Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy-going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometers from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.

The spectacular town of Bonifacio, located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town takes you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

Optional Excursions: 

The Bavella Peaks - Leave Bonifacio and drive north along the Eastern coast passing Porto Vecchio and Solenzara. Your excursion continues towards the interior of the island on one of the most dramatic roads in all Corsica, the Route de Bavella. Drive past the Col de Larone offering beautiful panoramas with sheer cliffs and rock walls towering on all sides as the road winds through the landscapes. The tour carries on towards Bavella Peaks and its surrounding mountains before reaching the picturesque granite village of Zonza. Your return drive is through the Ospedale region renowned for enormous granite boulders put in the middle of the deep green landscape of wild Corsica. Your tour then takes you towards the East coast with views of the gulf of Porto Vecchio before returning to your ship.

Optional Excursions:

Magic of Menorca - From the pier, embark your coach for the 20-minute drive to the prehistoric settlement of the Torralba d’en Salord. This site dates from the Talayotic period between 1000 BC and Roman times. The Taula and its enclosures are the most spectacular remains of the island and were used for worship. After your guided visit of the megalithic village, return to Mahon where you start your guided walking tour. Start at the main square and walk downhill back to the harbor through the center of town. The walk through this attractive town gives a glimpse of the different phases in the island's turbulent history, the many architectural styles reflecting the frequent changes of rule. The center offers an interesting mix of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, wide open squares, and grand historical buildings.

Cuitadella and Panoramic Tour - After disembarking, board your coach to the west coast and the old capital of the island - Ciutadella, 50-minute drive. On arrival follow your guide for a guided walking tour of the historic center of town before having some free time. Steps from the main square you can discover the quaint port where locals moor their traditional llauts (fishing boats) and lively bars and restaurants line one side of the harbor. Ciutadella is perhaps most famous within Spain for the annual Fiestas of Sant Joan (23/24 June) when some 150 black Menorcan stallions move through the crowded streets. After your visit, head back towards Mahon and en-route enjoy a photo stop at the very pretty beach of Cala Galdana, set in a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by pine-clad cliffs. The drive continues to the East, then at the small village of Mercadal in the center of the island to finish at the bay of Fornells, on the North. From here the drive back to the port of Mahon takes you though fertile farm land and the market garden area on reclaimed land at the innermost part of the harbor.

Palma de Mallorca reveals its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-colored waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees, and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.  

Optional Excursions: 

Valldemossa - From the pier embark your coach for the 45-minute drive to Valldemossa. Valldemossa is a typical village nestled in a valley of the northern mountain range. During your drive along the rugged northern coast, enjoy the beauty that Mallorca has to offer, with mountains and coastline scenery. Pass by landscapes of pine forest and groves of almond and olive trees. Your first stop is at "Son Marroig", a typical 16th-century Majorcan mansion which belonged to the Archduke of Austria, Luis Salvador of Habsburg, during the late 1880’s. After a photo stop, continue your journey to Valldemossa through a lush green valley. Steep roads, stone facades, and some religious buildings delineate the borders of this town, the whole surrounded by thick vegetation.

On arrival, visit the Carthusian Monastery. Built by James II King of Navarre in the 14th century, the monastery was renovated in the neo-Classical style and it is nowadays famous for having been the residence of the French writer George Sand and the composer Frederic Chopin. Your inside visit includes the small neo-classical church well known for its lovely frescoes painted by Goya’s brother–in-law, intricately carved choir stall and rich tapestries, the 18th century pharmacy established by the monks, and the cells where the famous musician and composer, Frederic Chopin, and the writer, George Sand, spent the winter of 1838 and added their note of romanticism to Majorcan history. After some free time in Valldemossa, re-board your coach for the 30-minute drive back to the ship.

Discovering Palma - From the pier, embark your coach and start your ascent to see Europe’s most stunning Gothic castle, Bellver Castle. With its highly original architecture, the castle has had many functions in the course of history. Your next stop is the historic district where you can see Spain’s second largest cathedral (after the one in Seville) which is on the seafront and is referred to as La Seu. The edifice took nearly four centuries to build. You can admire the Portal del Mirador, one of the finest examples of Gothic portals decorated with Guillermo Sagrera sculptures. During your inside visit of the Cathedral, you can admire its three naves and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity where James II and James III lie. Continue your visit on foot to see the old town with its narrow streets and interesting buildings, then drive back to the pier seeing the fishing harbor, city walls, the former Merchandise Exchange of La Lonja, and the Consulado del Mar, which is the Balearic Government building. Finally, you have some free time to do shopping before returning to your ship along the marina and city ramparts.

Valldemossa & Soller - From the pier, embark your coach for a 45-minute drive to Valldemossa. Your first stop is at "Son Marroig" a typical 16th-century Majorcan mansion, which belonged to the Archduke of Austria, Luis Salvador of Habsburg, during the late 1880’s. After a photo stop, continue your journey to Valldemossa through a lush green valley. Steep roads, stone facades, and some religious buildings delineate the borders of this town, the whole surrounded by thick vegetation.

On arrival, visit the Carthusian Monastery where you attend a brief piano recital of Chopin’s music inside the Palace of King Sancho. Your inside visit includes the small neo-classical church well known for its lovely frescoes painted by Goya’s brother–in-law, intricately carved choir stall, and rich tapestries, the 18th century pharmacy established by the monks, and the cells where the famous musician and composer, Frederic Chopin, and the writer, George Sand, spent the winter of 1838 and added their note of romanticism to Majorcan history. After a traditional lunch, board your coach to Puerto de Soller where enjoy free time to stroll and discover the port on your own. Port of Soller is a charming circular bay with two beautiful beaches, a pedestrian sea front. and offers a unique experience to the visitor. Then, embark on the island’s first electric tram which takes you to the city Soller. On arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour to discover houses dating back to the 14th century and a large number of modernist buildings. Finally, board your coach to Palma de Mallorca, a 45-minute drive.

Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts, and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró, or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.

Optional Excursions:

Hidden Gems of Modernism - This tour is ideal for passengers who have seen all of the main attractions in Barcelona and want to take a closer look at some of the most interesting and less touristy Modernist places in the city. After disembarking, board your coach and drive to the Plaça Catalunya where your walking tour starts. Be fascinated with the architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau, Palau de la Música Catalana, the only concert venue in this style to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which today represents an essential landmark in the cultural and social life of Catalonia. The building was built between 1905 and 1908 by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and was designed around a central metal structure covered in glass. Visit the Concert Auditorium, which has hosted world premieres. Your Modernist tour continues with a visit the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, the most important work of Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Then, embark your coach and return to pier passing by Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona: A Blend of Architecture Style - After disembarking, board your coach drive to el Paseo de Gracia. Start your walking tour passing in front of the so-called ‘block of discord’ and admire 3 fine examples of Modernist Houses built by rival architects: Casa Lleó Morera (by Lluis Domenech i Montaner) composed with turrets and balconies; Casa Amatller (by Puig i Cadafalch) combining a neo-Gothic style with a roof inspired in Dutch architecture; and Casa Batlló (by Antoni Gaudí) with its famous façade in ceramic, and its balconies in the form of masks.

Then, go to the Casa Milá, also known by its nickname ‘La Pedrera’ (the stone pit), one of Gaudi’s great works in Barcelona with its façade in the form of waves of stone set of by wrought-iron balconies topped by a group of ceramic-dressed chimneys on the roof, described as warriors. Continue up to Diagonal Avenue, the longest avenue of Barcelona crossing the whole city in diagonal and that, in this area, contains a mixture of private houses, banks, offices, high-class establishments, cafés, and a few modernist jewels.

Then, stop at the Baró de Quadras Palace, work of Puig i Cadafalch between 1902 and 1904, to reach your tour’s highlight, the inside visit to Casa Terrades (declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975). After being closed to the public for more than 100 years, Casa de les Punxes has finally opened its doors. Reminiscent of ancient medieval castles, with elements of different architectural styles and several technical innovations, it also included six pointed towers (crowned by conical spikes) which are one of the house’s distinctive features, giving it the name “Casa de les Punxes” (House of Spikes). It stands out for its use of wrought- iron, its balconies, stained glass windows, and ceramic panels. Of these, the largest, overlooking carrer de Rosselló, represents Sant Jordi (Saint George), Patron saint of Catalonia. The engineering work that you can contemplate is one of the most innovative, unknown, and interesting aspects for the admirers of modernism. The interior visit includes the roof terrace and a final audio-visual experience based on the popular Legend of Saint George (Sant Jordi). Finally, re-board your coach and join your ship.

Marina di Carrara is a seaside resort on the Tyrrhenian Coast which enjoys a temperate climate year round. It is also the port from which the marble from the nearby Carrara quarries is exported. This extremely pure, very white, and very fine-grained marble has been used for sculpture and architecture since Roman antiquity. It was used to create some of the most stunning masterpieces from the Renaissance period, such as the statue of David by Michelangelo, who would travel to Carrara to choose his own blocks. Don’t miss the visit to the fascinating marble museum and to the actual quarries, where you can admire the titanic landscape shaped by the extraction of the enormous blocks of marble.

Optional Excursions:

Splendors of Pisa - After disembarking board your coach to Pisa, a 45-minute drive. Once in Pisa take a walking tour with a local guide, which gives you the opportunity to admire the beautiful buildings of the Square of Miracles: the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta (inside visit), masterpiece of the Pisan – Romanesque style, which represents the perfect combination between different influences and cultures, and the Baptistery (inside visit), huge Romanesque construction, which surprises the visitor for the delicate decorations and the suggestive sound effect produced by its double cupola and the Monumental Cemetery whose history began, so the story goes, when Archbishop Lanfranchi, who led the Pisan fleet to the Crusades, brought back some holy earth from the Holy Land for certain favored burials. Then walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri, which stands at the heart of Pisa’s student quarter. Enjoy some free time for browsing around on your own before returning to Marina di Carrara.

Classical Florence - After disembarking, board your coach to Florence, a 2-hour drive. Florence is the Italian city most celebrated by artists and poets, and the town which more than any other tells the history of proud people. Its historical events gave Florence unique features and each street, palace, and building is living evidence of its glorious past. Start from the Piazza del Duomo, where you visit the huge Cathedral, called St. Mary of the Flower, with an impressive façade decorated in white, green, and pink Tuscan marble; the Baptistery, famous for Lorenzo Ghiberti’s celebrated doors, called the “Gate of Paradise” commissioned in 1401; and the Bell Tower, designed in 1334 by Giotto. Proceed then to the “Ponte Vecchio” (Old Bridge), dating back to 1345, the only bridge in Florence to escape being blown up during World War II. Originally it housed the workshops of the butchers, then the Grand Duke, Ferdinando I, sent them away because of the terrible noise and stench they created. You then have the chance to visit the eastern quarter of Santa Croce. After the guided tour you have free time for having lunch on your own and do some shopping. Finally, board your coach for your return drive to Marina di Carrara, a 2-hour drive.

The Marble Quarries of Carrara - This interesting tour takes you to the Apuane Alps, one of the most original mountainous areas in Italy, for the variety of landscape and environment. Carrara is situated about 100 km from Florence on the east coast of northern Tuscany and has been the source of this precious art material, a center of sculptural production, and a competitive force in marble excavation and exportation for almost 2,500 years. The Apuane Alps surrounding the town contain the highest concentration of marble in the world and have been the source of material for the finest examples of sculpture, as well as an architectural wonder for some of the most creative hands and minds throughout the civilized world for centuries. After disembarking, board your coach and drive towards the fascinating Fantiscritti Quarry, in Miseglia just outside Carrara. This is where David by Michelangelo began his career as a 60-ton block of marble. All the statues carved during the Renaissance originated as blocks of marble extracted from this area. From a distance, the Apuane alps appear snow-streaked. There is the opportunity to visit the interesting Quarry Museum, which was opened thanks to Mr. Walter Danesi, who has built an open air museum about the life of the marble workers. Also enjoy a tasting of lardo di Colonnata.

A stop is then made in Carrara for a visit of the historical center and the Cathedral, built between the 11th and the 13th century. It shows a fine facade covered with white and gray marble-made strips and a main portal sided by two pillars, equipped with decorated capitals holding a round arch. The interior of the Cathedral has three aisles, of which those sided ones are enriched of fine frescoes and bass reliefs portraying Biblical pictures. After some free time, join your ship.

Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent journey back home.