Day 1 Catalan’s Cultural Heart Port: Barcelona - Arrival Method: Dock - Departure: 23:00
Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colorful city provides plenty to celebrate.
Day 2 At sea Sailing towards Marseille, France
Day 3 Atmospheric Marseille and Gateway to Provence Port: Marseille - Arrival Method: Dock
Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 21:00
Lounging under a Provençal sun, Marseille is the oldest city in France yet seemingly grows younger each day. A multi-cultural melting pot with top-notch museums, galleries, smart squares and hip port-side bars, where you can tuck into a bowl of bouillabaisse, its famous fish stew. Meander past fountains were built under the reign of Napoleon III and the city hall was erected during Louis XIV. Fall in love with the Calanques cliffs for a bit of French coastline drama, or wind through cypress trees and lavender fields to Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, famously once home to Van Gogh, Cézanne, and author Peter Mayle. Chase light, ripening Syrah grapes and drink in the nuances of terroir. From Marseille’s boisterous roots to its French coastline drama and nearby classic Provence, wander at will and fall in love with it all.
Day 4 Rendez-vous in St. Tropez Port: Saint-Tropez - Arrival Method: Tender
Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 23:00
Saunter into the sultry, sophisticated stretch of the French Riviera. Bardot and blonde beer shine bright in this playground of the international glitterati. Bask in the Mediterranean sun, mingle with movie stars, admire the super yachts and enjoy champagne in effortlessly chic cocktail bars. Then slide away from the jet set to take in breathtaking landscapes and verdant hillsides, all the while feasting on the very best fresh local produce. After all the decadence and glamour that the Cote d'Azur delivers, we continue our journey to somewhere a little calmer.
Day 5 Stargaze in Cannes Port: Cannes - Arrival Method: Dock
Arrival: 07:00
Yacht-studded seas and palm trees form Cannes’ iconic Riviera backdrop. Yet inside are a swish marina, perfumed forests, casinos, iconic boutiques, cinematic heritage, and supermodels. Stroll ancient narrow winding streets of the hilly Le Suquet and feel its medieval past, shop fashion labels on palm-flanked La Croisette, slide into sleek Michelin-starred restaurants, and lie low in plush beach clubs where glittering sea views take central stage. Peace seekers may ferry to leafy island of Saint-Honorat and the 500-year-old monastery. Take a spin along the Cote d’Azur to moneyed Monaco or glitzy St Tropez. Cannes has curves in all the right places – the oh so French social hub that defines seaside glamour.
Day 6 Stargaze in Cannes Port: Cannes - Arrival Method: Dock
Departure: 18:00
Yacht-studded seas and palm trees form Cannes’ iconic Riviera backdrop. Yet inside are a swish marina, perfumed forests, casinos, iconic boutiques, cinematic heritage, and supermodels. Stroll ancient narrow winding streets of the hilly Le Suquet and feel its medieval past, shop fashion labels on palm-flanked La Croisette, slide into sleek Michelin-starred restaurants, and lie low in plush beach clubs where glittering sea views take central stage. Peace seekers may ferry to the leafy island of Saint-Honorat and the 500-year-old monastery. Take a spin along the Cote d’Azur to moneyed Monaco or glitzy St Tropez. Cannes has curves in all the right places – the oh-so-French social hub that defines seaside glamour.
Day 7 Wild Coast Olbia Port: Olbia (Sardinia) - Arrival Method: Tender
Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 19:00
Olbia is a picture-perfect haven amid the labyrinth of islands and channels that pepper the east Sardinian coast, a ragged etch-a-sketch of watercolour bays and white sand beaches framed by granite headlands. Hiking boots at the ready: Tavolara Island and its vast natural fortress loom in the distance, a monstrous juniper-covered ridge commanding endless views. Refuel with fresh seafood and lashings of nutty olive oil accompanied by a glass of chilled Vermentino in Piazza Regina Margherita, before going off-piste to discover sleepy backstreets and quirky churches.
Day 8 Hidden Rome Port: Rome (Civitavecchia) - Arrival Method: Dock
There’s more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, Vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000-year-old pool for a wellness experience. an ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.