27 Night Cruise sailing from Istanbul to Portsmouth aboard Minerva.

Cruise Description:

Enjoy Spring in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Search for wild flowers among the ancient sites of Minoan palaces and the sacred island of Delos. Minerva sails from Byzantine Istanbul through the Corinth Canal to the heart of the Roman Empire at Rome exploring en route the island of Sicily, a melting pot of Mediterranean cultures.

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:

Istanbul
Enjoy the penultimate day of your cruise sailing back across the Black Sea to the magnificent city of Istanbul, spanning the divide between Europe and Asia. The following day explore the heart of Old Istanbul, the lavishly decorated Aghia Sophia and the famed Blue Mosque, or Topkapi, the Ottoman Sultans' palace a fascinating complex of pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, kiosks and sleeping quarters. End the day by wandering around the Grand Bazaar.

Rhodes
Berth at Rhodes, site of another wonder of the ancient world - the Colossus of Rhodes. The double walls of the city, built by the Knights Hospitallers when they settled in Rhodes at the start of the 14th century, protect marvels such as the Street of the Knights, the Grand Master's Palace and the Archaeological Museum. Or drive to the ancient capital of Lindos and climb to the Acropolis for panoramic views over the coastline and across to St Paul's Bay, where St Paul is said to have been shipwrecked on the island.

Palermo
Europe's grandest city in the 12th century, a guided tour will reveal a treasure trove of palazzos and churches. The cathedral at Monreale is the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily with a Romanesque cloister and sparkling 12th century mosaics

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.