Have questions? We're here.
Explore ruins in Sicily

The Mediterranean Sea and Civilization

Example 11 Day Cruise
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Mediterranean trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
This 11-day Mediterranean voyage on the Corinthian focuses on several of the varied cultures that contribute to the rich cultural history of the region. First, admire the influence of the Greeks and Normans in northeastern Sicily. Then explore the ruins of once-mighty Carthage, which fell to Rome only after the devastating Punic Wars, which lasted more than 100 years. Continue the journey through Sardinia, Spain, and Portugal.
Sicilian landscape in the early eveningThe sunny coast of SardiniaHarbor Porto Cervo, SardiniaPlaza in Lisbon, PortugalExplore ruins in Sicily
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Rome / Civitavecchia / Embark

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive in Rome and transfer to Civitavecchia to embark the Corinthian.

Day 2: Trapani / Erice / Segesta

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive on the island of Trapani and drive up the winding roads to the medieval town of Erice. The town was known for its temple to the fertility goddess, Astarte. Look around the 12th-century Venus Castle and continue to Segesta for a visit to its magnificent Doric temple, which was built in 420 BC. The temple is among the best preserved ancient Greek sites.

Day 3: Cagliari - Sardinia

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, built on a hill facing the sea. Disembark and drive to the village of Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important and impressive nuraghic complex and a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity site. After lunch aboard, spend time at leisure to explore Cagliari on your own, or take an excursion to Nora, whose ancient remains date from the Carthaginian and Roman periods.

Day 4: Porto Torres, Sardinia

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located at the head of Sardinia’s spacious Asinara Bay, Porto Torres, known in antiquity as Turris Libysonis, was one of the island’s most important cities that prospered from its trade with mainland Italy. Abandoned around 1000, it was revived during the later medieval period. Excavations of the ancient city have revealed the remains of temples, baths, streets, and exquisite frescoes and mosaics. Explore the ancient city and also visit the museum, which houses many of the artifacts from the excavations, and the Basilica of San Gavino, the largest Pisan Romanesque church in Sardinia, built in the 11th century.

Day 5: Palamos, Spain

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From Palamos, on Catalonia’s Costa Brava, drive along the coast to Empuries, founded by the Greeks around 600 B.C. Explore the remains of the Greco-Roman cities and, en route back to the ship, stop at the quaint medieval village of Pals.

Day 6: Tarragona / Poblet

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sunny Tarragona is a veritable museum-town, containing remains of practically all of the civilizations that crossed the Iberian Peninsula. Explore its Roman remains, including the seaside-facing amphitheater, and visit the Archaeological Museum, which includes part of the Roman city walls, frescoes, sculpture, and pottery. Drive to the Catalonian countryside to visit the Monastery of Poblet. Beautifully located at the feet of the Prades Mountains, this impressive Cistercian abbey is one of the largest in Spain and features a 12th-century church at its center.

Day 7: At Sea

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy Corinthian’s amenities and onboard lectures while cruising to Malaga.

Day 8: Malaga/Granada

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Granada exemplifies the best of Moorish art, architecture, and culture. Tour the Alhambra, a network of lavishly decorated palaces and irrigated gardens begun in the 13th century by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty. After the Christian reconquest, the Alhambra’s mosque was replaced with a church and additional structures were built. The complex is an architectural marvel of lacy arches, filigreed ceilings, slender columns, intricate stucco work, and romantic courtyards adorned with lovely fountains. Also stroll through the splendid Generalife Gardens, adjacent to the Alhambra, a soothing landscape of pathways, patios, pools, fountains, trees, and flowers of every imaginable hue.

Day 9: Huelva/Seville/Italica

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From Huelva, travel to Seville, one of Europe’s most important and affluent maritime cities. Visit the Alcazar, with its charming Murillo Gardens, and the Gothic Cathedral. Also, you may explore the remains of ancient Italica, once the third largest city in the Roman world, or spend time at leisure in Seville.

Day 10: Lisbon

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the morning at sea before arriving in Lisbon. Stroll through the Alfama, the city’s oldest district consisting of snaking alleyways, steep cobblestoned streets, and lively tavernas. See the Museu de Artes Decorativas, set in a lovely 17th-century palacio; the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which offers a splendid view of the tiled roofs of the Alfama; and the 18th-century church of Santa Luzia Visit St. George’s Castle, built in 1147 by King Afonso Henriques as a residence for the Portuguese kings. After the 1755 earthquake, the ramparts remained in ruins until 1938, when a complete renovation began. Next, choose between a visit to Jeronimos Monastery, the culmination of Manueline architecture, or the Gulbenkian Museum, housing one of the finest collections of art in Europe, before returning to the ship.

Day 11: Lisbon / Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
In the morning, disembark in Lisbon, Portugal, and transfer to the airport for your independent return flights.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

Mediterranean Travel Guide

Favorite Mediterranean All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By