Minerva

14 Night Cruise sailing from Rome to Portsmouth aboard Minerva.

Cruise Description:
A panorama of the finest Mediterranean towns, palaces and gardens await as Minerva sails from Italy around the Western Mediterranean. Enjoy landscapes that inspired artists, gardeners and travellers. Admire fine Etruscan frescoes, the marble brilliance of Romanesque Pisa, the elegance of the French Riviera and ornate Moorish Alhambra Palace and Gardens.

Highlights of this cruise:

Rome
Civitavecchia is the gateway to the eternal city of Rome or the fine frescoes of the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, where almost 6,000 tombs have been excavated since 1489.

Livorno
After two relaxing days cruising the Mediterranean, Minerva arrives at Livorno on the Etruscan coast of Tuscany. During a full-day call you can visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore Pisa's ancient streets, squares and palaces, dating from the Etruscans through to the 18th century, or spend the day in Florence, an elegant city of exceptional art and culture. An evening in port allows time to explore the town of Livorno, criss-crossed by Medicean canals.

Nice
The French Riviera attracted artists such as Picasso, Chagall and Matisse, each captivated by the exceptional clarity of the light. The Chagall and Matisse museums or drive along the celebrated Riviera coastline is a definite visit. Another option is to visit the renowned gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Cartagena
Spain's main naval port with its natural deep-water harbour has provided a safe refuge for centuries, from the Hasdrubal to the Moors. Explore the city centre, a dense mass of narrow streets and interesting buildings, and learn more about Cartagena's naval past.

Malaga
Visit to the richly decorated Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada or drive into the Alpujarras mountains to discover distinctive white-washed villages.

Lisbon
After a relaxing day at sea, enjoy an early evening sail up the river Tagus to Lisbon, wonderfully situated on the banks of the river. Spend the evening ashore, enjoying Lisbon's many outdoor cafes and restaurants, and the following morning discover the city's history as the starting point of many voyages of discovery, also visiting the remarkable church and cloisters of St Jeronymos, a jewel of Manueline architecture.