A Mediterranean Feast

Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naple's ‘underworld’ reputation has mellowed in recent years, making it the perfect starting point for our explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plagues and infamous natural disasters, Neapolitans are well known for their dramatic, larger-than-life personalities. A dedication to family and their ancestral roots makes them natural storytellers, with a passion to share their stoic city and its intrinsic tales with all they encounter. Developed by Rome’s elite as a series of holiday resorts and prosperous towns, the southern coastline of the Bay of Naples offers a wealth of insights into the ancient world, while the modern city of Naples is an eclectic mix of winding lanes, underground channels and glass-fronted high-rise buildings, making it a town with more than its share of tall tales. Our ‘Your choice’ options today focus on two of many Neapolitans' favourite pastimes. Talking about their city’s eclectic past and everything ‘food’.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Morning experience: Napoli on a plate 

Embark on a journey through time as you delve into the rich tapestry of Italy's culinary heritage. Join us on a gastronomic expedition through Naples' where the timeless traditions of the beloved pizza originated. Experience the artistry of centuries-old culinary practices as you savour two distinct varieties of pizza, immersing yourself in the gastronomic culture of Naples. Soak up the authentic charm of a local pizzeria, and indulge in one of Naples' iconic pastries, a sweet finale to a morning steeped in the flavours of history and tradition.  

Option 2 - Morning experience: Naples; yesterday - today 

A city of complex themes, and one of the bedrocks of Italian culture, Naples’ immense history plays out amongst the winding alleys of its old town, and what lies beneath. We begin with a stroll through these lively streets that still follow the decumani, or ancient Roman roads, originally laid out 2,000 years ago. Underneath the Gothic church of San Lorenzo Maggiore where the city of Neapolis’ forum once lay, we encounter its main street - Decumanus Maximus. Here we see traces of the former city, as we descend underground and explore this archaeological complex, which has both Greek and Roman roots. We learn the role of the Greek Agora and the subsequent Roman Forum, in civic and commercial life during antiquity, before skipping to the 20th century. Naples was Italy’s most bombed city during World War II, and these tunnels are thought to have saved the lives of more than 200,000 people who used the tunnels as bomb shelters. Back above ground we explore the city’s political and social history, from its Greek origins as Neapolis (the new city) to modern times. We find the Castel Nuovo, the previous political centre of the city, the Palazzo Reale, which served as the royal palace during the reign of the Spanish Bourbon Kings and the stoic buildings of the city’s medieval period. With the Bay of Naples as a backdrop, Naples reveals the twists and turns in her story throughout our quest into her past.  

Afternoon experience: The Palace of Caserta

You are forgiven if you have never heard of the Palace of Caserta, but once you have visited it you may never stop talking about it. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Caserta sprawls over five floors, 1,200 rooms, 11 acres of gardens, pools, fountains and cascades, and almost 300 acres of parklands. Designed according to the wishes of Charles of Bourbon III, by Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century, Caserta was a palace ahead of its time. Respect for nature became the palace's calling card, drawing from trends spreading across Europe at the time. Hundreds of rare and precious plants from around the world were brought to Caserta, and still grown there today. Grand, excessive and opulent, a visit to Caserta will fill your diary with superlatives.  

Our welcome dinner this evening is in true Neapolitan style at a classic property with plenty of fascinating stories in store.  

Accommodation: Royal Continental Naples Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast and dinner 

Spend the day with our expert guides at Pompeii, one of the world’s best-known archaeological sites. Once a prosperous commercial centre, Pompeii’s surrounding plains were among the most fertile in the Roman Empire. Reaping the rewards of trading grains, fruits, nuts, fish and, of course, wine, wealthy merchants flaunted their status by buying foreign products like expensive meat and salted fish from Spain, and provocative spices from Asia.    

Known to the Neapolitans simply as ‘him’, Mount Vesuvius towers over the surrounding fertile plains at 13,779 feet (4,200 metres). He has been rather quiet of late, but it was a different story in 79 BCE, when ash and rocks hurled ten miles high and lava vomited forth engulfing the cities of Pompeii and its seaside sister of Herculaneum. Albeit a tragedy, the excavation of these extensive sites reveals treasure for archaeologists. Physical evidence of the city’s final dramatic moments, preserved forever amongst the volcanic ash, speak louder than words. The bones of a wealthy trader clutching the keys to his chest of profits, wine goblets and freshly baked bread sitting on tables ready to be consumed and the body of a wealthy woman sleeping in a gladiator’s quarters are some of the scenes that have been unearthed. Each tells a tale of intrigue, returned to life by the ruins and remains, of these Roman cities. 

Mid- afternoon we return to Naples to board Sylvia Earle and sail from the home port of the US Navy’s 6th fleet, with Mount Vesuvius as our backdrop. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Dinner where we meet our Exploration team

Jutting into the Gulf of Gaeta, the town of the same name has a rich history featuring everyone from the Romans to Saracens, emperors to pirates and Popes to kings. This authentic medieval town, dominated by its fortress castle and framed by a protected marina can be explored independently. Alternatively, our 'Your Choice' shore excursion offers a morning of heroic tales before we leave the mainland for the island of Sardinia.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experience 

Morning experience: Monte Cassino 

This morning we pay respect to all those who fought, and the members of the local community who were innocently caught up, in the tragedy that unfolded at Montecassino: lest we forget.  

Surrounded by fields of white crosses, each a testament to the soul held in its care, the Montecassino region and its hilltop benedictine monastery now attract a different pilgrim. Thousands visit each year to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice as they forged north towards Rome in June 1944. Perched high on its precipice, the monastery was considered an ammunition depot by the Allied Forces, filled with priceless artworks. Montecassino bristled with cannons, mine fields and machine gun nests and the fighting was fierce, accumulating in the loss of entire divisions as they tried to scale its slopes. Eventually bombed into ruins in one of the most controversial actions of WWII, the rebuilt monastery stands as a testament to the bravery of the 70,000 troops who lost their lives at Montecassino while trying to break the Gustav Line and open the road to Rome.  

The Mediterranean’s second largest island, Sardinia is unique and enigmatic. Its coastline and beaches, granite cliffs, and mountainous inland support sprawling resorts, medieval villages, ruined castles and ancient churches – all a testimony to the island's eventful history as the centre of the Mediterranean’s east to west trading route. A succession of conquerors gifted to the islanders' animals, seeds and plants to be raised and populated. Understandably the most popular plants were vines, which now support a burgeoning wine business with Sardinian wines amongst the most awarded in Europe. Over the course of centuries, customs formed by traditional foods merged with local folklore that resulted in famous festivals and celebrations. Sardinia remains a land steeped in tradition, all thanks to ancient trade routes.  

The undisputed capital of what is referred to as the Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo. This town of barely a few hundred inhabitants, today trades with a different type of clientele – the rich and famous. We mingle among million-euro yachts and the international jetset who are encouraged to visit Porto Cervo by none other than Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. His Highness purchased the land here in the 1960s and invited the Swiss set designer Jacques Couelle to add a little ‘joie de vivre’ to the place, a spark that remains to this day.  

Choose to spend the day in the interior of the island to meet the men and women who produce Sardinia's famed food and wine or soak up the sun and exclusive ambience of Porto Cervo and its famous marina.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experience

Morning experience: Sardinia's rural interior 

Pockets of foreign influence persist along the coastline, but it is inland where a proud Sardinian culture flourishes. The coastal areas were severely affected by Malaria until the 1950s, and the threat of a lingering death and the possibility of invasion drove many islanders inland, where they raised sheep, hand crafted cheeses and cultivated vine. We enjoy an in-depth look at Sardinian winemaking and the distillation of a traditional spirit this morning. Our journey inland takes us through the rugged Sardinian countryside to the village of Berchidda, nestled in the foothills of Mount Limbara. Here we find the Sardinian Wine Museum where we learn about the island’s viticulture and the vermentino vines that thrive here. We savour a glass of Vermentino di Gallura wine, accompanied with handcrafted cheese and carta da musica, a traditional Sardinian bread. Continuing inland we learn about the production of Sardinia’s beloved Lucrezio R. Mirto, a traditional myrtle liqueur that is unique to Sardinia and Corsica. On our journey back to port there is time to enjoy Porto Cervo before boarding our tender vessels back to the ship.  

This evening we return ashore for a Sardinian night out, with plenty of local fare and entertainment. 

Although his parents sent him to military college on the mainland before he turned ten, Napoleon Bonaparte famously declared that to know Corsica ‘is to be born there.’ A land of vertical granite cliffs and craggy bays, Corsica is a slice of France with a twist. Passed between the powers of Pisa, Genoa and France, even its language is a combination of Italian, spoken in a Tuscan dialect, and Latin. Corsica’s strategic location has it firmly within the realms of trade, and few of its towns were as commercially important as Bonifacio, located at its southern tip. Our ‘Your choice’ experiences offer a morning in town with your afternoon free to explore solo, or a trip inland with the opportunity to learn about the islands thriving wine culture. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: Bonifacio

Thanks to its stunning natural setting, the ancient fortress town of Bonifacio has attracted travellers for centuries. Protected by vast chalk walls, the town stretches along a narrow promontory, supported by orange-hued limestone cliffs that have been hollowed out by centuries of pounding waves. We join our guide for a tour of the tangled medieval alleyways of the Bosco quarter in search of traditional wares. We spend time at the 14th century St. Francis convent, where we find an ancient cemetery dedicated to mariners, and also St. Dominique, a church built in 1270 by the Kings Templar. Our tour takes us through tiny, narrow streets flanked by traditional houses.  

This ancient trading port’s facades and streets tell fascinating tales of pirates and sieges, among them the 12th century St. Marie Majeure Church, which sits above an underground cistern that was a source of water during times of siege. We visit a house that hosted Emperors Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles V on the aptly named Two Emperors Road, and we visit the Chapel of St. Roch, built on the spot where the last victim of the plague, died in 1528, a plague that decimated the island.   

Full day experience: Sartene and Corsican wines 

We combine the definitive Corsican village of Sartene with a visit to a traditional Corsican vineyard today. As the only island vineyards in France and with over 2,000 years of heritage, Corsica’s wines are distinctive. The diversity of soils, sun-drenched hillsides and the unique microclimates offer robust red and white wines. Traditional Corsican red wine comes from Niellucciu and Sciacarellu grapes, and from Vermentinu and Biancu Gentile for white wine. We learn about these ancient grape varieties when we visit a winery in the Ortolu Valley.   

Our journey continues through the rugged Corsican interior to the village of Sartene. It clings to a hillside, offering striking architecture and wonderful views, which hide a conflicted past. Two hundred years ago, the village’s plaza had a guillotine that was used during times of political and social upheaval. Throughout its past, Sartene endured numerous invasions by pirates and by the Genoese, before conceding to the French in 1768. Today, life here is a little gentler. Our local guide walks us through Sartene's charming, cobbled streets, where we visit the Church of St. Maria, which holds the sacred hood, chain and cross that were carried through town during the Good Friday Procession, and we have time to explore the village’s shops and side streets, before returning to Bonifacio. 

One of Sardinia's medieval cities, the harbour town of Alghero has an animated history reflected in the streets of its town centre. Walking around its cobblestone streets one could almost consider the town to be Spanish. And you would be correct. Alghero was a Catalan enclave for more than 400 years. The native Sardinian inhabitants were replaced by Catalans, and many of the town’s older residents still speak the Catalan dialect of Algherese today. The Catalan flag flies alongside the Sardinian and Italian. Traces of Catalan gothic style architecture can be found in many buildings throughout the town. It is hardly surprising that the locals fondly refer to their hometown as ‘Barcelonetta’ or Little Barcelona.  

We spend the morning in Alghero as we walk its bastions which follow the natural bay, as our local guide tells tales of the unique lifestyle led by those who live at the crossroads of Italy and Spain. A harbour town, Alghero’s lobster industry has supported its economy for centuries, making it both prosperous and famous as a Longevity Blue Zone (LBZ) with a higher-than-average percentage of centenarians. Backed by a labyrinth of narrow streets that connect piazzas bustling with life, the yellow walls and ancient houses echo the Catalan origins of the city, as does the Cathedral of Santa Maria with its great gilded retablo, and San Michele with its colourful ceramic dome. Our local guide walks us through the Porta Terra, the old fortified city, following the route of the ancient Aragonese towers and defensive walls. We view historical buildings, churches and squares, all symbolic of the city, and hear stories that transport us through time, from the colonization of the Catalans to the present-day city of Alghero. 

The heart of this easternmost Balearic Island beats to its own drum – albeit a mellow one. Over 130 miles of sandy beaches, fjord-style calas and crescent shaped coves, protect a rural inland criss-crossed by some 40,000 miles of stone walls and farms. Unlike the neighbouring island of Mallorca, nightlife is non-existent in Menorca. Instead, you will find handicraft industries such as costume jewellery, leatherwork, dairy farming and Menorcan horse centres popular among locals and tourists. After a century of British rule, Menorca was handed to Spain in 1802, yet the British influence remains. Not only is this evident in some of Menorca’s architecture but in its drinking culture too, as the island is believed to be the first place to produce gin in the Mediterranean. Vantage’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences hug the coastline and head inland seeking traditional insights.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Full day experience: Dressage and dairy

This excursion offers an insight into the rural lifestyle of the island, starting in the market town of Ciudadella. We walk its streets learning about the history and local culture of Ciudadella, which is famed for its festivities of St. John. We then head further inland to visit a traditional horse ranch. Thought to have been brought to the island by King James I of Aragon, the Arabic breed of horse found on Menorca was adopted as the symbol of the island. This ‘all black’ breed is beloved amongst the rural landowners of Menorca. Bred for dressage and an integral member of the island's festivals and traditions, their story is a fascinating tale of history and intrigue. We meet a few of our equine friends as our host guides us through the farm while we learn its importance to the people of Menorca. Our afternoon is spent at a traditional dairy farm, where we meet the farmer and learn about life on the land. Milk here is used to produce cheese. Mahón-Menorca cheese is made and matured by hand, gifting us an insight into one of the island's true traditions.   

Option 2 - Full day experience: Surf and turf Menorca

This morning we discover the pristine waters of Menorca as we kayak at Fornell Nature Reserve. Our journey takes us past the highest cliffs on the island, with the possibility of seeing the local goat herds wandering the walls. Talaia de Fornells is a protected peninsula and the beaches in this area are unspoiled, while our kayaks afford us access to the caves and grottoes for which the reserve is known. From the ocean, we head inland, with our afternoon spent at a dairy farm specializing in traditional cheese and gin making. Stemming from the British occupancy, gin production has over 300 years of tradition in Menorca, where Juniper berries are grown in abundance. We match this popular drink with the strictly overseen cheese industry which demands that even the breed of cow has a 4,000 year history. Lastly, we learn about the island's iconic "mayonneise" sauce, as it was created in Mahon-Menorca, with the island gifting its name -Mahonesa (mayonnaise).  

An autonomous region of Spain, the economy of the Balearic Islands has ebbed and flowed in line with the waters to which they owe their fame. Recent years have brought an influx of tourists on flight inclusive packages and Europeans seeking an ‘expat’ lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from far more sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told. We spend the morning ashore, before sailing west to the Spanish coast.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Morning experience: The heartland of Mallorca 

The flagship of Spanish cuisine, olive oil is taken seriously, with the highest quality olive oil produced here on the island of Mallorca. Touted as liquid gold by early traders, organic olive oil has in recent years become a trademark of the island. We discover the historical and present-day influence of this gastronomic commodity on the traditions, lifestyle and economy of Mallorca. From production to tasting we discover every element of this quirky fruit which dominates Spanish cuisine. After our tour and tasting there is time to explore Palma de Mallorca at your leisure before we lunch onboard and sail in the early afternoon to the Spanish mainland.  

Option 2 - Morning experience: Palma de Mallorca

The striking city of Palma de Mallorca plays host to a tale of intrigue thanks to her location in ‘the Med’s’ trading sphere. Our locally guided tour takes us to squares, palaces, courtyards and gardens. Palma’s most iconic site is no doubt her cathedral. Taking over 300 years to build, the honeycomb traits of the Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca depict the grandeur of the city in a style referred to as Mediterranean Gothic. Its partner in architecture, the Almudaina Palace sits next door. The summer residence of the King of Spain, the palace houses royal collections from the past 600 years including priceless tapestries, paintings and sculptures.  

Sitting on a hilltop, high above the city is the Bellver Castle. Its 360° panorama of the city, thanks to its unique design as one of Europe's only circular castles, is breathtaking. Built in the 14th century for King James II of Majorca, its story is one of many political conspiracies, with its use as a prison for high-ranking parliamentary officials a tale to be heard. We take time to explore the city’s monarchal wonders, along with its alleys and back streets, gifting us a true insight into the island’s capital city.  

The city of Cartagena has remained on Europe’s radar for centuries. Fought over by Carthage and Rome, its nearby silver mines gifted it wealth and a natural harbour etched its name into history as a port of importance. Standing on the sprawling battlements of the hilltop castle, you can all but see layer upon layer of history spread beneath you. The wharf – once home to Phoenician traders; the city streets - once marched by Roman legionaries; the plaza – once a mosque where Islamic Spain prayed to Allah; the surrounding hills – once a stronghold for armies of the Christian Reconquista who arrived en force. Under the Moors the city became an independent principality only to be invaded by the imperial forces of Ferdinand of Castile, and later James of Aragon. The Christians took the town. The Moors fled south. And that was that. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Afternoon experience: The cultural side of Cartagena 

Our locally guided tour takes us through 2,500 years of history as we discover, first-hand, the city’s significant landmarks. We visit the Roman Theatre, built between the 5th and 1st centuries BCE, which in the 3rd century CE, crumbled with its empire and became a marketplace. This region of Spain bears the influence of the Moors who ruled for centuries before being driven out in the Christian reconquest. We visit the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA), which displays treasure gathered over 50 years from shipwrecks found along the nearby coastline. This includes 14 tonnes of treasure salvaged from the 19th century Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which caused an international feud with over 500,000 silver and gold coins discovered on the wreck.  

Afternoon experience: The 43 Experience 

As old as Cartagena itself, Licor 43 is one of Spain’s most celebrated elixirs, with a fascinating history. When the Romans conquered Carthago Nova, they discovered an aromatic liqueur the local people made from local fruits and herbs, called Liqvor Mirabilis. To avoid temptation, they banned its production, but the Carthaginians continued to create it in secret. Fast forward 2,000 years, and the Zamora family craft a canary-yellow liqueur based on this ancient recipe. From its humble beginnings, Licor 43 has become a must-try for holidaymakers on Spain’s sunny shores, now complemented by a coffee-flavoured variant and a horchata-style sibling. Touring the Licor 43 factory captures the vibrant spirit of this iconic drink. We’ll explore its history, enjoy its marketing campaigns, and, of course, indulge in a tasting during this fun-filled afternoon. 

Our afternoon is spent in the coastal mecca of Malaga. Although very much a modern-day city, the apartment blocks and ‘expat' clubs of Malaga and the Costa del Sol, hide an undercurrent of ancient traditions. None more captivating than the dance that Spain holds at its heart – flamenco. Home to the Flamenco Museum, Malaga hosts a bi-annual flamenco festival with dancers, musicians and fans flooding its streets and stages. We have an afternoon in Malaga where you are free to explore independently or join our food focused afternoon shore excursion.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Afternoon experience: Atarazanas market and Molisur olive oil 

We test Malaga’s thriving culinary scene, with a guided tour of its Atarazanas Market, a bustling food market housed in a historic building. We explore stalls stacked with fresh produce, seafood, meats and local products. Immersed in the city’s vibrant cuisine culture, we continue our visit outside the city, where we visit Windmill Molisur. This family-owned and operated olive oil mill invites us to view first-hand the world of Spains’s top selling product. We take a guided tour of the onsite museum and view the olive oil process at the Molisur factory, before enjoying a tasting to give us a true insight into these quality oils, which lie at the heart of Spanish cuisine. 

The proud city of Cadiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. We arrive mid-morning and join our local guides for a walking tour of this historic city.  

As the gateway to the Mediterranean, it is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine Vinum Ceretensis. From Phoenicians to Iberians, Romans to Moors, Cadiz had its fair share of invaders. It is no wonder that its skyline is dotted with 120 watchtowers, including the 150-foot-tall Torre Tavira, used for spotting sails as they appeared on the horizon – often the first sign of the return of long-lost explorers. A Spanish naval base even today, it was off the coast of Cadiz at Cape Trafalgar where the British won the battle of the same name over Napoleon’s fleet with the loss of Horatio Nelson. It was from Cadiz where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the ‘new world’. And it was in Cadiz harbour where Sir Francis Drake sacked and burned so many ships that he delayed Spain’s attempt at invading England's by at least a year and changed the course of world history.  

Having enjoyed the cultural side of Cadiz, we return to the ship for lunch, before sampling some of its famous flavours on ‘Your Choice’ of our afternoon excursions. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Afternoon experience: The story of Sherry 

It is the fortified wine, known worldwide as sherry, which has dictated the fate of Jerez. Introduced by the Phoenicians in 1100 BCE, this popular wine has brought both wealth and strife, with the greatest haul of sherry wine made in 1587 when Sir Francis Drake attacked the nearby port of Cadiz and carried off 3,000 kegs. The city’s bodegas and local wineries remain the world’s largest producers of sherry which although considered by some as a wine which has seen better days, is as popular in Spain today as it was in centuries past. In fact, in Europe, 'sherry’ has protected designation of origin status, and under Spanish law, all wine labelled as ‘sherry’ must legally come from the Sherry Triangle, an area in the province of Cadiz. After a short walk of the historic centre of Jerez, we spend time with a wine expert, who introduces us to the region's wines during a wine tasting. 

Option 2 - Afternoon experience: A Taste of Cadiz

The heart of Cadiz is the whitewashed Casco Antiguo, where a maze of narrow streets takes us past plazas, baroque churches and 18th century merchant houses, but it is the old port of Cadiz which brought riches to the town. Known as the Golden Age of Cadiz, goods hailing from all four corners of the world crossed paths here, with the trade coming from the Americas a particular favourite. Modern day Cadiz trades a different kettle of fish – literally. Situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, Cadiz is on the path of the bluefin tuna’s seasonal pilgrimage as they pass through the Mediterranean to mate. For over 3,000 years, passing shoals of bluefin tuna have been met with almadrabas – mazes of nets placed to intercept the route of the tuna. Important to the culture of the region, it is also sustainable and highly regulated to ensure that smaller fish are not caught. We learn about various species of fish and taste local tuna and oysters. 

Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbour to a coast of classic, caved beaches, Portimão fishes for a different catch these days with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: Silves and Portuguese pastry

Once the capital of the Algarve's Moorish kingdom, Silves hosts us this morning with a locally guided tour and confectionery focused workshop. We tour the 11th century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, whose square turrets and impenetrable ramparts loom over the town from an immense orange grove. This impressive castle once formed part of the wall that encircled the city and was an important defense as the residence of the Moorish kings of the Al-Garb. Steeped in history, the castle has a 60-meter-deep well and a set of vaulted cisterns that still supplies the town with water. Occupying most Algarve farmland, the almond tree has been a regional symbol for centuries. Its fruit, the almond, is one of the main ingredients in the beloved Portuguese confectionery, marzipan, sculpted into shapes known locally as Doce Fino. This millennial art form plays a significant role in the culinary culture of Portugal. We join a workshop that looks at the relationship between everyday life, festivities and the development of Doce Fino. We get ‘hands on’ and learn the basics of the technique with the guidance of a local confectioner. 

Full day experience: Caminho dos Promontórios hilltop walk with a picnic lunch at a local winery

The municipality of Lagoa’s coastline is characterized by the jagged and laced appearance of a continuous line of cliffs. Their abrupt nature mesmerises those who watch the ocean from their viewpoint. The ‘Caminho dos Promontórios’, or ‘Path of the Headlands’ walk follows the coastline for four miles, between Praia do Molhe, near the mouth of the Arade River, and Praia do Paraíso, near the village of Carvoeiro. From the Ponta do Altar headland to the east, a succession of small headlands alternate with recessed beaches and coves resulting from ancient landslides, making this region of the Algarve unique. We follow the clifftop path to learn the geology, lithology and geomorphology, marine ecosystems and coastal vegetation that makes this coastline so scenic. Having worked up a thirst, we drive inland to a traditional Algarve winery. The demarcated region of the Algarve produces red, white, rosé and liqueur wines. The white and red wines are characterized by their ripe fruit aromas and warm, velvety taste. We enjoy a handcrafted picnic lunch amongst the vines with a variety of local products to taste, along with wines from the producer of course. 

Lisbon sits on the river Tagur, gifting it access to the coast which made Portugal one of world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers including Vasco de Gama, Magellan and Bartholomeu Dias sailed on behalf of their monarch, discovering new lands and establishing new trade routes. The city prospered with much of the proceeds from their colonies spent on opulent architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day 1755, Lisbon's faithful were huddled in church when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a series of tsunamis that devastated the city. Candles lit for the religious ceremonies began a firestorm. By the end of the day over 75 per cent of the population had perished. Current day Lisbon reflects this tragedy with few buildings pre-dating the 18th century, but money spent to rebuild the city was spent doggedly creating a city of wide boulevards, sensible facades and parklands, all backed by opulent baroque interiors and paved by unique black and white tiled pavements. With a population of only 600,000 Lisbon is an easy city to navigate. Its hillside suburbs are accessed by trams and funiculars while its waterfront remains a busy harbour, ready to continue the trading prowess that made the city famous.

We disembark Sylvia Earle and take a locally guided tour of Lisbon. The city’s story unfolds as we visit the suburb of Belem and the Monastery of Jerónimos to hear more of Vasco de Gamas’ adventures; the waterfront memorial of Monumento das descobertas, honouring Prince Henri the Navigator and his fellow explorers; and the Torre de Belém - the 16th century fortification which acted as the gateway to Lisbon for all seafarers. This insightful tour tells tales of exploration, colonization and devastation wrapped together by the history of a city whose influence has shaped much of our modern-day world. 

This evening is at leisure. You may wish to browse the bars and restaurants of Lisbon or enjoy dinner at the hotel (own expense).  

Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch  

Join us for a morning at the markets for a further exploration of Lisbon; this time with a focus on its food and wine scene, with your afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to spend your day exploring Lisbon independently. We will meet this evening for a farewell dinner.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experience 

Morning experience: Mercado da Ribeira 

Near the Cais do Sodre train station, the beautiful building of the Mercado da Ribeira sits topped with a Moorish-style dome. Lisbon’s populace has shopped for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat here since 1882, with the market’s latest offerings including 30 ‘pop-ups’ offering petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and traditional products such as cheeses, cured hams, smoked sausages, fish conserves, wines and more. Our local guide introduces us to a variety of Portuguese specialties, while we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Pastéis de Nata – the Portuguese custard tart with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry that is a national specialty. We also taste local cheeses, sausages and, of course, try some of Portugal’s internationally renowned wine.   

Our evening is spent in regal style, with a traditional Portuguese gala dinner providing a fond farewell to our fascinating journey.  

Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.  

Meals: Breakfast