Grand Springtime Voyage of Discovery
With its unmistakeable skyline punctuated by mosque and minaret, Istanbul is at the forefront of this marvellous cruise that promises a wealth of history, culture and beautiful nature as Discovery follows springtime through Europe back to British shores. Hovering in the air 'Meteora' Monasteries are simply breathtaking. Spectacular nature created Santorini, whilst Katakolon opens the door on ancient Greek history. Within the mighty walls of Valletta footprints of Crusaders pave the way to Trapani and its history of Phoenician traders. Sur Nuraxi on Sardinia turns the clock back still further before a Balearic beauty and remarkable legacies of the Moors. The unmistakeable profile of 'The Rock' guards the Strait of Gibraltar, Casablanca - a tantalising mix of modern and traditional Moroccan culture, Madeira a colourful canvas of springtime flora and finally glorious landscapes of the delightful Azores.
- 06 Apr 2013 - Depart UK by air and transfer to Discovery
- 07 Apr 2013 - Istanbul, Turkey
- 08 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 09 Apr 2013 - Volos, Greece
- 10 Apr 2013 - Santorini, Greek Islands
- 11 Apr 2013 - Katakolon, Greece
- 12 Apr 2013 - Valletta, Malta
- 13 Apr 2013 - Trapani, Italy
- 14 Apr 2013 - Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
- 15 Apr 2013 - Mahon, Menorca, Spain
- 16 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 17 Apr 2013 - Malaga, Spain
- 18 Apr 2013 - Malaga, Spain
- 19 Apr 2013 - Gibraltar
- 20 Apr 2013 - Casablanca, Morocco
- 21 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 22 Apr 2013 - Funchal, Madeira
- 23 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 24 Apr 2013 - Ponta Delgada, Azores
- 25 Apr 2013 - Horta (Faial), Azores
- 26 Apr 2013 - Praia da Vitoria, Azores
- 27 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 28 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 29 Apr 2013 - At Sea
- 30 Apr 2013 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
- 01 May 2013 - Harwich, England
Istanbul, Turkey
Any visit to Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. With its unique skyline of pencil-thin minarets and a magnificent series of domes and half-domes topping each mosque along the Bosphorus, the setting is spectacular. Founded in the 17th century BC by the Greek, Byzas, the city once known as Byzantium and then Constantinople still lives up to the exotic label of 'Gateway to the East'. During a two-night stay, choose from a selection of tours that visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, Santa Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. You can also enjoy traditional nights of Turkish entertainment.
Volos, Greece
Discovery sails into the Pagasitic Gulf to call at Volos, the capital of Magnesia that nestles in the shadow of the Pelion Mountains. Beyond the popular resort town and its busy promenade lie a number of interesting archaeological sites. These include the prehistoric settlement of Dimini with its ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dating back as far as 4000 BC. Other highlights include Sesklo with the remains of the oldest Acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), or the incomparable acoustics of the theatre at ancient Dimitrias, and the amazing monasteries perched on pinnacles at Meteora.
Santorini, Greek Islands
About 1500 BC the island of Kallista (the fair one) erupted. What remains today is a caldera into which cruise ships sail to anchor at Santorini, beneath the 700 foot cliffs on whose crest is perched the village of Thera. Climb the 587 steps on foot, by donkey, or take the funicular. The small white-washed village is a firm favourite with photographers. Enjoy a leisurely day or take a tour to the ancient city of Akrotiri.
Katakolon, Greece
From the sleepy agricultural port of Katakolon it is a short drive to the wooded groves marking the site of Olympia, setting for the original Olympic Games between Greek city states which began in 776 BC. The wrestling grounds are to be seen, the Temples of Zeus and Hera and the huge gold-encrusted statue of Zeus, counted one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Valletta, Malta
Malta has been the 'prize' of many an Empire. Romans, Byzantines, Arabs,Normans - all the great powers fought topreside over the strategically sited island. Megalithic Tarxien Temples are just the first in an impressive line of monuments illustrating a long, often illustrious, history. Inevitably the name Malta evokes images of the George Cross and the great stone fortifications of Valletta's Grand Harbour area spectacular and perfect introduction to the city that was the final stronghold of the Knights of St John.
Trapani, Italy
According to legend whilst seeking her beloved lost daughter, Demeter - goddess of harvest and plenty, dropped her sickle in a moment of despair. As it fell to earth and landed in the sea Trapani grew in its place, retaining the form of the Goddess's scythe. Since Phoenician times Trapani has been the home of a unique trade in salt. The city merges into a landscape of salt plains dotted with ancient windmills that is home to myriad birdlife protected by the World Wildlife Fund. Alternatively explore Erice and Segesta - windows on a classical past.
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Straddling a long bay between sparkling blue water and rolling ochre fields, Cagliari is a bewitching blend of modern urban cityand medieval mystery. Explore any of the four historic quarters and you'll find each is a treasure trove of fascinating architecture. Dotted in their midst the ruins of the largest Punic necropolis, second only to Carthage in the Mediterranean, and a 10,000-seat Roman amphitheatre testify to this Mediterranean gem's great past.
Mahon, Menorca, Spain
Mahon - capital city of the Balearic Island of Menorca - is an elegant town with a number of Georgian style houses, a reminder to the islands british colonial past. The harbour is one of the town's major attractions, and is the second deepest natural harbor in the world. From the port area the town is accessed by fairly steep streets at the top of which is the Eglesia del Carme a former Carmelite church. Menorca is famous for it's special Mahon Cheese which is made of cow milk, gin, and mayonaise which was invented in Mahon.
Malaga, Spain
Capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga - though standing on 3,000 years of history, better reflects the face of modern day Spain. Stepping from the ancient past tothe present you have time to explore.
Gibraltar
Known in ancient times as the Pillars of Hercules, the Rock of Gibraltar togetherwith Mount Abyla - its counterpart onthe African side, stands guard wherethe Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Interms of history, geography, geology, floraand fauna, Gibraltar is both enigmatic andunique. Uncover what lies within 'TheRock', meet its most famous residents - the Barbary Apes, or take a cable car to the summit and look out towards horizons thatenticed Christopher Columbus more than five centuries ago.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is Morocco's main port and largest city, and also the commercial and industrial centre of the country. Casablanca is a modern city with a rich heritage where the various arts, cultures and old traditions live harmoniously together. The city, nicknamed Casa by the locals, is a great place to rest and relax and to take in the sights, fanastic restaurants and a wide variety of shopping. Around the old Medina - a small traditional walled town - it's easy to find places selling traditional Moroccan goods.
Funchal, Madeira
A stepping-stone on this Columbus trail from the Old World to the New, Madeira isa heady mix of beautiful dramatic scenery, fascinating history and rich culture. At theheart of the island Pico Ruivo is a dormantpeak of volcanic origin. Verdant foliageswathes spectacular landscapes wheredeep ravines plunge down towards cliffstowering above the mighty Atlantic. Cradledat the heart of a natural amphitheatre, Funchal - the island's capital, is the perfect introduction to the 'Floating Garden.
Ponta Delgada, Azores
There is a timeless feel to the Azores - remote, unspoilt, volcanic in origin and a marvellous showcase of nature in its original splendour. Ponta Delgada is a springboard to Sao Miguel's spectacular landscape pitted with deep craters, some filled with shimmering lakes and others covered with lush vegetation. Explore the town's narrow streets lined with picturesque whitewashed houses, or wander the waterfront promenade. Turn the pages on the naval Battle of Ponta Delgada, as the Azores - second to last of the Portuguese Empire, resisted Philip II of Spain's claim to the throne.
Horta (Faial), Azores
Horta - a welcome sight for sailors through the centuries! Hundreds of yachts nuzzle in the marina, their rigging sprouting a dense thicket of masts, cables and spars against the town's historic waterfront. Venture further to where pretty windmills sit among lavender shrubs and blue haze rises above fields of hydrangeas giving Faial its name 'blue island.
Praia da Vitoria, Azores
Historic Praia da Vitoria is situated in a large bay on the east coast. This pretty town possesses a long and attractive sandy beach, a smart marina, a lovely pedestrian shopping zone and a very pleasant ambiance. The town received its present name from Queen Maria II in 1837 in grateful recognition of the first victory of the Liberals over the Royalists on the 11th of August 1829 in a naval battle, which took place in the town's habour.
St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Tucked into a lee of Normandy, Guernsey is a captivating blend of superb scenery and rich history. A patchwork of roofs rising from the harbour, atop Roman arches, coloured granite buildings and narrow medieval alleyways, its capital - St Peter Port, has a special charm thanks to its Anglo-French pedigree. Discover the island, explore the tiny neighbouring island of Herm, or visit Castle Cornet that for eight centuries has guarded the harbour and town, whose history is inextricably linked to the sea.
Harwich, England
Harwich, Essex is located on the coast with the North Sea to the east. It is in the Tendring district. Nearby places include Felixstowe to the northeast, Ipswich to the northwest and Colchester to the southwest.
The town is believed to date from the mid-12th century. Harwich was the home town for Christopher Jones, the master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, and was also a base for the ship.
Fares
| Cabin Type | Fare £ |
|---|---|
| 2 Bed Inside | from 2899 |
| 2 Bed Outside | from 3299 |
| Suite | from 4739 |
Additional Information:
To enquire about this cruise please contact Bawtry Travel by completing the Cruise Enquiry Form in the right hand column.