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The Mediterranean: Beyond the Icons, 31 May 2028
14 nights
Douglas Mawson
31 May '28Cruise overview
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’: The Mediterranean: Beyond the Icons
Sailing the Mediterranean's quieter shores this voyage takes us to places beyond the familiar travel circuit, where history, culture and landscape combine to reward the well-travelled with discoveries away from the everyday.
In the wake of former empires, we follow a lesser-travelled route across the Mediterranean, tracing the tides of trade, conquest and cultural exchange that have shaped this remarkable region. From the golden-hewed temples of Agrigento to the whitewashed Kasbah of Tangier. From Palermo's vibrant Ballarò market to the fortress of the Spanish enclave of Melilla, and from the dramatic cliffs of Sardinia to the sea-carved coves of Portugal, each destination reveals a further layer of the Mediterranean story. Designed for curious travellers, this voyage seeks out the stories behind the places and faces. Stories that illuminate their past, deepen our understanding of their present, and offer insights into their future.
Itinerary
Valletta
Arrive at Malta International Airport and transfer to our Embarkation Suite (conditions apply below). Explore Valletta at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to Douglas Mawson.
Important information:
Complimentary airport arrival transfers are provided as group transfers for expeditioners arriving at Malta International Airport prior to 12:00pm on Day 1 only. Passengers who arrive after the airport transfer cut-off will need to make their own way to the Embarkation Suite before 2:00 pm to complete mandatory check-in. For passengers already in Valletta, we ask you to visit our centrally located Embarkation Suite with all luggage, which will be open for mandatory check-in between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Passengers have access to our centrally located Embarkation Suite, including luggage storage, Aurora Expeditions staff for voyage and city information and cabin check-in, WIFI, tea, coffee and light refreshments. Embarkation Suite location: to be advised closer to date of departure. As your luggage will be transported to the ship at 2.30pm and ahead of you, please ensure you place any items you require during the day in your day bag, including passports, cash/cards and medicines. In the late afternoon join a mandatory group transfer to board the Douglas Mawson. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines’ to begin our voyage.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for an onboard Welcome Dinner, where your expedition team will introduce you to the expedition ahead and raise a toast to the adventures to come.
Meals: Dinner onboard
Malta’s capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta’s compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.
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Porto Empedocle
Palermo
At sea
Cagliari
San Pietro Island, Sardinia
Alghero
At sea
Palma de Mallorca
At sea
Almería
Melilla
Tangier
Portimão
Lisbon
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Spacious mid-deck rooms with large picture windows offering natural light and ocean views.
Amenities
- King or Twin Configuration
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Toiletries Provided
- TV
- Safe
- Desk
- Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
- Lounge Area
- Hair Dryer
- Telephone
- Air Conditioning
Ship features
Douglas Mawson brings expedition capability and boutique comfort together, offering travellers an authentic yet luxurious way to experience the Earth’s wild frontiers.
- 154-guest expedition vessel
- Ulstein X-Bow for stability and efficiency
- 15 Zodiacs with four embarkation points
- Observation lounge and glass atrium
- Spacious lecture theatre and science centre
- Outdoor hot tubs and wellness area
- Sauna and gym with panoramic views
- Dedicated mudroom and gear storage
- Modern restaurant and casual lounge bar
- Expert-led enrichment and daily briefings