Join Azura as she explores seven of the Mediterranean’s most magical and romantic destinations. After setting sail from Southampton you glide south to Spain. Resting on the Andalucian coast is Malaga – a Moorish style town with a vibrant character. The stunning Alcazaba castle, built between the 8th and 11th centuries, offers a fascinating taste of history.
From here you journey across to Greece, stopping first on the mainland. From the small port of Katakolon, you can take a tour to the pretty town of Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games. Your next Greek stop is the island of Corfu. The best beaches are found in Paleokastritsa and Limnopoula, whilst Corfu Town boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Fortress.
Cruising north, you reach Croatia – and the 12th century city of Dubrovnik. With a glistening harbour, towering ramparts, red-roofed buildings and creamy cobbled streets, it paints a beautiful picture. You now hop across to Italy – and the wonderful, canal-lined city of Venice. Take a gondola to see the sights or stroll through St. Marks Square, across the Rialto Bridge and past intriguing arty shops.
Heading back to Croatia, Azura calls into the island of Korcula. Its medieval Old Town is a network of narrow streets – lined with gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture. Before you sail home to Southampton, you can enjoy an afternoon in Gibraltar. From its famous Rock you can gaze across to the Moroccan mountains.
Malaga, Spain
Situated in the heart of Andalusia, Malaga offers a rich blend of old and new. In its attractive old quarter you'll find the majority of its highlights. Visit the Gibralfaro Castle and its magnificent cathedral. Fine food, stunning gardens, an array of museums and bustling avenidas give this city charm and vitality. Home to the great artist Pablo Picasso, you'll also find several art galleries showcasing his work.
Katakolon, Greece
A small port on the west coast of the Peloponnese, Katakolon's prime importance is its proximity to the ancient site of Olympia. Here, long before the birth of Jesus, you would have found one of the richest, most beautiful and most highly civilised places the world had ever seen and the original site of the earliest Olympic Games.
Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a beguiling island of wildflowers and cypress groves, Venetian architecture and herb scented mountains. It is also an island where you'll discover the shallow waters of the Aegean Sea as it laps long stretches of golden sand. In Corfu Town, wander the narrow alleyways of the Venetian old town, explore the two fortresses and gasp in awe at the stunning views. Take a ferry across to the islet known as Mouse Island, which according to legend, is actually a ship turned to stone!
Dubrovnik
This beautiful city is situated on the Dalmatian coastline of the Adriatic sea at the southern end of Croatia. Amazingly, most of the war damage has been repaired and Dubrovnik is once again the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic'.
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Tue, Sep 14th 2010
Venice, Italy
Breathe in the romance and Italian exuberance of this spellbinding city. Explore its mysterious and watery streets. Take a gondola ride to truly appreciate the atmosphere and architecture of the city. Sip a cappuccino in St. Mark's Square or ride across the lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano. From the Gothic arches of the Doges Palace to the intricate façade of St. Marks Cathedral, a day in Venice is bound to enchant you.
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Wed, Sep 15th 2010
Korcula, Dalmation Islands
Korcula Town is as much a Medieval fortress as it is a town and, like its neighbour Dubrovnik, its well worth exploring. The Cathedral of St Marks is an impressive amalgam of architectural styles while the home of Marco Polo is more a homage to legend than fact, there being no real evidence to support the claims that the explorer was born on the island. Don't be put off by the name of the local white wine; Grk, as it is known, is surprisingly delicious!
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Thu, Sep 16th 2010
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Fri, Sep 17th 2010
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Sat, Sep 18th 2010
Gibraltar
To the ancient Greeks and Romans, Gibraltar was one of the two pillars of Hercules, set up by the mythical hero to mark the edge of the known world. Today it's home to the most famous rock in the world. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see across to Africa. From the top of Europa Point to the subterranean depths of St Michael's Cave, your visit will be filled with interesting sights and sounds.
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Sun, Sep 19th 2010
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Mon, Sep 20th 2010
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Tue, Sep 21st 2010