Grand UK to Istanbul
This Grand Voyage begins by heading south to the Mediterranean Sea. First stop Leixoes is a springboard to Porto and Guimaraes at the heart of Portugal's earliest history. One of the Pillars of Hercules, Gibraltar stands guard where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Echoes of Hannibal can still be heard in Cartagena, the city the Romans called Cartho Nove. Vibrant Barcelona is the next port of call where an eclectic mix of architectural styles somehow blends harmoniously. Sete's roots lie in ancient Greece. D H Lawrence succumbed to the charm of Rapallo, whilst Livorno and Civitavecchia promise countless works from the masters Bernini, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Sicily's gem is Taormina and Brindisi was a fixture on the famed Silk Road. Croatian cities reborn after conflict in recent years nurture legacies bequeathed by Romans, Venetians and Hapsburgs. Immerse yourself in the art, architecture and culture of Venice 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Tales of Homer's hero Odysseus loom large in waters lapping around Ithaca before Istanbul.
- 17 Sep 2012 - Harwich, England
- 18 Sep 2012 - At Sea
- 19 Sep 2012 - At Sea
- 20 Sep 2012 - Leixoes, Portugal
- 21 Sep 2012 - At Sea
- 22 Sep 2012 - Gibraltar
- 23 Sep 2012 - Cartagena, Spain
- 24 Sep 2012 - Barcelona, Spain
- 25 Sep 2012 - Barcelona, Spain
- 26 Sep 2012 - Sete, France
- 27 Sep 2012 - At Sea
- 28 Sep 2012 - Rapallo, Italy
- 29 Sep 2012 - Livorno, Italy
- 30 Sep 2012 - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
- 01 Oct 2012 - Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
- 02 Oct 2012 - Messina, Italy
- 03 Oct 2012 - Brindisi, Italy
- 04 Oct 2012 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
- 05 Oct 2012 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
- 06 Oct 2012 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
- 07 Oct 2012 - Pula, Croatia
- 08 Oct 2012 - Venice, Italy
- 09 Oct 2012 - Koper, Slovenia
- 10 Oct 2012 - Hvar, Croatia
- 11 Oct 2012 - Kotor, Montenegro
- 12 Oct 2012 - Durres, Albania
- 13 Oct 2012 - At Sea
- 14 Oct 2012 - Itea, Greece
- 15 Oct 2012 - Katakolon, Greece
- 16 Oct 2012 - Piraeus, Greece
- 17 Oct 2012 - Canakkale, Turkey
- 18 Oct 2012 - Istanbul, Turkey
- 19 Oct 2012 - Istanbul, Turkey
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.
Leixoes, Portugal
Leixoes - springboard to the roots of Portuguese history. Visit Guimares - 'cradle of the nation', its castle the birthplace of the nation's founder and first king, or Braga - Portugal's ecclesiastical capital. Leixoes is also gateway to Porto, which with the arrival of baroque saw granite give way to artistic flourishes, gilded wood carvings and tiles filled with white and blue. Its medieval old town - steep, twisting, narrow cobbled streets lined with tall brightly painted houses topped in terracotta roof tiles, tumbles down to the River Douro. What better way to drink in Porto's sights than sitting on a terrace sipping the famous wine?
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.
Cartagena, Spain
Towering fortresses flank the harbour at Cartagena, the city from where Hannibal set out on his famous march to Rome. Step ashore and discover marvellous ruins painting a vivid picture of the two great powers - Carthaginians and Romans, who 2,200 years ago struggled for mastery of the Mediterranean. Maritime traditions continue in what is today Spain's principal naval port. Honouring great seafarers a statue of Christopher Columbus leads the eye from the Old World to the New.
Barcelona, Spain
One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Barcelona boasts magnificent architecture and a vibrant history of arts and culture. Choose a sightseeing drive around the city or take time to explore on your own. Stroll along La Rambla, visit the Gothic Quarter or climb to the top of the Parque Monjuic for views of the city and the Olympic stadium. Lovers of the modern idiom will head for the Picasso Museum or any of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces.
Sete, France
Laced by canals and lying between Etang de Thau and the Mediterranean, water is omnipresent in Sete, the 'Little Venice of Languedoc'. Step ashore and stroll past colourful houses overlooking a bustling harbour where fishing boats vie for space with sleek yachts. Venture further and the turreted medieval walled City of Carcassonne is one of few sights in the world genuinely justifying the epithet 'breathtaking'. With scents of the sea mingling with scents of Mediterranean shrub, Sete - renowned for its gastronomy, is perfect for an evening ashore.
Rapallo, Italy
Legend says that Hannibal, great enemy of the mighty Roman Empire, once crossed over the single span bridge that testifies to Rapallo's Roman roots. Today Rapallo follows the sweep of a beautiful bay. A gracious old seaside town still watched over by a 16th century castle built to defend against Saracen raids. Take the funicular to the summit of Montallegro for incredible panoramic views. Along the coast Portofino is a magnet for the rich and international yachting set.
Livorno, Italy
From Livorno, enjoy a visit to Florence in the centre of Italy's hillside region of Tuscany. The Italian language was founded here and it was the birthplace of the Renaissance movement. There is also an opportunity to visit Pisa and the famous leaning tower.
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Civitavecchia is the gateway to the ancient city of Rome, a mesmerising capital strewn with historical, architectural and religious landmarks such as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Coloseum and Pantheon. Alternatively, visit the haunting tombs of Tarquinia, found in an Etruscan Necropolis, which also contains spectacular paintings dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
With its thermal springs, this area on the sweeping Bay of Naples has been a privileged holiday location since Roman times. Wealthy patricians followed in the footsteps of Roman Emperors to ancient Stabiae, which was buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted spectacularly in 79 AD. Today's Castellammare di Stabia rose from those ashes. Pompeii and Herculaneum are windows on the past. Alternatively discover the charm of Italy's famous Amalfi coastline, or the chic little island of Capri.
Messina, Italy
Just across from the 'toe' of Italy lies Sicilian Messina, overlooking the strait where, according to ancient mythology, Odysseus faced Scylla and Carybdis. Throughout the Middle Ages, European knights flocked to Messina, a key staging post on the way to the Crusades. Despite the earthquake of 1908 and intensive bombing during World War II, the city has risen from the ashes. At noon, be sure to be standing near the astronomical clock next to the cathedral: a host of animated figures come to life as the bells peel over the city.
Brindisi, Italy
A fixture on the Silk Road, the 'Gate to the East' was always a trade route. The world's first paved road, the great 'Via Appia' led straight to Brindisi from Rome! Look beyond the modern facade of the city and myriad pointers speak volumes of its fascinating history. Visit beautiful Lecce - Apulia's 'Baroque Pearl', or UNESCO listed Alberobello bursting with the remarkable whitewashed, conical-roofed houses characteristic of Puglia.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Situated in the very south of the Republic of Croatia, Dubrovnik's walled city with its red-tiled roofs is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Now restored after the devastation brought about by years of civil war, the city is crowded with monasteries, churches and museums. Wander the main street, Placa Stradun, paved in marble, explore the Sponza Palace, one of the oldest surviving buildings, or catch stunning views of the Adriatic from the top of Dubrovnik 's imposing fortifications.
Pula, Croatia
The Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, Gate of Hercules, Temple of Augustus and marvellous amphitheatre, once the site of bloody gladiatorial battles, speak volumes about the Roman Empire in Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola - the name by which Pula was once known. Walk through the town peeling back many layers of a fascinating 3,000-year history, or visit the 14 islands and islets making up the beautiful Brijuni Islands National Park.
Venice, Italy
Discovery visits Venice, the city known as the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Getting to know this car-free city couldn't be easier: many of the best-known landmarks surround the square, including St. Mark's Basilica. Dating back to 1063 and built in the late Byzantine style, it shelters the apostle's tomb. Don't miss the Doges' Palace, the seat of government and residence of the ruler of the Venetian empire, the 17th century Bridge of Sighs, or the famous Rialto Bridge which spans the Grand Canal.
Koper, Slovenia
A fascinating capital Ljubljana, medieval Piran, the mysterious underground world of Postojna Cave and stunning beauty of Lake Bled are all possibilities from Koper, itself a city imbued in Slovenian history. Beyond the working wharves you'll find a charming Old Town that dates back to the days when the Venetians came and stayed.
Hvar, Croatia
Late medieval, renaissance and baroque houses crowd around the deep bay of this Croatian stronghold. Step ashore on the Fabrika, Hvar's honeycomb-patterned stone quay, and explore the charming town where chapels and palaces are embellished with intricately carved Venetian architecture. The island itself is a harmonious symbiosis of old villages and towns with vast fields of lavender, ancient olive trees and vineyards. What better way to enjoy the relaxed pace of life than a cruise around the archipelago studded in a sea with the clarity of cut glass!
Kotor, Montenegro
Dramatic sheer mountains plunging into the Adriatic, a backdrop to villages studded like pearls along shores lapped by incredibly blue waters, the approach to Kotor, nestled in one of the world's most beautiful bays, is breathtaking. Kotor itself is a gorgeous medieval walled city with world heritage status. Stroll through a maze of tiny alleys that meet unexpectedly to form squares anything but square. Every time worn stone, fresco painting and hidden alley holds clues to a glorious past.
Durres, Albania
Durres, city and seaport in western Albania, on the Adriatic Sea near Tirana. It is one of Albania's oldest cities, established in the year 627 B.C. Remains of Byzantine and Venetian fortifications can be seen outside the city.
Itea, Greece
Where heaven and earth met, Delphi - site of the Delphic Oracle, was for ancient Greeks the centre of the known world. Magnificently sited among cypresses and palms on the sacred slopes of Mount Parnassos, the atmospheric ruins - undoubtedly a highlight from Itea, trumpet the glories of the past.
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.
Piraeus, Greece
Piraeus is Greece's largest port and our gateway to Athens. Celebrating hosting the 2004 Olympic Games, explore this bustling city including the new Olympic Stadium, the Parthenon and the famous Acropolis and Evzones on parade at the tomb of the unknown warrior. See remains from ancient times including the Olympian Zeus Temple and Hadrian's Arch.
Canakkale, Turkey
As Discovery heads for the Sea of Marmara by way of the Dardanelles , our on-board lecturers will paint a vivid picture of the fateful campaign that was fought on these shores. At Canakkale, you can visit the key landmarks around Gallipoli: Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, and a number of Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels. Another option is to take an excursion to the site of Troy where a symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war.
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.
Fares
| Cabin Type | Fare £ |
|---|---|
| 2 Bed Inside | from 3349 |
| 2 Bed Outside | from 4499 |
| Suite | from 8099 |
Additional Information:
To enquire about this cruise please contact Bawtry Travel by completing the Cruise Enquiry Form in the right hand column.