• Eight stateroom configurations, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare
• All beer and wine included with dinner
• Health and wellness options including an onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium
• Expert cultural lecturers and curated performances
• Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
• Separate, intimate space for all of your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
• Environmentally friendly standards, with reduced emissions into air and sea, and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology
• Multiple launching platforms to allow for easy and quick loading of expedition landing craft, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards
• Small passenger-to-crew ratio
• Onboard medical doctor
• Boutique
• Elevator from bottom to top deck

A long and storied history of arts and culture await during this enriching itinerary.

• See the stunning Greek Theater in Taormina
• Get up and dance to live music during evening onboard performances
• Admire the fascinating pottery, arts and other profound cultural influences at the Acropolis, Pompeii and other archaeological sites
• Sample the Greek wines produced at the Byzantine-era Liotrivi Mansion in the Monemvasia region
• See the surreal architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí during your time in Barcelona, including the famous Sagrada Família basilica. His work as a whole is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Málaga, where artist Pablo Picasso was born, and the Picasso Museum
• Explore the Moorish Albaicín neighborhood in Granada
• Learn about bullfighting during a visit to an arena in scenic Ronda
• Admire the intricately designed azulejo tiles that adorn cathedrals, castles and many other buildings in Portugal
Marvel at the extravagance and glamour of Monte Carlo, favorite spot of Europe’s jet-setter.

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures in the world throughout your cruise.

• Visit 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including: The Acropolis; Asklepios at Epidaurus; Mycenae and Tiryns; Mystras; Syracuse; Aeolian Islands; Pompeii; Carcassonne; Works of Antoni Gaudí; the Alhambra, Generalife and Albaícin in Granada; Seville’s Alcázar, Cathedral; Doñana National Park; Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower in Lisbon
• See the historic Roman Theater of Cartagena
• Explore the gorge-hugging city of Ronda, a Moorish and Spanish jewel beloved by Hemingway
• Visit Gibraltar, which has been a British territory longer than the United States has been in existence
• Learn about the castles and cathedrals of The Algarve during visits to Silves and Monchique
• See the monuments of Lisbon that honor its central role in the Age of Discovery
• Marvel at the stalwart castles of Peloponnese during visits to Monemvasia and Methoni
• Discover the archaeological wonders of Lipari, gem of the Aeolian Islands
• Roam the bastions of Corsican Bonifacio, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea

The world’s religious sites often add a powerful spiritual and deeply personal meaning to any journey. Here are some soul-stirring places you’ll visit during your trip:

• Marvel at the massive Le Seu Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca
• See Seville Cathedral and have the opportunity to climb to the top of its soaring La Giralda Tower
• See some of Jerónimos Monastery during a tour of Lisbon
• Visit one of the largest fortresses in the Arab world in Andalusia
• Witness the glory of Gaudi’s Sagrada Família with an outside visit in Barcelona

Few things reveal as much about a culture and its people as the food they eat. This journey takes you into the culinary heart of the Mediterranean — and here are some of the many ways you will indulge in its many flavors:

• Sample Greek wines and tasty appetizers at the Liotrivi Mansion, Monemvasia’s elegant winery
• Learn to make pizza Neapolitan-style at a farm close to Pompeii
• Tour the Château de Flaugergues, where grapes — and wine — have been cultivated for 2,000 years
• Take time to sample Barcelona’s renowned tapas bars, where small plates are packed with flavor and eaten best with a glass of rioja
• Taste Lisbon’s traditional Portuguese pastéis de Belém, a flaky, buttery custard tart
• Enjoy dinner at the bull farm of a Seville family featuring traditional favorites prepared by your hosts
• Enjoy many opportunities to savor Spanish tapas, fresh Mediterranean seafood and other delicacies, both on your own and during included meals aboard the ship and at local restaurants

During the course of your adventure, you will have opportunities for active walks and explorations of ancient ruins and medieval cities, including longer treks and climbs to overlooks for spectacular views. There will also be opportunities for swimming (weather dependent) and for taking kayaks or bicycles off the ship to explore your beautiful surroundings.

• Walk around Athens’ charming Plaka district, the old town at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can explore flower-bedecked streets and stop into a restaurant or café. Climb the hill to the Acropolis, then enjoy a walking tour that includes the Parthenon
• Explore the ancient archaeological sites of Mycenae, Methoni, Pompeii and others by foot
• Get the most intimate views of city life as you discover Mediterranean cultural and medieval gems during walking tours
• Climb aboard a small boat to cruise along the Corsican coast past sea caves and cliffs

The soul-stirring beauty of the natural world will greet you at every turn on this expedition, from the Peloponnese Peninsula to some of Europe’s most glamorous outposts.

• Take in the vistas of Mount Taygetos as you journey to the remarkably preserved city of Mystras
• Marvel at the setting of Methoni, an old Venetian port perched on a narrow dramatic peninsula surrounded by blue Aegean waters
• Witness the spellbinding Aeolian Islands, a tranquil archipelago born from volcanic eruptions millennia ago
• See the sea caves and cliffs of Corsica from a small boat during a thrilling cruise
• Gaze upon the lush beauty and incredible wildlife — including wild horses and flamingoes — in France’s Camargue National Park
• Take in the magnificent red cliffs, ochre-hued quarries and green pine forests of Roussillon
• Sailing through UNESCO Doñana National Park, along Guadalquivir River

You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the broad spectrum of sights and scenes on this cruisetour — from the timeless monument to sweeping seascapes to intimate portraits of daily life. Here are a few tips:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature!
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high; or get low and shoot from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace artistic challenges by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take selfies! You’ll want to have some mementoes of your milestone journey
• Look beyond landmarks. Sometimes everyday scenes are more revealing of the spirit of your destination. But in deference to cultural norms here, remember to ask your subjects if they mind being photographed before snapping their picture

• Complimentary biking options — take a spin alongside your Concierge, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment and lectures

Your onboard Vantage Concierge will be available throughout your entire cruise to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Special celebrations. Do you have a big birthday, anniversary, family reunion, or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and they will make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, a celebration in the Captain’s Club, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests and they will be happy to make recommendations, calling ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Maybe you need a limo to take you for a special night on the town. Perhaps you’re interested in tracking down long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more
• Concierge-guided bike tours using the 20 available complimentary bicycles your ship has onboard

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log in to My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.