Your holiday begins with a one-night hotel stay in vibrant Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. This incredible city is a creative destination famous for its striking Gothic Quarter and rich artistic heritage. Explore its architectural marvels by Antoni Gaudi, sample delicious dishes of authentic tapas, and lose yourself in the bustling cultural hub of La Rambla – peppered with eateries, stalls and street performers.

There’s something distinctly refined and elegant about a Cunard cruise, and the beautiful Queen Victoria certainly upholds its fine traditions. Even before you board this stunning ship, you’ll note the trademark black and red livery which, together with her sleek modern design, immediately sets the theme of its proud cruising heritage.

Dining on board Queen Victoria is a culinary delight with an array of options available to satisfy your every taste bud. From the sophisticated ambience of the main Britannia Restaurant to the opulent Queens Grill and Princess Grill, Queen Victoria’s restaurants offer an endless range of international cuisine. Delight in daily Afternoon Tea or relish a range of casual dining options, including the Lido Restaurant and the Golden Lion pub.

The second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is home to a dramatic coastline and breathtaking landscapes. Boasting picturesque harbours, stunning beaches, and superb vineyards, Sardinia offers prehistoric ruins and medieval walled towns. Colonised six centuries ago, the port town of Alghero is characterised by its mighty fortifications rising above an emerald sea. Visit the town to explore medieval towers and beautiful churches or head to the spectacular coastal sea caves of Grotta di Nettuno located at Capo Caccia Bosa.

The handsome city of Ajaccio commands a stunning sweeping bay. Retrace the early footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte through Ajaccio’s tangled old-town streets. The house where he was born in 1769 is rich with family documents and portraits, making for a remarkable step into history. While in Ajaccio, make sure to experience Tino Rossi harbour’s ornate pastel façades, bright fishing boats, and rustling palm trees. 

During Gala Evenings, Queen Victoria undergoes a remarkable change as it becomes adorned in festive decorations, offering you exclusive fine-dining options, and specialty drinks. At dinner, you’ll be greeted with a sumptuous complimentary beverage while musicians keep you entertained well into the night and the entire ship fills with the highest sense of celebration.

The third largest city in Sicily, Messina is a cruise port and major harbour in the northeast of the island. Separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, it is known for the Norman Messina Cathedral, with its Gothic portal, 15^th-century windows, and an astronomical clock on the bell tower. Nearby, marble fountains are decorated with mythological figures including the Fontana di Orione, with its carved inscriptions and the Neptune Fountain, topped by a statue of the sea god.

Naples boasts an intoxicating mix of European old-world charm and modern vigour. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Naples is home to a wealth of awe-inspiring art, architecture, and archaeology. Explore Naples’ historic centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to find Baroque masterpieces and incredible cuisine. Sample Italy’s finest pasta, pizza, and espresso in Naples to experience a true food haven. Naples also serves as a gateway to key destinations including Sorrento, the Amalfi coast and, of course, Pompeii. 

Explore streets steeped in ancient history, where Byzantine mosaics grace church ceilings and cool catacombs slumber beneath your feet. Here, you’ll be awed by the scale of St Peter’s Square at the Vatican and the imposing Colosseum as you walk in the footsteps of gladiators. In between chic cafés and serene statues on street corners, you’ll also find treasures including the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, where a coin tossed into its shining waters promise a return to Rome.

Experience true ocean bliss with expert massages tailored to your wishes, from soft and relaxing to firm and deep. Choose from the traditional Swedish massage to the signature Aroma Stone Massage, R3 Total Body Therapy, or Thai Herbal Poultice Massage, ensuring you leave feeling weightless and at ease.

The setting of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Cephalonia’s unspoilt and timeless allure is a wonderful setting for a true love story. The largest of the Ionian islands, Cephalonia is home to just 30,000 residents, who reside mainly in the coastal towns and resorts. Others live much as they have done for centuries, in remote mountain villages. Explore the many emerald-hued bays and dreamy coves that Cephalonia is known for, while in the island’s capital, Argostoli, you’ll discover quaint restaurants, fresh market stalls, and pretty rows of houses lining the harbour.

Corfu is an island surrounded by golden sandy beaches, crystal waters, and tropical flora. Corfu Town is a bustling, contemporary city filled with history and Greek charm, and is said to boast one of the prettiest town squares, called the Spianada, in the whole of Greece. The Old Town is a mix of Italian architecture, Venetian monuments, French arcades, an English palace, and two hillside fortresses; all of which pay tribute to the many cultures who have occupied this island. Many tiny alleyways host some of the most beautiful architecture here and are lined with shops and restaurants.

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast nestled in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mount Lovćen. A stunning city full of sights and activities, it is replete with gorgeous views from every direction. Characterised by winding streets and graceful squares, its medieval Old Town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. Kotor is also home to a Maritime Museum, which explores its local seafaring history. Meanwhile, Sveti Đorđe, one of two tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

Explore the marble streets and city walls of ancient, red-roofed Dubrovnik, where the old city is appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow winding alleys to admire its Baroque architecture and discover welcoming cafés where you can sit outside and enjoy the views. Here, you could immerse yourself in the warm, glittering Adriatic Sea during a swimming stop or explore fascinating museums and galleries and walking the atmospheric city walls.

One of the highlights of any Cunard voyage is the opportunity to glam up and put on your dancing shoes at one of its lavish themed balls. Or you could spend an evening in the plush surroundings of the Royal Court theatre where you’ll be dazzled by some of the most talented performers at sea, with everything from world-class illusionists to cabaret dancers.

Today, you’ll wave a fond goodbye to Queen Victoria and her exquisite staff in Trieste. But your holiday is by no means over as you transfer to Venice for a three-night hotel stay. A destination brimming with history, art, architecture, and culture, and known for its winding canals, gondolas, and romantic atmosphere, your time here will ignite, inspire, and delight you.

Begin your journey home in luxurious 1920s flair by boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Savour the indulgence of a three-course lunch in the elegant dining car, and watch hills roll into mountains before shrinking down into pastoral countryside. In the evening, prepare to be dazzled by a leisurely four-course dinner concocted by expert French chefs, before you'll retire to your cabin, which has been turned into an elegant haven of rest.

Savour your final moments onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as you wake to a beautiful new landscape, indulging in a delicious breakfast of fresh coffee, pastries, and fruit served to your cabin or suite, before disembarking in Paris.

Beautiful boulevards brimming with outdoor cafés and art galleries, sumptuous delicacies from boulangeries, delicate fine wines served at lunch and gourmet dinners in traditional brasseries, any time spent in Paris is a true delight. Explore its charming streets, squares, and gardens, and visit wondrous monuments which beckon tourists to return: the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Today marks the end of your incredible Mediterranean holiday. Once you’ve checked out of your hotel, you’ll transfer to the airport where your flight home awaits.