Sun seekers and cultural buffs in search of new adventures can enjoy new sights, tastes, and experiences courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours (www.scenic.co.uk).
This summer the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea will welcome new ultra-luxury ship Scenic Eclipse II for its inaugural sailing. The hotly anticipated launch will see Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’ new ship dock right into the heart of some of Europe’s most luxurious coastal towns and ancient cities allowing guests to immerse themselves in all the region has to offer.
Those booking before 28 February can take advantage of generous Super Earlybird savings* and enjoy the added luxury of business class flights to enhance the trip.
Guests aboard Scenic Eclipse II are invited to join private excursions, not offered by any other cruise line. These ‘Enrich’ excursions take guests behind the scenes, offering private access to spellbinding experiences such as an exclusive flamenco show and private concert in Croatian Baroque church.
Highlights of Scenic Eclipse II’s Mediterranean programme include:
Incredible Iberian Discovery
On what is the inaugural sailing of Scenic Eclipse II, this voyage pays homage to the great seafaring nations of Spain and Portugal. Follow in the footsteps of explorers and merchants and set sail from Lisbon, then head south to the Algarve’s beaches. In the small port town of Portimão, get out into the water yourself and kayak around awe-inspiring ancient rock formations. Amongst the Gothic and Baroque architecture of Seville, truly experience Iberian cultures with a private equestrian flamenco show at one of the region’s ancient bullrings. In Málaga, explore 3,000 years of history in narrow Arabic streets, and in Cartagena, the Natural Park of Calblanque offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. The cruise continues its voyage around The Costa del Sol, visiting gorgeous islands, before disembarking in busting Barcelona.
Western Europe Discovery
This 12-day itinerary offers a tour de force of Iberia’s Atlantic coast, the lush countryside of western France, picturesque harbour towns of the English Channel, the cobbled streets of the Low Countries, and picturesque Norwegian harbours. In Portugal, explore the home and namesake of Port wine, Porto, and visit a traditional wine cellar. In Northern Spain see the car-free Cies Islands, known as ‘island of the gods’ to the Romans. A day’s sailing across the Bay of Biscay gives the perfect chance to familiarise yourself with the brand-new Scenic Eclipse II, why not take a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the Spa Sanctuary’s therapy lounges. After stops in the Scilly Islands and Cowes, Venice of the North, Bruges, awaits. From here continue northwards, roam the canals of Amsterdam before exploring the hiking trails and fascinating history of Norway.
Sorrentine Peninsula & Adriatic
Departing from the City of Seven Hills, Rome, this 12-day adventure visits a collection of Italian must-sees, before visiting the small Adriatic nation of Montenegro, and then Croatia, before concluding in the floating city of Venice. In Capri wander through the Piazzetta and taste fresh aromatic caprese, and while amongst the Aeolian Islands, hike the unique volcanic scenery of Vulcano. After rounding the heel of Italy, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive in the startlingly beautiful Bay of Kotor, here board a boat to Our Lady of the Rock Island to visit the chapel filled with magnificent paintings by local Baroque artists. Dubrovnik, your first stop in Croatia, is bound to make an impact. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the historic walled city has remained largely unchanged since medieval times. In Dubrovnik on a Scenic Enrich Excursion, be enthralled by an exclusive and moving concert set in a magnificent Baroque Church in the historic precinct. After departing from Rome, this voyage visits Capri, Sorrento, Lipari, Giardini Naxos, Otranto, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj, before arriving in Venice.
For more information or to book visit www.sceniceclipse.com or contact your local travel agent.
