Day 1 (MAY 10, 2025): Lisbon Portugal

Departs 5:00pm

The great period of 'the Discoveries' accounted for phenomenal wealth brought back from India, Africa and Brazil by the great Portuguese navigators. Gold, jewels, ivory, porcelain and spices helped finance grand new buildings and impressive monuments in Lisbon, the country's capital city. As you sail up the Tagus River, be on deck to admire Lisbon's panorama and see some of the great monuments lining the river. Lisbon is one of Europe's smallest capital cities but considered by many visitors to be one of the most likeable. Spread over a string of seven hills, the city offers a variety of faces, including a refreshing no-frills simplicity reflected in the people as they go unhurriedly through their day enjoying a hearty and delicious cuisine accompanied by the country's excellent wines.

Day 2 (MAY 11, 2025): Portimao, Portugal

With a population of almost 40,000, Portimão in Portugal's Algarve region, is one of the country's largest coastal towns. Its perennially sunny climate, beautiful beaches and historic buildings make it a tourist destination in its own right. The Bio-park Monchique is famous for its abundance of flora and spectacular views. Off shore, fishing and dolphin spotting make for exciting pastimes.

Day 3 (MAY 12, 2025): Gibraltar

With Spain to the north and Morocco to the south, Gibraltar is the famous promontory dominating the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean. Its position led to its seizure by the Moors in 711 as a prelude to the conquest of Spain. The Moorish influence includes the name Gibraltar, a corruption of 'Jebel Tariq' (Tariq's Mountain), named after the Moorish commander Tariq who built the first fortification. In ancient times Gibraltar was regarded as one of the two Pillars of Hercules, which marked the western limits of the known world. Known commonly as 'The Rock,' Gibraltar is full of natural caves and manmade tunnels. The Rock itself, composed of limestone and gray marble, is geographically part of the Iberian Peninsula. Politically, the British have controlled Gibraltar for over two centuries. This tiny self-governing British Colony welcomes you to enjoy its historical sites, magnificent views, beautiful beaches and duty free shops.

Day 4-5 (MAY 13-14, 2025): Days at Sea

Day 6 (MAY 15, 2025): Bonifacio (Corscia), France

Set off the southeastern coast of France and separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio, the rugged island was fought over for much of its millennia-long history. Today, the island shows its wild side in its jagged mountains, steep gorges, and forests of native Corsican pine. The town of Bonifacio is a medieval beauty and particularly striking to behold from the sea, with its imposing citadel precariously perched atop the white limestone cliffs. Look for the legendary Staircase of The King of Aragon cut directly into the rock face; if physically able, climb the 189 steps for spellbinding, 180-degree views. Bonifacio’s cobblestone streets and piazzas are abuzz with craft shops, bars and brasseries, while fine-sand beaches and hidden pirate coves are plentiful.

Day 7 (MAY 16, 2025): Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy

Livorno is the gateway to the region of Tuscany, which as Goethe once observed, looks like Italy should. Fortunately for today's visitor not much has changed in the two centuries since the German poet was himself a tourist in Toscana. The remarkable wealth of beauty here mellowed to a golden patina by history and tempered by the hand of man, awaits. Everywhere there is history, from the Etruscan stronghold of Fiesole, to the Roman colony of Volterra to the Renaissance splendor of Florence, Pisa, Sienna and San Gimignano. If the landscape evokes a sense of the familiar it is because the great masters have used it as a backdrop for their great works. Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were archtypal Tuscans and Renaissance men who headed an extensive list of geniuses who lived, worked and created within a single period of time.

Day 8 (MAY 17, 2025): Portoferraio (Elba), Italy

With a population of just over 11,000, the town is the largest of the eight on the island and is considered its capital. Geologists and gem stone collectors find Elba a treasure trove with over 150 minerals and semiprecious stones found here due to the seismic turmoil that created the island. The rich soil also produces an astonishing range of foliage and flowers aided by sun that shines almost every day of the year. Despite summer tourism, the island is largely agricultural and the ambience is quiet and relaxed, allowing the visitor to enjoy Elba's natural charm, peaceful abundance and timeless beauty.

Day 9 (MAY 18, 2025): Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Arrives 7:00am

Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.