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Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
28 Sep 2026	Naples, Italy		Hotel
29 Sep 2026	Naples, Italy		Hotel
30 Sep 2026	Naples, Italy	Embark
1 Oct 2026	Olbia, Sardinia. IT
2 Oct 2026	Bastia, Corsica. FR
3 Oct 2026	Nice, France
4 Oct 2026	Toulon, France
5 Oct 2026	Sete, France
6 Oct 2026	Barcelona, Spain
7 Oct 2026	Mallorca, Spain
8 Oct 2026	At Sea
9 Oct 2026	Motril, Spain	Granada
10 Oct 2026	Tangier, Morocco
11 Oct 2026	Cadiz, Spain
12 Oct 2026	Portimao, Portugal
13 Oct 2026	Lisbon, Portugal	Disembark	Hotel
14 Oct 2026	Lisbon, Portugal

13 Night small ship cruise sailing from Naples to Lisbon aboard Douglas Mawson. 2 nights hotel stay pre-cruise in Naples and 1 night hotel stay post-cruise in Lisbon.

Day 1 Naples, Italy
Welcome to Naples. On arrival at Naples airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Naples. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our day exploring Naples tomorrow.

Accommodation: Naples Hotel

Day 2 Naples
Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naple’s ‘underworld’ reputation has mellowed in recent years, making it the perfect starting point for our explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plague and infamous natural disasters, Neapolitans are well known for their dramatic, larger-than-life personalities. A dedication to family and their ancestral roots makes them natural storytellers, with a passion to share their stoic city and its intrinsic tales with all they encounter. Developed by Rome’s elite as a series of holiday resorts and prosperous towns, the southern coastline of the Bay of Naples offers a wealth of insights into the ancient world, while the modern city of Naples is an eclectic mix of winding lanes, underground channels and glass-fronted high-rise buildings, making it a town with more than its share of tall tales.

Today's ‘Your Choice’ options highlight two cherished Neapolitan pastimes: delving into the city's storied history and indulging in its renowned cuisine, while history enthusiasts can explore the archaeological site of Pompeii to gain insights into Roman life and understand how its opulence contributed to the city's demise. The afternoon is free for further exploration before we gather this evening to celebrate our journey at a Welcome Event – Neapolitan style.

Day 3 Embark Naples (Port: Naples)
This morning is at your leisure to explore Naples at your own pace or join us for a full-day exploration of the magnificent Palace of Caserta.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Full day experience: The Palace of Caserta

You are forgiven if you have never heard of the Palace of Caserta, but once you have visited it you may never stop talking about it. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Caserta sprawls over five floors, 1,200 rooms, 11 acres of gardens, pools, fountains and cascades, and almost 300 acres of parklands. Designed according to the wishes of Charles of Bourbon III, by Luigi Vanvitelli, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 18th century, Caserta was a palace ahead of its time. Respect for nature became the palace's calling card, drawing from trends spreading across Europe at the time. Hundreds of rare and precious plants from around the world were brought to Caserta, and still grown there today. Grand, excessive and opulent, a visit to Caserta will fill your diary with superlatives.

We transfer to the port mid-afternoon to board the Douglas Mawson and sail west to the Italian island of Sardinia. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Dinner where we meet our Aurora Expeditions team and crew.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner onboard

Day 4 Olbia, Sardinia, Italy (Port: Olbia)
Crossing ‘the Med’ on traditional trade routes, we reach the coastal city of Olbia on Sardinia’s east coast, in time to spend the afternoon on your preferred ‘Your Choice’ experience.

The Mediterranean’s second largest island, Sardinia is unique and enigmatic. Its coastline, beaches, granite cliffs and mountainous inland showcase sprawling resorts and medieval villages – all a testimony to the island's eventful history as the centre of the Mediterranean’s east to west trading route. A succession of conquerors gifted to the islanders' animals, seeds and plants to be raised and populated. Understandably the most popular plants were vines, which now support a burgeoning wine business with Sardinian wines popular in Europe.

Day 5 Bastia, Corsica, France (Port: Bastia)
Our journey today takes us to a slice of France in the Mediterranean. Though it has been part of France since 1769, Corsica maintains a distinct identity, blending Italian and French influences due to its historical ties with both nations. Known for its rugged landscapes, winding roads and craggy coves, Corsica’s 340,000 inhabitants have a strong sense of regional pride, tested annually by an influx of three million tourists. The island’s status as a territorial collectivity grants it greater autonomy within the French Republic, allowing for the preservation of its Corsican language and customs. This blend of French governance and Corsican heritage creates a rich, multifaceted culture that sets the island apart from mainland France.

Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences fill our morning, with time this afternoon to enjoy the town of Bastia on your own, before we sail for the French mainland in the early evening. Founded in 1378 by the Genoese, Bastia blends French and Italian influences, making it a quintessentially Corsican town. Its Baroque historic centre captures the essence of an ancient Mediterranean port. The name "Bastia" comes from "bastion," referencing the Genoese fortress built to guard against islanders. Explore the Terra Vecchia (Old Town) on foot, starting at the palm-filled Place St-Nicolas, which flanks both the port and the lively Boulevard Général-de-Gaulle. The vibrant colours of the old town’s houses once served as landmarks for returning sailors and continue to brighten the town today.

Day 6 Nice, France (Port: Nice)
There are plenty of treats on offer today as we reach the French mainland and berth at the port of Nice in true “Riviera style”.

More than any other Riviera city, Nice oozes charm. Its kilometres of beach, backed by iconic hotels and luxurious apartments and fronted by the Mediterranean Sea, have attracted the rich and famous for centuries. The broad boulevard along the beachfront, named Promenade des Anglais, honours Queen Victoria, who often brought her entourage to escape the dreary English winter. Russian aristocrats also made Nice their home, building a Russian Orthodox church that today holds a memorial to the fallen Czar and his family. Noted for its sunny days and enchanting evening light, Nice has long drawn artists whose galleries are filled with paintings of the city itself. Chagall, Matisse, Dufy, Picasso, and more worked, lived, and loved here among their wealthy sponsors and bon vivant friends. Residents, focused on fun in the sun, stroll to the market daily, buying fresh produce, gourmet foods, and flowers to adorn their seaside homes.

The centrally located port offers us the chance to stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean from Nice’s Plage Publique De l'Opera, or perhaps head to the city’s famous neighbour, Monaco. One thing is for sure: in true Riviera style, today will have a touch of decadence.

Day 7 Toulon (Port: Toulon)
Fronted by a marina packed with yachts and a port dominated by the French Navy, Toulon is a city on the rise. Not as glitzy as Saint-Tropez, Nice or Cannes, Toulon is a working town with coastal appeal and a vibrant culinary scene, attracting predominantly French holidaymakers. A crucial naval port since the 15th century, Toulon’s strategic harbour has played a vital role in French maritime operations. During World War II, the local Resistance fighters, including the Maquis, undertook numerous acts of sabotage, including the dramatic 1942 scuttling of the French fleet to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. This act stands as a testament to the city’s resilient spirit, which adds to its rough charm and very “French” attitude.

Day 8 Séte (Port: Séte)
Often dubbed the ‘Venice of Languedoc’ for its picturesque canals and bridges, Séte is known for its thriving seafood industry, with its bustling fish market and waterfront restaurants offering fresh catches from the nearby Thau Lagoon. Séte’s waterside promenades are dotted with colourful buildings and busy cafes, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying an aperitif, glass of locally produced wine, or a cool beer amid soothing waterfront views. For those selecting a morning ‘Your Choice’ experience, the charming town of Sète waits for independent exploration in the afternoon. The city centre is just a ten-minute walk from the port, making it easy to discover its attractions at your own pace.

Day 9 Barcelona, Spain (Port: Palamós)
Entering Spain, we find ourselves at the vibrant Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience for a fun-filled morning. Having familiarised yourself with the city, enjoy a free afternoon exploring Barcelona’s many attractions. Stroll iconic Las Ramblas, visit one of the city’s renowned galleries, or shop to your heart’s content. The Douglas Mawson will sail from the marina of Palamós north of Barcelona, in the early evening.

Socially, culturally and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveller’s lips, and Barcelona’s vibrant is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire’s monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back.

Day 10 Mallorca (Port: Palma de Mallorca)
It's time to say “Hola” to Mallorca, with a full day in port at Palma de Mallorca to enjoy the sun, wine and food that makes this island so unique. An autonomous region of Spain, the economy of the Balearic Islands has ebbed and flowed in line with the waters to which they owe their fame. Recent years have brought an influx of tourists on flight inclusive packages and Europeans seeking an ‘expat’ lifestyle on a budget. But there is more to these islands than a suntan and a smile. Their history paints a portrait of brave islanders defending their lands from far more sizeable empires. The Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, British and Spanish have all left their mark, gifting this eclectic archipelago a story waiting to be told. We spend the morning ashore, before sailing west to the Spanish coast.

Day 11 At Sea
It’s time to relax and enjoy sailing the Med today as we follow the traditional trade route from the Balearic Islands to the Spanish coast. Enjoy a swim, sauna or simply relax with a good book. Hone your photography skills with our resident photographer or join a presentation by our host.

Day 12 Granada (Port: Motril)
We meet the mainland at the port of Motril affording us access to the city of Granada and the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada; the Alpujarra's. We immerse ourselves in the rural culture, with a chance to spend time with descendants of those who have lived on the land for generations with a farm to plate experience or walk amongst the Moorish empire and Christian monarchical periods greatest architectural achievements at the eclectic city of Granada.

Day 13 Tangier, Morocco (Port: Tangier)
Meeting the African coast at Morocco, we find a city with a few tales to tell. Unique amongst Moroccan cities, Tangier has a chequered past, affording us one of Europe’s most egocentric stories. Designated an ‘International Zone’ in the early 20th century, Tangier harboured no drug laws, no taxes, no banking restrictions, no censorship laws and no morality laws. Attracting a worldly mix of expat residents, it played house to everyone from eccentric British nobility to American authors, Franco’s civil war army to Nazi spies, while it awaited its inclusion in the post-war nation of Morocco. Stories of elicit affairs, underworld deals, and espionage abound in this city which remains as colourful as its history suggests.

Day 14 Cádiz, Spain (Port: Cádiz)
The proud city of Cádiz sits at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. As the gateway to the Mediterranean, it is touted as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, with its dominant families claiming ancestry dating back to Roman times, when the city was called Ceret, and the wine produced was Vinum Ceretensis. From Phoenicians to Iberians, Romans to Moors, Cádiz had its fair share of invaders. It is no wonder its skyline is dotted with 120 watchtowers, including the 150-foot-tall Torre Tavira, used for spotting sails as they appeared on the horizon – often the first sign of the return of long-lost explorers. A Spanish naval base even today, it was off the coast of Cádiz at Cape Trafalgar where the British won the battle of the same name over Napoleon’s fleet, with the loss of Horatio Nelson. It was from Cádiz where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the ‘new world’. And it was in Cádiz harbour where Sir Francis Drake sacked and burned so many ships that he delayed Spain’s attempt at invading England’s by at least a year and changed the course of world history.

Day 15 Portimão, Portugal (Port: Portimão)
Set on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão was a flourishing fishing village until only 30 years ago. Greeks, Phoenicians and Carthaginians all plied their trade but in the 11th century the Moors arrived, and Burj Munt as it became known, never looked back. A gateway to the fortified town of Silves and neighbour to a coast of classic, caved beaches, Portimão fishes for a different catch these days, with its marina home to a flotilla of gently bobbing yachts, and riverfront promenade host to casual cafes and bars.

Day 16 Disembark Lisbon (Port: Lisbon)
Lisbon sits on the Tagus River, granting it access to the coast that contributed to Portugal becoming one of the world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Bartholomeu Dias sailed under Portuguese patronage, discovering new lands and establishing trade routes. The city flourished, with much of the wealth from its colonies invested in grand architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day in 1755, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Lisbon, followed by tsunamis and fires that devastated the city. Over 75% of the population perished. Today, Lisbon reflects this history, with few buildings predating the 18th century. The city was rebuilt with wide boulevards, elegant facades, and parklands, all complemented by opulent baroque interiors and distinctive black-and-white tiled pavements. Lisbon's compact size makes it easy to explore, with hillside suburbs accessible by trams and funiculars, and a vibrant waterfront that continues its historic trading legacy.

We disembark Douglas Mawson and join a locally guided tour of Lisbon. The city’s story unfolds as we visit the suburb of Belem, with its Jerónimos Monastery, where we hear more of Vasco de Gama’s adventures; the waterfront memorial of Monumento dos Descobrimentos, honouring Prince Henry the Navigator and his fellow explorers; and the Torre de Belém – the 16th-century fortification that acted as the gateway to Lisbon for all seafarers. This insightful tour tells tales of exploration, colonisation and devastation, drawn together by the history of a city the influence of which has shaped much of our modern-day world.

Near the famed Cais do Sodré train station, sits the beautiful building of the Mercado da Ribeira with its Moorish-style dome. To end our tour, we visit this famous market and its popular ‘Time Out’ food complex. Lisbon’s populace has shopped for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat here since 1882, with the market’s latest innovation including 30 ‘pop-ups’ offering petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and traditional products such as cheeses, cured hams, smoked sausages, fish conserves, wines and more. Our local guide introduces us to a variety of Portuguese specialties, such as pastéis de nata – the Portuguese tart, a national specialty, with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry. Take time to explore and enjoy lunch (own expense), before transferring to our hotel mid-afternoon.

This evening, we gather to celebrate our journey at a Farewell Event.

Accommodation: Atlis Grand Hotel Lisbon (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Event canapés

Day 17 Depart Lisbon
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising.

Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, our new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes a maximum of 130 adventurers on board our Expeditions. All in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of staterooms yet, including a range of single staterooms.

The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.

While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that our aim to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through our unique activities program remains unchanged.

At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.

The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.

Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.