From Genoa to Dubrovnik · Mediterranean · 15 nights
Innovative sister ships Seabourn Encore and Ovation represent an evolution in the Seabourn fleet, slightly larger in size with all-verandah accommodation.
When Seabourn introduced these sisters, they changed the face of
luxury cruising. Seabourn Encore and her sister Seabourn Ovation,
with 600 guests on board, take things a step further, with lots of
new thinking and special additions, continuing Seabourn’s magical
ability to surprise and delight.
Genoa has a legendary seafaring heritage, and was once a powerful maritime republic. However, the city's most famous son, Christopher Columbus, was spurned by the Genoese elite when he came looking for funds for his expedition, and his discoveries for the Spanish Crown played no small part in Genoa's downfall. Modern Genoa is Italy's largest sea port, and the atmospheric, labyrinthine streets of the old town are filled with dazzling architecture that harks back to the city's golden age, although some neighbourhoods are admittedly a little rough around the edges.
The colourful facades along Portovenere’s UNESCO-listed harbourfront make this one of the most picturesque villages on the Ligurian coast, and it has often been described as the ‘sixth town’ of the Cinque Terre. Wandering the narrow alleyways is a delight, and it’s worth the climb to the impressive hilltop Castle Doria.
Bonifacio sits atop brilliant white limestone cliffs on the southern tip of Corsica, with the harbour down below filled with fishing boats and glitzy yachts. The town's history as a Genoese stronghold, along with its proximity to Sardinia, means that the Italian influence is strong here.
Sardinia’s capital is a fascinating patchwork of historical architecture and vertiginous streets, crowned by the old hilltop citadel of Il Castello. Explore the island’s history at the Museo Archeologico, where you can learn about Sardinia's ancient Nuragic civilisation.
Tunisia’s capital is a whirlwind of energy, the narrow lanes of the old medina packed with people and the roads noisy with traffic. The more orderly streets of the Ville Nouvelle are home to some handsome colonial buildings, while the ruins of ancient Carthage make for a fascinating day trip.
Situated on the western edge of Sicily, closer to Tunis than it is to Rome, the historic port of Trapani has a discernible North African feel to it. This was once an important medieval trading centre that linked Carthage and Venice, and the lovely old town is a great place to spend some time exploring.
Palermo is an acquired taste; noisy, chaotic and rather grimey in places. But there’s something quite intoxicating about the crumbling facades and the bustling markets, and the Arabesque style of many of the buildings hints at Sicily’s historical role as a stepping stone between Europe and North Africa.
One of the world’s great cities, Rome continues to dazzle and delight visitors with a potent mix of architectural marvels, continent-defining history and buzzing nightlife. The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Forum are among the big ticket items, with the crowds to match, though in truth you will find history around almost every corner.
Salerno is the capital of the Campania region, an attractive city at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast. The historic centre and beautiful seafront promenade are well worth exploring, and the ruins at nearby Paestum make for an interesting day trip.
The charming village of Giardini Naxos is one of the jewels of Sicily, a popular resort located on a majestic bay facing the Ionian Sea. Restaurants and bars line a long stretch of beach, and the attractive town of Taormina is within easy reach, along with the slopes of brooding Mount Etna.
Malta’s tiny capital, established by the Knights of St John, packs in an awful lot of history considering its diminutive size. The atmospheric old streets, bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, are full of attractive honey-golden buildings, along with an impressive selection of bars and restaurants.
Draped in vineyards and olive groves, the verdant Croatian island of Korcula is famous for its white wine and is said by some to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The main settlement, Korcula Town, bears more than a passing resemblance to Dubrovnik, with a historic centre encircled by medieval walls and towers.
Kotor sits at the head of a beautiful, fjord-like bay, hemmed in by glowering mountains. The compact, walled old town is Montenegro’s star attraction, a warren of little alleyways and shady squares that is often described as a ‘mini Dubrovnik’.
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the marvellous sea views.
