The wonders of the Mediterranean coast, from Spain’s magnificent Costa Brava to the glamorous Cóte d’Azur, charming but seldom-visited islands unfold before you during this magical 12-day adventure. Between a 2-night stay at Le Méridien Barcelona and two nights at Monaco’s famous Fairmont Monte Carlo, the sporty sailing yacht Le Ponant takes you to explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path ports where the big cruise ships can’t go. Delve into Salvador Dali on the Costa Brava, visit Girona on the Spanish coast and call at both Majorca and Minorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Savor the tranquil lifestyles of La Camargue in France and dine at a private farm with the owners. Indulge your passion for history in Carcassonne in the lovely Languedoc region of France. Take in all the scenic beauty for which the “Wild Coast” and the “Blue Coast” are so famous.
Day 1: Buenas dias, Barcelona!
Tour begins: 6:00 p.m. at Le Méridien Barcelona. A transfer from Barcelona International Airport to Le Méridien Barcelona is included. Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening, at which you’ll meet your fellow travelers and your director.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Bountiful Barcelona
Discover the inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet this morning as you view his stunning, as yet unfinished, Sagrada Família basilica and Parc Güell, which inspires fairy-tale visions and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating his genius. Later, explore famous Las Ramblas before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
• Day 3: Historic and artistic inspiration
History surrounds you this morning in Barcelona’s Gothic district. A walking tour reveals traces of the ancient Roman walls and fortifications that surrounded the area from the 4th to the middle of the 19th centuries, as well as many medieval buildings and a labyrinth of narrow streets awaiting exploration. Continue your own discovery with a choice of visits to the Museu Picasso, Gaudi’s La Pedrera or the Maritime Museum before some time at leisure prior to boarding Le Ponant.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Day 4: Marvelous Majorca
Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands. You’ll be inspired during a visit to the grand Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a preexisting Arab mosque. Return to Le Ponant after a walking tour and some free time to explore on your own. As you enjoy lunch on board, the Captain will search for the ultimate cala (cove) for an afternoon swim, weather permitting, from the ship’s on-board marina. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 5: Mellow Minorca
Go ashore on the Balearic island of Minorca, known for its intriguing history and beautiful beaches – and its designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. In the city of Mahón, the island’s capital, you’ll see an attractive mix of colonial and local architecture during a walking tour of this lively town. After returning to Le Ponant for lunch, perhaps you’ll enjoy a swim in a cala, weather permitting, before going on to explore Ciutadella during a walking tour that reveals historic buildings, a 14th-century church and an obelisk commemorating those who died at the hands of pirates centuries ago.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 6: Dally with Dali
Le Ponant docks at Palamós on Spain’s spectacular Costa Brava this morning, where a choice awaits you. If you’re a fan of Salvador Dali, seize the opportunity to visit his roots and admire his works at the Dali Museum in Figueres. If you’re a history buff, set off to discover the medieval town of Girona, with its fascinating Roman and Moorish history. No matter which full-day excursion you choose, you’ll be enriched by the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 7: Legends and lore of the Languedoc
Step back in time today as you encounter the rich history, art and architecture of this exquisite area. You’ll be enchanted by the Citadel of Carcassonne, thought by many to be the most perfectly restored medieval walled city in Europe; walk atop its ramparts for a different view and visit the Basilica St-Nazaire, which houses what is believed to be the oldest organ in France. Your exploration continues at the 12th-century Abbaye de Fontfroide, stunningly set amid the hills and vineyards near Narbonne.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 8: Pink birds, black bulls and white horses
Learn about the treasures of one of the world's great ecological preserves and wildlife sanctuaries during an on-board lecture by a local naturalist before exploring a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur in La Camargue. Known for pink flamingos and beautiful white horses, it is also where the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. Visit a local farm, where a typical Provençal lunch with the owners is followed by a cowboy demonstration.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 9: Vines, village and vegetation
Tender ashore at lovely Ile de Porquerolles, where no cars are allowed. The island is known for its vineyards, its charming town, its beaches and its focus on conservation. Get a feel for this little gem of a place on a walking tour to view the unusual vegetation. A visit to Fort Ste. Agathe is among the day's highlights here. Later, weather permitting, take a dip in the sea from Le Ponant’s stern platform before attending the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Adieu, Le Ponant
After bidding Le Ponant and her crew a fond farewell, a tour of Nice reveals its many charms and landmark sites including the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Old Town. In the area of the famous Flower Market, you’ll find many restaurants from which to choose before some time at leisure to discover for yourself all that is nice in Nice. Later, be inspired by the works of renowned artists Henri Matisse or Marc Chagall when you choose to visit the Matisse Museum in the Cimiez district or the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Mediterranean magic
Begin your discovery of the Côte d’Azur with a tour of Monaco-Ville (the old city) on a guided tour including the Prince’s Palace, home of the ruling Grimaldi family for centuries, and Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. After lunch on your own, head off to explore the fabled Italian Riviera, Italy’s favorite playground on the shores of the Mediterranean. Please join us for our farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 12: Homeward bound
Tour ends: Monte-Carlo. A transfer from the Fairmont Monte Carlo to the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is included. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
This tour is also offered Westbound
Want to find out more??