Best of the Med

September 2025

Thu 4 : Barcelona

Arrive Barcelona and transfer to our hotel.

Fri 5 : Barcelona (B,L)

A leisurely breakfast is followed by a visit to Boqueria Market. Enjoy a relaxed cooking class learning how to prepare a local dish, with sangria. The perfect introduction to Spain!

Sat 6 : Barcelona (B,D)

Join our guide to visit La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s renowned unfinished church and Park Guell, another major work by Gaudi full of amazing stone structures, stunning tiling and fascinating buildings before transferring to our cruise ship, the lovely Azamara Onward. Set sail this afternoon.

Sun 7 : Provence (Toulon) (B,L,D)

Toulon, on the French Riviera, is the gateway to the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence.

Mon 8 : Monte Carlo (B,L,D)

Monte Carlo bubbles with year-round glamour. Lavish hotels, designer shops, and yachts bobbing in turquoise marinas line the promenade.

Tue 9 : Livorno (Florence/Pisa) (B, L, D)

The port city of Livorno is the gateway to a remarkable region. Perhaps take an optional trip to Florence, with a stop at the leaning Tower of Pisa. See treasures of the Italian Renaissance – works by Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo, or you have the option to visit Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, and the Piazza del Duomo with its grand cathedral.

Wed 10 : Civitavecchia (Rome) (B,L,D)

Rome is awash with world-famous churches, monuments and fountains: the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Opt for a guided tour, sip a cappuccino at a café, or window shop at the high-fashion boutiques of Via Condotti.

Thu 11 : Sorrento (B,L,D)

Perched atop cliffs that separate the town from the marina, Sorrento is famous for its sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a café-lined square. The historic centre is a warren of narrow alleys that’s home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister. You may opt to visit the stunning island of Capri.

Fri 12 : Amalfi (B,L,D)

The dramatic setting at the base of cliffs plunging into the sea gives Amalfi the deserved nickname of ‘Divine Coast’. Take some time to visit the Arab-Norman Sant’Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine façade.

Sat 13 : At Sea (B,L,D)

Relax and explore the ship today.

Sun 14 : Kotor (B,L,D)

Montenegro’s most beautiful bay, first settled by the ancient Romans. Visit the well-preserved urban centre and vibrant community, medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site.

Mon 15 : Sibenik (B,L,D)

Nestled between Zadar and Split, this tiny city shares some similarities with Dubrovnik. Both were maritime trading hubs in the Middle Ages and conquered by the Venetian Republic. Sibenik boasts gorgeous Venetian-style architecture, as well as the 15th century stone cathedral of St James and the white stone fortress of St Michael.

Tue 16 : Koper (B,L,D)

Koper’s medieval town centre has such Venetian-influenced landmarks such as the Praetorian Palace and a Gothic-style loggia, while nearby Da Ponte Fountain is a replica of Venice’s famed Rialto Bridge. Rebuilt many times, the circa-12th-century Cathedral of the Assumption features a tall campanile with sweeping bay views.

Wed 17 : Chioggia (B,L,D)

Just south of Venice, Chioggia echoes its larger neighbour with canals and narrow alleyways. The historic centre is home to the Torre dell’Orologio S. Andrea, a Romanesque watchtower with a medieval clock. While on an island to the east are wide Sottomarina beach and Forte San Felice, a 14th-century fort. Enjoy your last evening on board.

Thu 18 : Chioggia > Venice (B)

Disembark and transfer to Venice to check in to our hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. This afternoon enjoy a Hidden Venice food and wine experience. Bacari are relaxed local wine bars where Venetians stop to snack and socialize before and after meals.

Fri 19 : Venice (B)

Our walking tour today starts by visiting the St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Basilica. Cross the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs to visit the Palace Prisons.

Sat 20 : Venice > Santa Margherita Ligure (B,D)

Drive to the Italian Riviera where we stay near to the villages of the Cinque Terre, in Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the most charming and elegant seaside towns of the Italian Riviera, located near Portofino. Dinner is included this evening.

Sun 21 : Cinque Terre (B)

A full day in the Cinque Terre today. Travel with our guide by train into the National Park to visit stunning Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola. Colourful houses and ancient vineyards cling to steep terraces, fishing boats bob in harbours and trattorias serve seafood specialties leaving you wonderfully relaxed and never wanting to leave!

Mon 22 : Portofino (B)

Meet our guide for a half day walking tour in Portofino. Uncover this wonderful village, walk to Brown Castle for breathtaking views of the village and coast. Take the ferry to San Fruttuoso, a small fishing village in a deep inlet along the coastline of the Portofino promontory.

Tue 23 : Santa Margherita Ligure > Lake Como (B)

Drive to Como and on to our lovely hotel in Menaggio overlooking the lake.

Wed 24 : Lake Como (B)

Explore the historical villages using water taxi passes – Bellagio, Tremezzo and Lenno can all be visited today.

Thu 25 : Como > Milan (B)

At leisure until the transfer to the airport in Milan.