Barcelona to Monte Carlo Cruise

Day 1 - Barcelona

Arrive: Sun 06 July 2025 / Depart: Sun 06 July 2025 at 19:00

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

Day 2 - Valencia

Arrive: Mon 07 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 07 July 2025 at 19:00

Valencia is Spain's third largest city and capital of the region. It was originally founded by the Romans on the banks of the river Turia in 138 BC. In 711 AD the Moors arrived and converted the area into a rich agricultural and industrial center, establishing ceramics, paper, silk and leather industries. Muslim rule was briefly interrupted in 1094 by the legendary Castillian knight, El Cid. Valencia boomed in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming one of the strongest Mediterranean trading centers. Valencia is a vibrant, friendly and chaotic city that boasts an outstanding fine arts museum and one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Spain. The city center is about 3 miles inland from the coast. Plaza del Ayuntamiento marks the center of Valencia. Surrounded by flower stalls, it is also home to the town hall and the main post office. The cathedral was begun in the 13th century and finished in 1482. It has many architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. The octagonal bell-tower, called Miguelete, is one of the city's landmarks. The small cathedral museum boasts a tabernacle made from 550 pounds of gold, silver, platinum, emeralds and sapphires. It also purports to be the home of the Holy Grail, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper. West of the cathedral is the oldest part of the city, known as El Carme. Situated across the river in the Jardines del Real is the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Fine Arts Museum. Works include those by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.

Day 3 - Tarragona

Arrive: Tue 08 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 08 July 2025 at 19:00

Perched high above the Mediterranean just sixty miles southwest of Barcelona, Tarragona is an important cultural center in its own right. Visitors are drawn by its history, architecture and art, as well as opportunities to enjoy the beaches, marinas and golf courses. During its heyday during the Roman Empire, Tarraco was second in importance only to Rome. Many reminders of this era remain, including the old city walls, the amphitheater, the Forum, aqueducts and the Circus, with its underground vaults.

Day 4 - Majorca

Arrive: Wed 09 July 2025 at 08:00

The Balearics are comprised of 16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca. Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs have invaded these islands over the centuries. Ruins show evidence of the prehistoric Talayot civilization, a megalithic culture that flourished here between 1500 BC and the Roman conquest. Today the islands are besieged by invaders of a different sort - hordes of tourists. Lying 60 miles (97 km) off the Spanish mainland, the islands' lush and rugged landscape combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate proves irresistible, especially to northern Europeans. As a result, the Balearics boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports activities. Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the islands, with an area of more than 1,400 square miles (3626 sq.km). The scenery is magnificent, with cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges sheltering the plains from harsh sea breezes. The fertile plain in the centre is covered with almond and fig trees plus olive groves with some trees more than 1,000 years old. Tall pines, junipers and oaks line the mountain slopes. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and Gothic architecture. In the western part of Mallorca, nestled into the mountains, lies the village of Valldemosa. It is known for its Carthusian Monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39.

Day 5 - Majorca

Depart: Thu 10 July 2025 at 19:00

The Balearics are comprised of 16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca. Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs have invaded these islands over the centuries. Ruins show evidence of the prehistoric Talayot civilization, a megalithic culture that flourished here between 1500 BC and the Roman conquest. Today the islands are besieged by invaders of a different sort - hordes of tourists. Lying 60 miles (97 km) off the Spanish mainland, the islands' lush and rugged landscape combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate proves irresistible, especially to northern Europeans. As a result, the Balearics boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports activities. Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the islands, with an area of more than 1,400 square miles (3626 sq.km). The scenery is magnificent, with cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges sheltering the plains from harsh sea breezes. The fertile plain in the centre is covered with almond and fig trees plus olive groves with some trees more than 1,000 years old. Tall pines, junipers and oaks line the mountain slopes. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and Gothic architecture. In the western part of Mallorca, nestled into the mountains, lies the village of Valldemosa. It is known for its Carthusian Monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39.

Day 6 - Mahon, Spain

Arrive: Fri 11 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 11 July 2025 at 19:00

Happy to sit out of the limelight that Ibiza and Majorca bathe in, Menorca lives life at its own pace, offering endless pine-tree fringed beaches and an appealing, mellow approach. The capital of Menorca is a bashful member of Balearic Islands, which wait off of the sunny Spanish coast. With atmospheric old towns, tiny fishing villages, and unspoiled beach coves, this is one of the group’s lesser-known and explored gems – and all the richer for it

Day 7 - Palamos

Arrive: Sat 12 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 12 July 2025 at 22:00

Day 8 - Sete, France

Arrive: Sun 13 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 13 July 2025 at 19:00

The upper part of the town straddles the slopes of Mont St. Clair, offering wonderful views of the port and the vast Bassin de Thau, a breeding ground for mussels and oysters. The lower part is intersected by waterways lined with tall terraces and seafood restaurants. Its pedestrian streets allow visitors leisurely strolls, and scattered café tables invite you to relax, sip an apéritif and people-watch. Other interesting sightseeing destinations include the university city of Montpellier.

Day 9 - Marseille

Arrive: Mon 14 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 14 July 2025 at 19:00

Today, Marseille is the country's most important seaport and the largest one in the Mediterranean. The city is divided into 16 arrondissements fanning out from the Old Port. The large industrial port area virtually rubs shoulders with the intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the entrance to the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and, across the water, Fort Saint Jean.

Day 10 - Monaco

Arrive: Tue 15 July 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 15 July 2025

The independent principality of Monaco is famous as the playground of the Côte d'Azur. With sandy beaches, elegant hotels and a vibrant nightlife, this tiny domain is a favourite haunt of the jet set. In the possession of the Grimaldi family for more then 700 years, treaties with France guarantee Monaco's independence. The population of the fashionable enclave is 32,000 citizens, for an area smaller than New York's Central Park, but it boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world. In addition to its luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, Monaco is noted for its mild climate and magnificent scenery. Once an exclusive wintering stop for Europe's aristocracy and royalty, today there are more than 5 million visitors annually. Of the principality's four sections - La Condamine, Fontvieille, Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo, the latter two rank highest on every visitor's must-see list. In Monte Carlo, the Grand Casino and Opera is perhaps Monaco's most outstanding attraction. For more than a century, the principality's livelihood was centred beneath the copper roof of this splendid establishment. The resemblance to the Paris Opera House is less than accidental since they share the same architect, Charles Garnier. Also facing the square are the famed Hotel de Paris and the more modest Café de Paris. Monte Carlo spells sophistication; it is the epitome of elegance and glamour. Year after year, the rich and famous of business and entertainment gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world's most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d'Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo. Situated on a rocky peninsula, Monaco-Ville comprises the old town and the seat of Monaco's government. Narrow streets lead to the Prince's Palace high above the sea. The 19th-century Romanesque cathedral contains impressive works of art and the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainer III, while the Parliament building and the Oceanographic Museum offer additional points of interest. As if Monaco's splendid attributes weren't enough, the surrounding areas with their incredibly beautiful scenery are additional attractions.