Sicily, Sardinia & the Balearic Islands

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to embark Corinthian.

Drive up 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 glimpse of its magnificent Doric temple, built in 420 b.c. and among the best-preserved ancient Greek sites.

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.

Call in Bonifacio, built on spectacular high cliffs on Corsica’s south coast. Stroll through the striking town, with its winding medieval lanes and brightly colored houses adorned with imaginative family crests. Admire the fine Gothic architecture and dramatic scenery from the limestone cliffs, facing the sea.

Tour Alghero, the region’s major fishing port. Known as “Barcelonetta” because of its predominantly Catalan flavor, our tour will explore the picturesque cobblestoned streets and flamboyantly decorated churches of its historic core. Also visit the nearby Anghelu Ruiu Necropolis—a pre-Nuraghic cave complex with more than 30 hypogea (underground temples or tombs) before returning to Alghero.

Your tour of Mahon, the island’s main port, reveals an unusual hybrid architectural style comprised of classical Georgian sash-windowed town houses and traditional Spanish homes lining its narrow streets and bustling waterfront. After visiting Fort Marlborough, the 18thcentury British Fortification, continue to the site of Torralba d’en Salord, which contains the island’s largest and best preserved prehistoric settlements.

Arrive in Palma de Majorca, located on Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Palma, the archipelago’s capital, is renowned for its fine location and romantic medieval quarter. Visit the lovely golden-stone 13th-century Gothic Cathedral in the old city. Founded in 2004, Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art exhibits an important collection of contemporary art relating to the Balearic Islands. Also visit the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation.

Disembark in Barcelona and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.