51 nights · South Africa · Departs Cape Town · Visiting Luderitz, Walvis Bay, Saint Helena Island, Praia, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, Agadir, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Malaga, Barcelona, Marseille, Villefranche-sur-Mer, La Spezia, Livorno, Porto Santo Stefano, Civitavecchia-Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi, Siracusa, Valletta, Kotor, Sibenik, Piran, Venice, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Corfu Island, Kefalonia Island, Monemvasia, Santorini Island, Rhodes Island, Bodrum, Syros Island, Piraeus-Athens · Aboard Azamara Cruises on the Azamara Onward
Image courtesy of Azamara Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Azamara Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Azamara Onward |
| Duration | 51 nights |
| Port calls | 36 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $16,879 per person |
| Year built | 1999 |
| Guests | 804 |
| Cabins | 352 |
| Crew | 373 |
| Length | 181 m |
| Beam | 25 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
Few ports make a first impression like Cape Town, where Table Mountain rises above a working harbor and the Atlantic. From the waterfront, you can reach the city’s museums, gardens and historic quarters within minutes. Ride the cableway to the summit, or follow the coast toward the Cape Peninsula’s beaches and vineyards. Look beyond the views: Cape Town’s layered history and lively food scene reward a slower visit.
Lüderitz stands between the Atlantic and the Namib Desert, its windswept streets lined with pastel German colonial buildings. Visit the Felsenkirche and Goerke House, then follow the coast to Diaz Point, where waves break against rugged granite. Beyond town, Kolmanskop preserves the remains of a diamond-mining settlement, slowly reclaimed by desert sand. Allow time for the harbor and its fishing boats; Lüderitz rewards travelers who look beyond the shoreline.
Walvis Bay is Namibia’s working harbour, where the Atlantic meets a stark sweep of desert. Its sheltered lagoon, a Ramsar-listed wetland, draws flamingos and other birdlife close to shore. Beyond town, guided 4x4 trips cross dunes to Sandwich Harbour, where sand meets the sea. Swakopmund, with its German colonial-era streets and cafés, makes an easy excursion north. Come for the rare meeting of wildlife, ocean and desert; expect wind and changing conditions.
Saint Helena lies far out in the South Atlantic, 1,200 miles from Africa and 1,800 from South America. Ships once reached its steep volcanic shores after weeks at sea; today, the island’s airport makes arrival far easier. In Jamestown, Georgian streets climb a narrow valley beneath Ladder Hill, with Jacob’s Ladder rising above the rooftops. At Longwood House, Napoleon spent his final years in exile. Higher ground brings cloud forest, endemic wildlife and views from Diana’s Peak.
Praia is Cape Verde’s capital, set on Santiago, the largest island in the archipelago. Begin in the Plateau, the hilltop centre, where pastel façades, shaded squares and the Presidential Palace recall Portuguese rule. Then visit Sucupira market for everyday island life and Creole flavours. Just west, Cidade Velha’s UNESCO-listed fort and cathedral ruins mark Cape Verde’s first Portuguese settlement. Praia rewards travellers who look beyond the waterfront.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria pairs a working Atlantic port with one of Spain’s finest urban beaches. Explore Vegueta’s cobbled lanes, cathedral and Casa de Colón, a museum linked to Columbus’s voyages. The seafront promenade invites an easy stroll beside Las Canteras’ broad sands and sheltered waters. Local seafood and Canarian wines reward a longer pause before you return to the ship.
Arrecife is Lanzarote’s compact capital, where Atlantic light catches whitewashed buildings and fishing boats in the harbour. Step ashore near Charco de San Ginés, a sheltered lagoon edged with cafés, seafood restaurants and low houses. César Manrique’s vision shapes Lanzarote, from its striking architecture to gardens and cultural spaces. Beyond town, volcanic landscapes and vineyards reveal why the island feels unlike any other Canary Island.
Agadir faces the Atlantic beneath the foothills of the Anti-Atlas, with a broad crescent beach and year-round sunshine. The 1960 earthquake destroyed much of the old city; today’s Agadir is modern, spacious and easy to explore. At Souk El Had, browse stalls of spices, leather and ceramics. Then visit the Kasbah ruins for wide views across the harbor and coast. For a quieter glimpse of local life, explore the fishing port or settle at a beachfront café.
Casablanca is Morocco’s commercial capital, where Atlantic breezes meet broad boulevards and a lively medina. Begin at the Hassan II Mosque, whose vast prayer hall and soaring minaret stand beside the ocean. Then explore the French-era Art Deco centre, or browse the lanes of the Habous quarter for pastries, crafts and bookshops. Casablanca rewards curiosity with a modern Morocco shaped by trade, architecture and daily life.
Gibraltar stands at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, looking across the Strait towards Morocco. The Rock rises above a compact town shaped by British, Spanish and Mediterranean influences. A taxi tour of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve brings far-reaching views and close encounters with Barbary macaques. Below, explore the Great Siege Tunnels and Moorish Castle, then browse Main Street’s shops and cafés.
Málaga is more than a gateway to Andalusia; it is a port city with a confident life of its own. In the old centre, the Roman Theatre sits below the Moorish Alcazaba, while the cathedral rises above nearby streets. Visit the Picasso Museum or his birthplace, then try grilled sardines and local wine at a pavement table. The Mediterranean is close: city beaches, Atarazanas Market and palm-lined promenades make lingering easy.
Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city built on Roman foundations, with Gothic lanes and striking modernist architecture. La Rambla runs from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront and the old town. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell show the city at its most distinctive. Set aside time for a market lunch and a walk through El Born, where medieval streets meet lively cafés. Barcelona’s beaches offer a welcome pause between visits.
Marseille is France’s oldest city, founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC, and it still faces the Mediterranean with confidence. Begin at the Vieux-Port, where fishing boats share the waterfront with cafés and ferries bound for nearby islands. Climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde for sweeping views, or explore Le Panier’s narrow lanes and lively squares. The Calanques’ limestone coves lie beyond the city; local markets bring Provençal flavors closer.
Villefranche-sur-Mer makes an unusually graceful first impression: pastel houses rise above one of the Riviera’s deepest natural harbors. Wander the old town’s narrow lanes, then visit the 16th-century citadel and its museums. Jean Cocteau’s painted Chapel of Saint-Pierre adds a distinctive local detail. Nearby trains connect you with Nice; roads lead to Èze and the wider Côte d’Azur.
La Spezia sits at the head of the Gulf of Poets. Here, Liguria’s steep hills meet a sheltered stretch of Mediterranean coast. Its working harbor gives the city a lively maritime character, while cafés and broad streets reward an easy stroll. Trains connect La Spezia with the villages of the Cinque Terre; ferries sail to Portovenere. Allow time for the city itself, not just its celebrated neighbors.
Livorno rewards those who look beyond the cruise terminal. Its canals, built in the style of Venice, wind through historic Venezia Nuova. The seafront promenade leads to Terrazza Mascagni, where black-and-white paving frames the sea. At Mercato Centrale, locals shop beneath a vast iron-and-glass roof. Try cacciucco, the city’s rich fish stew. Florence and Pisa are within reach, but Livorno merits time of its own.
Porto Santo Stefano brings you to Monte Argentario, where Tuscany meets the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its curved harbor remains a working port, lined with cafés, seafood restaurants, and boats bound for Giglio Island. Climb to the 16th-century Spanish Fortress for sweeping views across the waterfront and islands. Beyond town, coves and clear water reward a drive along the peninsula’s rugged coast.
Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.
Sorrento rises above the Bay of Naples, facing Mount Vesuvius across water busy with ferries. From here, ferries connect with Capri, while the town rewards a slower day among old lanes, churches, and sea-view terraces. Follow the scent of citrus to shops selling Sorrento lemons, locally made limoncello, and finely crafted marquetry. Then pause over lunch: the region’s seafood and Campanian produce are best enjoyed without hurry.
Amalfi brings the coast’s drama within easy reach: cliffs, lemon terraces and a harbor backed by steep streets. Start in the old center, where the striped façade of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew rises above Piazza Duomo. Then choose your pace: browse lanes and cafés, visit the Paper Museum, or take the winding road to Ravello. Sea views come with history here, and the pleasure of seeing one of Italy’s celebrated shorelines at close range.
Siracusa rewards visitors who look beyond its handsome waterfront. On Ortigia, the old island heart, Greek temples, Baroque palaces and lively markets sit within an easy walk. Across the channel, Neapolis Archaeological Park preserves a Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and the famed Ear of Dionysius. Pause for granita or fresh seafood, then watch the light soften over the Ionian Sea.
Valletta makes a powerful first impression, its honey-coloured walls rising above Grand Harbour. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s compact capital rewards exploration on foot. Enter St John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s monumental paintings, then follow Republic Street to cafés, palaces and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the terraces, watch ferries cross the harbour and look towards the Three Cities. Allow time for steep lanes and quiet side streets.
At the head of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, the old town sits beneath steep mountains. Enter through the Sea Gate and follow stone lanes to St Tryphon’s Cathedral. Venetian-era walls frame squares, churches, and cafés within a compact UNESCO-listed center. For a broader view, climb toward San Giovanni Fortress; the steps are demanding. Take water and allow time for the ascent, especially in summer heat. From the harbor, the bay’s changing light makes a memorable arrival and departure.
Šibenik pairs a working waterfront with a medieval centre climbing the hillside. The Cathedral of St James, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built entirely from stone. From St Michael’s Fortress, take in broad views across the islands, then explore the cafés and narrow lanes below. Four historic fortresses speak to the city’s strategic past. Krka National Park is a rewarding excursion inland.
Piran’s Venetian façades, red roofs and church towers rise above a compact Adriatic peninsula. In Tartini Square, cafés and historic buildings frame the statue of violinist Giuseppe Tartini, born here in 1692. Climb the bell tower of St George’s Church for views across the rooftops and Gulf of Trieste. Beyond town, Sečovlje Salina Nature Park preserves centuries-old salt-making traditions and offers a quieter look at Slovenia’s coast.
Arrive in Venice by water, where the lagoon’s canals replace ordinary streets. St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace anchor the celebrated Piazza San Marco. Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, then explore a quieter neighborhood on foot. Confirm your ship’s terminal and transfer arrangements before setting out; cruise access varies. Near Rialto, the market and bridge offer a lively glimpse of the city’s trade. Give yourself time to leave the main routes and follow smaller canals.
Rovinj rises above Istria’s western shore, its old town gathered on a peninsula. Follow narrow lanes uphill to St Euphemia’s Church and its landmark bell tower. From the summit, look across red roofs, harbor boats, and the Adriatic. Along the waterfront, restaurants serve Istrian seafood and local wines. Allow time for the marina and nearby coves; the center is best explored on foot. Rovinj rewards a slow walk, particularly in the quieter morning hours.
Spend a day inside Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, best explored on foot. Walk the city walls for close views of fortifications, roofs, and harbor. Then follow Stradun to Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan monastery. Book wall access in advance during busy months, and start early in summer. Mount Srđ offers a higher view, reached by cable car or road. Leave time for side lanes; their quieter corners reveal the city’s daily rhythm.
Corfu rewards visitors who look beyond the beach resorts. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears the marks of centuries of Venetian rule. Walk the arcaded Liston, then climb to the Old Fortress for views across the rooftops and Ionian Sea. Beyond town, cypress-lined roads lead to Paleokastritsa’s coves, while the Achilleion palace recalls an imperial past. Allow time for lunch; Corfiot cooking pairs Ionian seafood with Italian and Greek influences.
Your first view of Kefalonia may be Argostoli, a working harbor framed by hills and the Ionian Sea. From here, roads lead to traditional villages, the underground lake at Melissani, and the sweeping shore of Myrtos Beach. Argostoli merits a pause for its palm-lined waterfront, lively market, and loggerhead turtles that forage in the harbor. Choose one excursion rather than rushing the island; winding roads make distances longer than the map suggests.
Monemvasia rises from the sea as a sheer rock, joined to the Peloponnese by a narrow causeway. Step through its medieval gate into a stone-built town of vaulted lanes, Byzantine churches and Venetian-era mansions. Cars stay outside the lower town, leaving its steep alleys to walkers. Climb to the ruined upper fortress for wide views across the Aegean, then return for local wine and seafood.
Few Greek islands make an entrance like Santorini, where whitewashed villages crown a volcanic caldera above the Aegean. Most cruise ships anchor offshore, and tenders land at the old port below Fira. Ride the cable car, or climb the steps, to reach the island’s capital and its celebrated views. Beyond Fira, Oia’s blue domes, the archaeological site of Akrotiri, and volcanic wines reward a longer day ashore.
Rhodes pairs a fortified medieval capital with a sunlit Aegean coast. The UNESCO-listed Old Town stands just beyond the harbour, enclosed by formidable walls built by the Knights of St John. Walk its cobbled lanes to the Palace of the Grand Master, then pause over coffee in a shaded square. Beyond the city, beaches and whitewashed Lindos reward a longer outing; an ancient acropolis crowns the bay.
Bodrum brings the Aegean within reach: a handsome harbor, whitewashed houses and the Crusader-built Castle of St Peter. Its Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays finds recovered from ancient shipwrecks. Explore ancient Halicarnassus, whose Mausoleum was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then settle at a waterfront table for grilled fish and a view across the bay.
Above Ermoupoli’s busy harbor, Áno Sýros keeps the quieter face of Syros. Its medieval lanes climb toward the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, past whitewashed houses and small tavernas. Go on foot in shoes with grip, pausing for views across the Aegean and down to the neoclassical capital. This is a place for unhurried exploring, not a beach day.
Piraeus is Athens’ working harbour, not a resort port—and that is its appeal. From here, the capital’s ancient landmarks are within reach, while the waterfront keeps its own busy, distinctly Greek character. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, then linger over grilled fish in Mikrolimano, a small harbour lined with tavernas. Metro connections make central Athens straightforward. Or stay near the water and watch ferries depart for the islands.
Published August 11, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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