Grand UK, Mediterranean & Black Sea

Sumela Monastery near Trabzon, on Turkey's Black Sea coast.

This Grand Voyage begins in Leixoes, gateway to Porto, and ends in magnificent Istanbul. Along the way are iconic Spanish cities - Cartagena and Barcelona and Italian gems such as Florence, Rome and Naples. An exploration of the Adriatic begins in Dubrovnik with its Grand Renaissance and Gothic buildings, and then Pula and Hvar via the stunning city of Venice. Medieval buildings and ancient sites abound in Balkan cities like Koper, Kotor, and Durres, while Greece and Turkey offer sacred sites - Olympia, Corinth, and the legendary city of Troy. From Istanbul Discovery sails into the Black Sea - visiting lands that have witnessed heroic sieges and been the playground of powerful dictators and Russian Tsars. Yalta with its elegant palaces, and Sevastopol with its history of the Crimean War, lead to Odessa and Nesebur and back to Istanbul.

Grand UK, Mediterranean & Black Sea

Harwich, England

Historically Harwich (famous for the phrase "Harwich for the Continent") was an important port providing sheltered anchorage for shipping through the ages.

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.

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Leixoes, Portugal

Leixoes is Portugal's second-largest city, famous for its production of port wine, and its historic centre is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.

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?

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Gibraltar

Visitors to Gibraltar are guaranteed of breathtaking scenery, wildlife and architecture, that captures the unique flavour of this Mediterranean City and its inhabitants.

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.

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Cartagena, Spain

Spain's main naval port, Cartagena, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city's Moorish, Roman and Phoenician heritage.

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.

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Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a beautiful city, overflowing with cultural delights, and top attractions. Enjoy a lovely walk along the beautiful tree lined La Rambla with its many flower stalls, street entertainers and nearby La Boqueria market, a top tourist destination.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Livorno, Italy

Livorno is a lovely port town, often called the "Venice of Tuscany", as the Mediterranean reaches all the way to the city's historic quarter, giving way to canals and enchanting bridges.

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.

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Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Civitavecchia is a popular seaside resort and attractive town to visit, without forgetting the Roman baths.

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.

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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.

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Messina, Italy

Messina, the city that launched a thousand ships and port of the Crusaders.

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.

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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.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik - George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, with its historic Old Town and spectacular views of the azure Adriatic.

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.

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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.

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Venice, Italy

Venice is a beautiful, romantic destination with its narrow, traffic-free streets along the winding canals make it a perfect place to walk around and enjoy the old city sights.

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.

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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.

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Hvar, Croatia

Hvar, queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands, is the longest and the sunniest Croatian island and one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Katakolon, Greece

Katakolon - gateway to Olympia and its archeological site - is a place that one needs plenty of time to explore fully and to discover the magic of the place.

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.

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Piraeus, Greece

Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest port in Greece, and one of the leading ports in the Mediterranean.

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.

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Canakkale, Turkey

The "wooden horse" from the 2004 movie Troy is exhibited on the seafront of Canakkale, which is the nearest major town to the site of ancient Troy.

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.

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Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey's most populous city, located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.

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.

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Sochi, Russia

Sochi, a favourite holiday destination on the Black Sea with beautiful warm sea on one side, and the snow capped peaks of the Caucasus mountains on the other, has been chosen to host the Winter Olympics in 2014.

Set at the foot of the Caucausus Mountains, the spa town of Sochi enjoys a pleasant climate, warm seas, lush vegetation and the curative powers of its springs at Matsesta. The city played a prominent role during the 1917 Revolution when Lenin decreed that resort facilities for working people should be provided. Relax by the beach, visit the botanical gardens and look out for the many Trees of Friendship around town - citrus trees with buds grafted on by visitors from all over the world as a symbol of peace and friendship.

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Novorossiysk, Russia

Founded in 1838, Novorossiysk is situated along the Tsemesk harbour, on the Black Sea, and is one of the few cities in Russia honoured with the title of Hero City in recognition for its valour during World War II.

Overlooking beautiful Tsemes Bay, with the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains a scenic backdrop, Novorossiysk is a 'Hero City'. The fascinating story of the heroic role a small unit of Soviet sailors played in the 'Great Patriotic War' unfolds in Novorossiysk State Historical Museum. A legacy of Tsar Alexander, Abrau- Dyurso Winery invites you to pop the cork on sparkling Russian champagne.

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Yalta, Ukraine

Picturesque Yalta is a popular resort town on the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula, situated between Alushta and Sevastopol.

With its warm sub-tropical climate Yalta was always popular with the ruling elite of Russia. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards and orchards, Yalta was the favourite holiday home for Tsar Nicholas and his family. Later the city was written into the history books as the site for the historic Conference between Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt in 1945 when the post-war map of Europe was decided.

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Sevastopol, Ukraine

Situated on the Black Sea coast of the Crimean peninsula, Sevastopol is an elegant city of gleaming neoclassical buildings, an 19th century fort built to defend the port, and a beautiful waterfront promenade.

The historic city of Sevastopol, built on the tip of the Crimean peninsula with a vast natural harbour, has long been of great strategic importance. Discover more about the Charge of the Light Brigade on a full-day "Crimean War Highlights" tour; alternatively, visit the Museum of the Black Sea fleet and the Panorama, an evocative circular painting depicting the 349-day siege of Sevastopol. There will also be visits to the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus founded in 422 BC and Bakhchisaray, home to the ruling Khans in the fifteenth century.

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Odessa, Ukraine

Odessa is a big city-port situated on the Black Sea shore well-known for its monuments, parks, museums, magnificent architecture, sunny beaches, warm sea and a special way of life.

Known as the 'Black Pearl', Odessa was founded in 1794 on the orders of Catherine the Great. Enjoy a city tour with visits to the magnificent Cathedrals of the Assumption and Illinsky, the Art Museum and the Potemkin Steps, made famous in the Eisenstein film 'Battleship Potemkin'. See the 'Tiger Gun' captured in 1854 from HMS Tiger. Stroll along the Primorsky Boulevard past the Baroque-style Opera House, the Palace of Weddings, and the imposing palace of Count Vorontsov.

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Nesebur, Bulgaria

Nessebar's beach is one of the finest along the Black Sea coast due to a large sandy strip of land between the town and the village of Ravda, covered with clean golden sand.

One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria, walking the old quarter is something of a time warp. Reaching its zenith under Tsar Ivan Alexander in the 14th century before being absorbed into the clutches of the Ottoman Empire, the city at one time had as many as 40 churches. Many have disappeared, but those that remain warrant a visit, the grandest of these being the 'Old Bishopric'. There are also fine examples of typical Black Sea houses, featuring stone basements with wood-panelled upper floors and bay windows that overhang the narrow cobbled streets.

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Fares

Cabin Type Fare
£
2 Bed Inside from 4599
2 Bed Outside from 6169
Suite from 11129

Additional Information:

To enquire about this cruise please contact Bawtry Travel by completing the Cruise Enquiry Form in the right hand column.