8D7N Rome (Civitavecchia) – Lisbon (SPELLBINDING MEDITERRANEAN)

Depart 5:00 PM

Whether enjoying the street performers at the Spanish Steps and people-watching over a fine glass of wine in colorful Trastevere, or taking in the historical and architectural glory that is Rome, visitors are spoiled for choice in this truly Eternal City. St. Peter’s Basilica is a full-day outing, featuring the Sistine Chapel and panoramic city vistas for those willing to climb to the top of the dome. Other landmarks not to miss include the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill, which provides you with a grand view of the imposing remains of the Imperial Palaces and the Circus Maximus, of Ben Hur fame.

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

10:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Located in southeastern France, today’s Marseille is a far cry from the sleepy villages it once inspired in Cézanne’s paintings. With more than a million people, the city remains the cosmopolitan and exuberant capital of southern Europe, with its picturesque Old Quarter, lively sidewalk cafes and shops, and Romanesque-Byzantine Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, overlooking the steep cliffs and offering a bird’s eye view of the city’s colorful “quartiers” stretching down toward the sea.

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Experience Costa Brava and understand why Salvador Dalí and others have long been inspired by its beaches and coves. Spend a day in the warm sand of La Fosca or learning about the history of this fishing village in Museu de la Pesca or simply taking in the Mediterranean air while walking down the promenade. Just an hour north of the city, you can visit the extraordinary Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The museum holds works done from his adolescence to the last years of his life.

At sea

Stop into our boutiques and browse a wide range of items – upscale handbags to exclusive fragrances to fine jewelry – in an intimate and unhurried setting. You’ll also find swim wear, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® logo wear and gift items to share with friends and family. Our boutiques are staffed by friendly salespeople. Opening hours vary and are printed in the Passages daily newsletter.

7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region’s capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is also renowned as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose works can be seen in the fairly new Museo Picasso housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. And connoisseurs can imbibe in the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. This is a pleasant town to explore and also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra, located inland at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Gibraltar, located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar, known to ancient mariners as the Pillars of Hercules. Historically, Gibraltar has been an important base for the British Royal Navy. It is most famous for the geological formation, the Rock of Gibraltar and its tribe of Barbary Apes. Despite long sieges throughout its history, it seemed nothing could destroy the Rock or its people, leading to the phrase “solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.”

Disembark

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.