In the Western Mediterranean, ancient societies originated, thrived, ruled, and—eventually and inevitably—declined. This spectacular springtime voyage takes travelers to shores that resonate with the legacy of the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Moors. Embarking from Rome, Corinthian journeys first to Aleria, Corsica’s ancient Roman capital. On Sardinia, explore the once-flourishing Phoenician center of Sant’Antioco, including the old church and its winding catacombs. Enjoy an excursion to Djemila, where some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa are sited along picturesque mountainsides. Cruising past the Rock of Gibraltar, Corinthian journeys to southern Spain, calling at the old Andalusian port town of Tarifa; Seville, where centuries of influence from various civilizations have left their mark; and the remains of Italica, once the third largest city in the Roman world. The voyage concludes with an excursion to Conimbriga, one of the largest and the best-preserved Roman settlements in Portugal.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Rome. Transfer to Civitavecchia and embark Corinthian. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew as you prepare to set sail.
Day 2: Porto Vecchio, Corsica, France / Bonifacio or Aleria
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive at small Porto Vecchio, located on a fantastic bay. Visit Bonifacio, built on high cliffs on Corsica's south coast. Stroll through the town, admiring the fine Gothic architechture and dramatic scenery from the limestone cliffs faving the sea. Alternatively, drive to Aleria, the ancient Roman capital of Corsica. Explore the remains of the ancient city, built on a gentle slope by a river, an visit the museum, which houses objects from the site.
Day 3: Sant'Antioco Island, Sardinia, Italy / Sulcis
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located off the southwest corner of Sardinia, Sant'Antioco was a flourishing Phoenician center, dating back to the 9th century BC. Explore Sulcis, the Phoenician town, later taken over by the Romans. Also visit the old church of Sant'Antioco, with its catacombs dating from the 2nd to the 7th centuries, which are linked to the Punic underground chambers.
Day 4: Bejaia, Algeria / Djemila
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From Bejaia, take an excursion through impressive countryside to the well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila. The site includes the Triumphal Arch to Emperor Caracalla, built in AD 216; Grand Baths; market; and Old Forum, featuring stunning friezes and a third-century altar. Also visit the museum, with its collection of superb mosaics and other artifacts.
Day 5: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the day relaxing, taking advantage of on-board amenities, or simply enjoying the fresh Mediterranean sea breeze.
Day 6: Ghazaouet / Tlemcen
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Drive to Tlemcen, one of Algeria's finest cities, noted for its cultural and architectural heritage. Experience the 11th-century Great Mosque and the de-consecrated Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque, now housing a museum with mosaics, carvings, and pottery.
Day 7: Gibraltar, United Kingdom
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Gibraltar is one of the world's great sea landmarks and has been guiding mariners for centuries. After a short tour, enjoy time to explore on your own.
Day 8: 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 9: Portimao, Portugal / Sagres
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From the small fishing village of Portimao, travel to Cape Saint Vincent, called Promontorium Sacrum by the Romans, and visit the nearby village of Sagres, where Prince Henry the Navigator founded his famed School of Navigation. Have the afternoon free back in Portimao to stroll down its old cobblestone lanes and see the town's lovely river-front garden and attractive fishing harbor.
Day 10: Figueira da Foz / Conimbriga / Coimbra
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a full day excursion to Conimbriga and Coimbra. The ruins of Roman Conimbriga boast nearly intact city walls, an amphitheater, and baths. Afterward stop in Coimbra, Portugal's first royal capital and seat of its university. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral and the University Library.
Day 11: Disembark in Lisbon, Portugal
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Lisbon and transfer to airport to continue your homeward travels.
Dates & Prices
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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
