The Best of the Mediterranean

Tuesday 25 August

An evening departure on Emirates to Dubai from Auckland Airport. 

Wednesday 26 August

Arrive Dubai and connect with your flight to Barcelona. Arrive in Barcelona late afternoon with a transfer to your centrally-located hotel and a Welcome Tapas Dinner in a local restaurant this evening.

Thursday 27 August

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Barcelona. Afternoon free before a Flamenco show this evening.

Friday 28 August

A full day excursion to Montserrat, a Benedictine Monk retreat northwest of Barcelona. Montserrat Monastery is of significant religious importance and the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is breath-taking.

Saturday 29 August

Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding the luxurious Sun Princess and set sail for 22 days of the best that the Mediterranean has to offer. A transfer to the port is included.

Sunday 30 August

A day at sea to relax or explore the impressive features and events on board the Sun Princess

Monday 31 August

‘The Rock’ crouches over the sea like an ancient stone beast, looking Sphinx-like to Africa. Gibraltar is a fascinating place, from its caves and batteries to the Barbary apes gambolling on the slopes of the Rock.

Tuesday 01 September

Relax on board and enjoy a wide range of entertainment options.

Wednesday 02 September

Today we dock at the largest port on the Mediterranean, Marseille is France’s second largest city. Dominating the harbour is the infamous Chateau d’If, the rocky prison from which Monte Cristo escaped. Marseille is the gateway to exploring Arles or Avignon cities which are immortalized in the canvases of Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.

Thursday 03 September

Genoa is the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria. Many regard Genoa as having the largest historic city centre in Europe as a result of having been, for centuries, a powerful commercial centre seaport and city-state. From here take the opportunity to explore Portofino, Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre or Milan. Or simply enjoy the bustling activity of Genoa’s harbour.

Friday 04 September

La Spezia offers easy access to two enchanting regions, Tuscany and its great cities, Florence and Pisa, and the Liguria’s rugged coast with its terraced villages known as Cinque Terre. An opportunity to visit Florence’s Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, the Tower of Pisa, or soak up the atmosphere in a cosy trattoria showcasing the Ligurian kitchen’s finest.

Saturday 05 September

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome’s seaport since the 13th Century. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome’s Bohemian Quarter.

Sunday 06 September

Arrive in the beautiful city of Naples - rich in centuries-old culture and customs. The third largest city in Italy boasts an ideal location, with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach. Optional excursions from here include the Isle of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. 

Monday 07 September

Perhaps treat yourself to a relaxing massage or beauty treatment at the spa.

Tuesday 08 September

Today, experience Chania which boasts a mesmerising Old Town with labyrinthine passageways and the atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. The legendary city of Knossos, often described as Europe’s oldest urbanisation, offers breath-taking 4,000-year-old Minoan ruins, home to the legendary King Minos and the mythical Minotaur. 

Wednesday 09 September

Why not treat yourself and dine at one of the delicious specialty restaurants this evening and later catch a Broadway-style show in the theatre - an ideal way to complete a perfect evening on board.

Thursday 10 September

In Kusadasi, on Turkey’s Anatolian Coast, whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district. The palm-lined esplanade is the centre of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Take the chance to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus - a major site of archaeological excavation and home to several of Christendom’s holiest sites. 

Friday 11 September

Located off the coast, Mykonos features trendy boutiques, jewellery stores, and charming cafés. Just south of the waterfront are the island’s iconic windmills. Nearby is the island of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, which has vast ruins, including three temples dedicated to the Sun God.

Saturday 12 September

Explore the stunning architectural wonders and ancient landmarks of Athens. Discover the timeless beauty of the Temple of Nike, visit the iconic Acropolis and grand Parthenon that showcase the birthplace of democracy. 

Sunday 13 September

Today let one of the most dramatic land and seascapes in the entire Mediterranean captivate you. Santorini boasts whitewashed buildings perched on volcanic cliffs that plunge into a turquoise sea. The island offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning beaches with unique black and red volcanic sand, and world-class wineries built into the cliffsides.

Monday 14 September

Tuesday 15 September

Nestled between breath-taking mountains and the glistening Adriatic Sea, Bar offers plenty of culture and history to discover. 

Wednesday 16 September

Nestled in the azure Ionian Sea, Corfu beckons with its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning coastal scenery, with olive groves stretching to the horizon and delightful villages that have charmed travellers for centuries. 

Thursday 17 September

A prominent port for both Romans and Crusaders, Messina has preserved its historic treasures, including the Annunziata dei Catalani Church. Perhaps travel to the rugged beauty of southeast Sicily, offering access to the seaside resort of Taormina and the majestic Mt. Etna.

Friday 18 September

Saturday 19 September

Arrive in Barcelona and disembark the Sun Princess to begin a scenic city sightseeing tour en route to the airport for your afternoon flight.

Sunday 20 September

Mid-morning arrival in Dubai. Change planes and depart for Auckland.

Monday 21 September

Arrive Auckland mid-morning.