Mediterranean and Croatia - Venice to Rome

The heart of the medieval old city and its neo-classical Austrian quarter offer great expressions of this seaports colourful past. The food is divine, the culture vibrant, and ambience quite unique.

The important capital of the Friuli Venezia Guilia region of northeast Italy, Trieste may be small but it has a big story to tell. The Roman theatre built between the first and second century AD now plays host to performances throughout the summer months. From Byzantine times to Germanic, Jewish and Slavic influences, traces of great rulers and regimes gone by live on in today's architecture all around. Take a tour in any direction for a fascinating discovery of the times and tastes of Trieste on your Mediterranean cruise.

Of course, it's not only the shoreline that warrants your attention. With its thriving community of seabirds and marine mammals, a scenic cruise of the Dalmatian Coast also paves the way for some potential wildlife encounters. Never shy about saying hello, bottlenose dolphins are just one of the region's nautical residents. Curious and playful, their friendly disposition means they can often be spotted on the water's surface, so there's every possibility one may make an appearance as you're sailing by on your Cunard Queen.

The pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik provides the perfect mix of culture-rich experiences, delicious dining, and breathtaking scenery. Not forgetting the opportunity to explore the iconic Old City Walls, which were heavily featured in HBO's multi-award-winning fantasy series, Game of Thrones.

Drift into a land of Baroque charm, making memories that will stay with you long after you depart.

Connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, between the Eastern tip of Sicily and Western Calabria, the narrow waterway of Italy's Strait of Messina provides passage to more than 300 migrating birds and is a hotbed of biodiversity.

Swordfish migrate here annually between May and July, and can regularly be sighted along the water's surface, while storks, flamingos, Egyptian vultures, and record numbers of birds of prey are among the Strait of Messina's regular feathered visitors.

Just 3 kilometres (a little shy of 2 miles) at its narrowest point, and with a naturally occurring whirlpool at its northern tip, the Strait has been linked to the Greek legend of Scylla and Charybdis; two opposing sea monsters believed to have inhabited the waters in ancient times.

Fata Morgana, or mirage, have also been known to appear on the horizon here. Historically thought to be conjured up by sorceresses to lure unsuspecting sailors, these mirages take shape when the atmosphere is just so and have been witnessed when looking towards Sicily from Calabria.

Combined with spectacular coastal scenery, including the mountain ranges of Monte Dinnammare and Peloritani, a sail along the Strait of Messina holds the promise of many magical encounters.

The cool Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are an unusual treat, while above ground you can wander Palermo's grand boulevards; the Corso Vittorio Emanuele or Via Maqueda, or both.

This iconic island destination was reputedly founded as early as 654BC by Phoenician settlers, and its rocky peaks combine beautifully with the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Though the city is renowned for its club culture and electronic dance music scene, Ibiza has a wealth of cultural and historic riches to offer. Large portions of the island are protected as World Heritage Sites and the Renaissance walls of the Old Town are among few examples of their type left in the world. You're sure to feel the intoxicating energy of Ibiza, whether youre peering over ancient fortifications or sunbathing on internationally esteemed beaches.

Providing the perfect way to soak up the many sights and sounds of Barcelona life, a cruise will allow you to explore the city's abundance of exciting attractions, exquisite examples of Spanish cuisine including mouth-watering tapas, and many historic landmarks. And, as the sun goes down, the city truly comes alive, with an array of restaurants, bars, clubs and entertainment venues.

Being one of the busiest seaports in Europe, Valencia warmly welcomes thousands of guests each year who seek to explore the wonderful delights it has to offer. Valencia Port is located in the heart of the Valencia region and is just a short walk south of swaying palm trees, golden shores, and glistening blue seas.

As you sail into port, be sure to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells that introduce you to the ancient city. Here is when your immersive journey around the Mediterranean really begins.
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A city steeped in history, the centre of Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant area, bursting with sights, smells, and cultural experiences in which to immerse yourself.

Arriving by cruise ship brings you into the turquoise waters of the port of Palma de Mallorca, a 15-minute drive or 45-minute stroll from the city, on the southside of the Island.

Its a wonderful introduction to Mallorca, the natural bay of the port offering your first glimpses of the island's majestic golden beaches and rippling palm trees.

Ajaccio is probably most known for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. As you wander the city's pretty streets, find this iconic leader immortalised in statues and plaques everywhere. When you're not exploring history and architectural highlights, perhaps find time to simply sit somewhere peaceful and enjoy the view of brightly painted fishing boats and rustling palms.

La Spezia is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre, a collection of five fantasy-like coastal villages perched immaculately on the contours of the coastline.