This 23-night extended cruise sails roundtrip from Liverpool, offering a richly layered journey through Southern Europe aboard Ambition. Designed as a true grand voyage, the itinerary builds gradually through changing coastlines, cultures and climates, allowing travellers to settle into the rhythm of a longer, deeply rewarding adventure.
The journey begins in Lisbon, where riverside views, historic neighbourhoods and creative energy set an inviting tone. Spain’s Mediterranean coast follows with calls at Almería and Alicante, combining sunlit promenades, historic quarters and relaxed coastal living. Sicily forms a vivid central chapter, with contrasting experiences in Palermo and Messina, where ancient civilisations, lively street life and sweeping harbour views shape everyday life.
Mainland Italy brings cultural depth and scale, with Sorrento offering access to remarkable cultural landmarks, Civitavecchia serving as the gateway to Rome, and Livorno opening the door to Tuscany’s elegant cities and countryside. The voyage continues to Valencia, blending contemporary design with historic tradition, before Gibraltar provides a dramatic geographical highlight at the meeting point of seas and continents. On the return north, Cádiz and Vigo deliver warm Atlantic character, maritime heritage and local flavour, before a call in Belfast and the final return to Liverpool.
Balanced by restful sea days and destination-rich ports, this Liverpool roundtrip cruise is ideal for travellers seeking a slower, more immersive way to explore Europe - a journey defined by depth, variety and the pleasure of truly living within the voyage itself.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Lisbon
Lisbon unfolds across seven hills, offering constant surprises of light, colour and movement. Ride a historic tram through narrow streets, pause at hilltop viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River, or glide above the waterfront on the cable car at Parque das Nações, where the city feels open, bright and full of life. Neighbourhoods hum with music and conversation, tiled façades catching the sun as locals greet one another with easy warmth. Visit Belém’s great monuments or simply wander, letting the city’s friendly, vibrant spirit lead the way. Lisbon is joyful, welcoming and alive.
- Livorno
Livorno opens the door to Tuscany’s soft hills, celebrated art and deeply rooted food traditions. The port city itself feels open and authentic, shaped by canals, markets and maritime life. Inland landscapes roll gently through vineyards and historic towns. Meals here are moments to savour. Livorno carries a strong sense of place and welcome.
- Palermo
Palermo is a city of layers - sunlit and timeworn, vibrant and unapologetically alive. Arab-Norman architecture stands alongside baroque churches, while markets hum with colour, spice and local voices. Between grand palaces and seaside promenades, Palermo offers Sicily in all its bold, beautiful complexity.
- Sorrento
Nestled above the Bay of Naples, the charming town of Sorrento offers a perfect blend of Italian elegance, coastal beauty and relaxed Mediterranean charm. Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques and cafés, admire sweeping sea views from the clifftops, or sample the region’s famous limoncello.