MEDITERRANEAN DISCOVERY ITINERARY:
Westbound (Monte-Carlo – Barcelona)
1. Arrive Monte-Carlo
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Monte Carlo. A transfer is
included from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Fairmont Monte Carlo,
a luxury hotel set next to the stunning Belle Époque casino in
the heart of Monte-Carlo. Join us this evening for a welcome
cocktail reception. Meals D
2. Magic of the Riviera
The Principality of Monaco, smaller than New York City’s
Central Park, is one of the most alluring destinations on the
Mediterranean. A guided sightseeing tour of Monaco includes the
many sights of Monte-Carlo, the best known of Monaco’s four
quarters. Visit Monaco-Ville (the seat of government) to see
13th-century Palais du Prince, and the Cathedral with the tombs
of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Just beyond the horizon
lies Italy – and the afternoon is spent exploring along the
Italian Riviera. Panoramic views of the seascape, with its
cliffs, coves and beautiful beaches, include a chance to glimpse
the lifestyle of the aristocracy who live in luxurious villas.
Return to Monte-Carlo, where the rest of the day is free. Meals
B
• 3. Nice / Embark Le Ponant
Nice is not only one of the largest Mediterranean resorts,
with its temperate climate, gorgeous flowers and lively
atmosphere, but it is also steeped in a colorful history going
back to the Greeks and Romans. An orientation sightseeing tour
shows you landmark sights, followed by time at leisure to
explore as you please. A visit to Musée Matisse in the hilly
Cimiez district overlooking the town provides a wonderful
opportunity to view some of the finest works by Henri Matisse,
who spent years in Nice inspired by the Mediterranean light.
Late afternoon, board Le Ponant for the start of your 7-day
cruise. Meals BD
• 4. Ile de Porquerolles
The best benefit of cruising the Mediterranean by small ship
is the opportunity to explore ports, harbors and islands that
are not easily accessible. Glamorous Iles d’Hyères (also known
as Iles d’Or due to the islands’ gold cliffs) are comprised of
three islands off the southern French coast. Make a wet landing
on the largest island, Porquerolles. A walking tour introduces
you to the unusual vegetation, much of which was imported from
exotic climates, as well as historic sites such as Fort Ste.
Agathe and the lighthouse. The rest of the day is spent as you
please, enjoying the island’s marvelous beaches, visiting the
colonial town, or weather permitting, swimming off Le Ponant’s
stern platform. Join us for the Captain’s welcome dinner. Meals
BLD
• 5. La Camargue, Nature’s Sanctuary
A full day ashore brings you to one of the world’s great
ecological preserves, La Camargue. This vast plain is an island
surrounded by water, and is one of Europe’s largest river
deltas; you’ll learn about the natural history of the Rhone
Delta, and about the famous fleur de sel (flower of salt) that
is harvested by hand. La Camargue is a wildlife sanctuary, home
to black bulls that eventually engage in bullfighting; wild
white horses, free to roam without stables; a kaleidoscope of
flamingoes; and birds of prey. Meals BLD
• 6. Abbeys and Fortresses
A full-day journey first takes you to the beautiful wine
region of Narbonne for a visit to Abbaye de Fontfroide. Set in a
peaceful valley, surrounded by cypress trees, the cloisters of
this 12th-century Benedictine Abbey will long be remembered. A
visit to the Citadel of Carcassonne, in one of Europe’s best
examples of a medieval town, includes a walk along the ramparts
and Basilique St-Nazaire. Meals BLD
• 7. Spain’s Marvelous Costa Brava
Dock at Palamós for a choice of sightseeing today. For those
who are inspired by the works of Salvador Dali, we’ve arranged
visits to Figueres, his home town, and the lovely seaside resort
of Cadaqués, where he spent time. Alternatively, visit the
medieval town of Girona, where Roman and Moorish history blends
together. Meals BLD
• 8. Hidden Coves of Minorca
You’ll discover that the Balearic island of Minorca is rich
with beautiful beaches, archaeological treasures and a really
colorful history when you go ashore in Ciutadella for a walking
tour. Afternoon brings a swim in a cove and a visit to Mahón,
the island’s capital. Dine tonight on the ship at the Captain’s
Farewell Dinner. Meals BLD
• 9. Majorca / Leisure Time for a Swim
Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca,
where a sightseeing tour includes a visit to the magnificent
Gothic Cathedral – views of the cathedral from the sea are more
than memorable. Free time in Palma de Majorca is followed by an
afternoon of swimming in small coves (weather permitting)
directly from Le Ponant. Meals BLD
10. Disembark Barcelona
Your Mediterranean voyage concludes in the beautiful city of
Barcelona. Disembark Le Ponant, where a sightseeing tour with
local guides includes some of the magnificent works of architect
Gaudí – Sagrada Família, his unfinished basilica, and Parc Güell.
Explore Las Ramblas before spending the rest of the day as you
please. Meals B
11. Barcelona – Gothic and Gaudí
Delve into Barcelona’s history this morning on a visit to
the Gothic district, Barri Gòtic, where a walking tour reveals
traces of civilizations dating back thousands of years. You have
a choice of a visit to the Maritime Museum, or Gaudí’s La
Pedrera, or the Museu Picasso. Join us this evening for a
farewell dinner. Meals BD
12. Journey Home
Tour ends: Barcelona. Transfers are included from Le
Méridien Barcelona to Barcelona International Airport. Allow
21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B
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