Small ship Mediterranean enchantment

Days 1 to 4 Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivalled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.

Arrive and enjoy 3 nights 5 star accommodation and your small group half day Montserrat tour. On day 4 your private transfer will take you to your ship to board.

Cruise departs 5pm on day 4

Day 5 Mahon, Menorca

Arrive 8am, Depart 6pm

Mahon is the capital of Menorca, second largest of the Balearic Islands. It stands out from the others because of the abundance of prehistoric structures, and because its culture was influenced by British occupation in the 18th century. The people who built the prehistoric constructions are believed to have been responsible for similar works in Sardinia, and for Stonehenge in England. Believed to have been founded by the Carthaginian General Mago, Mahon was held by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century and in turn occupied by the English, the French and the Spanish. Mahon was finally ceded to Spain by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.

Day 6 Sete, France

Arrive 10am, Depart 11pm

The port town of Sete hugs the tiny Mont St. Clair, and is caught between the Mediterranean and the Bassin de Thau, a salt lake directly behind it. It is crisscrossed by numerous canals which link the lake to the sea, and connected by 12 bridges. Along the quay, renovated buildings provide a multitude of architectural details from the 18th and 19th centuries. The life of the town is found in its squares: Place Leon Blum, with its fountain and Wednesday morning flower market; Place Aristide, with its old fashioned bandstand; and Place de la Republique, with its huge retaining walls and vaulted loggias. Sete retains its historic purpose as a fishing boat haven for North African trade; the old harbour dates from the time of Louis XIV.

Day 7 Toulon, France

Arrive 9am, Depart 6pm

One of the Mediterranean’s best ports and largest harbours welcomes you to the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet. Located in the Var prefecture of the Provence, Toulon has a long history that is revealed in various districts of the city. The Old Town is along the harbour, with narrow streets and small squares, most boasting a nicely decorated fountain. The Upper Town is mostly 19th century grandeur. You can take a cable car to Mont Faron, bypassing the road that is a notorious stretch for bicycle racers. The waterfront neighbourhood of Le Mourillon is a family-friendly beach area for Toulonais. There are wonderful museums of history, art from various periods and naval history to explore as well.

Day 8 Ajaccia, Corsica

Arrive 8am, Depart 6pm

Day 9 Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

Arrive 7am, Depart 9pm

Day 10 Portoferraio (Elba)

Arrive 8am, Depart 6pm

Despite its small size, the island of Elba has been known since the beginning of recorded history. Called Ilva by the Ligurians and Aethalia by the Greeks, Elba passed to the Etruscans and later the Romans. It was ruled by Pisa in the Middle Ages, was a haven for Barbary pirates in the 16th century and then privately owned by the powerful Medici family. The island's most famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, whose first exile from France and short reign over Elba lasted from May 1814 to February 1815. During that time, Napoleon was able to improve the island by altering street plans, building new roads, modernizing agriculture and developing the iron mines. Iron ore is still mined above the Rio Marina and then shipped from Portoferraio (Port of Iron). With a population of just over 11,000, the town is the largest of the eight on the island and is considered its capital. Geologists and gem stone collectors find Elba a treasure trove with over 150 minerals and semiprecious stones found here due to the seismic turmoil that created the island. The rich soil also produces an astonishing range of foliage and flowers aided by sun that shines almost every day of the year. Despite summer tourism, the island is largely agricultural and the ambience is quiet and relaxed, allowing the visitor to enjoy Elba's natural charm, peaceful abundance and timeless beauty.

Day 11 Civitavecchia (Rome)

Arrive 7am, Depart 5pm

Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travellers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbour area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.

Day 12 Portovenere, Italy

Arrive 8am, Depart 5pm

The port is lined with ancient houses from as early as the 12th century. And the dominant citadel dates from then, as well.  Below that, explore the grotto where Lord Byron used to daydream. Or climb the castle beside St. Peter’s church for a view of the villages of Cinque Terre clinging to the cliffs across the gulf.  

Day 13 Bastia, Corsica

Arrive 8am, Depart 6pm

Corsica’s most important port is nestled at the base of the northward-pointing finger of Cap Corse, between a looming mountain and the sea. The oldest part of town is dominated by the honey-coloured Genoese citadel, which today holds the museum of history. The busy, 19th Century Place St-Nicolas is bordered in plane trees and pleasant cafes. There are a number of interesting churches, including the twin-steepled St. Jean-Batiste and the church of St.-Croix, which has a gilded ceiling and a curious black oak cross recovered from the sea in 1428. Climb the winding stairway from the waterfront to the Jardin Romieu for wonderful views over the town and the Vieux Port.

Day 14 Monte Carlo, Monaco

Arrive 8am, Depart 11pm

Day 15 St Tropez, France

Arrive 8am, Depart 11pm

On the southern shore of one of the most beautiful bays of the Riviera, the little port of St. Tropez has become one of the best known resorts in Europe, a crossroads where journalists, photographers, writers, artists and celebrities meet. Guy de Maupassant discovered the town, but it was the painters who made it more widely known - Signac, Matisse, Bonnard, Marquet, Camoin - who all stayed for varying amounts of time. The harbour teems with life. Fishing boats, excursion craft and hundreds of yachts share the harbour. On the waterfront are old pink and yellow houses, which have been converted into cafes, cabarets and restaurants, luxury boutiques, galleries and antique shops. A picturesque and cosmopolitan crowd strolls the streets in season.

Day 16 Marseille (Provence), France

Arrive 8am, Depart 6pm

Marseilles, France's second-largest city after Paris, is an exciting, cosmopolitan port comprised of some sixteen distinct arrondissements, or neighbourhoods. A large Algerian contingent calls the city home, adding its own inimitable accent. Much of the city's oldest section, Le Panier, was destroyed by German troops during World War II, sparing only three fine old edifices, including Hotel de Ville (City Hall). Two fortresses, St.-Jean and St.-Nicolas, guard the harbour entrance, while Marseilles's oldest church, Basilique St.-Victor, is virtually a fortress as well. This is a fine city for touring on foot, with sufficient cafes to provide refreshments along the way.

Day 17 Palamos, Spain

Arrive 8am, Depart 6pm

Day 18 Barcelona

Arrive 7am