2 NIGHTS PRE CRUISE ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON
DAY 1 – LISBON, PORTUGAL
Experience the great period of ‘the Discoveries’ and the phenomenal wealth brought back from India, Africa and Brazil by the great Portuguese navigators while exploring Lisbon. Considered one of the most likable cities in Europe, Lisbon offers a variety of faces, including a refreshing no-frills simplicity reflected in the people as they go unhurriedly through their day enjoying a hearty and delicious cuisine accompanied by the country’s excellent wines. As you sail up the Tagus River, be on deck to admire Lisbon’s panorama and see some of the great monuments lining the river.
DAY 2 – PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL
Portimão in Portugal’s Algarve region, is one of the country’s largest coastal towns, its perennially sunny climate, beautiful beaches and historic buildings make it a tourist destination in its own right. Don’t miss the Bio-park Monchique, famous for its abundance of flora and spectacular views, or spot dolphins from the deck of the ship.
DAY 3 – GIBRALTAR
Known commonly as ‘The Rock,’ Gibraltar is full of natural caves and manmade tunnels. The Rock itself, composed of limestone and gray marble, is geographically part of the Iberian Peninsula. Politically, the British have controlled Gibraltar for over two centuries. This tiny self-governing British Colony welcomes you to enjoy its historical sites, magnificent views, beautiful beaches and duty free shops.
DAY 4 – AT SEA
Relax and experience all that Seabourn Encore has to offer!
DAY 5 – BONIFACIO (CORSICA), FRANCE
The scent of wild maquis carries you to aromatic Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The town of Bonifacio is a medieval beauty and particularly striking to behold from the sea, with its imposing citadel precariously perched atop the white limestone cliffs. Look for the legendary Staircase of The King of Aragon cut directly into the rock face; if physically able, climb the 189 steps for spellbinding, 180-degree views. Bonifacio’s cobblestone streets and piazzas are abuzz with craft shops, bars and brasseries, while fine-sand beaches and hidden pirate coves are plentiful.
DAY 6 – LIVORNO (FLORENCE/PISA), ITALY
Livorno is the gateway to the region of Tuscany, if the landscape evokes a sense of the familiar it is because the great masters have used it as a backdrop for their great works. Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were archtypal Tuscans and Renaissance men who headed an extensive list of geniuses who lived, worked and created within a single period of time.
DAY 7 – PORTOFERRAIO (ELBA), ITALY
Despite its small size, the island of Elba has been known since the beginning of recorded history. Called Ilva by the Ligurians and Aethalia by the Greeks, Elba passed to the Etruscans and later the Romans. It was ruled by Pisa in the Middle Ages, was a haven for Barbary pirates in the 16th century and then privately owned by the powerful Medici family.
Geologists and gem stone collectors find Elba a treasure trove with over 150 minerals and semiprecious stones found here due to the seismic turmoil that created the island. The rich soil also produces an astonishing range of foliage and flowers aided by sun that shines almost every day of the year. Despite summer tourism, the island is largely agricultural and the ambience is quiet and relaxed, allowing the visitor to enjoy Elba’s natural charm, peaceful abundance and timeless beauty.
DAY 8 – CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME), ITALY
Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.
2 NIGHTS POST CRUISE ACCOMMODATION IN ROME
