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Experience the warm cerulean waters, charming villages, and sophisticated cities of the Mediterranean on a Vantage Deluxe World Travel 5-star small ship cruise.
See architect Antoni Gaudí’s surreal masterpieces in Barcelona, encounter the diversity of cultural influences found in Palermo, and explore the picturesque islands of Capri and Sicily. With 10 included features, there is a breadth of unique experiences to be found throughout your journey. Plus, our ship’s small size allows us to navigate to exclusive ports larger ships can’t reach.
Along the way, indulge in the Ocean Odyssey’s first-class amenities and personalized onboard service. Designed with just 77 cabins onboard – including a landmark 15 solo cabins – this elegant vessel seamlessly blends opulent luxury with intimate discoveries. After a day of portside exploration, relax onboard with a pampering spa treatment or a delicious meal cooked over a hot-rock grill. Take in the panoramic views from the top-level sundeck and sit in on engaging onboard lectures and informative port talks. Your onboard Destination Manager can assist with reservations for the ship’s spa or salon, and you’ll be picture-ready in no time for these glamorous ports of call. Extend your discoveries with an optional pre-trip extension in Madrid. Come aboard and discover the Mediterranean with Vantage!
In addition to its famous museums, bustling streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants featuring world-class cuisine and traditional specialties; and unbeatable nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its tranquil historic spots that charm everyone walking by. Immerse yourself in the culture of this lively, Iberian city during your optional pre-trip extension.
Fly overnight to Barcelona
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Barcelona. Or, depart earlier for your optional pre-trip extension to Madrid, Spain.
Arrive in Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your hotel. Following check-in, you’ll have the afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Included meals:
A morning of sightseeing in beautiful Barcelona
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by a panoramic sightseeing tour of a few of Barcelona’s highlights, including Montjuïc Hill, the Plaza de España, and Gran Via. You’ll also have an opportunity to discover Paseo de Gracia and have free time for shopping at Las Ramblas. Your afternoon with be at leisure to continue exploring Barcelona as you wish.
Included Feature:
Embark the Ocean Odyssey in Barcelona today
Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have the morning at leisure before you embark the Ocean Odyssey and begin your exciting Mediterranean voyage.
Once on board get settled in your sumptuous stateroom, then explore the Ocean Odyssey’s many amenities, including the sundeck and fitness center. Later, gather for the first of your daily port talks to hear about tomorrow’s exciting destination. Tonight, savor a special Welcome Dinner.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Opt for a special Barcelona sightseeing tour that includes access to the interior of La Sagrada Familia. Learn more
Begin your discoveries with a guided visit of the Museo Nacional de Prado (Prado Museum). Housed inside a building originally constructed in 1785 to house the Natural History Cabinet, today the Prado Museum is Spain’s main national art museum. Visitors are able to get up-close to the works of master artists such as Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, and Diego Velázquez.
Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century, the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, is one of Barcelona’s must-see landmarks. This Catholic church — the largest one in the world to remain unfinished — was inscribes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, along with six other Barcelona properties built by Gaudí. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church, proclaiming it a minor basilica, in 2010. On this optional excursion, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the interior of the church and take in the beauty and artistry of this structure for yourself. Your tour concludes with lunch at a local restaurant.
Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!
Delight in your ship’s amenities during a day at sea
One of the true pleasures of a luxurious, small ship cruise is the onboard experience as you sail from one incredible destination to another. From indulgent spa treatments and soothing hot tubs to elegant dining and personalized service, you’ll find everything you need to feel relaxed, pampered, and entertained today.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn more
Captivating Calvi welcomes you today
Located in the Balagne region of northwest Corsica, the port town of Calvi boasts the intrigue of traditional Corsican culture and the comforts of a modern resort destination. Today, you’ll set out on a walking tour of the town’s picturesque harbor and historic citadel. The Genoese Citadel served as a military outpost during the 15th century and is Calvi’s most significant historical monument in Calvi. Its location high above the town’s port offers visitors magnificent views of the coast and harbor. You’ll also enjoy a stroll along the lovely lower harbor before returning to the ship.
Explore the historic center of Bonifacio today
Few towns in Corsica can boast a position as dramatic as Bonifacio. Situated atop an eroding limestone promontory that juts out into the sea, this breathtaking site needs to be seen to be believed. However, this dramatic setting is not the only attractive thing about Bonifacio. This destination also rewards visitors with extraordinary vistas of Corsica’s coastline, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the neighboring island of Sardinia. Today’s included walking tour will give you the opportunity to explore the Old City Center. Passing through a gateway in the original city walls, you’ll discover a picturesque warren of narrow streets and alleys. This medieval city has been lovingly restored over time and offers its guests a charming glimpse into the past. As you wander the streets, keep an eye out for the home where Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in 1793.
Relax on board and enjoy your ship’s amenities
Relax with a day at sea; refresh, renew, and relish in your ship’s world-class amenities. Perhaps you’ll join a morning workout class. You could enjoy a facial at the spa, meet friends in the lounge for a game of bridge, attend a lecture about the places you’ll visit, or simply soak in the hot tub with the cocktail of the day — the choice is yours!
Uncover the breathtaking beauty of Capri
Today you’ll explore the island of Capri which boasts not one, but two beautiful towns: Capri and Anacapri. Each one has its own unique character, and we’ll visit both during today’s included walking tour. Capri is usually the first place visitors to this destination will see, owing to its proximity to Marina Grande. Make your way through the charming piazetta, the fashionable town square and the heart of Capri. This is a great spot for people-watching and it’s not unusual to spot celebrities here. While the streets of Capri have a more vibrant, bustling feel to them, Anacapri is decidedly more tranquil and laidback. Anacapri offers its guests quiet streets and easy walking trails dating back to Roman times. Beach lovers may have a difficult time deciding which town to choose, as both host fabulous beach clubs at the edge of crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Soak in the beauty of Grotta Azzurra on an optional excursion. Learn more
Hop aboard a wooden rowboat and let yourself be carried away to another world, surrounded by clear cerulean waters and sparkling caverns. This is Capri’s famed Blue Grotto and photos cannot do this location justice. This awe-inspiring site needs to be seen to be believed. Inside, the crystalline water appears to glow with silver reflections. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will make you feel as if you are floating in an ethereal, otherworldly paradise.
Explore Palermo’s crossroads of culture
Today, you’ll explore Palermo, Sicily’s capital city. A walking tour of this diverse destination reveals the heady mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, souk markets, and Gothic palaces found here. Its bustling neighborhoods, winding streets, and stucco chapels make a charming backdrop to your time spent exploring this vibrant town.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Visit the charming old fishing village of Cefalù on an optional half-day excursion. Learn more
The charming fishing village of Cefalù welcomes you during this optional walking tour. This north Sicilian coastal city is known for its 12th-century Norman cathedral, an elaborate, fortress-like structure featuring soaring twin towers and embellished Byzantine mosaics. During our time here, we’ll pay a visit to this impressive cathedral, plus enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.
Marvelous Messina greets you today
Messina, the gateway to Sicily, is a city that can be easily explored on foot. That is exactly what you will doing today on an included walking tour. Stroll through the historic city center around the Duomo, representative of the city’s Belle Époque era. The Duomo’s almost 200-foot-tall Norman bell Tower contains the world’s largest mechanical clock. Near the cathedral, you will also find Florentine Montorsoli’s grand 16-th century Orion Fountain, honoring the city’s founder. Following the tour, you’ll return to the ship for lunch, then have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Enjoy a coach tour of Mount Etna and its surrounding wineries. Learn more
Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes and lush wooded forests lend a unique quality to the soil in the surrounding area. It is this quality that gives wine grapes in this region their distinct flavor profile. You’ll sample the difference for yourself on this optional tour of a local winery that includes a tasting of several regionally produced varietals. On the round-trip drive to the winery, you can enjoy the unsurpassed scenery of this enchanting destination.
See more of Sicily in Syracuse and Ortigia
More Sicilian discoveries begin today in UNESCO-listed Syracuse, where ancient Greek ruins and antique Italian charm fuse into one splendid island called Ortigia. On a walking tour, head to the Old Town with its narrow, cobblestoned lanes and welcoming piazzas. You’ll visit an archaeological area to view the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring with roots in Greek mythology. You’ll also get a look into Jewish life here — Judaism was present here long before the arrival of Christianity in Sicily. You’ll also see the oldest mikveh (ancient ritual bath) to survive in Europe, and one of the first few in what’s now known as Italy.
Return to the ship for lunch, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure to continue your explorations in Syracuse.
Embark on a walking tour of Valletta, then experience Malta in 5D
Arrive in Malta this morning and go sightseeing in Valletta, the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valletta, Europe’s smallest capital, is an open-air museum of 16th-century buildings built by the Knights Hospitaller. Your private guide will regale you with tales of the city’s history while leading you down charming narrow streets to visit the Valletta City Gate, Triton Fountain, the new Parliament building, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is considered one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture. Your walking tour concludes with a 5D show exploring the history and culture of Malta in an interactive and exciting way. You’ll return to the ship for lunch, then have the remainder of the afternoon to spend at your leisure.
Enjoy another day at sea aboard the Ocean Odyssey
Indulge in your ship’s amenities today with another relaxing day at sea. Pamper yourself with a soothing massage at the spa, participate in an instructor-led fitness class, take a comforting soak in the outdoor hot tub, savor a refreshing cocktail at one of the shipboard lounges, or visit the gift shop and pick up a few souvenirs.
Cagliari’s medieval wonders are yours to explore
Cagliari, like many of Italy’s great cities, wears its well-worn history on its sleeve. From the ancient ruins and centuries-old churches to the museums packed with prehistoric artefacts and the elegant palazzi, you’ll encounter this charming city’s rich past at every turn.
Today, you’ll explore Castello, the most ancient of Cagliari’s historic districts, on an included walking tour. Surrounded by fortress walls that have defended the city for centuries, you’ll pass through Castello’s ancient doors to begin your explorations.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Dig into the fascinating history and culture of Sardinia with a half-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini and Giara di Gesturi. Learn more
Dig into the fascinating history and culture of Sardinia with a half-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Barumini, from where you’ll be able to view the prehistoric Su Nuraxi Fortress and learn about the prehistoric cultures that built the Nuraghe structures found here. Then, visit the Giara Plateau and see the wild horses of Giara di Gesturi, a unique breed of small horses dating back to Phoenician times and one of the few remaining wild horse breeds in Europe.
Soak in another relaxing day on board the Ocean Odyssey
Visit Palma de Mallorca, the jewel of Spain’s Balearic Islands
The ship arrives in Palma de Mallorca this morning. Ringed by pristine crescent beaches and cloaked in lush green forest, Mallorca is an island paradise for both residents and visitors alike. On a panoramic city tour, you'll explore the stunning circular Bellver Castle, built in the 14th century for the Kings of Mallorca. Later, step inside the massive La Seu Cathedral. This honey-colored, Gothic masterpiece boasts a cavernous interior designed by Antoni Gaudí and a 144-foot-high nave. Return to the ship for lunch before an afternoon at leisure in Palma de Mallorca.
Disembark the Ocean Odyssey in Barcelona
Enjoy breakfast on board, then disembark in Barcelona, where you will transfer to your hotel. You will have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure in the capital of Catalonia.
A rewarding day on your own in Barcelona
You have the entire day at your leisure to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the vibrant capital of Spain’s Catalonia region.
Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the Barcelona airport for your return flight home.
Please Note: Ocean cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew. Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.
