Shores of the Mediterranean
Cruise 594
15-29 Jul 2024
15 days
Fares from �2680
| Fares for Cruise 594 | ||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | |
 |
Owners Suite | 5355 |
 |
Suite | 5105 |
 |
Deluxe | 4355 |
 |
Superior | 3820 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | ||
 |
A Deck outside | 3570 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 3320 |
 |
B Deck outside | 3250 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 3035 |
 |
A Deck inside | 2750 |
 |
B Deck inside | 2680 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | ||
|
A Deck outside | 4998 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 4648 |
|
B Deck outside | 4550 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 4249 |
|
A Deck inside | 3575 |
|
B Deck inside | 3484 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | ||
Professor Jasper Griffin
Professor of Classical Literature and Public Orator at Oxford University, Greek and Roman history, and the art and history of the Italian Renaissance will be covered in his talks.
Dr David Laven
Lecturer in Modern European history at the University of Reading. From a family of historians of Venice, he has long experience of living and studying in Italy. His talks will link the way in which the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas have shaped Italian history and identity.
The Revd Mark Oakley
Currently Chaplain to the Bishop of London, author of articles and reviews and lecturer in theology and philosophy. The literary connections with Dante, the romantics Byron, Shelly and Keats, to post-war fiction writers today will be highlighted in his talks.
James MH Thompson
Former architectural historian with Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England). His themes will be the architecture of Italy, from Byzantine to the Renaissance and Baroque, and even the unique eclectic style of the Normans in the south.
Summer in the Med, to enjoy the sights or beaches of five wonderful islands, scramble up Vesuvius or wander
around Pompeii, see famed mosaics in Ravenna and be spellbound by an unforgettable seaborne approach to
Venice - one of the world's most beautiful cities.
| Sun 15 Jul London | |
| Fly from London to Palma to join Minerva and sail from Majorca late evening. | |
| Mon 16 Jul Mahon (for Ciudadela) | |
| We arrive on the island of Menorca this morning and berth in the attractive harbour town of Mahon, which you can explore on your own. Relax on one of the island's renowned sandy beaches or take our excursion to the former capital of Ciudadela, still enclosed within its 16th century fortified walls. We sail after lunch time to settle in and explore Minerva. | |
| Tue 17 Jul Alghero * (for Capo Caccia) | |
| Minerva anchors off Alghero for a morning call in Sardinia. Drive along the scenic coastline to Capo Caccia, with its splendid views over the rocky coast, or you may prefer to swim from one of the area's renowned beaches. Take a boat trip across to the "Grotte di Nettuno" to see the vast caves, complete with stalagmites, stalactites and clear lakes. | |
| Wed 18 Jul Calvi * | |
| A morning in Calvi, one of the gems of Corsica. This morning, take a swim in the warm waters, explore the lower town at your leisure with its busy marina and semi-deserted citadel, or take our excursion along the coast for some spectacular views of the nearby mountains on one side and the glistening Mediterranean on the other. We depart mid-afternoon. | |
| Thu 19 Jul Livorno (for Lucca or Pisa) - Elba | |
| This morning we explore the charming town of Lucca, hidden behind virtually intact Renaissance walls. Visit the imposing cathedral and churches with their wealth of paintings and sculptures. If you prefer, join our excursion to Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower, impressive cathedral and unusual circular baptistery. Afternoon at sea, arriving at the island of Elba this evening. | |
| Fri 20 Jul Elba | |
| The morning is spent on the verdant Tuscan island of Elba, made famous by the time Napoleon spent in exile here. You can explore the island on a drive, join our walking tour to visit Napoleon's house, with its fine views over the bay, or seek out one of the island's glorious beaches before sampling the local cuisine for lunch. | |
| Sat 21 Jul Ischia * | |
| Arrive at the "Emerald Island" of Ischia at lunchtime. We visit Lady Walton's superb gardens at "La Mortella" a veritable feast of exotic plants, tropical foliage and landscaped streams and pools. It was here that her late husband, the famous Sir William Walton, composed several of his masterpieces. Alternatively, spend free time in the town or take a swim from one of the island's beaches. | |
| Sun 22 Jul-Mon 23 Jul Salerno (for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Amalfi Coast and Mt Vesuvius) | |
| A day and a half to enjoy the delights of the beautiful Amalfi Coast. During our stay here, we will visit both the extensive ruins of Pompeii, once a thriving commercial city, and Herculaneum, an affluent and sophisticated resort in Roman times. There is also the opportunity to take a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast to Ravello, or don your walking boots for a gentle morning climb up the still active Mt Vesuvius (subject to local conditions). | |
| Tue 24 Jul Messina (for Taormina) | |
| The fashionable resort of Taormina is this morning's destination. We will visit the Greek theatre, built in the 3rd century BC, and wander through the narrow streets of this picturesque hilltop town with the Mediterranean sparkling below. Or if you prefer, you could join our supplementary excursion across to the Italian mainland, to view the famous Riace bronzes, two excellent examples of ancient Greek sculpture. We sail mid afternoon. | |
| Wed 25 Jul Brindisi (for Lecce) | |
| Having rounded the "heel of Italy" Minerva reaches Brindisi this afternoon. Our excursion is to the historic and graceful town of Lecce, with its fine examples of Baroque architecture. Or you may prefer to visit the lovely coastal ruins of the town of Egnazia, where there is the chance to swim. | |
| Thu 26 Jul At Sea | |
| A day at sea as Minerva sails along Italy's Adriatic coast; with ample opportunity to enjoy Minerva's facilities - try out the gymnasium, have a massage in the Beauty Centre or simply relax on deck with a good book from Minerva's well-stocked Library, before rounding off the day with a cocktail on deck at sunset. | |
| Fri 27 Jul Ravenna | |
| Today is spent in Ravenna, one-time capital of Byzantium's western provinces. The mosaics from this period are the equal of any in the Mediterranean. We have a full day to explore both the town's ancient treasures and to enjoy its present-day atmosphere. You may like to join our supplementary full-day excursion to Bologna, the ancient university town renowned for its superb cuisine, returning via Castle Dozza Imolese, a centre for Emilia Romagna wine production, where we have the opportunity to sample some of the local wines. | |
| Sat 28 Jul Venice | |
| An unforgettable start to the day as Minerva makes her approach across the lagoon to Venice. This afternoon you can visit the Doges' Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs and wander in St Mark's Square. Or take our supplementary excursion which explores three islands - Torcello with its old cathedral, Burano, renowned for its lace industry and Murano, famed for its glassware. Sample some aperitifs this evening on our supplementary excursion. You may like to take a final opportunity to dine ashore. | |
| Sun 29 Jul Venice - London | |
| A leisurely morning before we fly to London. | |
| * Land by ship's boat or local tender | |
