Begin your expedition in Valletta, with time to explore Malta’s historic capital before transferring to Douglas Mawson in the late afternoon. Once onboard, settle into your cabin, meet the expedition team and complete the ship’s safety briefing before setting sail. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner and an introduction to the Mediterranean journey ahead.

Meals: Dinner onboard

Arrive at Porto Empedocle, gateway to Agrigento and one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological landscapes. Choose to explore the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, including the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, or head into the Sicilian countryside for a visit and tasting at a family-owned winery. In the afternoon, return to the ship and cruise along Sicily’s western coast towards Palermo.

Discover Palermo, a fascinating mix of Arab, Norman, Spanish and Italian influences. Choose between exploring the city’s extraordinary Capuchin Catacombs, historic centre and artistic treasures, or immerse yourself in Sicilian food culture at the colourful Ballarò Market. The afternoon is free to explore Palermo independently before sailing for Sardinia.

Enjoy a day at sea as you sail from Menorca towards Corsica. The onboard team brings the destinations ahead to life through presentations on their history and culture, while there is plenty of time to relax, enjoy the observation lounge, visit the library or make use of the ship’s facilities.

Arrive by Zodiac at Carloforte on San Pietro Island, a fascinating cultural enclave where the Genoese-influenced Tabarchini identity remains strong. Explore its colourful lanes, historic waterfront and archaeological sites independently before returning to the ship. Later, cruise along the dramatic Iglesiente Coast, where abandoned mining settlements, towering limestone cliffs and the distinctive Pan di Zucchero sea stack reveal another side of Sardinia.

Arrive by Zodiac in Alghero, a medieval harbour city with a distinctive Catalan heritage. Choose to explore the fortified old town, its historic walls and Catalan-influenced architecture, or travel by boat beneath the cliffs of Capo Caccia to spectacular Neptune’s Cave, filled with vast chambers and limestone formations. Afterwards, enjoy free time in Alghero before sailing west towards Mallorca.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea as Douglas Mawson crosses from Sardinia towards Mallorca. Relax onboard while the expedition team presents the history of the Mediterranean’s ancient trade routes and the cultures they helped shape, before an evening beneath the same open skies once used by mariners to navigate these waters.

Explore Palma de Mallorca through either its rich cultural heritage or the island’s wilder landscapes. Discover the former Moorish fortress of Almudaina, magnificent La Seu Cathedral and the historic streets of Palma, or hike across protected Sa Dragonera, home to dramatic cliffs, seabirds and endemic Lilford’s wall lizards. The afternoon is free to explore Palma independently before sailing west.

Explore Melilla, the fascinating Spanish enclave on the North African coast, where European, Berber, Jewish and Arab influences meet. A guided visit to the fortified Melilla la Vieja reveals centuries of frontier history through its bastions, underground passages and ingenious water cisterns, including stories from the great siege of 1774–75. Afterwards, enjoy some free time before sailing west towards Tangier.

Dock close to the old town in Tangier, a city with a remarkable history at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Explore the labyrinthine medina and historic Kasbah with a local guide before visiting the American Legation, the first American public property established outside the United States. Afterwards, enjoy free time to wander the souks, stop for mint tea or explore independently before sailing north towards Portugal.

Explore the dramatic Algarve coastline on foot, choosing between two sections of the scenic Caminho dos Promontórios. Follow clifftop trails past golden beaches, hidden coves, limestone formations and historic coastal watchpoints before finishing in the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore its whitewashed streets and waterfront independently before returning to the ship.

Your Mediterranean expedition concludes in Lisbon. After breakfast onboard, disembark Douglas Mawson and transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Flights should be booked to depart after 1:00pm.