10 Silversea Cruises to Take in 2016

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For those who love small ship chic, all-inclusive Silversea Cruises deliver a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience with exceptional levels of comfort, service and fine food. Because their ships are smaller, they can access ports larger vessels can’t. They can even squeeze through narrow canals. Silversea also has a fleet of Expedition ships which operate in farflung corners of the planet.

 

BROOME – DARWIN

April 7-17, 2016

Silver Discoverer

The only way to truly experience the majesty of West Australia’s Kimberley Region is by small ship. It enables access to ancient traditional rock art, the spectacular tidal changes at Montgomery Reef, Mitchell Falls and the Bungle Bungles. The ship’s zodiac tours offer multiple opportunities to explore stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters and mysterious landscapes that are unique to this ancient corner of the planet. Zodiac tours are accompanied by Silversea’s expert Expedition Team.

 

ROME – NICE

April 8-15, 2016

Silver Cloud

If you have already done the guided tour of Vatican City and Ancient Rome, how about pasta-making lessons instead? Or, take a tour of the Etruscan countryside and some olive oil tasting? In Taormina (Sicily), continue the foodie theme and take a lesson in Sicilian cooking while others tackle a trip up Mt Etna (advance bookings required). Malta’s capital, Valletta, astounds with its remarkably preserved, honey-coloured limestone buildings, its ornate palaces, museums and cathedral. On another level, Costa Smeralda’s (Sardinia) elegant shops showcase tantalising merchandise to match the well-heeled clientele.

 

BARCELONA- PIRAEUS (Corinth Canal Transit)

April 13-23, 2016

Silver Wind

From Barcelona Silver Wind traces a journey through the Mediterranean visiting a procession of classic ports: Monte Carlo, Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Rome, then sunny Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast before heading to Greece with opportunities to unravel aspects of its ancient history. For example, guests on this voyage have the rare opportunity to cruise through the Corinth Canal, a memorable event. At a mere 21.5 metres wide and bordered by cliffs, it is impassable for most cruise ships.

 

BARCELONA – ROME (Civitavecchia)

May 23-June 1, 2016

Silver Spirit

From Barcelona, Silver Spirit sails to Cannes – home of the famous Cannes Film Festival. She moors here for two days before crossing to Ajaccio – Napoleon’s birthplace in captivating Corsica. Then she returns to the French Riviera to attend the world’s most glamorous racing event – The Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. There is nothing to equal the thrill and anticipation during the weekend of the Grand Prix. Watch and take in the spectacle from the Balcony of the Club F1 Monaco Dance Academy while enjoying inclusive hospitality and a comfortable vantage point (advance bookings required. Places fill fast). Postcard-pretty Portofino on the Italian Riviera follows before sailing for Rome.

 

ISTANBUL – VENICE

July 1-11, 2016

Silver Spirit

Sailing out of shimmering Istanbul, along the Dardanelles and on to Greece delivers lifelong memories. The crystalline waters around Zakinthos beckon, as does Corfu’s elegant architecture – for example, the Colonnades, and Achilleion, villa of the Empress of Austria. Medieval Kotor, with its soaring mountain backdrop on the Gulf of Montenegro and the tiny church, Our Lady of the Rocks, provide perfect photo opportunities, as does Venice and all the treasures therein.

 

LISBON – MONTE CARLO

September 6-16, 2016

Silver Cloud

See Lisbon’s Old World beauty, before discovering the colours and flavours of Spain’s Andalucia. From Cadiz, guests can take a mid-voyage Andalucian discovery visit to Cordoba and Seville (advance purchase required). Or, visit the wine cellars of Jerez de la Frontera, maybe kayak amid the pristine natural beauty of Málaga. A helicopter sightseeing tour over Palma de Mallorca sounds good.

 

ROME – ISTANBUL (Corinth Canal Transit)

October 4-14, 2016

Silver Cloud

Citrus-scented Sorrento maybe the gateway port for Pompeii and Capri but it’s lovely in its own right. From Amalfi, aim for Positano or Ravello. In Santorini, the quintessential Greek Island for many, polish off an ouzo at a Taverna overlooking the caldera and spot your ship. The vast, Greco-Roman archaeological site Ephesus also has strong biblical links. Besides the amazing theatre and Celsus Library, you can visit Mary’s (mother of Jesus) house. For sheer opulence Istanbul, which straddles two continents, has no peer. From the splendour of Topkapi Palace to the coloured mountains of spices and fruit teas at the Spice Market, the tranquil beauty of the Blue Mosque and the scale of Hagia Sofia – all entrance. As for the Grand Bazaar, it is an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures: gold, jewels, leather goods, ceramics and carpets galore.

 

STOCKHOLM – LONDON (Tower Bridge)

July 9-21, 2016

Silver Wind

On this voyage, Silver Wind travels to some of Northern Europe’s most exquisite Scandinavian ports. Starting with beautiful Stockholm, then followed by Copenhagen, Antwerp and Amsterdam, she crosses to London. Here, slender Silver Wind passes under Tower Bridge, allowing guests a rare opportunity to see the bridge from beneath before she berths on the Thames in the heart of London for the night. Additional options are to book a post-cruise stay at London’s legendary Claridges hotel, or experience a country manor retreat at Coworth.

 

VALPARAISO CHILE – USHUUAIA

November 14-December 2, 2016

Silver Explorer

Cruising from Valparaiso, Chile to the Antarctic Peninsula, this 18-day voyage, which concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina, enables guests to set foot on the continent of Antarctica after cruising the Chilean fjords and passing through Drake’s Passage, while enjoying the comforts of the luxurious Silver Explorer. Voyage highlights include discovering the wild majesty of snow-capped mountains mirrored in tranquil fjords, viewing remarkable iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, as well as whale and bird watching.

 

ROUNDTRIP BALTRA, GALÁPAGOS

December 3, 2016

Silver Galapagos

This round-trip Baltra, Galápagos voyage, offers a rare privilege for guests to view incredible wildlife at a respectful distance, along with the wonders and natural beauty of the Galápagos Islands. Aboard Silver Galápagos, expedition leaders provide expert advice on zodiac tours, kayaking and snorkelling. One of the most unusual islands, Genovesa, has a collapsed caldera and is a birder’s paradise. Española is the most southerly island and is the only nesting place in the world for the waved albatross.

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