DAY 1 – MONTE CARLO, MONACO
Glitzy, glamorous, and unashamedly luxurious – live the high life in Monte Carlo. From the super-yachts jostling for position in the harbor 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
DAY 2 – MARSEILLE, FRANCE
France’s sunniest and oldest city may not have the glamour of some of its Cote D’Azur neighbors, 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 color. The Le Panier district is a vivid illustration of this – with its faded streets revitalized 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.
DAY 3 -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 shoreside.
DAY 4 – CARTAGENA, SPAIN
On the crossroads of mighty cultures, this Murcian port has endless ancient stories to share. A valuable natural harbor attracted many civilizations to this sun-bathed, southeasterly setting – following its foundation by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Blending the imprints left by countless cultures on this global junction, the presence of everyone from the Vandals to the Phoenicians and Moors can be felt as you explore, walking between ruins and celebrated modernist architecture along Calle Mayor. Cartagena is crowned by the soaring Castillo de la Concepcion – rise to the stout castle aboard a panoramic lift.
DAY 5 – VALENCIA, SPAIN
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’s 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.
DAY 6 – PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN
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-colored 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 flavors. Cafes and bars wait close to the sweeping coastline, where you can enjoy strong espressos to kick start the day, or splashes of red Mallorcan wines to round it off.
DAY 7 – BARCELONA, SPAIN
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tiles 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 Família and his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain’s second-biggest city.
