From Civitavecchia to Barcelona - Explore the Best of the Western Med

Description

Sail from romantic Rome to flamboyant Barcelona and explore the best of the Western Med. Start with the beautiful coastline of southern Italy and Sicily and head into Tuscany and the picturesque Portofino. Enjoy fresh seafood in Marseille after going to Monte Carlo for some glamour. Enjoy a day at sea which takes you to Porto Mahon and an overnight in glitzy Palma de Mallorca. Visit Tarragona and see the daring architecture of Valencia before arrival in Barcelona.

Trip Name

From Civitavecchia to Barcelona - Explore the Best of the Western Med

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Cruise Length: 801 Feet / 244 2 Meters Passenger Capacity: 728 Built: 2022/2023 Silver Nova is more than a new ship by Silversea, it is a Nova way of luxury travel. Introducing Silver Nova – the twelfth ship to join our fleet. Our newest vessel will join us in summer 2023, and will be a home away from home for up to 728 guests. Silver Nova’s innovative asymmetrical design introduces the world like never before, offering an immersive destination experience to our guests. With a gross tonnage of 54,700 tons she will offer a space-to-guest ratio of 75 GRT-per-passenger becoming one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built. What’s more, Silver Nova will be our most environmentally friendly, and thanks to her groundbreaking technological solutions, she will propel Silversea into a new era of sustainable cruising. It’s the Nova way to travel. S.A.L.T. Chef's Table Prepare for an intimate and interactive dining experience like no other at the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table. Indulge in a choreographed menu of small plates highlighting regional flavours and star ingredients, all accompanied by unique wines and cocktails. Per guest reservation fee of U$180 (incl. complimentary wine & cocktail pairing). Reservations will be taken exclusively on board Silver Nova. S.A.L.T. Kitchen Are you hungry for something new? Eat your way through the places on your cruise in the S.A.L.T. Kitchen. Enjoy destination-inspired menus, including the Terrain menu, which offers recipes and flavours specific to the port visited, and the Voyage menu, which draws inspiration from the best flavours of the voyage. Pull up a chair and savour every taste of your cruise in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. S.A.L.T. Kitchen is the opportunity for all guests aboard Silver Nova to experience the very lifeblood of their destination. Atlantide Atlantide offers guests our quintessential dining experience. Combining contemporary elegance and hallmark Silversea service, this classic restaurant offers our signature fine dining. Atlantide is one of our best-loved eateries, and on Silver Nova we have given it an updated design. Large picture windows, sophisticated lighting design, plus a warm colour spectrum give Atlantide a blend of high-end and whispered luxury. The menu prides itself on superb ingredients and sublime flavour combinations, from caviar to lobster to gorgeous, melt in the mouth deserts. La Terrazza Our hallmark Italian restaurant is as varied as the food-loving country itself. La Terrazza aboard Silver Nova offers an unparalleled destination dining experience, from its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows to its large, outdoor terrace. Enjoy all the tastes of the different regions, including the best homemade pasta, fresh antipasto, bowls of steaming risotto, hearty ragu and delicious tiramisu. Be sure to try one of the bold wines from the cellar, to wash it all down. La Dame Indulge in new epitome of French fine dining aboard Silver Nova, where culinary heritage meets modern innovation. Immerse yourself in an exquisite gastronomic experience showcasing deep, balanced flavours, from curated tasting menus to à la carte selections paired with thoughtfully curated wine selection. Per guest reservation fee of US$160 (incl. complimentary wine pairing). Kaiseki Experience the harmony of flavours and aesthetics with our enhanced Kaiseki dining experience. Delight in the fusion of Washoku’s culinary heritage and health benefits, where each meticulously crafted dish is a work of art. Explore the depth and diversity of Japanese spirits with our exclusive selection of sake and Japanese whiskeys or savour a refreshing alternative from our delightful tea selection or cocktails. Per guest reservation fee of US$80 (incl. complimentary sake, Japanese whiskeys or TWG tea and tea cocktails selection). Silver Note Where do you go if you want great food and a brilliant atmosphere in a relaxed and sophisticated setting? Silver Note of course! Harkening back to the old school days of dinner and dancing, this venue embodies a feeling of fun and sense of glamour that is unequalled in the industry. Jazz bands and soul singers play live as you sample delicate tapas style dishes with a gourmet twist. We guarantee a superlative night of entertainment in the gorgeously designed dinner venue. The Grill Silversea’s much-loved casual dining restaurants serves a delectable range of burgers and salads by day, and turns into our famous Hot Rocks table BBQ concept by night. Found in our brand new eating venue The Marquee, The Grill is quite simply, the best place to eat between sea and sky. If you like flavoursome meals cooked to perfection, a casual laid back atmosphere and OMG views, then The Grill is the answer to your prayers. Spaccanapoli Nothing says Italy quite as well as a hot, fresh pizza. Spaccanapoli is a slice of Naples, where you’ll taste deliciously thin, freshly made pizzas, topped with creamy mozzarella and minimalist toppings. The light and airy pizzeria forms part of our new al-fresco eatery The Marquee, and is the perfect choice for diners who want to be dazzled by our talented pizzaiolos spinning the dough in the open-air kitchen. Whether you want a light lunch or to share a slice with friends over an aperitivo, it’s always the right time for Spaccanapoli. The Pool Deck Enjoy a reimagined space where you can relax, refresh and rejuvenate on decks 10 and 11. Ample sunbeds for everyone, more space than ever before and the largest pool in the fleet – which offers exceptional 270˚ unhampered views - are just the beginning. The upper level sun deck is perfectly placed for those who want a quieter space to relax, and still enjoy those incredible, expansive views that are the hallmark of Silver Nova. But it is The Cliff Whirlpool, an infinity edge, glass fronted whirlpool, that really makes The Pool Deck something special. The Dusk Bar With an emphasis on the destination, panoramic views connects you with the world beyond on The Dusk Bar. This superb open-air sky bar provides plenty of space for guests to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink, while drinking in the jaw dropping 270-degree, panoramic views from the stern. The Dusk Bar’s blessed combination of idyllic atmosphere and lovely drinks will guarantee to tick your boxes time after time. Whether you’re enjoying a Spritz in South America, a cocktail in the Caribbean or a night cap in the Mediterranean, we think The Dusk Bar’s unobstructed views give you a new perspective on sunsets at sea. The Marquee The expansive, attractive Marquee houses two of our greatest dining successes. Thanks to Silver Nova’s groundbreaking asymmetrical design, we have been able to create an exciting new al fresco dining venue. The Marquee incorporates both The Grill and Spaccanapoli—two of Silversea’s existing signature venues, which offer guests our trademark ‘hot rocks’ culinary concept as well as what are surely the best pizzas at sea. The Marquee will welcome guests in a relaxed atmosphere, serving casual fare by day and dinner under the stars by night. Arts Café The Arts Café offers a cultural setting for eating, drinking and socialising, as well as a chance to lose yourself while reading up on all your favourite artists and art. Enjoy healthy snacks and smoothies plus hot and cold drinks, juices, pastries and sandwiches in a light and airy space. Pop in for a late breakfast or afternoon snack, along with real Italian espresso plus a great range of tea. S.A.L.T. Bar Nothing says authentic experience better than Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Bar. Get a taste for the authentic and settle down to enjoy locally-inspired cocktails and drinks. How can you go wrong with a Rum Punch in Barbados, a Pastis over ice in Marseille or a Pisco Sour in Lima? Nothing unites new faces and old friends in quite the same way. Be inspired to find your perfect locally-inspired beverage at the S.A.L.T. Bar and let in the colour and flavours of your journey rush in. S.A.L.T. Lab Welcome to the S.A.L.T. Lab, an interactive space where guests can deep-dive into local culinary heritage and techniques. Join our talented chefs and learn how your region’s food is central to its culture. Engage in your destination through workshops, lectures and cooking demonstrations for an authentic souvenir not available in any shop. The S.A.L.T. Lab is not just about food and flavour; it is a unique place where holistic destination immersion gives an entirely new dimension to travelling. This is where the magic happens! The Shelter The Shelter is our newest pre and post dinner cocktail venue. Settle in amid an intimate and elegant setting, resplendent with sophisticated lighting, inviting sofas and stunning wraparound bar. Strategically located on deck three, the atmospheric hideaway opens onto the Atrium, creating an openness and connection to the other neighbouring venues. We promise you’ll fall in love with one of the best bars on board while our talented team of mixologists mix and shake our range of signature and bespoke cocktails. With itis the perfect destination, warm smiles and legendary Silversea service, get set for unforgettable nights in The Shelter. Dolce Vita Our main bar has been newly reimagined for Silver Nova! Dolce Vita has of course kept her legendary charm, inspired cocktails, stylish décor and comfortable seating, but a central bar now means the warm ambience is better than ever! Oozing Italian glamour, Dolce Vita is a relaxed, refined bar with a nightly piano player playing all your favourite tunes. Perfect for pre-dinner aperitivi, or even a post-dinner cocktail, Dolce Vita is truly the beating heart of social life on board. Panorama Lounge From early morning to late at night, the Panorama lounge offers everything you could wish for. A peaceful retreat that is the perfect place to break away to, a social place to meet and greet old friends, or an evening venue to partake in a cocktail as you sit back and watch the world go by. Sink into the plush seats and come evening, enjoy listening to the gentle sounds of a pianist, or the invigorating beats of our in-house DJ. Connoisseur’s Corner Our smoking lounge aboard Silver Nova is our latest venue where cigar-lovers can buy and sample some of the world’s finest Havanas, Cohibas, Partagás, Montecristos, Ramón Allones and Bolívars. Combining all the elements of cigar culture both indoors and on its stylish terrace, the Connoisseur’s Corner is where aficionados can meet and mingle to share their iconic passion. Observation Lounge Set on the highest level at the very top of the ship, this is a quiet space for reading and reflection while being dazzled by the undulating seascapes that are constituent to life on board. Borrow a book from the in-house library, read the papers or just embrace the tranquillity of being at sea. The Venetian Lounge The grandeur and magic of music and theatre. The experience of being transported by performance. That satisfying feeling of seeing an evening show … Welcome to Venetian Lounge, a place where the arts of theatre and music meet with full-scale productions and feature films. Paying tribute to a golden age of glamour, Venetian Lounge offers belle-époque style cabaret seating, with intimate tables and chairs subtly placed between the rows of comfortable tiered banquettes. As the stage lights are dimmed, soak up the atmosphere, relax and enjoy a night of dazzling sights and sounds. Atrium Located on deck 4, the Atrium is the beating heart of Silver Nova. Inspired by Roman architecture, The Atrium magnificent windows floods our central meeting areas with abundant natural light. The area is home to both the Arts Café and The Shelter, as well as main service areas such as the Reception, Shore Concierge and Future Cruise Sales. The Atrium’s enormous glass wall stretches over two decks, guaranteeing a deep connection with your destination whether at sea or docked in port. Boutique Exceptional shopping experiences do not end in the cosmopolitan cities we visit. Silversea’s striking new shipboard boutiques, reimagined and redesigned are stunning modern design spaces befitting the finest creations from legendary designers. Carefully selected partners onboard Silversea’s duty-free boutiques offers our guests a carefully curated selection of cutting edge fashions, jewellery, accessories, fine perfumes, cosmetics and Silversea Logo collection all at duty-free prices. Otium Spa Finding relaxation is one the of the principle aims of taking a cruise, so why not join us in the Otium Spa for guaranteed indulgence? Turn off your phone, slip on your robe and get ready for a bit of me time. Whether you need to unwind with a massage, perk up your skin with a facial or work up a sweat in sauna and steam room, Otium Spa offers the very latest in beauty therapy. Make every day a special occasion in Otium Spa. Casino Let the fun begin! Channel your inner James Bond and enjoy a flutter at a variety of table games including American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker as Silver Nova glides silently through the waves. An assortment of multi-game, multi-denominational reel and video slot machines are also available. Prepare yourself for a luxurious and exhilarating experience with every turn of a card and spin of the wheel. Game on! Fitness Centre With state of the art Technogym® equipment, free weights and speciality classes, the Fitness Centre brings together elite design with programs that are specifically created for your body type and needs. With personal trainers available for individual sessions, training here is more a five-star experience for all levels of fitness and experience. And with the best view that you’ll ever get whilst working out, there are definitely no more excuses …

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 0 Pre Cruise

Private Executive TransfersInternational flights - Economy class or Business Class upgrade at reduced ratesAirport transfers

Day 2 - Day 01 Civitavecchia (Rome)

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.

Day 3 - Day 02 Naples

Raw, unvarnished and refreshingly authentic, Naples is Italy’s third-largest city and a place like nowhere else. They say ‘see Naples and die,’ and you’ll soon discover the unique energy and exuberance of this sprawling city, which balances urban grit and timeless wonder like no other. Set on the breathtaking Bay of Naples, with the looming cone of Mount Vesuvius puncturing the blue sky close by, it can take a little time for Naples to work its way under your skin - but once you attune to its rhythms, you’ll be hopelessly under its spell. Naples’ densely packed, towering streets lend a claustrophobic, canyon-like feel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Here, overflowing market stalls sell handcrafted goods along tight alleyways, and hidden courtyards serve up glasses of glowing Aperol Spritz. The smell of freshly-baked focaccias and drying washing hang over the thoroughly lived-in streets, while stunning baroque churches rise out of nowhere. Wherever you wander, this is a city sprinkled with immense cultural treasures and artistry - from palaces to fortresses and ruins from antiquity. Unpretentious food, made from simple, flavourful ingredients is a feature of Naples' revered cuisine, and the birthplace of pizza is the perfect city to taste fire-baked, shockingly under-priced, margherita. Wash it down with a bottle of wine perfected by the fertile slopes of Vesuvius. A sharp espresso is always welcome to punctuate your time exploring. Mount Vesuvius’s destructive impulses destroyed and conserved the ancient city of Pompeii in the blink of an eye, and the town is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Naples' National Archaeological Museum displays many magnificent finds should you wish to stay in the city. The Amalfi coast’s immeasurable beauty also stretches out close by, while Capri’s glorious island glamorously luxuriates just offshore.

Day 4 - Day 03 Palermo, Sicily

The capital of Sicily, Palermo is a fiery, authentic city and a cultural powerhouse on the periphery of Europe. Juicy lemons weigh down the branches of its tree-lined streets, while treats like cannoli tubes, filled with ricotta-blended cream, provide a sweet taste of the local cuisine. Oozing layered character, explore this incredible city at leisure, or head out to nearby villages, which offer preserved medieval charm. Stacked markets spill out onto Palermo’s souk-like streets, while grand piazzas host elaborate fountains and sculptures, below the watch of baroque church domes. Many cultures have clashed and combined on this island’s shores, - since the days of antiquity - giving the city the dubious honour of being the world’s most conquered city. A genuine patchwork of influences, Palermo’s triumph lies in somehow combining it all into one fascinating whole. Palermo is a delightfully dishevelled city. Wander bomb-damaged streets of neglect, which suddenly open out to the grandest of cathedrals and most majestic of stunning palaces. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral is a glorious domed structure – rise to the top, to look across the city’s restaurant-filled alleyways from above. Next, encounter the Norman, Arabic, and Byzantine fusion of the Norman Palace and the incredible golden mosaics and sweeping archways of the adjacent Royal Chapel. Visit Europe’s third-largest opera house, or Mondello’s beach, which offers relaxation on a beautiful arc of white sand. Stop in at the selection of restaurants, which serve up fresh fish, and refreshing granita al limone.

Day 5 - Day 04 Day at sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Day 6 - Day 05 Porto Santo Stefano

A summer escape for Rome’s historic elite, the stacked waterfront of Porto Santo Stefano is a secluded taste of idyllic southern Tuscany. Physically closer to Rome than Florence, the city is strung to Italy’s western coast by two sandy harnesses, and sits on the unqiue peninsula of Monte Argentario - which was once an island. Flamboyant pink flamingos and herons stroll through the encased lagoon, while Porto Santo Stefano’s waterfront hums with clinking cafes and strolling visitors. The luxury yachts in the harbour show that Porto Santo Stefano has lost none of its luxury appeals, and with beaches, wild hikes and waterfront beauty, it continues to lure visitors to this secluded escape. Known for its fishing and cuisine - which is based around heavy use of the Tyrrhenian Sea’s juicy bounty. Stroll to Piazza dei Rioni for a dripping lemon gelato, or wander the streets noticing the lingering World War II damage – the city was heavily bombed during the conflict. Fortunately, the historic, star-shaped, Spanish fort was spared, and it still watches out resolutely over the waters. Built during the Napoleonic Wars, it fortified the exposed town against pirate raids, and offers beautiful views over the old town's terracotta roofs. Rugged coastline falls to secluded beaches, with a wilder, unkempt charm. Sail the coves - seeing cascading olive groves - or island-hop to Giglio and Giannuti, which lie 12 miles from shore, and can be seen from the monastery topped Argentario mountain. On the other side of the promontory, you’ll find Porto Ercole - where the lifeless body of the Old Master, Caravaggio, was discovered.

Day 7 - Day 06 Livorno (Tuscany)

There are few more elegant places to salute the sunset than Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno’s refined chessboard piazza. A historic port, and a beachy gateway to Tuscany, Livorno welcomes you ashore to explore this enchanted Italian region's sun-soaked beauty, rich flavours and world-renowned fine art. Stay in Livorno to explore 'Piccolo Venezia', or ‘Little Venice’ - a quarter of the town that's laced with canals, little marble bridges and plenty of tempting eateries. With its bustling market, fortresses and iconic waterfront, there’s plenty to keep you busy here, but most will be tempted to venture inland to explore more of Tuscany’s many charms and artistic wonders. Test your nose, as you breathe in the subtleties of Tuscany’s vineyard-draped scenery, and visit wineries showcasing the best of the renowned flavours of the Bolgheri wine-growing area. Or head out to Prato, where you’ll find tightly-woven textile history. Pisa’s showpiece tower is within reach, as is Florence’s city of immense and imaginative renaissance beauty. Admire the delicate carving of Michelangelo's masterpiece, the David statue, and note the provocative stance as he casts a dismissive glance towards Rome. Stand before the city’s majestic black and white cathedral - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - with its colossal brick dome. The view down over Florence's river and grand dome from Piazzale Michelangelo, meanwhile, is one of Italy's finest. However you choose to spend your time in Tuscany, you’ll discover an artistic region, filled with beauty designed to appeal to every sense.

Day 8 - Day 07 Portofino

Effervescent and exclusive, Portofino rests on a privileged peninsular. Lavish yachts mingle together, seeking out sought-after berths in the harbour, while gelato drips onto the stone-paved streets in this, the most alluring and glamorous town of the Italian Riviera. This section of the Ligurian Coast is a protected area, and home to some of the country’s most picturesque, and jaw-dropping scenery - which is best viewed from the deck of a sailing boat. Crisp white villas roll out across the verdant green hillsides, surrounded by laden vineyards and olive groves. Down in Portofino itself, the buzz of chatter and the clatter of cutlery, provide the soundtrack to busy terrace bars and restaurants, which serve up fine food and delicious sea views. Portofino’s achingly beautiful harbour arcs around the lapping waves, with a warmly-hued waterfront of peach and apricot colours - which also adorns postcards and promotional travel guides of Italy. For the authentic Portofino experience, sail out onto the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tigullio, to mingle amongst the privileged at play, or settle back in the shade as you take aperitivo on the picturesque waterfront Piazzetta. Here you can sip the famous Ligurian wines, and stave off hunger with focaccia con il formaggio - or platters of fine cheese and hams. Deeper into Portofino, you’ll find artisans crafting their wares and weaving together lace, or you can ascend to viewpoints like the lemon shaded Church of San Giorgio, to look over the pretty jumble from up above. A wander out along the headland to the tapering tip of the peninsular, rewards with the views of Portofino’s iconic white lighthouse beaming out light and welcoming ships to this slice of Riviera heaven.

Day 9 - Day 08 Monte Carlo

Glitzy, glamorous and unashamedly luxurious – live the high life in Monte Carlo. From the super-yachts jostling for position in the harbour to the lavish bars splashing out iced champagne, tiny Monaco’s only city is a high rolling, decadent affair - and a gloriously indulgent, sun-soaked taste of the good life. Famed for its low tax status - and the Formula One race that roars through its hairpin bends and tight streets each year - Monaco is the ultimate playground of the rich and famous. Monaco may be the world’s second-smallest country - only the Vatican has a smaller footprint - but Monte Carlo has a confidence, impact and appeal that few can match. The gilded Royal Palace adds an air of regal glory, and whether you want to soak up the culture at the opera or raise the stakes at a casino - doing your finest 007 impressions - you’ll feel very much at home here. Soar above the high-rise hotels and glorious casinos in a helicopter, to see the city from above, and admire landmarks like the cathedral where Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco in 1956. High-end fashion, fragrances and fancy adornments await in the gold-label shops of Monte Carlo's lavish shopping streets, while the old town’s pink and lemon floral facades offer an authentic balance of historic character to counterpoint the well-heeled excesses. A wonderful escape, revel in old-world glitz and glam, as you admire twinkling chandeliers and wander between palatial architecture, while enjoying your time in Monte Carlo's abundant wonderland. Before you leave, explore the storied fortress that protected this tiny state’s independence for so long.

Day 10 - Day 09 Saint Tropez

A glitzy, glamorous coastal resort that needs no introduction, Saint Tropez is the French Riviera hotspot of choice for A-listers and flotillas of gleaming yachts. The sparkle of its beaches, and clarity of its light, continues to attract artists - but it was the famous presence of Brigitte Bardot that leant Saint Tropez its enduring glamour and steamy appeal. Nowadays, speedboats skim offshore, while fine vintages from the vineyards nearby are uncorked in top-notch restaurants, in this well-heeled highlight of the Cote d'Azur. Famous bars offer views of the port along Quai Jean Jaurès, with its iconic cherry-red directors' chairs. Here you can admire the monstrous wealth of yachts that sparkle on the waters. On the same corner, big-name brand labels glimmer in the shops of rue François Sibilli - which cuts inland from the charming waterfront. The earthier appeal of boules clinking and thumping into the ground can be enjoyed at Place des Lices, where sun-wrinkled locals compete. Saint Tropez has a few beaches of its own, but famous stretches like Pampelonne Beach draw the biggest crowds to relax on star-studded golden sands. La Ponche, the authentic fishing quarter, retains its cobbled, historic elegance, and a 17th-century, hexagon-shaped citadel watches over the city and coastline from above. Coastal walks in the sea air snake away from the city’s bustle, and a series of headlands shape the stunning riviera landscape surrounding Saint Tropez. The historic monochrome Cap Camarat lighthouse adds a pleasing accent to hikes above the sparkling Mediterranean’s waves.

Day 11 - Day 10 Marseille

France’s sunniest and oldest city may not have the glamour of some of its Cote D’Azur neighbours, but what it lacks in glitz, it certainly makes up for in authenticity and cultural depth. France's second-biggest city, Marseille served as European Capital of Culture in 2013 and is a fantastic hub of museums, creativity and colour. The Le Panier district is a vivid illustration of this - with its faded streets revitalised by overflowing flowerpots and pretty naturally-distressed doorways. Look down to the yacht-crammed port - where fishermen still unload fresh catches - from the viewpoint at the spectacular Notre-Dame de la Garde - a true crowning glory. Standing over walled fortifications - and capped by an elegant dome - the soaring golden statue of Madonna and Child rises high into the air and is visible all over the city. The huge Marseille Cathedral is equally impressive, with its stunning zebra-striped exterior. Palais Longchamp, built-in 1862, twinkles with flowing water, and its saturated gardens and splashing fountains were built to celebrate the engineering feat of successfully redirecting water to the city. You can’t leave Marseille without tucking into its famous fish stew – bouillabaisse. Flavoured with thyme, garlic and hunks of Mediterranean fish and plump prawns, it’s a bold and delicious taste of Provence. Wash your hands clean after, with some of Marseille’s traditional soap, created using a fragrant recipe of rich olive oil. Escape the hubbub of the city, to soak in the natural glory of Calanques National Park. Hike, kayak and sail your way through a treasure trove of limestone cliffs, dropping off to hidden beaches.

Day 12 - Day 11 Day at sea

International Waters

Day 13 - Day 12 Porto Mahon

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. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, there are wetlands and rolling sand dunes with diverse wildlife to explore - and 220 different birds soar and wade within. The designation helped to halt the threat of overdevelopment, and with gloriously clear waters and leisurely boating trips to enjoy, Porto Mahon welcomes you to a wonderfully preserved and characterful island. The island’s capital spills around the Med’s largest natural harbour, which sprawls out for three miles. Wander the whitewash town’s streets, heading for the hubbub of the fish market – to sample the best of the day’s freshly prepared haul. The majestic organ that fills the interior of Santa Maria church with over 3,000 pipes is a sight to see and can produce a wonderful, gut-vibrating noise. Filled with pottery and cake shops, there’s an artsy, laid back and creative atmosphere to Porto Mahon’s streets. Swing a golf club, and crack drives through the salty sea air of Porto Mahon, or rumble along the paved bike paths that ring the island exploring between wildflower sprinkled fields and stone walls. Or, head straight for the many beaches and turquoise seas, which are blotched with dark blue patches. When it’s time for a sit down in the shade, order up a refreshing pomada - gin and lemonade – before settling on your sandy nook of choice, to watch the setting sun sinking into the warm of the waves of the Mediterranean.

Day 14 - Days 13 - 14 Palma de Mallorca

A rugged Mediterranean gem, arising out of the rich blue haze, Mallorca is a Spanish island of cuisine, culture, and sun-gorged beaches. Palma de Mallorca is the island's dominating capital, and a sand-coloured mirage of glorious buildings and living history. Conquered and liberated countless times over the years, since its Bronze Age founding, the city is your gateway to ceaseless Mediterranean beauty, buzzy markets, and intense flavours. Cafes and bars wait close to the sweeping coastline, where you can enjoy strong espressos to kick start the day, or splashes of red Majorcan wines to round it off. Bicycles trundle up and down the promenade, which invites you to wander in the morning sunshine beside the waves. Dominated by the indefatigable form of Santa María cathedral, which looms over the city and coastline, Palma de Mallorca is drenched in history and culture. The labyrinth of the old town is a cobbled haven, which bustles with dripping ice creams and sun-lashed squares. Settle to try the island’s superb cuisine, and savour local ingredients with an exceptional depth of flavour. Something about the sunshine here makes tomatoes extra sharp and delicious, while the seafood is consistently juicy and plump. The creation of the mighty cathedral, Le Seu, began in 1229 and was eventually concluded in 1601. A perfect encapsulation of Palma de Mallorca’s blend of the historic and the contemporary, even Gaudi lent his hand to it, and the interior features a spectacular modernist take on the New Testament from artist Miquel Barcelo, which is painted across the chapel’s walls. The splendid Royal Palace of La Almudaina fortress stands nearby, a left-behind Moorish footprint of square towers and Arabic archways that now serves as an official summer residence for the King of Spain.

Day 15 - Day 15 Tarragona

Tarragona is city that gracefully keeps one foot in the past and one in the present, as guardian of over 2000 years of history. Beautifully and strategically perched on a rocky hill side overlooking the sea, it was once the most elegant and cultured city of Roman Spain. It’s this wonderfully preserved legacy that’s so interesting to visit today.The Roman Circus is a good place to start, built in the first century, it could be said to be the very heart of the city. Once home to exciting chariot races, it would have seated around 25,000 spectators. Today visitors to the site can roam the large, underground tunnels and even surprisingly, dine down there.The Roman Amphitheatre has had a glorious seaside spot since the second century and when the 15,000 strong audience tired of watching fighting gladiators or executions, they no doubt admired the stunning view. Today it’s used to stage exciting, Roman re-enactments, where past and present meet.Part Alta, the old town, surrounds the huge 12th century Cathedral built on the highest point of the city. The narrow streets wind through this medieval district like a maze and one of the joys is to lose yourself there for a while. There are plenty of pretty squares to stop off for a cold glass of something or boutique shops to browse.Located on the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast), Tarragona has a choice of golden, sandy beaches leading to the crystal blue sea. Perfect for a dip before an evening sampling local wines and tapas under starry skies.

Day 16 - Day 16 Valencia

Valencia is a proud city. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile floodplain (huerta) that surrounds it. The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.

Day 17 - Day 17 Barcelona

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 18 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Naples & Palermo
Porto Santo Stefano & Livorno
Monte Carlo & Saint-Tropez