Derby Telegraph

Soak up the sun on a Cunard luxury cruise

Imagine Cruising’s 12-night Cunard Mediterran­ean Voyage, Italian Lakes Retreat & Exclusive Gala Evening includes a six-night cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria

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THE Mediterran­ean’s sun-soaked landscapes and historic sights are calling – and you could get a taste of what’s on offer thanks to a luxurious Cunard cruise.

That’s because Imagine Cruising’s 12-night Cunard Mediterran­ean Voyage, Italian Lakes Retreat & Exclusive Gala Evening includes a six-night sailing on-board Cunard’s Queen Victoria, complete with ports of call in the Spanish city of Cartagena, as well as a visit to fascinatin­g Gibraltar.

In Cartagena, get ready for a city of contrasts between the old and the new. Start by soaking up the history in its 17th century walled Old Town and fortress where you can get a feel for the area’s oldest legends.

These two World Heritage Sites sit alongside the city’s colourful restored Spanish buildings in the Old Town, where you can wander around being both intrigued and amazed.

As for Gibraltar, here you may want to don some comfortabl­e shoes and take on the hike up to the top of the famous

Rock of

Gibraltar, with breathtaki­ng views towards Africa.

Take in the unrivalled vista of the sea and landscape, and keep an eye out for the Barbary apes that reside here.

Back in the town expect narrow steep lanes with charming cafes and shops, or take a stroll below the white cliffs where you’ll find a burst of greenery courtesy of the palm, pine and cypress trees. Adventurer­s may also want to head undergroun­d to Gibraltar’s caves where impressive rock formations await. As well as the luxurious cruise, the holiday includes a sumptuous Italian Lakes Retreat with overnight stays in Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and a visit to Florence.

You’ll start with a two-night stay at the magnificen­t Lake Maggiore, where charming fishing villages and tiny Borromean Islands await. Highlights will include a guided tour of the enchanting Isola Bella, as well as an exclusive gala evening at Rocca di Angera.

This glamorous visit is followed by an equally spectacula­r break over at Lake Como, where you’ll get ample opportunit­y to go exploring during your two-night stay.

Expect colourful towns such as beautiful Bellaggio with its cobbled lanes and romantic villas, and Tremezzo where upscale waterfront restaurant­s and hotels have long been drawing in the A-list. During the trip you’ll receive full-day access to the Como ferries so you can explore at your own leisure.

The sightseein­g doesn’t end there. As part of the trip, you’ll also get to enjoy an overnight stay in Florence before you head to embark on the cruise.

The short stay in the historic Tuscan capital includes a guided walking tour of the achingly romantic city so you won’t miss out on some of the most spectacula­r sights including the cathedral, the Giotto Tower, Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Pitti and the beautiful Boboli Gardens.

 ??  ?? STUNNING You’ll explore the Italian lakes
STUNNING You’ll explore the Italian lakes
 ??  ?? HISTORIC The amphitheat­re at Cartagena
HISTORIC The amphitheat­re at Cartagena
 ??  ?? HIGH POINT Rock of Gibraltar
HIGH POINT Rock of Gibraltar

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