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Peregrine Travel Centre

Art & Antiquities of the Mediterranean

Art & Antiquities of the Mediterranean

From £4,295 GBP

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Description

The late 19th century witnessed an extraordinary flowering of art that transformed the Cote d’Azur into the greatest concentration of modern art in Europe and during our three days in France at the start of our voyage we will enjoy some of the great works by Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne. Sailing from France we follow the coast around to Spain’s province of Catalonia and our first call will be to the Medieval town of Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali. Then on to Barcelona, a unique and marvellous city with its Modernista architecture. Staying in Catalonia our next call will be the historic city of Tarragona, a veritable museum-town with remains of all the civilisations that have crossed the Iberia. Before our journey continues south we sail to the Balearic Island of Menorca to explore its rich history and and experience the tranquillity and beauty of Valldemossa, a town that has been a source of inspiration for many artists. Our voyage continues along the Spanish coast visiting the great city of Valencia with its 13th century cathedral with paintings by Goya, the great naval port of Cartagena with its fine Roman remains, Granada and the incomparable Alhambra and penultimately Gibraltar. We end on a high note with our passage up the Guadalquivir river to Seville, surely the perfect way to arrive at this wonderful Andalusian city.

Trip Name
Art & Antiquities of the Mediterranean
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 107 (from Dec 2018 - 95) Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and the fact that she is is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her in top form. In December 2018, the vessel will once again undergo a significant refurbishment after which she will accommodate a maximum of just 95 guests. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require.  ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.  PLEASE NOTE: Deck plan varies for 2019 cruises, no inside cabins.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Marseilles, France.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and embark.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Aix en Provence.
From our berth in Marseilles we head inland to Aix en Provence. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century it is now more renowned as the home of artist Paul Cezanne. We will visit his studio and the Jas de Bouffan estate, Cezanne’s parents’ country house which contains many of the painter’s celebrated works. We will continue to the ‘Terrain des Peintres’ located on the heights of Aix en Provence and famous for the wonderful views of the Montagne Sainte Victoire which Cezanne often painted in the latter part of his life. After lunch in a local restaurant we will spend some time in Aix.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Port Vendres.
The ‘Cote Vermeille’, or rocky coast, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean and inspired some of the world’s most famous artists. This morning we will drive the short distance to Collioure which has always been a source of inspiration for artists. Here we will have time to explore the colourful streets, visit the local artist studios and the 12th century Royal Castle. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to enjoy exploring Port Vendres at leisure.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Roses, Spain.
The former Greek colony of Roses is our base for a day on the Costa Brava. We will travel inland to Medieval Figueres, an impressive town of Modernist and Neoclassical architecture which is most renowned as the birth place of Salvador Dali. Our tour includes the impressive 18th century castle of St Ferran and the old city walls before continuing to the Dali Theatre Museum. Designed by Dali himself, the museum takes us through the life of the artist. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and this afternoon we will travel along the coast to the archaeological site of Empuries. Founded by Greek merchants in the 6th century BC as Emporion, it was a commercial hub and became a major port. In 218 BC the town was taken by the Romans who built an even greater city above the Greek town.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Barcelona.
Our morning tour of the enchanting city of Barcelona will include the Medieval Gothic quarter which was built on the site of a Roman city. We will discover remains of the Roman past such as the impressively well preserved columns of the Temple of August as well as the Placa Sant Jaume and Placa del Rei before arriving at the great 14th century cathedral, located in the heart of Barcelona and known as ‘La Seu’. We then continue to the Sagrada Familia passing by Passeig de Gracia, containing several of the city’s most celebrated pieces of architecture such as Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, both designed by Gaudi within the space of a few years. The Temple dedicated to the Sacred Family is Gaudi’s most emblematic work and the greatest exponent of his genius, which has become a symbol of Barcelona all over the world despite remaining unfinished. We will return to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon at lesiure.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Tarragona.
During the second Punic War in 218 AD the city of Tarraco was established as a garrison which developed into the main military base for the Roman army in Spain. Today we can still see remnants of the Roman period as we explore the city by foot. Meanwhile on the outskirts of the city we will see the Pont de les Ferreres, a Roman bridge that formed part of the aqueduct that brought water to the city from the Francoli River. After lunch on board we have time to explore Tarragona at leisure or, alternatively, drive to the Moestir de Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Palma de Mallorca.
From our berth in Palma we will take the beautifully maintained vintage train that connects Palma with the pretty town of Soller on the island’s west coast and enjoy splendid mountain views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will enjoy some time to explore Soller before taking a scenic drive to the village of Valldemossa, a quiet and traditional town with narrow streets and lanes constructed with blonde stone. It is also a source of inspiration to the many artists that live here and we hope to be able to visit a local studio to learn first-hand about their methods. We will enjoy a walk around the town and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the MS Serenissima.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Valencia.
Valencia is a vibrant, somewhat chaotic and a typically Spanish city. Join a guided walking tour to see some of the fine Baroque buildings including the cathedral, the 15th century Gothic Silk Exchange and the old ‘La Carmen’ quarter. This afternoon can be spent at leisure exploring independently or join us as we visit the Fine Arts Museum. Alternatively, visit the Colegio del Patriarca with its wonderful Renaissance courtyard, church and a museum with works including a ‘Last Supper’ by Ribalta.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Cartagena.
After a morning at sea we arrive during lunch at the Murcian port of Cartagena. We will enter the deep natural harbour through two fortified rocky headlands for an afternoon of exploration in this historic city that dates back to the Phoenicians. The city walls remained intact until the 20th century, creating a dense historic centre which we will explore before taking the lift or walking up to Concepcion Castle where we will learn of the city’s past and enjoy amazing views of the city and harbour below.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Motril for Alhambra.
Today we will drive inland to the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. During our guided tour we will visit the most important halls and courtyards of the Alhambra and we also visit the sumptuous Generalife Gardens, the luxurious summer retreat of the Moorish kings of Granada.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Gibraltar.
We have the day to explore this strategic British outpost of the Mediterranean. We will use the cable car to climb the 426 metre Rock of Gibraltar and at the top will enjoy a private lecture which will bring the history of Gibraltar to life. We will visit the Great Siege Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French attacks between 1779 and 1783 and revered as one of the finest defensive systems. Also visit the Gibraltar Museum where we can learn more about the Great Siege, the geological origins of the rock and also the natural history. Enjoy lunch on board followed by some free time.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Seville.
Overnight we will cruise up the Guadalquivir River towards Seville arriving during breakfast. On our morning excursion we will see one of Seville’s greatest monuments, the Alcazar with its exotic terraced garden. Built by the Moors in the 14th century, it is still used as a residence by the King of Spain. Also see the Christian Cathedral, reputed to be the largest Gothic style church in the world. This afternoon will be at leisure.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Seville to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-10-201802-11-2018£4,995Standard Single
21-10-201802-11-2018£5,995Standard Stateroom Sole
21-10-201802-11-2018£4,295Inside Single
21-10-201802-11-2018£5,145Standard Stateroom Plus
21-10-201802-11-2018£6,145Standard Stateroom Plus Sole
21-10-201802-11-2018£6,695Executive Suite
21-10-201802-11-2018£6,195Junior Suite
21-10-201802-11-2018£6,695Owners Suite
21-10-201802-11-2018£5,545Deluxe Stateroom
21-10-201802-11-2018£4,995Standard Stateroom
21-10-201802-11-2018£4,295Inside Cabin
21-10-201802-11-2018£5,245Superior Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Celebrate the modern art and architecture of the Mediterranean Coast
    • See the ‘Cote Vermeille’, or rocky coast,
    • one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean
    • Discover the enchanting city of Barcelona
    • Visit Valencia
    • a vibrant, somewhat chaotic and a typically Spanish city

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