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Saga Cruises’ itinerary planning team ‘let their imaginations go wild’ with the all-inclusive Impressions of the Mediterranean cruise.

The 20-night, arts-themed sailing on Saga Sapphire features ports with connections to some of the world’s greatest artists and architects.

In Spain, guests can marvel at Salvador Dali’s surreal creations in Figueres, see Antonio Gaudi’s magnificent architecture in Barcelona and discover the contemporary art housed in the Frank Gehry’s impressive Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao during a private viewing.

Optional shore excursions feature visits to the Picasso Museum in Malaga, the studio of Paul Cézanne in Toulon, France, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, home to masterpieces including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.

The art theme continues on board with art talks, including a lecturer by a master forger, plus art classes so guests can produce their own paintings.

The all-inclusive cruise departs on February 23, 2018 and features all meals and snacks, 24-hour room service and selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager and all soft drinks.

Head of Marine Operations James Langley said: “The team really let their imaginations go for this sailing and we decided on a 20-day cruise to fit in all of the ideas.

“It started after visiting the port of Malaga and learning about the shore excursion opportunities featuring Picasso elements. We were also impressed with the port of Palamós which is ideal for a call to the Salvador Dali museum, Teatre Dali.

“Palamós is set around a yachting harbour and it can only accommodate smaller or mid-size ships so this allows our guests to further enjoy this lovely corner of Spain.

“In the South of France, guests can follow in the footsteps of Cezanne and visit his studio in Toulon as well as viewing the Roman amphitheatre in Arles.”

Saga Sapphire sails from Southampton and calls at Malaga, Barcelona and Palamós, Spain; Sete and Toulon, France; Livorno (Florence), Italy and Palma and Cadiz, Spain.

For details visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30

20 nights from £4,372 departing on February 23, 2018 from Southampton. Price includes UK travel package to and from Southampton, all meals and entertainment, all inclusive drinks (selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager and all soft drinks), afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free wifi, on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights or a reduction if not required.

Price based on two people sharing the lowest available Inside cabin grade and includes any relevant booking discount. Fare was correct at the time of sending and is subject to availability and change. Further terms and conditions apply. Please call for details.

All excursions mentioned are optional, at an additional cost, and are subject to availability and change. Some of the high- lights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.