is inspired by that of the Cathedral of Pisa.
Capri (Naples)
DAY 4 - 30 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
The small and charming island of Capri is located in the Gulf of Naples, south-west of the Sorrento peninsula, to which it was once connected. Its coasts boast numerous caves and quarries alternating with steep cliffs. Capri is divided into the municipalities of Capri and Anacapri, and there is a total of about 14,000 inhabitants. The Blue Grotto, the Gardens of Augustus, the Villa San Michele and the Monte Solaro are some of the places of interest that are worth a visit.
Things to do in Capri (Naples):
Anacapri
Anacapri is one of the two administrative municipalities of the island of Capri. It rises on the slopes of Monte Solaro, and is where the Blue Grotto and Villa San Michele are located. Visitors shroud take the time to tackle the Phoenician steps in order to then enjoy the stunning views below.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto, whose beauty has been praised many times by many poets, is undoubtedly the best known spot in the island of Capri. The enclosed cave owes its name to the shade of blue that the pool of water takes on, thanks to the light that filters through a partially submerged opening.
Gardens of Augustus
The Gardens of Augustus make up a gorgeous city park on the island of Capri. It is an extensive botanical garden, hosting many different plants typical of the area. It also offers a breathtaking view of the Faraglioni rock formation, and the bay of Marina Piccola.
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is one of the tourist hot spots on the island of Capri. Located on the opposite side of the main port and not far from the gardens of Augustus, most visitors love to take a dip in its crystal clear waters and gaze at the view of the Faraglioni rock formation.
Monte Solaro
Mount Solaro, at 589 meters high, is formed by the same limestone of which the entire island of Capri is made. A hike here enables visitors to see around a thousand different species of plants, and the rare blue lizard, the only one of its kind in the world.
Ville San Michele
Villa San Michele is located in the municipality of Anacapri, in the north of the island. It owes its name to the ruins of a 10th century chapel dedicated to San Michele. The villa is also home to a majestic statue of a sphinx looking out to sea, which dates back to the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century BC.
Mount Vesuvius
The profile of Naples would not be the same without Mount Vesuvius that dominates the city skyline. Versuvius is known for the violent eruption of AD 79, which became famous for the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and was witnessed by Pliny the Younger.
Pompeii
The history of Pompeii begins in the 9th century BC, when the area was inhabited by the Opici people - an ancient Latin population. Today the town is famous because of the eruption of Vesuvius, which occurred in 79 AD, which led to its total destruction.
National Archaeological Museum
The opening of the historic National Archaeological Museum of Naples took place in 1816. Built by Ferdinando I of Borbone, at the time king of the Two Sicilies, it boasts the richest collection of works and archaeological finds with regard to Roman history.
Herculaneum
The tremendous eruption of Vesuvius, in 79 AD, not only destroyed Pompeii but also the ancient city of Herculaneum. The archaeological excavations of this city can be visited today and, since 1997, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
DAY 5 - 01 Oct 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 7 PM
One of the most famous cities in the world, Rome has been an epicentre of politics, art, architecture, and food for thousands of years. It is home to some of the most well-known historic sites such as the Colosseum, the pantheon, and Vatican City. It’s easy to spend a day in a hundred different ways in Rome, whether you’re looking to sip on incredible wine and people-watch, indulge in decadent pasta, pizza, risotto, and gelato, or if you’re eager to wander around the streets soaking in all the history you can. Rome is one capital city which will always leave you wanting more.
Things to do in Rome (Civitavecchia):
Vatican City
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.
St Peter's Basilica
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.
Colosseum
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.
Sistine Chapel
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.
Michelangelo's Pietà
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.
Pantheon
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.
Piazza Navona
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.
Ajaccio, Corsica
DAY 6 - 02 Oct 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 4 PM
As the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio and its museums and monuments is a must visit for history enthusiasts. During the day you’ll find beachgoers enjoying the sun and sea and locals relaxing in one of the many café’s while, after dark, the city is alive with thriving nightlife. Whether you’re here to relax or play, Ajaccio’s historic, pastel-coloured lanes and buildings will provide the perfect setting to a cruise holiday.
Things to do in Ajaccio, Corsica:
Pointe de la Parata
Pointe de la Parata is where you’ll find the perfect spot to watch the sunset, as well as the Tower of Parata, a ruined Genoese tower built in the 1550’s. A walking route will take you to the best viewpoints as well as the clear, blue sea where you can take a dip.
Fesch Museum
Situated in the heart of Ajaccio, the Fesch Museum is dedicated to fine arts, particularly Early Italian and Renaissance pieces. With one of France’s largest collections of Italian works, the Fesch Museum is a must visit for art-enthusiasts.
Maison Bonaparte
The home in which the great and controversial leader, Napoléon, was born, Maison Bonaparte is must visit in Ajaccio. Now preserved as a museum dedicated to memorabilia of the family, this house provides great insight into one of the biggest names in history.
Salons Napoléoniens
Found in Ajaccio’s town hall is an ornate gallery showcasing paintings, sculptures, medals and other memorabilia connected to Napoleon and donated by the Bonaparte family. Most notable is the full-length portrait of Napoleon himself.
Ajaccio Cathedral
Officially the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Ajaccio, this Baroque-style church was where Napoleon was baptised in 1771. While the exterior is modest and subtle, visitors will find rich, grand décor within including a stunning organ.
Palamos
DAY 7 - 03 Oct 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Famous for its deliciously fresh seafood – the prawns are particularly highly recommended! Palamos offers sandy stretches of beaches, lively nightlife, hidden coves to explore and plenty of natural beauty to hike and bike. Learn about the city’s thriving fishing trade, take a cooking workshop and simply relax in the sun! Palamos has plenty to be discovered for history enthusiasts and foodies in particular, though kids will also love splashing in the sea all day.
Things to do in Palamos:
Cala s'Alguer
Though this hidden gem may be a little off the beaten track, Cala S’Alguer is an intimate, quaint beach lined with whitewashed fishermen’s houses, bars and lush pinewood. Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in this tranquil photographer’s dream.
Castell de Sant Esteve
Found at the end of La Fosca beach, Castell de Sant Esteve is a great example of Palamo’s traditional architecture from around the 12th and 13th centuries. It is not known exactly when the castle was founded, but it’s still worth exploring these eerie ruins.
The Fishing Museum
The fishing trade in Palamos is a spectacle in itself, though to truly uncover the history of this industry, a visit to the Museu de la Pesca is well worth it. Through a range of exhibitions and activities, discover what it’s like to be a real fisherman!
Palma, Majorca
DAY 8 - 04 Oct 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.