Cultural Mediterranean with the Amalfi Coast

Visiting Malaga in the autumn makes for a pleasant exploration of peaceful streets lined with orange trees and historical buildings. You could explore Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and the museum dedicated to his work in Buenavista Palace, or discover the well-preserved Moorish fortress of Alcazaba, which offers beautiful panoramas over the city and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Amidst your exploration, savour opportunities to experience local dishes of espetos (sardines on skewers and cooked over coals), tapas in authentic Spanish bard, and a traditionally sweet Moscatel wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike to Gibralfaro Castle, which offers vistas of the surrounding city and a fascinating history dating back to Phoenician times.

Cartagena is often seen as one of Spain’s less well-known cities, but take a wander through its ancient streets, and you’ll discover the carefully restored Roman Amphitheatre, which once held 6,000 spectators. There will also be opportunities to marvel at modernist Art Nouveau buildings, and take the panoramic lift to the top of Concepcion Castle for remarkable views across the surrounding harbour. Immerse yourself in local life by enjoying the distinctly Spanish citrus flavours of Licor 43, or coffee-based Asiatico, made with brandy and condensed milk.

Exploring Olbia in September offers the chance to see this lively city combining history and modern-day life, with opportunities to explore the striking Basilica of San Simplico, renowned for being one of the most important religious monuments in Sardinia and decorated with frescoes that date back to the 15 th century. Nearby Costa Smeralda offers white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, with numerous restaurants serving traditional Sardinian dishes like Su Porcheddu (roast suckling pig), Culurgiones (delicious filled pasta), or sea urchins. Meanwhile, the impressive Tombs of Giants at Nuraghe La Prisgiona, a megalithic monument said to commemorate Nuragic civilisations, provides an intriguing insight into the island’s heritage.

The southern Italian city of Naples dates to the 2nd millennium BC, and boasts centuries of volcanic drama, art and architecture all robustly perched on the Bay of Naples. Go beyond the ruggedness and a city of breathtaking frescoes, elegant sculptures and superb panoramas can be uncovered. Naples' centro storico (historic centre) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cache of archaeological treasures are among the most important globally. The Duomo di San Gennaro cathedral is filled with sublime frescoes, while the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo ensure a spot for Italy's third largest city on any must-see list.

As your cruise ship sails past the impossibly beautiful Amalfi Coast, the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea stretches endlessly beneath the golden sun, while pastel-coloured villages cling to steep cliffs, their terraces overflowing with lemon trees and bougainvillea. From the decks of your ship, you may be able to see the legendary towns of Positano, with its charming beachfront; Amalfi, home to citrus groves and steeped in maritime history; and Ravello, offering dramatic views and tiny secluded coves.

Perfectly located between the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, Salerno is an often overlooked destination in the Campania region. With centuries of rich history, influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byazantines, there are many churches and authentic trattorias laced through the towns narrow cobbled streets. The 11th century cathedral in Salerno is the city’s most important church, and has an abundance of artefacts dedicated to Saint Matthew, with stunning artwork on its ceilings and walls.

Located at the top of the Gulf of Angels, Cagliari is considered to be the most Italian city of the autonomous region of Sardinia. The local language is Sardu, and so Cagliari is known as Casteddu, meaning castle. The ancient city is dominated by palazzi and domed structures, leading to the iconic hilltop citadel Il Castello, where the old medieval city is a maze of intriguingly narrow high-walled alleyways.

As your ship sails into Lisbon along the Tagus River and under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, you can witness prominent Portuguese landmarks punctuating the skyline from the unique viewpoint of the sea. The majestic Belém Tower stands proudly at the water’s edge as a testament to the Age of Discovery, while nearby the Monument to the Discoveries commemorates the country’s explorers, Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator. Meanwhile, in the distance, you will also be able to see São Jorge Castle, overlooking the historic Alfama District.

Visiting Lisbon in the warm summer months allows for opportunities to explore further outside the city centre, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints) or visiting the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills. You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be chances to try local dishes like grilled sardines or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and participate in birdwatching in the Tagus Estuary.