Split to Lisbon

Bathing in the Dalmatian Coast’s generous sunshine and overlooking sparkling island-studded waters Split is a city of romantic beauty built around an extraordinary - still beating - historical heart. The setting may be spectacular but it’s the Diocletian’s Palace - a Roman remain of incredible scale and detail that is truly bewitching. With a natural backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains and Croatia’s trademark scenic wonders all around Split is a true heavyweight of the Adriatic. To enter Split’s Diocletian’s Palace is to step into a beautiful time warp. Head first to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius where a hollow bell tower rockets up puncturing the sky. The perfume of lavender hangs heavy wherever you walk in the old town where tucked shops offer artisan chocolates dried figs and freshly-ground coffees. The expansive seafront promenade is all palm trees buzzing bars and eateries and further out you’ll find the peace of Marion Hill - where you can climb to some of the best views in town. Or take the far less exerting wander to Sustipan cemetery’s breathtaking panorama of sea city and distant islands. Trips to island paradises like Hvar and Brac are tempting as are longer excursions to sites like Krka National Park’s Waterfalls - where wide terraces of frothing water thunder into cooling swimmable splash pools below. Nearby Trogir is another UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a cosier no less charming old town and historic port.

Zadar: a city like a history book In turn Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav and then Croatian, Zadar is an ancient settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Architectural evidence of its history is scattered throughout the streets and maze of alleyways of its historic centre. A must-see for those wishing to discover all the charms of one of the jewels of the Adriatic. At the heart of the city are the Roman remains of Zadar. This huge forum, built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century, is the heart of the city. Its ruins - carved stones and columns, including the Column of Shame and its chains - still whisper the memory of a time when Zadar was one of the great naval centres of the Adriatic. It was a time when the Romans gave the city its forum and temples, and equipped it with thermal baths and its first sewers, thanks to a feat of Roman engineering: the construction of an aqueduct over 40 kilometres long linking the city to the waters of Lake Vransko. A stone's throw from the ruins of the forum, the church of St Donatus has stood since the 9th century, with its unique and remarkable architectural design. The church, now a concert hall after having been a warehouse and then an archaeological museum, is a circular structure made up of three concentric rings of columns, with 12 columns for the outermost ones, 16 for those in the middle and 20 for the central circle. The result is a fascinating visual effect, particularly for a building over a thousand years old. St Donatus, which has not heard a mass for 200 years, is open to visitors and has preserved some of its relics as well as its pulpit and baptismal font. From its forecourt, you can hear the strange sounds of one of Zadar's other attractions: the Sea Organ, just a few hundred metres away. The only one of its kind in the world, this organ consists of a system of bellows inserted into steps that sink into the waters of the Adriatic. The result is a symphony of sounds created by the waves and air currents. Also worth seeing - Sainte-Anastasie Cathedral and its bell tower Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral was badly hit by bombing during the Second World War. Now fully restored, it boasts a wealth of architectural treasures, including its façade, 3 naves, sculptures and relics. You can climb to the top of its bell tower for a panoramic view of the town. - Church of Saint-Siméon A Baroque church dating back to the 5th century, its bell tower was added in the 17th century. The ochre-coloured monument contains a priceless piece: the sarcophagus covered with gold-plated silver reliefs housing the relics of Saint Simeon. - The Place des Cinq-Puits Built in 1574, the Place des Cinq-Puits takes its name... from the 5 wells located there. For many years, they were the water supply for the inhabitants of Zadar. Just behind it, Queen Jelena Madijevka's garden is the ideal place for a break, with its shady paths, café and peaceful atmosphere. - Port of Foša and Gateway to Terra Firma From the garden, you can see the authentic little port of Foša. Right next door, the Porte de la Terre Ferme (Farmland Gate) has stood since 1543. Long the town's main gateway, it was once equipped with a drawbridge. [Pictures in : Zadar>Tour>Zadar, Nin Slat Works & Royal Vineyards (ZAD-G) starting picture #5 and Zadar>Tour>Dalmatian Panoramas and Rural Estate (ZAD-H) starting picture #5]

Croatia's fractured Adriatic coast is scattered with hundreds of islands - but few can match the elegant beauty of lovely Korčula. Tucked away behind bustling Hvar Croatia’s sixth-largest island is a little harder to reach making for a more peaceful affair. Decorated with beautiful medieval fortifications time stands still as you stroll narrow paths cutting between the stone facades of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Hear the stomps of feet and clacks of swords rattling off of the walls during traditional Moreška performances - an enchanting authentic sword dance. Revelin Tower looms over the grand entrance to the walled old town - nicknamed Little Dubrovnik - which was built and fortified in 1485 to protect Korčula. The island is also said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and his former house contains a narrow staircase leading to Marco Polo Tower which peeks above the tight streets. The majestic Cathedral of St. Mark also rises high and you'll spot the gorgeous vaulted bell tower framed between narrow alleyways. Climb to the top for views of the red roof cluster and sparkling Adriatic below. A beautiful island to explore its dark blanket of pine tree forest led to the Greek's naming the island Korkyra Melaina - or Black Corfu. Explore the gorgeous ring of coastline which is lined with pebble beaches sandy bays and hidden coves. Or indulge in the island's tastes - like luxurious olive oils and white wines grown from grapes including posip and grk - cultivated only on this island.

Overlooking the turquoise blue Ionian Sea Albania’s most southerly harbour is a short 20-minute boat ride from Corfu and bathes in the glow of more than 300 sunny days each year. Revel in Albania’s best beach life or explore historic ancient cities and fortresses embedded with immense archaeological interest. Clear turquoise waters lap the city's beaches and there's always something to see along the lively Boulevard Hasan Tahsini - which traces the seafront and is stacked with bars restaurants and shops. The hardy 16th-century Lekuresi Castle has been battered by weather and war over the years but it offers a fantastic lookout point to survey Sarande's expanse Corfu's island and the turquoise sea beyond. From here you can head to the Blue Eye Spring a rejuvenating natural landmark where a groundswell of the purest water gushes up 50 metres to surface amid the forest. Bathe in the immaculate waters which are intensely refreshing on sunny days. The majestic ruins of Butrint's ancient city stand nearby unearthed from the leafy site after the city was abandoned in medieval times. Albania's first UNESCO World Heritage Site Butrint was an ancient Greek and Roman stronghold - and you can walk back in time along stone-paved streets to discover the immense history here. Roam between the compact Roman theatre and the impressive arched-windows of the basilica before admiring the stunning floor mosaics that have been left behind.

Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement on Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves - and cool off with a dip into the sea's refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches - containing rich Roman and Greek history. Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance. The majestic, honey-coloured Greek theatre is a highlight, standing before the distant loom of the volcano. Head towards the puffs of cloud, and wisps of smoke, that gather around the peak of Sicily’s mighty volcano, which is among the most active in Europe. Arrive through vineyards, thriving in this fertile soil, before taking the 1,737-metre incline to the summit of the legendary mountain of fire, across fields of solidified lava flows. Known to the Greeks as the home of the God of Fire, and the one-eyed Cyclops, the mountain continues to amaze and awe with its restless power. Vineyards carpet the scenery - interrupted by occasional cactai and citrus groves – and produce some of Sicily’s most refined flavours. Enjoy a glass of wine on Giardini Naxos’ seafront, and toast your time on these rich Sicilian shores

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

About 250 km east of Algiers lies Bejaia. Far from the beaten track of Algeria's tourist hotspots, this pretty seaside port is also one Algeria's best. Overlooked by Yemma Gouraya – the mountain that take its name from its shape of a sleeping woman, and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, this largish city has a deep and interesting history. As is the often the case with ancient cities, Bejaia is built on legend. The story is that Hercules, before travelling to Gibraltar to build Tangiers (and lay the foundations to which he left his name) lived in the large cave above the village. The townspeople of Bejaia, wanting him gone, prepared him a dish of spicy beans, so spicy that he had to descend the mountain to quench his thirst and disapeer into the sea. Whether or not you choose to believe that Bejaia featured in Hercules" 12 labours is up to you, but what is certain is that Bejaia's (recorded) history can be traced to the founding by the Carthaginians in the 1st century BC. The city was known as Saldae under Roman rule (200-500), and later became the capital of the Berber Hammadid dynasty. French colonial rule came in 1833 until independence in 1962. Bejaia's old town is one of Algeria's finest. A walking tour will reveal both Byzantine history and French colonial rule. A 16th-century mosque bears testament to the city's Muslim past, as well as a Spanish fortress, also from the 16th century, and an old Kasbah. The Pic des Singes (Monkey Mountain) is another great day out.

Algiers, with a total population of 2.9 million inhabitants, is Algeria’s largest city and the capital of the country. It is nicknamed "Alger la Blanch" or "Algiers the White" for the glistening white buildings seen sloping up from the sea. It is located on the southern coast of Mediterranean Sea, in the north part of the country. A cluster of picturesque islets once situated just off-shore have now been annexed into part of the city.Seaside Algiers still manages to have some of the charm of the Cote d'Azur but with the feeling of a more modern, bustling city. Algeria is often claimed to be the crossroads of three cultures - Mediterranean, Muslim, and African. In Roman times a small town called Icosium existed on what is now the marine quarter of the city. The present city was founded in 944 by Buluggin ibn Ziri, the founder of the Zirid-Senhaja dynasty. The islet in front of the harbor, subsequently known as the Penon, had been occupied by the Spaniards as early as 1302. Thereafter a considerable trade grew up between Algiers and Spain. From the 17th century, Algiers, free of Ottoman control and sited on the periphery of both the Ottoman and European economic spheres, turned to piracy. The history of Algiers from 1830 to 1962 is bound to the larger history of Algeria and its struggles with France. In 1962, after a bloody struggle for independence in which hundreds of thousands of died (a million according to official Algerian history) the country finally gained its independence from France with Algiers as its capital. Since then, despite losing almost its entire European population, the city has expanded massively - it now has almost 3 million inhabitants, or 10% of Algeria's population - and its suburbs now cover most of the surrounding Metidja plain. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the port of Algiers. Guests are only permitted ashore with Silversea shore excursions. Shopping Pottery, traditional dress, carpets, jewelry and local handicrafts make for genuine Algerian souvenirs. Carpet patterns are distinct according to regions. Price and quality vary accordingly. A unique item to Algeria is the “rose des sables” or sand rose. This crystalline structure grows below the desert sands, often to impressive dimensions. State run shops, offering, a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs, are a good place for comparative pricing. Store hours are normally from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The local currency is the dinar. Cuisine Fresh seafood, lamb dishes and couscous are found on most menus. Other Sites Attractions in and around Algiers are covered in the organized shore excursions.

Algiers, with a total population of 2.9 million inhabitants, is Algeria’s largest city and the capital of the country. It is nicknamed "Alger la Blanch" or "Algiers the White" for the glistening white buildings seen sloping up from the sea. It is located on the southern coast of Mediterranean Sea, in the north part of the country. A cluster of picturesque islets once situated just off-shore have now been annexed into part of the city.Seaside Algiers still manages to have some of the charm of the Cote d'Azur but with the feeling of a more modern, bustling city. Algeria is often claimed to be the crossroads of three cultures - Mediterranean, Muslim, and African. In Roman times a small town called Icosium existed on what is now the marine quarter of the city. The present city was founded in 944 by Buluggin ibn Ziri, the founder of the Zirid-Senhaja dynasty. The islet in front of the harbor, subsequently known as the Penon, had been occupied by the Spaniards as early as 1302. Thereafter a considerable trade grew up between Algiers and Spain. From the 17th century, Algiers, free of Ottoman control and sited on the periphery of both the Ottoman and European economic spheres, turned to piracy. The history of Algiers from 1830 to 1962 is bound to the larger history of Algeria and its struggles with France. In 1962, after a bloody struggle for independence in which hundreds of thousands of died (a million according to official Algerian history) the country finally gained its independence from France with Algiers as its capital. Since then, despite losing almost its entire European population, the city has expanded massively - it now has almost 3 million inhabitants, or 10% of Algeria's population - and its suburbs now cover most of the surrounding Metidja plain. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the port of Algiers. Guests are only permitted ashore with Silversea shore excursions. Shopping Pottery, traditional dress, carpets, jewelry and local handicrafts make for genuine Algerian souvenirs. Carpet patterns are distinct according to regions. Price and quality vary accordingly. A unique item to Algeria is the “rose des sables” or sand rose. This crystalline structure grows below the desert sands, often to impressive dimensions. State run shops, offering, a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs, are a good place for comparative pricing. Store hours are normally from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The local currency is the dinar. Cuisine Fresh seafood, lamb dishes and couscous are found on most menus. Other Sites Attractions in and around Algiers are covered in the organized shore excursions.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2 200 years old Seville has a mutli-layered personality home to Flamenco high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez the resting place of Christopher Columbus the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

Whether you pronounce it Seville or Sevilla this gorgeous Spanish town is most certainly the stuff of dreams. Over 2 200 years old Seville has a mutli-layered personality home to Flamenco high temperatures and three UNESCO-World Heritage Sites there is a noble ancestry to the southern Spanish town. Not forgetting that it is the birthplace of painter Diego Velazquez the resting place of Christopher Columbus the inspiration for Bizet’s Carmen and a location for Game of Thrones filming Seville is truly more than just a sum of its parts. This city is a full on experience a beguiling labyrinth of centuries old streets tiny tapas restaurants serving possibly the best dishes you’ll taste south of Madrid and a paradise of Mudejar architecture and tranquil palm trees and fountain-filled gardens.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks - and this creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty. Stroll along Alfama's steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods - where each house and door could be its own photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more. Afterwards, wind up to São Jorge Castle, where views out across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon's finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings. The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by, and there's another UNESCO recognised location close by at Sintra, where a colourful town is set amid thick gardens and towering mountains - capped by the royal Pena Palace. Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata's crumbling pastry and caramelised-custard topping is the essential accompaniment to any coffee stop.