Dock in Ajaccio, located on the French island of Corsica. Embark on your chosen sightseeing activity.
Take a guided walking tour through Ajaccio’s Old Town and learn about the history of the Bonaparte family in Corsica, which goes back to the late 15th century. Visit Maison Bonaparte, the home where Napoleon was born in 1769. The home remained in the family's possession until 1923 when it was donated to the State. Now a small museum, Maison Bonaparte features magnificent 18th-century furniture, artefacts, weapons and documents, all of which belonged to the Bonaparte family.
Travel to Ocana, a hillside commune in the countryside known for its cobbled, red tile-roofed homes. Here, you’ll visit Maison des Senteurs, a distillery that has produced essential oils for over 20 years. Learn about how the distillery creates different organic essential oils from native trees and plants, which are used for fragrances and natural healing products. Next, visit a local honey farm, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the farm before a tasting. Return to Ajaccio and visit the local farmer’s market, Fresh Market, before returning to your ship.
Journey to the Spanish island of Menorca, known for its sweeping countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. In 1708, British and Dutch forces captured the island from Spain, and the British occupied the island on and off until it was returned to Spain in 1802. Dock in the capital, Mahón, known locally as Maó. The port of Mahón is the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and the second largest in the world. Decide how to explore today with a range of sightseeing options to choose from.
Freedom of Choice – Island Tour
Tour an old fishing village perched on a natural harbour, then visit Monte Toro, known as the spiritual centre of the island, before continuing to Binibeca. See the whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and narrow passages before heading back to the pier.
Freedom of Choice – Gin Distillery
Visit a local gin distillery to learn about the gin-making process. The production of gin began on Menorca in the 18th century to satiate the thirst of British sailors, while the island was under British occupation. Mahón gin is recognised as being one of the first gins made in the Mediterranean.
Enrich Your Experience – Snorkelling in Fornells Bay
Set out on a fully escorted snorkelling excursion in Fornells Bay (additional cost). Get fitted out with your equipment, then head out to a sheltered bay. Here, you’ll receive further instructions from a qualified snorkel instructor before exploring some of the most crystal-clear waters in the world. Return to Fornells and enjoy time at leisure to wander through this old fishing village.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 14 | Port-Vendres
Dock in Port-Vendres, a picturesque coastal town nestled on the Côte Vermeille in the south of France near Spain. Famous for its fishing port, Port-Vendres offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and natural beauty. Surrounding the fortified town, the foothills of the Albères mountains gently cascade down into the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you'll have a choice of tours.
Freedom of Choice – Perpignan Guided Tour
Explore Perpignan, a city steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage. From the fascinating fossils of Serrat d'en Vaquer to striking 20th-century architecture, Perpignan’s story spans over two millennia. Set out on a walking tour of the city centre, visiting landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and the one-of-a-kind Campo Santo, a rare cemetery cloister.
Freedom of Choice – Caves Byrrh
Travel to the medieval town of Thuir, located at the base of the Pyrenees foothills, and visit the prestigious Caves Byrrh, a historic French aperitif winery. Byrrh is a unique vermouth aperitif crafted in Thuir since 1886, made from Roussillon and Malaga wines blended with cinchona, coffee, cocoa and spices. Learn about how Byrrh is produced and its fascinating evolution during the 20th century from a medicinal remedy to a world-renowned aperitif. See the world’s largest oak casks – with a capacity of over one million litres – and conclude your tour with a tasting before returning to your ship in Port-Vendres.
Freedom of Choice – Salses-le-Château Guided Tour
Enjoy a scenic drive to Salses-le-Château, a village named after its remarkably preserved fortress. Built for King Ferdinand of Aragon, Spain’s ruler during the Age of Discovery, Salses Castle stands on a vital Mediterranean passage once traversed by Hannibal’s army in 218 BC. On a guided tour, explore its storied past and strategic role on the historic France-Spain border.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
Day 15 | Disembark Ship, Depart Barcelona
After breakfast, disembark the Seabourn Venture in Barcelona, marking the conclusion of your spectacular journey.
Daily:· Breakfast
