Name: Grand Mediterranean
Start: 2026-09-14
End: 2026-10-08
Location: Aurora (Mediterranean)

Grand Mediterranean

24 nights Sep 14, 2026

The Grand Mediterranean is a 24-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Aurora, operated by P&O Cruises. Departing Southampton on September 14, 2026, the voyage visits 12 ports.

Itinerary

Day 7 Sep 20, 2026 Palermo The capital of Sicily is situated on a crescent-shaped bay on the island's north coast. Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Due to its favourable location, Sicily's most interesting city has attracted almost every people and culture touching the Mediterranean world. Its most unique characteristic is a harmonious blend of Arab-Norman cultures mixed with Byzantine and Jewish elements, which created some unforgettable and resplendent works of art. Phoenician traders first colonized Palermo in the 6th-century BC, but it was the Carthaginians, who built the important fortress here that caught the covetous eye of the Romans. After the first Punic War, the Romans took control of the city in the 3rd-century BC. Following several invasions by the Vandals, Sicily was settled by Arabs, who made the country an emirate and Palermo a showpiece capital that rivalled in splendour both Cordoba and Cairo. The city became a magical place of palaces and mosques, minarets and palm trees. In the 11th-century Palermo was conquered by the Norman ruler, Roger de Hauteville. During the Normans' hundred-year occupation, the city experienced a remarkable period of enlightenment and a flourishing of the arts. Counting a population of more than 300,000, Palermo became the centre of Norman rule and one of the most important trading centres between East and West. Eventually, Palermo was incorporated into the “Kingdom of the Two Sicilies” under the Swabian ruler Frederick II, known as the Holy Roman Emperor. After the bloody Sicilian Vespers uprising in 1282, the Spanish took control and brought the Inquisition to Palermo. Some historians believe that the nature of the Inquisition helped foster the protective secret societies that eventually evolved into the Mafia. Today, visitors can still experience the legacy of Palermo's rich past. Great Arab-Norman buildings include the Cappella Palatina, La Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and, a few miles outside the city, the Cathedral of Monreale. Palermo's bustling streets and animated markets give the town an Oriental feel. The Quattro Canti, or Four Corners, is the monumental crossroads laid out in 1608-1620 at the central intersection of the four longest and straightest streets of the city. North of Piazza Castelnuovo lie the avenues of the new city. Most sights are scattered along three major streets: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Maqueda and Via Roma. A vigorous metropolis with a strong historical profile, Palermo is packed with interesting sights, which make it an enriching and enjoyable place to explore. Go to Palermo Cruises visiting Palermo

Palermo photo — Day 7 Sep 20, 2026 Palermo The capital of Sicily is situated on a crescent-shaped bay on the island's north coast. Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Due to its favourable location, Sicily's most interesting city has attracted almost every people and culture touching the Mediterranean world. Its most unique characteristic is a harmonious blend of Arab-Norman cultures mixed with Byzantine and Jewish elements, which created some unforgettable and resplendent works of art. Phoenician traders first colonized Palermo in the 6th-century BC, but it was the Carthaginians, who built the important fortress here that caught the covetous eye of the Romans. After the first Punic War, the Romans took control of the city in the 3rd-century BC. Following several invasions by the Vandals, Sicily was settled by Arabs, who made the country an emirate and Palermo a showpiece capital that rivalled in splendour both Cordoba and Cairo. The city became a magical place of palaces and mosques, minarets and palm trees. In the 11th-century Palermo was conquered by the Norman ruler, Roger de Hauteville. During the Normans' hundred-year occupation, the city experienced a remarkable period of enlightenment and a flourishing of the arts. Counting a population of more than 300,000, Palermo became the centre of Norman rule and one of the most important trading centres between East and West. Eventually, Palermo was incorporated into the “Kingdom of the Two Sicilies” under the Swabian ruler Frederick II, known as the Holy Roman Emperor. After the bloody Sicilian Vespers uprising in 1282, the Spanish took control and brought the Inquisition to Palermo. Some historians believe that the nature of the Inquisition helped foster the protective secret societies that eventually evolved into the Mafia. Today, visitors can still experience the legacy of Palermo's rich past. Great Arab-Norman buildings include the Cappella Palatina, La Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and, a few miles outside the city, the Cathedral of Monreale. Palermo's bustling streets and animated markets give the town an Oriental feel. The Quattro Canti, or Four Corners, is the monumental crossroads laid out in 1608-1620 at the central intersection of the four longest and straightest streets of the city. North of Piazza Castelnuovo lie the avenues of the new city. Most sights are scattered along three major streets: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Maqueda and Via Roma. A vigorous metropolis with a strong historical profile, Palermo is packed with interesting sights, which make it an enriching and enjoyable place to explore. Go to Palermo Cruises visiting Palermo

Pricing

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

All cabin grades (34) Detailed cabin specs available at booking.

Name	Supplier code	Type
Deluxe Balcony	EA	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony	EB	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony	ED	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony	EE	Balcony
Balcony	GA	Balcony
Balcony	GB	Balcony
Balcony	GC	Balcony
Balcony	GD	Balcony
Balcony	GE	Balcony
Balcony	GF	Balcony
Single Balcony	QF	Balcony
Large Inside	OA	Inside
Large Inside	OE	Inside
Inside	PA	Inside
Inside	PB	Inside
Inside	PC	Inside
Inside	PD	Inside
Inside	PE	Inside
Inside	PF	Inside
Large Obstructed View	K5	Oceanview
Large Outside	KB	Oceanview
Large Outside	KD	Oceanview
Outside	LB	Oceanview
Outside	LC	Oceanview
Outside	LD	Oceanview
Outside	LE	Oceanview
Outside	LF	Oceanview
Single Outside	RE	Oceanview
Penthouse Suite	A1	Suite
Suite	B1	Suite
Suite	B2	Suite
Suite	B5	Suite
Mini Suite	CB	Suite
Mini Suite	CD	Suite

Ship

Your ship Aurora 4★ **76,152** GT **1,874** guests Built **2000** Welcome aboard Aurora An intimate classic Our smallest ship Aurora is a big hit with guests who return year after year for her cosy comfort. She’s a stylish lady with her towering 35-foot sculpture in her atrium and artworks adding detail to each venue. The tiered decks shaping the Terrace Pool add a beautiful backdrop to your sunbathing. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, Crystal Pool’s retractable roof comes to the rescue. Go to Aurora Cruises on Aurora

Grand Mediterranean

Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Ship

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