Start your 11-day Seabourn Sojourn Western Mediterranean voyage in Civitavecchia, where Michelangelo completed Bramante's Renaissance fortifications. Sardinia's coastline is filled with deep-cut bays, rocky outcrops, and excellent beaches for strolling and playing. An explosion of color adorns Portofino's flower-filled slopes. Discover Monte Carlo, a gorgeous 370-acre enclave with a harbor that draws yachts from throughout the world. Cavalaire's family-friendly atmosphere centers on its three-mile beach and pristine waters. Your trip concludes in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest metropolis and commercial center.
Highlights
Explore the Renaissance fortifications of Civitavecchia
Walk through the serrated coves of Sardinia
Enjoy Monaco's beautiful scenery, mild weather and elegant casinos
Marvel at architecture from the medieval through modernist periods
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.
Despite its small size, the island of Elba has been known since the beginning of recorded history. Called Ilva by the Ligurians and Aethalia by the Greeks, Elba passed to the Etruscans and later the Romans. It was ruled by Pisa in the Middle Ages, was a haven for Barbary pirates in the 16th century, and was then privately owned by the powerful Medici family. The island's most famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, whose first exile from France and short reign over Elba lasted from May 1814 to February 1815. During that time, Napoleon was able to improve the island by altering street plans, building new roads, modernizing agriculture, and developing the iron mines. Iron ore is still mined above the Rio Marina and then shipped from Portoferraio (Port of Iron). With a population of just over 11,000, the town is the largest of the eight on the island and is considered it's capital. Geologists and gemstone collectors find Elba a treasure trove with over 150 minerals and semiprecious stones found here due to the seismic turmoil that created the island. The rich soil also produces an astonishing range of foliage and flowers aided by the sun that shines almost every day of the year. Despite summer tourism, the island is largely agricultural and the ambiance is quiet and relaxed, allowing the visitor to enjoy Elba's natural charm, peaceful abundance, and timeless beauty.
The Amalfi coast has been called the greatest meeting of land and sea on earth. Situated in the Campania region between Sorrento and Salerno, Amalfi is one of the main towns, the other being Positano, on the world-famous Amalfi Drive - known as the most romantic drive in Italy. The road is gouged from the side of rocky cliffs plunging into the sea. Erosion has contorted the rocks into mythological shapes and hollowed out fairy grottoes where the air is turquoise and the water an icy blue. During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was an independent maritime state with a population of 50,000. The ship compass was invented here in 1302.
Approximately 10 miles away from Amalfi is the village of Ravello. An enchanting village with wonderful views and quiet lanes, Ravello boasts romantic gardens that showcase medieval ruins and afford magnificent views of the entire Bay of Salerno.
This harbor on the eastern shore of Sicily near Messina gives us close access to the fabulous Greco-Roman ruins of Taormina, as well as the active volcano Mt. Etna. The temples, streets, and large amphitheater of Taormina make it one of Italy’s premier ancient sites. Its location overlooking the sea and with the backdrop of snow-capped Etna complete the package and make it among the most famous attractions in the Mediterranean region. Giardini Naxos itself boasts a lovely beach at Lido Europa, and intrepid visitors can climb Mt. Etna to see a volcano close up.
A port not often visited by cruise ships, being more accustomed to welcoming fishing boats and private yachts. Malta’s smaller sister island has a lot of charm to offer. Villages such as Mgarr all boast tall, elaborately carved churches, the result of a combination of fine-grained, easily carved stone, time, and stonemasons whose skill is matched only by their religious devotion. The city of Victoria was so named to honor the British queen’s Diamond jubilee.
Occupied successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French and British, Malta has been of strategic importance throughout history. A British Crown Colony until 1964, Malta received the George Cross for its valiant resistance to German occupation in WWII. The island's rich heritage is reflected in the architecture of Valletta, the current capital, and Medina, the capital until 1565. In Valletta, the Knights of St. John built such masterpieces as St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters, along with the fortifications that guard the town's magnificent harbors.
The Sardinian coastline is serrated by deep-cut coves of sparkling sea, surrounded by rocky prominences and edged in lovely strands of the beach. The Aga Khan fell in love with the place, and dubbed it the Costa Smeralda, creating a magnet for the global glitterati. At Golfo Aranci, shining arcs of silvery sand are linked into a larger curve, encircled by a muscular peninsula that looms protectively between the town and the sea. It looks expensive, and it is.
One of the oldest resorts on the Cote d’Azur, Saint-Raphaël was used by Romans for sun-and-sand vacations 2,000 years ago. The town is dominated by the domed, neo-Byzantine Basilica of Notre Dame de Victoire, built in the 19th Century when the town outgrew its original church. The original, the 13th-century church of San Rafeu, is nearby, and now holds an archaeological museum. The foundation is rooted in two earlier churches and incorporates a medieval watchtower as a campanile. Climb that for a panoramic view of the town and the surroundings, from the Massif d’Esterel to the nearby ports of Fréjus and Saint-Tropez, and the privately owned Ile d’Or in the bay. Napoleon Bonaparte landed here on his return from Egypt, en route to his coup d’etat in Paris, and later sailed away to his exile from the same port.
This small town is one of the rarest things on the Cote d’Azur - a real working fishing port. Recapture the atmosphere that first captivated artists and writers, who migrated here for inspiration and ended up inspiring the renaissance of the Riviera as we know it today. Sanary is also a portal to the South of France beyond the beaches. Ascend the seaward slopes of the Provencal Alps to Aix-en-Provence, to stroll beneath the plane trees along the Cours Mirabeau, or gaze at the rocky profile of Montagne St. Victoire that fascinating Cezanne. Or stick to the coastline, and visit the picturesque village of Cassis, for a taste of fresh, briny sea urchins chased with a crisp, local white wine.
Day 11: Barcelona, Spain | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second-largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,999
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (OS)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (A)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Ocean View Suite (A1)
Located on Deck 4; Approximately 295 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space
All Ocean View Suites feature:
A large picture window
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite(OB)
Total inside space of between 246 and 302 square feet (23 and 28 square meters) plus one veranda of between 68 and 83 square feet (6 and 7 square meters)
Guaranteed Suite: For this option we select the location and specific suite for you, and notify you prior to departure. Guests are guaranteed to be assigned a suite in the category selected or higher.
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V1)
Located on Deck 5 and 6; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*The veranda railings in categories V1 and V2 are part metal and part glass from floor to teak rail.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V2)
Located on Deck 7 and 8; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V3)
Located on Deck 5 and 6; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Veranda Suite (V4)
Located on Deck 7, 8, 9 and 10; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite Guarantee (PG)
Located on Deck 7, 8, 9 and 10; Approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 65 square feet (6 square meters)
All Veranda Suites feature:
A full-length window
Glass door to private veranda
Comfortable living area
Queen-size bed or two twin beds
Dining table for two
Walk-in closet
Interactive flat-screen television with music and movies
Fully stocked bar and refrigerator
Makeup vanity
Spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower
*Wheelchair accessible suites are roll-in shower only.
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite (PH)
Penthouse Suite (PH)
Approximately 436 square feet (41 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 98 square feet (9 square meters)
All Penthouse Suite feature
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity.
Select a Date
Penthouse Spa Suite (PS)
Penthouse Spa Suite (PS)
Approximately 536 to 539 square feet (50 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 167 to 200 square feet (16 to 19 square meters)
All Penthouse Spa Suite feature
Dining table for two to four
Separate bedroom
Glass door to veranda
Two flat-screen TVs
Fully stocked bar
Spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity
Select a Date
Owners Suite (O1)
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Owners Suite (O2)
Approximately 526 & 593 square feet (49 to 55 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 133 & 354 square feet (12 to 33 square meters)
Owner's Suites feature
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Signature Suite (SS)
Approximately 859 square feet (80 square meters) of inside space, plus one veranda of 493 square feet (46 square meters)
Signature Suites feature:
Expansive ocean views
Forward-facing windows
Dining for four to six
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Wintergarden Suite (WG)
Approximately 914 square feet (85 square meters) of inside space, one veranda of 183 sq. ft. (17 square meters.).
Wintergarden Suites feature:
Large windows
Dining for six
Whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Two closets
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Select a Date
Grand Wintergarden Suite (GR)
Approximately 1189 square feet (110 square meters) of inside space, plus two verandas totaling 214 square feet (20 square meters)
Grand Wintergarden Suites feature
Large windows
Dining for six
Glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed
Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub
Guest bath
Two bedrooms
Convertible sofa bed for one
Pantry with wet bar
Two flat-screen TVs
Complimentary Internet/Wi-Fi service
Notes
The ship offers interactive, experiential and participatory excursions to the localities they will be going to, These are made possible by partnering with local suppliers to provide these side trips.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO VENTURE?
Ventures by Seabourn excursions are easy and fun — no experience is required.
We Venture in small groups — for a more personal experience.
All equipment is provided — we Venture rain or shine.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
