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17 Night Sailing the Med a Mediterranean Feast and Land Tour

From Valletta to Lisbon
  • Douglas Mawson
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Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14147850
  • Departs: Wed, May 19, 2027
  • Returns: Sat, Jun 5, 2027
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    Oceanview
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    Balcony $16,716
    Suite $24,636
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Request A 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

    Wednesday - May 19, 2027
    Day
    1
    Valletta, Malta
    • Valletta, Malta
    Welcome to Malta. On arrival at Valletta 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 Valletta. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception to begin our journey. Accommodation: Valletta hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - May 20, 2027
    Day
    2
    Valletta, Malta
    • Valletta, Malta

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 2 - Thursday - May 20, 2027
    Day
    2
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Valletta, Malta
    Sitting in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts unbeatable location, location, location. It's sunny charm and island lifestyle have made it a modern-day summer holiday destination, but historically, its strategic position has made it a target for invaders. The Maltese people, known for their convivial and family-oriented nature, have a long history of defending their homeland, from ancient Greek sieges to Napoleon's forces. Their remarkable bravery during World War II, particularly during the Second Siege of Malta, earned the nation the George Cross from King George VI. This honor is proudly displayed on the Maltese flag and coat of arms, symbolizing their enduring spirit and resilience. Our morning is spent in Malta's celebrated capital, Valletta, which remains a historical city with streets of fascinating sites telling more than their fair share of stories. Our local guide tells tales of the past and present at the Barrakka Gardens where we gain a perspective of the city's harbor from a naval point of view before exploring the Grand Master's Palace and Armoury, where we uncover an impressive collection gathered by the Knights of St John, while the multimedia show, Malta Experience, places thousands of years of Malta into perspective. Your afternoon is free to stroll the streets of Valletta at your own pace, before boarding the Douglas Mawson. This evening, we gather for a 'Welcome Dinner' where we meet our Aurora Expeditions team and crew. ...
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    Friday - May 21, 2027
    Day
    3
    Porto Empedocle, Italy
    • Porto Empedocle, Italy
    • Bus Travel
    • Agrigento, Italy
    • Bus Travel
    • Porto Empedocle, Italy
    Sailing towards the southern shoreline of Sicily, we arrive at Porto Empedocles. The 'Your Choice' experiences offer a choice of two engaging options this morning. Choose to join a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, where you will explore the rich history and fascinating lifestyles of Sicily's ancient residents. Alternatively, head inland to a family-owned winery to discover the centuries-old significance of wine production on the island and enjoy a tasting of local wines. ...
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    Saturday - May 22, 2027
    Day
    4
    Trapani, Italy
    • Trapani, Italy
    We sail south to Sicily to discover the land that gave the world The Godfather, Italian cinema, and true Italian food. Considered by many mainland Italians to be 'the poorer cousin', Sicilian life encompasses a wealth worth more than any bank account - one of dedication to family, faith, and food. Governed over centuries by an enviable list of European powerhouses, Sicily established a stoic personality early. Its determined, steadfast people are Sicilian first, and Italian second. Proud and passionate, they speak of their island's history as if it happened only yesterday. The ancient port town of Trapani acts as a gateway to two exceptional experiences. The choice, as always, is yours. ...
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    Sunday - May 23, 2027
    Day
    5
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    Enjoy a leisurely day at sea as we sail from Italy's largest island to its second-largest. This is a day made for relaxation to do as much or as little as you please. Perhaps unwind in the sauna, lounge on the Sun Deck, or find a quiet corner in one of the ship's observation lounges. You might also discover a new favorite read in the well-stocked library, while this afternoon you're invited to join your master storyteller for a fascinating presentation on the culinary traditions of the region - a true feast for the mind and senses. ...
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    Monday - May 24, 2027
    Day
    6
    Olbia, Italy
    • Olbia, Italy
    Following Sardinia's eastern seaboard, we reach the coastal city of Olbia in time to enjoy your favorite 'Your Choice' experience, before an afternoon free in Olbia. Perched on Sardinia's northeastern coast, Olbia has been a crucial Mediterranean trading port linking the island to mainland Italy for centuries. Today, it serves as the vibrant gateway to the world-famous Costa Smeralda, a stretch of dazzling beaches, luxury resorts, and exclusive marinas, including the iconic Porto Cervo. From bustling harbor to stylish seaside playground, Olbia bridges Sardinia's rich trading past with its glamorous present, welcoming visitors to explore one of the Mediterranean's most coveted coastlines. ...
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    Tuesday - May 25, 2027
    Day
    7
    Bonifacio, France
    • Bonifacio, France
    Although his parents sent him to military college on the mainland before he turned ten, Napoleon Bonaparte famously declared that to know Corsica 'is to be born there'. A land of vertical granite cliffs and craggy bays, Corsica is a slice of France with a twist. Passed between the powers of Pisa, Genoa, and France, even its language is a combination of Italian, spoken in a Tuscan dialect, and Latin. Corsica's strategic location has it firmly within the realms of trade, and few of its towns were as commercially important as Bonifacio, located at its southern tip. The 'Your Choice' experiences offer a morning in town with your afternoon free to explore solo, or a trip inland with the opportunity to learn about the islands thriving wine culture. This afternoon, a complimentary shuttle will be available for those who wish to return to Bonifacio's hilltop old town and soak up a little more of its unmistakable Corsican charm. ...
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    Wednesday - May 26, 2027
    Day
    8
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    We connect Corsica and Menorca with a leisurely day at sea, sailing from France's largest island to the Balearic archipelago. This is a time to relax and enjoy the rhythm of the open water. Throughout the day, our hosts and onboard team will share engaging presentations on the historic trade routes and the role of food and drink in shaping the cultures of these island nations. As night falls, we'll be surrounded by a night sky full of stars, just as it was for ancient mariners who once navigated these same waters by starlight. ...
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    Thursday - May 27, 2027
    Day
    9
    Mahon, Spain
    • Mahon, Spain
    The heart of this easternmost Balearic island beats to its own drum - albeit a mellow one. Over 210 kilometers (130 miles) of sandy beaches, fjord-style calas and crescent shaped coves, protect a rural inland crisscrossed by some 64,373 kilometers (40,000 miles) of stone walls and farms. Unlike the neighboring island of Mallorca, nightlife is non-existent in Menorca. Instead, you will find handicraft industries such as costume jewellery, leatherwork, dairy farming, and Menorcan horse centers popular among locals and tourists. After a century of British rule, Menorca was handed to Spain in 1802, yet the British influence remains. Not only is this evident in some of Menorca's architecture but in its drinking culture too, as the island is believed to be the first place to produce gin in the Mediterranean. Aurora's 'Your Choice' experiences showcase the island's capital and head inland seeking traditional insights. ...
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    Friday - May 28, 2027
    Day
    10
    Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    • Palma de Mallorca, Spain
    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 on a 'Your Choice' experience, with a complimentary town to ship-shuttle for those wishing to linger in Palma longer, before sailing west to the Spanish coast mid-afternoon. ...
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    Saturday - May 29, 2027
    Day
    11
    Valencia, Spain
    • Valencia, Spain
    Valencia's Islamic legacy extends beyond its architectural wonders. It remains entrenched in the soul of the city and its inhabitants. It is reflected in how Valencians live; in the jargon they use and in place names scattered throughout the region. The city's story is one of conquest upon conquest. The home of the mythical El Cid Valencia was a Moorish town, having capitulated without bloodshed, but with the arrival of the Christian armies its story changed and it was heavily involved in La Reconquista. Our three distinctive styles of Your Choice experiences each immerse us in the culture and flavors of this historic region. ...
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    Sunday - May 30, 2027
    Day
    12
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    Spend a day at sea, relaxing and soaking up the Spanish sun as we sail its coast to the city of Malaga. Along the way, your host will entertain you with spicy tales of Spanish fare, while you relax over a sangria, perhaps!
    Monday - May 31, 2027
    Day
    13
    Malaga, Spain
    • Malaga, Spain
    Although very much a modern-day city, the apartment blocks and 'expat' clubs of Malaga and the Costa del Sol hide an undercurrent of ancient traditions. Long before beach bars and resorts, this coastline was part of Al-Andalus, ruled by the Moors for nearly eight centuries. Their legacy runs deep, visible in the arches of the Alcazaba, the layout of the old town, and the way the city seemingly harbors something older beneath its surface, steady and enduring. The 'Your Choice' experiences today range from an introduction to Malaga's magical sites, to a visit to the Moorish enclave of Ronda. A complimentary shuttle service dependent on pier allocation will operate between the ship and the city center throughout the day allowing you to explore Malaga at leisure or return to the town after lunch onboard. ...
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    Tuesday - Jun 1, 2027
    Day
    14
    Tangier, Morocco
    • Tangier, Morocco
    After a night sailing the Spanish coast, we cross the straits of Gibraltar and cruise into Moroccan waters at a city located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe - Tangier. Unique among Moroccan cities, Tangier has a checkered past, offering one of Europe's most tantalizing stories. Designated an 'International Zone' in the early 20th century, Tangier harbored no taxes, no banking restrictions, no drug, censorship, or morality laws. Attracting a mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco's civil army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of illicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city, which remains as colorful as its history suggests. The 'Your Choice' experiences highlight Morocco's vibrant artisan revival, with guided visits to the medina in Tangier, or a chance to enjoy the culinary heritage of Tangier. For a more relaxed alternative, or for those wishing to 'return to town' a complimentary shuttle will take you from the ship to the center of Tangier, where you can discover a gentler side of the city. Enjoy time at your leisure to sip mint tea in a local cafe, browse traditional craft shops, or take in the atmosphere at your own pace, before we sail north to Spain, in the early evening. Personalize your exploration with our included 'Your Choice' experiences ...
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    Wednesday - Jun 2, 2027
    Day
    15
    Cadiz (Seville), Spain
    • Cadiz (Seville), Spain
    Returning to Spain we reach the proud city of Cadiz, which 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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    Thursday - Jun 3, 2027
    Day
    16
    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. The 'Your Choice' experiences today offer three distinct ways to explore the region. Choose a visit to the nearby hilltop town of Silves, accompanied by a Portuguese pottery demonstration or winery visit and tasting. Alternatively, take in sweeping coastal views on a panoramic drive, accompanied by a stroll along a section of the Caminho dos Promontorios, for a magical morning on the Algarve, before sailing for Lisbon mid-afternoon. ...
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    Friday - Jun 4, 2027
    Day
    17
    Lisbon, Portugal
    • Lisbon, Portugal
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 17 - Friday - Jun 4, 2027
    Day
    17
    Lisbon, Portugal
    • Lisbon, Portugal
    Lisbon, set along the broad waters of the River Tagus, became the launch point for Portugal's Golden Age of Exploration. From this historic harbor, famed navigators like Vasco da Gama and Magellan sailed to chart new worlds, opening vital trade routes and bringing immense wealth to their homeland. That prosperity left its mark on the city through grand Baroque buildings, ornate churches, and tiled pavements. But Lisbon's story is also one of resilience. In 1755 a powerful earthquake, followed by tsunamis and fire, destroyed most of the city. What rose from the ruins is the Lisbon we see today, with graceful boulevards, elegant facades, and a vibrant waterfront that still echoes its maritime past. We bid the Douglas Mawson farewell. Our locally guided tour visits Belem, where the city's seafaring legacy is on full display. We'll view the Monastery of Jeronimos, the striking Monument to the Discoveries, which honors Prince Henry the Navigator and his explorers, and the iconic Torre de Belem, a fortress that once guarded the entrance to the city for returning ships. Enjoy some free time in Lisbon's charming city center, perfect for wandering cobbled streets, traveling on one of its quirky trams, sampling local flavors, or simply soaking in the riverside views, before we transfer to our hotel for a final night in Portugal. Accommodation: Lisbon hotel ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Jun 5, 2027
    Day
    18
    Lisbon, Portugal
    • Lisbon, Portugal
    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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