Charming Mediterranean

Welcome to Portugal and its vibrant capital, Lisbon. You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on your discovery of the Western Mediterranean. Please book your flight to arrive into Lisbon prior to 12:00 PM.

After a picturesque cruise south along the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, sail into the Mediterranean and the beautiful city of Portimão. At the heart of the sparkling Algarve region, it gets more than 300 days of sunshine each year and has long been a bustling hub for fishing and ship building. Admire its historic centre, characterised by a distinctively Portuguese ambience, stroll through plazas filled with open-air cafés, and swim in the turquoise waters of Praia da Rocha.

The coastal town of Cádiz, in the Andalusian region of Spain, is your stop for today. Considered to be the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, it was founded by the Phoenicians around 1100BC.  Cádiz has been a prominent trading port for centuries and is often referred to as the ‘City of the Watchtowers’ for its striking defensive structures from the 16th and 17th centuries. With a rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage, the city is filled with landmarks, antique quarters and lush gardens that will capture all your senses.

Enjoy a morning sail to Tangier. Guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangiers has been Europes gateway to Africa for centuries, welcoming with a blend of exotic cultures and influences unique to Morocco. Look, listen and smell: the diversity of the bustling local crowds, the heavy fragrances of spices in the colourful markets and murmurs of the sea and vibrant Old Town   – a feast of sensations that stuns the senses.

Arrive in Malaga this morning, one of the great cultural hubs of Spain and the capital of the Costa del Sol. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it has an impressive collection of galleries, a buzzing art district and exceptional dining. You’ll also find many impressive historic sights, including the Alcazaba, which is one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia. Climb up to Gibralfaro Castle, 132 metres above sea level, to take in the best views over the city.

Wake up early this morning and stand on your balcony to admire the spectacular natural harbour of Cartagena as your yacht sails into port. Part of the Mediterraneans Costa Cálida, Cartagena was one of the most important naval ports in Spain until the 18th century. This portside town has been inhabited by several cultures over the centuries, all of whom have left their mark on its streets. Walk its beautiful streets and see layers of history unfold before you, from the Roman Amphitheatre to the Torre Ciega and the Castillo de la Concepción.

The most famous party island in the world, Ibiza has become synonymous with electronic dance music, luxury living and late-night revelry. But while it’s a clubber’s paradise, it is also home to glorious beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and Bohemian wellness retreats. Despite its hedonistic reputation, Ibiza promotes responsible tourism, with initiatives to ensure the islands natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

The quietest and most relaxed of the Balearic Islands, Menorca gives you a taste of how these islands used to be. The island’s capital, Mahón, is on the east coast and is yours to explore today. It sits on the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and was colonised by the British in the 18th century, leaving a legacy of grand naval buildings and Georgian townhouses. Beyond that, there’s a wealth of prehistoric structures to explore and the interior of the island remains largely untouched, dotted with rolling farmland and whitewashed villages.

Cross into Italy and the island of Sardinia, sitting off the west coast of the mainland in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The charming city of Alghero is on the island’s northwestern tip and is known for its gold sea walls, built in the 16th century. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water and blissful climate make it one of the Sardinia’s most popular resorts. Alghero’s culture is a fascinating blend of Spanish and Italian (the official language is Catalan) and you’ll see it in the architecture, lifestyle and cuisine.

Perched atop a narrow limestone peninsula on the French Island of Corsica, Bonifacio has breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Take a step back in time, exploring Bonifacio’s atmospheric Old Town, a fortified medieval citadel filled with quaint narrow streets and historic structures. Don’t miss The Staircase of the King of Aragon (Escalier du Roi dAragon), a steep flight of steps carved into the cliffside, which leads down to the clear, blue-green sea.

Your time on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Civitavecchia, a historic seaport and main gateway for the Italian capital, Rome, the ‘Eternal City’ and former epicentre of the ancient Roman Empire.  After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you’ll  be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 01:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons, including changes to port timings and berth status. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.