Seabourn Sojourn
June 5, 2024

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Monemvasia, Greece, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to the medieval island. Travelers explore the Byzantine fortress and Upper Town’s churches. Excursions visit Elafonisos’ beaches. Local markets sell olive oil. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for historic tours. Photography captures stone alleys and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic plates, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Byzantine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance fortress walks. Monemvasia’s medieval charm offers a serene Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of historic fortifications, scenic coastlines, and island tranquility, making Monemvasia an ideal destination for exploring Greece’s Byzantine legacy and picturesque Peloponnese beauty in a unique rock-island setting.

Valletta, Malta, offers docking at Valletta Port. Travelers explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Excursions visit Mdina’s medieval walls. Local markets sell pastizzi. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Baroque architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes rabbit stew, a Maltese favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Knights of Malta history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Valletta’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Maltese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic harbors, making Valletta an engaging destination.

Returning to Valletta — see Day 4 above for port info.

Mgarr, Malta, provides docking at Mgarr Port on Gozo. Travelers explore the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO site, and Dwejra’s Azure Window site. Excursions visit Victoria’s Cittadella fortress. Local markets sell pastizzi. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for historic tours. Photography captures limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes rabbit stew, a Maltese favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gozo’s prehistoric history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance temple walks. Mgarr’s ancient and scenic charm offers a serene Maltese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of archaeological treasures, fortified cities, and coastal beauty, making Mgarr a delightful destination for exploring Gozo’s unique heritage and tranquil Mediterranean landscapes.

Giardini di Naxos, Sicily, has docking at Giardini Naxos Port with excursions to Taormina. Travelers explore Taormina’s Greek Theatre and Mount Etna views. Excursions visit Castelmola’s hilltop village. Local markets sell cannoli. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes. Dining onboard includes pasta alla Norma, a Sicilian dish. Souvenirs, like ceramic tiles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sicilian history. Light clothing suits the Mediterranean climate. Sturdy shoes enhance ruin walks. Giardini di Naxos’ scenic beauty offers a vibrant Sicilian stop, blending ancient heritage with coastal charm.

Ile Rousse, Corsica, France, has docking at Ile Rousse Port. Travelers explore sandy beaches and the old town’s market square. Excursions visit Calvi’s citadel. Local markets sell chestnut jam. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures Mediterranean shores and rocky cliffs. Dining onboard includes civet de sanglier, a Corsican dish. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Corsican history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance town walks. Ile Rousse’s coastal charm offers a serene French stop, blending beaches with island heritage.

Toulon, France, offers docking at Toulon Port. Travelers explore Mount Faron and Naval Museum. Excursions visit Hyères’ old town. Local markets sell tapenade. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cable cars and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes bouillabaisse, a French favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Provençal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance hillside walks. Toulon’s coastal charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime history and scenic harbors, making Toulon an engaging destination for exploring France’s Provence region.

Palamos, Spain, offers docking at Palamos Port. Travelers explore the medieval old town and Fishing Museum. Excursions visit Girona’s Gothic cathedral. Local markets sell gambas de Palamós. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Costa Brava beaches and historic streets. Dining onboard includes fideuà, a Catalan dish. Souvenirs, like ceramics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Catalonia’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance town walks. Palamos’ coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime heritage, scenic beaches, and medieval history, making Palamos an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Costa Brava and cultural richness.

Barcelona, Spain, offers docking at Barcelona Port. Travelers explore Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Excursions visit Montserrat Monastery. Local markets sell paella. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures Gaudí architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes tapas, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Catalan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Barcelona’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modernist landmarks and scenic coasts, making Barcelona an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Catalan region.

Málaga, Spain, offers docking at Málaga Port. Travelers explore Alcazaba Fortress and Picasso Museum. Excursions visit Ronda’s deep gorges. Local markets sell gazpacho. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Moorish architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes paella, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Andalusian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Málaga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic coasts, making Málaga an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Tangier, Morocco, offers docking at Tangier Port. Travelers explore Kasbah Museum and Medina’s souks. Excursions visit Chefchaouen’s blue streets. Local markets sell tagine. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful alleys and Strait of Gibraltar vistas. Dining onboard includes couscous, a Moroccan favorite. Souvenirs, like leather crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Berber history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance medina walks. Tangier’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Moroccan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic kasbahs and bustling souks, making Tangier an engaging destination for exploring Morocco’s northern coast.

Casablanca, Morocco, docks at Port de Casablanca, 3 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 15-minute rides. The city, population 3.5 million, features the Hassan II Mosque with a 210-meter minaret. Travelers stroll the Corniche for Atlantic views. Local markets sell tagines. Excursions to Rabat, 1 hour north, visit the Royal Palace. Peak season April to October; taxis 20-50 MAD. Dining includes couscous at medina cafes. Souvenirs feature leather slippers.

Returning to Casablanca — see Day 15 above for port info.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, docks at Puerto de Naos, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 60,000, features the San Gabriel Castle, now a history museum. Charco de San Ginés, a lagoon, hosts fishing boats. Excursions to Timanfaya National Park, 30 minutes west, explore volcanic craters. Local markets sell mojo sauce. Peak season November to April; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes papas arrugadas at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature lava jewelry.

San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands, offers docking at San Sebastian Port. Travelers explore Torre del Conde and Garajonay National Park. Excursions visit Valle Gran Rey’s beaches. Local markets sell palm honey. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures volcanic trails and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes almogrote, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like pottery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gomera history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. San Sebastian’s natural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and island beauty, making San Sebastian an engaging destination.

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands, offers docking at La Palma Port. Travelers explore old town’s colonial streets and Caldera de Taburiente. Excursions visit Los Tilos’ laurel forests. Local markets sell mojo sauce. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures colorful facades and volcanic vistas. Dining onboard includes papas arrugadas, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like cigar crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover La Palma history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Santa Cruz’s island allure offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and natural beauty, making La Palma an engaging destination.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, offers docking at Santa Cruz Port. Travelers explore Auditorio de Tenerife and Anaga Mountains. Excursions visit Teide National Park. Local markets sell mojo potatoes. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes ropa vieja, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance mountain hikes. Santa Cruz’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic volcanoes, making Santa Cruz an engaging destination.

Returning to Santa Cruz De Tenerife — see Day 21 above for port info.

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, offers docking at Funchal Port. Travelers explore Monte Palace Gardens and Funchal Cathedral. Excursions include levada walks. Local markets sell bolo de mel. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lush gardens and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes espada com banana, a Madeiran favorite. Souvenirs, like embroidery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Madeiran history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance levada hikes. Funchal’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of botanical beauty and scenic coasts, making Funchal an engaging destination.

Lisbon, Portugal, offers docking at Lisbon Port. Travelers explore Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Excursions visit Sintra’s Pena Palace. Local markets sell pastéis de nata. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Manueline architecture and Tagus River vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite. Souvenirs, like azulejo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Age of Exploration history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Lisbon’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic rivers, making Lisbon an engaging destination.