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Mediterranean Island Odyssey (Serenissima)

Mediterranean Island Odyssey (Serenissima)

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Description

There are of course no shortages of cruise vessels plying the major ports and cities of the Mediterranean, but few are inclined to focus on just the islands and devote a complete itinerary to them as we have done with this delightful voyage from Mallorca to Italy aboard the MS Serenissima. Our intention has been to design a voyage as if it were to be undertaken on a small private yacht concentrating on some of the most picturesque and interesting places in the region.

September is the perfect time for our voyage, when the crowds have dispersed but the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing. We have created the itinerary to combine time in the Balearics, Sardinia, Corsica and Elba, all of which are easy to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in a nine night trip. We will have time on each island to see the main sites but also explore some of the smaller ports and less visited destinations, ensuring that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with some time at leisure to explore under your own steam.

Trip Name
Mediterranean Island Odyssey (Serenissima)
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2019 MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require.  ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and embark. This evening we will enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Palma de Mallorca.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians when it was under control of Carthage, the principal North African city at that time, before flourishing under Roman rule. From our berth in Palma we will take the beautifully maintained vintage train that connects Palma with the pretty town of Soller on the island’s west coast and enjoy splendid mountain views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of just seven kilometres the railway rises 199 metres, runs through 13 tunnels and crosses several bridges. We will enjoy some time to explore Soller before taking a scenic drive to the village of Valldemossa. With a population of around 2000 Valldemossa is a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes. We will enjoy a walk around the town followed by lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palma where we will have some time to explore at leisure or return to the MS Serenissima.
Day 3 - Day 3 Mahon, Menorca.
Over breakfast we arrive in Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearics and the least dedicated to tourism. The island offers pastoral countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. This morning choose to join an island drive which will include the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4000 years ago before making our way to aristocratic Ciutadella, the architectural showpiece of Menorca. Situated at the head of a long channel from the sea, the city has had its share of disputes over sovereignty, and its character reflects the influence of Moorish, Turkish and Spanish rule. Alternatively, spend the morning exploring the pretty harbour town of Mahon at your own pace. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch before we sail in the early afternoon to Sardinia.
Day 4 - Day 4 Alghero, Sardinia.
The Medieval city of Alghero was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century and today there is still a strong Catalan identity throughout the town, and it is often even referred to as “Barceloneta”. We will use the attractive port as our base for a day of exploration in the region. This morning’s panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera with its main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling that dates back to 1100 years BC. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century BC due to fire, shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community. We return to Alghero for lunch on board and the afternoon is free to explore the town at your own pace. Please note that we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tender to transfer ashore.
Day 5 - Day 5 Bonifacio, Corsica.
Be on deck this morning as we arrive in Corsica and Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant laestrygonians, today Bonifacio’s breathtaking clifftop setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the Mediterranean. On our morning tour we will explore the narrow streets and the historical heart of the town. We will discover the Bosco quarter with the St Francis Convent, the 14th century Church of St Marie Majeure and take in the views from the clifftop on which the city is built. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon in port to explore further at your own pace.
Day 6 - Day 6 Ajaccio.
The capital of Corsica is famed as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte whose family arrived here in 1492 with about 100 other Genoese and Ligurian family’s intent on colonising this part of the island. On a leisurely morning walking tour of the old town we will take in many of the places associated with Napoleon including the late 17th century Maison Bonaparte, which is now a museum, and Ajaccio Cathedral, where it is rumoured Napoleon was born on the cathedral steps. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon to explore independently.
Day 7 - Day 7 L’Ile Rousse & Calvi.
Arrive this morning in the prosperous Balagne region of the island. A morning tour will take us to Calvi where our guide will lead us through the alleyways and cobbled streets before continuing uphill to the imposing citadel. Built by the Genoese, this 15th century structure has seen off several assaults through the centuries and offers wonderful views from its five bastions. We will also see the Caserne Sampiero and 13th century Cathedral St Jean Baptiste. After lunch on board, spend some time exploring L’ile Rousse at your own pace.
Day 8 - Day 8 Bastia & Portoferraio, Elba.
Situated on the north of the island of Corsica, Bastia was the old Genoese capital and is now a busy port. Its setting is handsome, the classic Mediterranean allure of pale, sunlit streets flanked with tall colourful buildings. Our walking tour of the historic quarter will include the 15th century cathedral, chapels and Baroque buildings such as the Oratoire St Roch, Oratoire de l’Immaculee Conception and the Roccoco church, St Jean Baptiste, famous for its twin campaniles. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we sail to Elba and arrive this evening in the charming port of Portoferraio where you may wish to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 9 - Day 9 Portoferraio.
After breakfast we explore the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. From our berth we set out for a delightful drive exploring the southern region of this charming island with superb views over the coastline. The first stop will be Villa San Martino which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and has been transformed into a museum. Later enjoy some time at leisure in Porto Azzurro to explore this delightful town which is dominated by an ancient Spanish fortress and a picturesque harbour. Our drive continues along the coast to the 17th century country wine farm, La Chiusa which is beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the Portoferraio bay. As any self-respecting mansion on Elba, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile here. Experience the estate’s interesting cellar to learn how the wine is produced and enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some free time in Portoferraio before we sail to Livorno this afternoon and moor overnight.
Day 10 - Day 10 Livorno, Italy to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Pisa airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Explore Palma de Mallorca.
    • Visit Alghero, Sardinia.
    • Discover Bonifacio, Corsica.
    • Travel to L’Ile Rousse & Calvi.
    • Explore Bastia & Portoferraio, Elba.

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