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16 Night Traversing the Med A Mediterranean Feast and Land Tour

From Naples to Lisbon
  • Douglas Mawson
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Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13951344
  • Departs: Mon, Sep 28, 2026
  • Returns: Wed, Oct 14, 2026
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    Rates

    Includes

    Other Dates

    Oceanview $12,876
    Balcony $13,996
    Suite $22,316
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Send Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Sep 28, 2026
    Day
    1
    Naples, Italy
    • Naples, Italy
    Welcome to Naples. On arrival at Naples Airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet Aurora Expeditions representative, followed by a transfer to your group hotel. At the hotel, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet the team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Naples. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our day exploring Naples tomorrow. Accommodation: Naples Hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Sep 29, 2026
    Day
    2
    Naples, Italy
    • Naples, Italy
    Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naples' 'underworld' reputation has mellowed in recent years, making it the perfect starting point for our explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plague, and infamous natural disasters, Neapolitans are well known for their dramatic, larger-than-life personalities. A dedication to family and their ancestral roots makes them natural storytellers, with a passion to share their stoic city and its intrinsic tales with all they encounter. Developed by Rome's elite as a series of holiday resorts and prosperous towns, the southern coastline of the Bay of Naples offers a wealth of insights into the ancient world, while the modern city of Naples is an eclectic mix of winding lanes, underground channels, and glass-fronted high-rise buildings, making it a town with more than its share of tall tales. Today's 'Your Choice' options highlight two cherished Neapolitan pastimes: delving into the city's storied history and indulging in its renowned cuisine, while history enthusiasts can explore the archaeological site of Pompeii to gain insights into Roman life and understand how its opulence contributed to the city's demise. The afternoon is free for further exploration before we gather this evening to celebrate our journey at a Welcome Event - Neapolitan style. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Sep 30, 2026
    Day
    3
    Naples, Italy
    • Naples, Italy

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 3 - Wednesday - Sep 30, 2026
    Day
    3
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Naples, Italy
    This morning is at your leisure to enjoy Naples. We transfer to the port mid-afternoon to board the Douglas Mawson and sail west to the Italian island of Sardinia. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Dinner where we meet our Aurora Expeditions team and crew.
    Thursday - Oct 1, 2026
    Day
    4
    Olbia, Italy
    • Olbia, Italy
    Crossing 'the Med' on traditional trade routes, we reach the coastal city of Olbia on Sardinia's east coast, in time to spend the afternoon on your preferred 'Your Choice' experience. The Mediterranean's second-largest island, Sardinia is unique and enigmatic. Its coastline, beaches, granite cliffs, and mountainous inland showcase sprawling resorts and medieval villages - all a testimony to the island's eventful history as the center of the Mediterranean's east to west trading route. A succession of conquerors gifted to the islanders animals, seeds, and plants to be raised and populated. Understandably the most popular plants were vines, which now support a burgeoning wine business with Sardinian wines popular in Europe. ...
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    Friday - Oct 2, 2026
    Day
    5
    Bastia, France
    • Bastia, France
    Our journey today takes us to a slice of France in the Mediterranean. Though it has been part of France since 1769, Corsica maintains a distinct identity, blending Italian and French influences due to its historical ties with both nations. Known for its rugged landscapes, winding roads, and craggy coves, Corsica's 340,000 inhabitants have a strong sense of regional pride, tested annually by an influx of three million tourists. The island's status as a territorial collectivity grants it greater autonomy within the French Republic, allowing for the preservation of its Corsican language and customs. This blend of French governance and Corsican heritage creates a rich, multifaceted culture that sets the island apart from mainland France. The 'Your Choice' experiences fill our morning, with time this afternoon to enjoy the town of Bastia on your own, before we sail for the French mainland in the early evening. Founded in 1378 by the Genoese, Bastia blends French and Italian influences, making it a quintessentially Corsican town. Its Baroque historic center captures the essence of an ancient Mediterranean port. The name "Bastia" comes from "bastion", referencing the Genoese fortress built to guard against islanders. Explore the Terra Vecchia (Old Town) on foot, starting at the palm-filled Place St-Nicolas, which flanks both the port and the lively Boulevard du General de Gaulle. The vibrant colors of the old town's houses once served as landmarks for returning sailors and continue to brighten the town today. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 3, 2026
    Day
    6
    Nice, France
    • Nice, France
    There are plenty of treats on offer today as we reach the French mainland and berth at the port of Nice in true "Riviera style". More than any other Riviera city, Nice oozes charm. Its kilometers of beach, backed by iconic hotels and luxurious apartments and fronted by the Mediterranean Sea, have attracted the rich and famous for centuries. The broad boulevard along the beachfront, named Promenade des Anglais, honors Queen Victoria, who often brought her entourage to escape the dreary English winter. Russian aristocrats also made Nice their home, building a Russian Orthodox church that today holds a memorial to the fallen Czar and his family. Noted for its sunny days and enchanting evening light, Nice has long drawn artists whose galleries are filled with paintings of the city itself. Chagall, Matisse, Dufy, Picasso, and more worked, lived, and loved here among their wealthy sponsors and bon vivant friends. Residents, focused on fun in the sun, stroll to the market daily, buying fresh produce, gourmet foods, and flowers to adorn their seaside homes. The centrally located port offers us the chance to stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean from Nice's Opera Plage, or perhaps head to the city's famous neighbor, Monaco. One thing is for sure: in true Riviera style, today will have a touch of decadence. ...
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    Sunday - Oct 4, 2026
    Day
    7
    Toulon, France
    • Toulon, France
    Fronted by a marina packed with yachts and a port dominated by the French Navy, Toulon is a city on the rise. Not as glitzy as Saint-Tropez, Nice, or Cannes, Toulon is a working town with coastal appeal and a vibrant culinary scene, attracting predominantly French holidaymakers. A crucial naval port since the 15th century, Toulon's strategic harbor has played a vital role in French maritime operations. During World War II, the local Resistance fighters, including the Maquis, undertook numerous acts of sabotage, including the dramatic 1942 scuttling of the French fleet to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. This act stands as a testament to the city's resilient spirit, which adds to its rough charm and very "French" attitude. ...
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    Monday - Oct 5, 2026
    Day
    8
    Sete, France
    • Sete, France
    Often dubbed the 'Venice of Languedoc' for its picturesque canals and bridges, Sete is known for its thriving seafood industry, with its bustling fish market and waterfront restaurants offering fresh catches from the nearby Thau Lagoon. Sete's waterside promenades are dotted with colorful buildings and busy cafes, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying an aperitif, glass of locally produced wine, or a cool beer amid soothing waterfront views. For those selecting a morning 'Your Choice' experience, the charming town of Sete waits for independent exploration in the afternoon. The city center is just a ten-minute walk from the port, making it easy to discover its attractions at your own pace. ...
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    Tuesday - Oct 6, 2026
    Day
    9
    Barcelona, Spain
    • Barcelona, Spain
    Entering Spain, we find ourselves at the vibrant Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Choose your favorite 'Your Choice' experience for a fun-filled morning. Having familiarized yourself with the city, either return to the ship for lunch, or remain in town for a free afternoon exploring Barcelona's many attractions. Stroll iconic Las Ramblas, visit one of the city's renowned galleries, or shop to your heart's content. The Douglas Mawson will be at the downtown port, ready to set sail for Mallorca in the early evening. Socially, culturally, and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe's most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveler's lips, and Barcelona's vibrant is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire's monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th-century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back. ...
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    Wednesday - Oct 7, 2026
    Day
    10
    Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    • Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    It's time to say "Hola" to Mallorca, with a full day in port at Palma de Mallorca to enjoy the sun, wine, and food that makes this island so unique. An autonomous region of Spain, the economy of the Balearic Islands has ebbed and flowed in line with the waters to which they owe their fame. Recent years have brought an influx of tourists on flight inclusive packages and Europeans seeking an 'expat' lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from far more sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British, and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told. We spend the morning ashore, before sailing west to the Spanish coast. Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences. ...
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    Thursday - Oct 8, 2026
    Day
    11
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    It's time to relax and enjoy sailing the Med today as we follow the traditional trade route from the Balearic Islands to the Spanish coast. Enjoy a swim, sauna, or simply relax with a good book. Hone your photography skills with the resident photographer or join a presentation by an onboard host.
    Friday - Oct 9, 2026
    Day
    12
    Motril, Spain
    • Motril, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Granada, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Motril, Spain
    We meet the mainland at the port of Motril affording us access to the city of Granada and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada: the Alpujarras. We immerse ourselves in the rural culture, with a chance to spend time with descendants of those who have lived on the land for generations with a farm-to-plate experience or walk amongst the Moorish empire and Christian monarchical periods' greatest architectural achievements at the eclectic city of Granada. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 10, 2026
    Day
    13
    Tangier, Morocco
    • Tangier, Morocco
    Meeting the African coast at Morocco, we find a city with a few tales to tell. Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, affording us one of Europe's most egocentric stories. Designated an 'International Zone' in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws, and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco's civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city which remains as colorful as its history suggests. ...
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    Sunday - Oct 11, 2026
    Day
    14
    Cadiz (Seville), Spain
    • Cadiz (Seville), Spain
    The proud city of Cadiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, it is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine produced was vinum ceretensis. From Phoenicians to Iberians, Romans to Moors, Cadiz had its fair share of invaders. It is no wonder its skyline is dotted with 120 watchtowers, including the 150-foot-tall Torre Tavira, used for spotting sails as they appeared on the horizon - often the first sign of the return of long-lost explorers. A Spanish naval base even today, it was off the coast of Cadiz at Cape Trafalgar where the British won the battle of the same name over Napoleon's fleet, with the loss of Horatio Nelson. It was from Cadiz where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the 'new world'. And it was in Cadiz harbor where Sir Francis Drake sacked and burned so many ships that he delayed Spain's attempt at invading England's by at least a year and changed the course of world history. ...
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    Monday - Oct 12, 2026
    Day
    15
    Portimao, Portugal
    • Portimao, Portugal
    Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimao was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived, and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbor to a coast of classic, caved beaches, Portimao fishes for a different catch these days, with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars. ...
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    Tuesday - Oct 13, 2026
    Day
    16
    Lisbon, Portugal
    • Lisbon, Portugal
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 16 - Tuesday - Oct 13, 2026
    Day
    16
    Lisbon, Portugal
    • Lisbon, Portugal
    Lisbon sits on the Tagus River, granting it access to the coast that contributed to Portugal becoming one of the world's most successful trading nations. Explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Bartolomeu Dias sailed under Portuguese patronage, discovering new lands and establishing trade routes. The city flourished, with much of the wealth from its colonies invested in grand architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day in 1755, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Lisbon, followed by tsunamis and fires that devastated the city. Over 75% of the population perished. Today, Lisbon reflects this history, with few buildings predating the 18th century. The city was rebuilt with wide boulevards, elegant facades, and parklands, all complemented by opulent Baroque interiors and distinctive black-and-white tiled pavements. Lisbon's compact size makes it easy to explore, with hillside suburbs accessible by trams and funiculars, and a vibrant waterfront that continues its historic trading legacy. We disembark Douglas Mawson and join a locally guided tour of Lisbon. The city's story unfolds as we visit the suburb of Belem, with its Jeronimos Monastery, where we hear more of Vasco da Gama's adventures; the waterfront memorial of Monumento aos Descobrimentos, honoring Prince Henry the Navigator and his fellow explorers; and the Torre de Belem - the 16th-century fortification that acted as the gateway to Lisbon for all seafarers. This insightful tour tells tales of exploration, colonization, and devastation, drawn together by the history of a city the influence of which has shaped much of our modern-day world. Near the famed Cais do Sodre train station, sits the beautiful building of the Mercado da Ribeira with its Moorish-style dome. To end our tour, we visit this famous market and its popular 'Time Out' food complex. Lisbon's populace has shopped for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat here since 1882, with the market's latest innovation including 30 'pop-ups' offering petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and traditional products such as cheeses, cured hams, smoked sausages, fish conserves, wines and more. Our local guide introduces us to a variety of Portuguese specialties, such as pasteis de nata - the Portuguese tart, a national specialty, with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry. Take time to explore and enjoy lunch (own expense), before transferring to your hotel mid-afternoon. This evening, we gather to celebrate our journey at a Farewell Event. Accommodation: Lisbon Hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Oct 14, 2026
    Day
    17
    Lisbon, Portugal
    • Lisbon, Portugal
    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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