| Wed 5 Aug | Embark on Minerva in Dover and sail out to sea enjoying spectacular views of the White Cliffs. |
| Thu 6 Aug | A day at sea to settle in, relax by the pool, or attend the introductory lectures in the Lounge. Enjoy the Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner this evening. |
| Fri 7 Aug | This afternoon we visit Nantes with its impressive Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Ducal Palace, the Chateau of the Dukes of Brittany. Alternative excursion to visit a Muscadet vineyard and cellars. Afternoon at sea. |
| Sat 8 Aug | A morning spent exploring the majestic city of Bordeaux with its neoclassical architecture and wide boulevards. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy some of the world famous local wines. Evening in port. |
| Sun 9 Aug | A relaxing day at sea to enjoy a game of cards in the Card Room or to read a book from our extensive library. |
| Mon 10 Aug | A morning visit to Santiago de Compostela, a centre of pilgrimage for some 1,200 years. Evening in port. |
| Tue 11 Aug | We arrive early in Oporto, Portugal's second city for a sightseeing tour and to sample port wine at one of the leading houses. Alternative excursion to Guimaraes. |
| Wed 12 Aug- Thu 13 Aug |
A morning at sea followed by our excursion in Lisbon where we take in the Jeronymos Monastery, Maritime Museum and the Gulbenkian Museum. Alternative excursion to Queluz and to Sintra. Sail lunchtime Thursday for a relaxing afternoon at sea. |
| Fri 14 Aug | A full day excursion to the beautiful city of Seville with its impressive Gothic Cathedral and winding streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz. Alternatively visit the sherry producing area around Jerez. |
| Sat 15 Aug | Arrive early morning in Malaga for our full day visit to the fascinating city of Granada and the Alhambra Palace, overlooking the city. Sail early evening. |
| Sun 16 Aug | A chance to unwind and relax on deck during our full day at sea. |
| Mon 17 Aug | A morning call at the port of Mahon on the Balearic island of Menorca. Here we visit the old Moorish town of Ciudadela. Alternative archeological excursion or you may like to swim ashore at a nearby beach. |
| Tue 18 Aug | A final day at sea to listen to the lecturers as they consider the cruise in retrospect. |
| Wed 19 Aug | Our morning programme includes the amazingly preserved ruins of Pompeii, as well as alternative tours to Herculaneum or Capodimonte before our return flight to London. |