European Explorer

Explore the rich history and grandeur of Spain’s Andalusia and Costa del Sol Regions.  Cruise across the Mediterranean Sea with stops on the Islands of Malta and Sicily before visiting Naples, Italy.  Spend a day on the Isle of Capri or explore the historical ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.   This 12-day cruise onboard the Caribbean Princess should be on everyone’s list.

Included Features:

• Roundtrip Flights from/to Minneapolis – London/Rome
• 1 Night London Pre-Cruise First Class Hotel
• Breakfast in London
• London-Southampton Sightseeing
• 12 Day Cruise Onboard the Luxurious: Caribbean Princess 
• All Meals Onboard Ship
• Group Specialty Restaurant Dinner
• All Port Charges & Government Taxes

 Highlights & Ports You’ll Visit

• La Coruna (Santiago de Compostela), Spain
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Malaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Mallora (Palma), Spain
• Valletta, Malta
• Sicily, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Rome, Italy

Oct 6-7: Fly Minneapolis to London, England on your overnight transatlantic flight.

 Oct 7: London, England

Transfer to your hotel with the balance of the afternoon to explore on your own.  Your tour director will be available to assist with questions on London and how to use their public transportation system the “Tube”.  This evening you may want to join your tour director for a view of the lights of London from the London Eye.

Oct 8: London-Southampton

After breakfast you’ll meet your London guide and  depart for a tour of the English countryside. Your first stop will be a visit to the royal residence of Windsor. Continue on to the historic city of Winchester and tour of England’s largest cathedral; Winchester Cathedral.  Later this afternoon you’ll board your home for the next 12 days the luxurious Caribbean Princess.     Ship sets sail at 4:00 pm

Oct 9:  Day At Sea

Today you can relax and watch the scenery as you travel across the Atlantic Ocean toward Spain.

Oct 10: La Coruna (Santiago de Compostela), Spain  8:00 am – 5:00 pm

The port of La Coruña serves as your gateway to Santiago de Compostela, one of the greatest pilgrimages of the Middle Ages. As the site of the supposed shrine of St. James the Apostle, it is the third holiest site in all Christendom, following   Jerusalem and Rome.  Explore La Coruna’s old town with it’s century’s old squares, ocean promenade and Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use.

Oct 11: At Sea:

Fill your day with activities or do nothing. Take a personal enrichment class, yoga, go duty-free shopping, or just relax with a dip in one of the pools or spas.

Oct 12: Seville (Cadiz), Spain 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Cadiz is one’s of Europe’s oldest inhabited cities, dating from 1100 B.C., and your gateway to Seville and Andalusia.

Cadiz is your gateway to Andalusia and the city of Seville. Visit Seville’s massive Alcazar fortress, modeled on the legendary Alhambra Palace of Granada. See the city’s 15th-century Gothic Cathedral, that boasts a Moorish patio, fountain, minaret, stunning views of the city and tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Oct 13: Malaga, Spain   8:00 am – 6:00 pm

One of Spain’s oldest cities, Malaga is a city of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and sunny plazas, Malaga offers an idealized image of Spain’s Granada region.  Visit the fabled Alhambra, the Old Quarter, the majestic Cathedral,  Alcazaba – an ancient Moorish fortress nestled above the city, and the Royal Chapel – the final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.  This is also your gateway to the beaches of the Costa del Sol region.

Oct 14: Cartagena, Spain     8:00 am – 5:00 pm    

Discover the history of this ancient dating back to the third century.  This charming city is surrounded by the ruins of the medieval Castillo de las Concepcion and Roman Theatre.  Spend your day relaxing on one of the 175 miles of beaches and resorts.

Oct 15: Mallorca (Palma), Spain      8:00 am – 5:00pm

Founded by the Romans 2,100 years ago, Palma is surrounded by  (literally) wall-to-wall history and architectural splendor. You can journey back in time and wander the mazes of alleyways and cobblestone paths that surround the Gothic cathedral. On the other hand, Palma is bustling with life, showcasing the island’s best restaurants, shops and a vibrant art scene.

Oct 16: Day at Sea

Oct 17: Valletta, Malta     8:00 am – 6:00 pm          

Valletta is considered one of the most beautiful and preserved cities in Malta.  Step off the ship immediately onto the Waterfront, an award-winning and favorite landmark on the Island of Malta. There are nineteen beautifully restored 18th century warehouses and bastions, built during the late Baroque period.  Visit Hagar Qim on of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Island.

Oct 18: Sicily (Messina), Italy     7:00 am – 6:00 pm        

Welcome to Messina’s lovely harbor and extraordinary architecture.  Stroll through Messina’s Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk café.  Visit the lovely village of Taormina, Mt. Etna or take a beach break.

Oct 19: Naples, Italy       7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Naples is the gateway to spend your day on the lovely Isle of Capri, drive down the romantic Amalfi Coast or visit the historic ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum.

Oct 20: Rome, Italy     6:00 am

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or why not extend your stay?  Explore the classical highlights of Rome with an optional 3 nights extension in Rome.