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The Roman theatre in Cartagena

Malaga to Monte Carlo

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard SeaDream II
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Take part in history on this exceptional 9-day Europe small ship cruise. Begin your journey in Malaga, Spain, and disembark daily in the historical cities of Cartagena, Valencia, and more. As you sail for the exciting city of Monte Carlo, fall in love with the scenery, friendly locals, and ancient architecture of the region. Ideal for those seeking the lesser-known port cities of the Mediterranean, this voyage is sure to delight.
Malaga, SpainValencia, SpainBarcelona, SpainNice, FranceThe Roman theatre in Cartagena
Highlights
  • Visit the symbolic Sagrada Familia Basilica located in Barcelona
  • Discover a unique underwater world at the Oceanographic Park in Valencia
  • Experience the contrast of the modern and the classic at St. Tropez
  • Discover the panoramic roads of the Riviera as you drive along Monaco
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Malaga, Spain | Embark

The Malaga metropolitan area encompasses the adjacent towns and municipalities of Rincon de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Alhaurin de la Torre, Mijas, and Marbella. The important cultural infrastructure and the rich artistic heritage have culminated in the nomination of Malaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture. Board the SeaDream II and settle in to your cabin, then attend a welcome dinner as the ship sets sail for Cartagena.

Optional Activities:

Malaga – The Magnificent Alhambra: Discover the Alhambra, a dramatic highlight of historic Granada, on this unforgettable land adventure. The city is beautiful in its own right, but nothing in all of Spain compares to the wealth of architectural art to be found in the city's Muslim-Hispano complex, the 14th-century Alhambra. This breathtaking example of Muslim architecture is completely encircled by walls and towers - palaces, military buildings, a fortress, and the administrative centers of a bygone era all lie protected within. Explore this remarkable structure on foot and marvel at the detailed mosaics, prism-style cupolas, and stone-cast latticework that speak to a surprising grace and sophistication. The nearby Generalife, surrounded by water gardens, was the residence of kings in need of refuge, and in direct contrast, the stunning El Vino Gate commissioned by Carlos V is built in the purest Renaissance style of the 16th century. Delight yourself with a typical Spanish tapas meal provided after your walk with wine, bottled water, and dessert at the Ruta del Vileta restaurant at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The restaurant is a favorite of King Juan Carlos I during the skiing holidays of the Spanish Royal Family.
Duration: 8 hours

Malaga – Malaga’s Old City – Tour & Tapas: Get to know the old city of Malaga with a knowledgeable local guide. From Plaza de la Marina proceed up Calle Larios, exploring the narrow side streets. The first stop is Plaza de la Merced, Picasso's birthplace. Then pass the Roman theater on the way to the Alcazaba. This grand Moorish fortification was built by the Berber ruler Badis Ben Habus in the mid-11th century on a hill in the center of the city, overlooking the port. After your exploration of the citadel walk down to the typical tapas bar called Bodega "El Pimpi" for refreshments and tapas. The guide makes sure you get back safely to the yacht.
Duration: 4 hours

Malaga – Fashionable Costa Del Sol – Marbella & Puerto Banus: Less than an hour drive from Malaga are the two most talked-about haunts on the Costa del Sol: Marbella and Puerto Banus. Drive along the coast before arriving at the town of Marbella. Here plunge into the past and visit the old quarter of the town with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and heavy-grilled windows, centered around the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Square) filled with stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars, and bistros. Once a small fishing village, Marbella today is a fashionable and sophisticated resort, frequented by the rich and famous. Then, it's off to Puerto Banus, one of the most famous places in Andalucia, not to mention the rest of Spain and Europe. Puerto Banus is synonymous with wealth, fashion, and the highlife; it is the place to be and be seen. The area is lined with designer boutiques, restaurants, and hotels and the marina is home to large expensive yachts. Wander at leisure along the promenade and take time out to people-watch or follow the guide on a walk of this vibrant town. Have some time to do your own shopping before returning to Malaga.
Duration: 4.5 hours

Day 2: Cartagena, Spain

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cartagena is located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain. Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has been inhabited by many different cultures which have left their mark on its rich cultural heritage during a glorious and turbulent history.

Optional Activities:

Cartagena - Discover Cartagena on Foot: Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Christians... find out why Cartagena was a crossroads of cultures and one of the most important cities in the ancient world on this walking adventure which gives you an entertaining insight into nearly 3,000 years of history. The walk starts through the old quarters to behold several modernist town houses built during the most recent period of splendor in this city, between the second half of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. Then plunge back in time to the period of Roman domination of this area, finding many vestiges such as the Roman baths, "Via Augusta", and the magnificent remains of the Roman theater. Then take an elevator up to the highest of the five hills which Cartagena was built on. From here enjoy the superb views of the whole city, including its immense natural harbor, well protected by the mountains surrounding it. Finally visit the Civil War Shelter-Museum. These galleries, excavated out of the "Cerro de la Concepcion", served as air-raid shelters and were still to be completed at the end of the Spanish Civil War.
Duration: 3.5 hours

Cartagena – Cartagena by Segway: This is a fun and fascinating way to discover Cartagena! On this adventure glide through the hidden and most charming corners of Cartagena and hear informative commentary from your guide along the way. The adventure begins at the pier where you are given a brief training on the Segway to make you feel confident and ready for your adventure. From the port, depart towards the most attractive corners of Cartagena and pass many historical and culturally important sites en route. This is a great way to get a good introduction of the city of Cartagena on an enjoyable and eco-friendly Segway!
Duration: 1.5 hours

Cartagena – Andalusian Wine Tasting: This Land Adventure departs by coach from Cartagena to a family winery located in the very heart of the city. This winery has produced different wines from their own vineyards for generations. Taste the wide variety of wines made in the traditional way since 1940, including red wines, white wines, pink cava (sparkling wine), and sweet wine. Serrano´s winery is the only winery inside the Geographical Denomination of “Campos de Cartagena”, and the only winery allowed to bottle with the name “Wine from Campo de Cartagena”. Therefore, this is a special and charming winery to learn about wines and taste them too.
Duration: 2.5 hours

Day 3: Valencia, Spain

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The city is recognized globally partly due to its UNESCO Heritage Status and is known as the City of Arts and Sciences.

Optional Activities:

Valencia – Valencia Exploration: Enjoy the charms of the streets, squares, and hidden corners of Valencia. Departing from the pier, enjoy a panoramic drive through the Avenida del Puerto to the Gran Via and Calle Jativa where you can see the bullring and Central Station. The City of Arts and Sciences is a unique complex devoted to technology, nature, and art, and is made up of five segments or centers: the Hemisfèric, the Umbracle, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanográfico, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. A stop is made at the Silk Exchange monument, called La Lonja, where the old quarter walking discovery begins. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1996. It is a Valencian Gothic-style civil building, built between 1482 and 1548, and one of the principal tourist attractions in the city. Walk around the main streets of the commercial city center where you have time to shop and taste the “horchata” while enjoying Santa Catalina Square.
Duration: 4 hours

Valencia – Valencia & Oceanographic Park: This adventure starts with a panoramic drive around the city, passing the very well-known and modern City of Arts and Science, the old town, and the Serrano Towers. Visit the famous Oceanographic Park, which is one of the many remarkable buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. With 45,000 living creatures of 500 different species and covering an area of 110,000 square meters with 42,000,000 liters of water (equivalent to 15 Olympic swimming pools), this Oceanographic Park is Europe's biggest oceanarium. The aquarium recreates the world's most important marine ecosystems to enable research and teaching that involves the water environment and contributes to the protection of marine life. This is a wonderful opportunity to see all the marine habitats in this beautiful underwater world as well as experience the highlights of the lovely city of Valencia. 
Duration: 4.5 hours

Day 4: Barcelona, Spain

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Barcelona, a UNESCO city, is the second largest in Spain. It is the 12th most visited city in the world and 4th most visited in Europe. Especially remarkable is the work of architect Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city. His best-known work is the immense but still unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882, and is still financed by private donations.

Optional Activities:

Barcelona – Gaudi’s Barcelona – Architectural Revolution: The symbol of Barcelona must surely be the incredible Sagrada Familia Basilica designed by the local revolutionary architect, Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi is probably the most famous modernist architect in the world. This tour visits the interiors of both the Sagrada Familia and the Guell Park, Gaudi's greatest works. Start with a viewing of two of Gaudi's buildings, the Casa Mila and the Casa Batllo, which have both been declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Then pay a visit to Guell Park, the dream of the businessman Eusebi Guell and his revolutionary architect, Gaudi. Despite the wild appearance of the park, everything in it was planned: the access, the market, the main square, the drainage, the reveries, the roads and paths, the staircases, the benches, etc. The Sagrada Familia Basilica is probably one of the world's most unique structures. Prepare yourself to be impressed with its sheer scale. Still uncompleted, work began in 1882 under the direction of Francesco de Paula Villar, who intended to give the work a Neo-Gothic style, in fashion at that time. The temple has 3 facades, one for the Birth which was built in 1891, the second is the Passion with the Door of Faith, and the third one (not yet built) evokes the Glory of God. When completed to Gaudi's design, the masterpiece will have 18 towers more than 100 meters high. The group of architects that is now working on the project (which is still a private foundation) dream of finishing the work by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.
Duration: 4 hours

Day 5: Collioure, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Collioure is surely the most picturesque coastal resort on the Mediterranean coast of southwest France, with a backdrop of the Pyrenees Mountains tumbling into the sea, the old harbor, the impressive castle, wonderful old churches, beach-side restaurants, narrow old streets, bijou boutiques, art trails, and three beaches. 

Optional Activities:

Collioure (Port Vendres) – St. Cyprien Golf Club: The course is situated a mere 800 meters away from the sea. This 27-hole course in the foothills of the Pyrenees ranks among the best golf resorts in France. It has over 200 hectares between the sea and the lagoon and was recognized by Golf publications twice in 2005 and 2006. The club has three separate courses for all tastes: "Canigou Etang", the course qualifying for the European Grand Tour, Links, and "Drill" for a very technical game in the middle of a beautiful pine forest.
Duration: as needed

Day 6: Sanary-sur-Mer, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sanary-sur-Mer is a Provencal village located in the Var Department in the Provences-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur region of France. Most visitors fall in love with the town shortly after they arrive. The harbor has several traditional wooden boats called “pointus” that are used by the fisherman daily. The nearby village of Bandol has some of the oldest vineyards in France. It’s an easy bike ride down the coast from Sanary-sur-Mer. 

Optional Activities:

Sanary-sur-Mer – Hilltop Castellet & Wine Tasting:  Departing from Sanary by coach, ascend to the village of Castellet, a typical Provencal hilltop village. Perched on a wooded hill above the vineyards, this remarkable stronghold, formerly owned by the Lords of les Baux, has well-preserved ramparts, a carefully restored 12th-century church, and a castle dating back in part to the 11th century. Entering by one of the two fortified gates, either "Le Portail" or "Le Portalet", start the visit walking around the narrow streets up to the castle, now home to the town hall. Observe the St. Sauveur Church with its proudly displayed windows before joining the "trou de Madame" from where you can enjoy an attractive view inland towards St Baume. Have some time at leisure to explore the arts and crafts workshops. You are then invited to visit famous vineyards and taste local wines at Domaine de Souviou, a very beautiful Provencal bastide with its adjacent chapel surrounded by 32 hectares of vineyards producing some very fine wine, and 2,500 olive trees producing a rare olive oil. The wine tasting includes red wines and rose wines, for which Provence is particularly noted.
Duration: 4.5 hours

Sanary-sur-Mer – Aix en Provence: From the marina at Sanary-sur-Mer take a drive through bucolic scenery and up to the charming old town of Aix en Provence. Many villages, but few towns, are as well preserved as this elegant, traditional capital of Provence. Stroll with the guide on a walking tour through the narrow cobblestone lanes of the Vieux Aix. The Cathedrale Saint Sauveur is another highlight with its remarkable 15th-century triptych by Nicolas Froment and the carved pillars and slender colonnades of the lovely and tranquil Romanesque cloisters. After the guided portion of your tour, free time is afforded to explore the lovely environs of cafes and boutiques before returning to the ship.
Duration: 5 hours

Day 7: St. Tropez, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
St. Tropez, located on the French Riviera, quite simply may be the most famous resort town in Europe. It is a playground for the fashion models, athletes, movie stars, entertainers, and other extremely wealthy summertime guests. There’s much to offer in this charming town, including shopping, nightlife, and exceptional beach clubs. Nearby you can explore some of the hill towns and visit the award-winning rose wineries. You can also explore neighboring Grimaud and Port Grimaud or just a little further out golf at a few highly-rated courses. 

Optional Activities:

St. Tropez – A Taste of Provence: Gassin Exploration & Wine Tasting: Enjoy a taste of life in Provence with this delightful half-day adventure to the village of Gassin and wine tasting at the cellars of Bertaud Belieu. Marvel at the sun-washed scenery of mountains and vineyards as you travel to Gassin via air-conditioned motor coach. With its narrow, winding streets and shuttered, pastel-hued buildings, the quaint village reveals typical, Provencal character. Discover what makes Gassin stand quite literally apart from other French towns. Re-board your motor coach for the short drive to the family-run winery of Bertaud Belieu. Enjoy the opportunity to savor their wines, along with other varieties from this premier wine-making region, during an informative wine tasting. Afterwards return to your yacht.
Duration: 4 hours

St. Tropez – Just Beyond St. Tropez, The Villages of Grimaud & Port Grimaud: There is more to explore than the small village of St. Tropez and you may want to consider this lovely half-day outing to discover the region beyond this resort town. Only a few short miles away from Saint Tropez, you can experience the contrast of a modern resort development along with the charm of a weathered hilltop village. First, proceed to Port Grimaud harbor, a village with a unique charm designed by the famous architect Francois Spoerry. Your next destination takes you on a pleasant countryside drive to Grimaud village, a "perched" village. After a short uphill walk, explore its quaint and rustic appearance as you stroll towards the center of the village along one of the lanes leading to the remarkable monumental fountain. Enjoy a brief exploration through the winding alleyways enlivened by the many local craftsmen. After this visit, return to the summer bustle on the coast in St. Tropez with plenty of time to explore this chic village on your own.
Duration: 3.5 hours

St. Tropez – St. Tropez by Foot: The guide awaits you on the pier to show you around the village of Saint Tropez. The sightseeing discovery starts with a nice walk along the pier, passing by the most famous café “Senequier” and arriving to the very tiny bay from where visitors can enjoy the view. After this first stop, continue to the heart of St. Tropez with the square of the Town Hall representing the Republic and the French Revolution in 1789. Then continue to the church of St. Tropez, named after the martyr “Saint Tropez”. Visit the church and listen to the story of the legend of the town. Stroll through the by-streets and narrow streets, and see the small authentic squares where most have an elm tree, the symbol of freedom. After the effort of walking uphill, reach the top of the village to enjoy breathtaking views. At the end of the guided walking discovery, choose between a casual walk back to the tender pier or remain in the downtown area for some independent investigation.
Duration: 2 hours

Day 8: Nice, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Nice is the fifth most populous city in France and the second largest on the Mediterranean. The city's famous seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ('the Walkway of the English'), owes its name to the earliest settlers to this seaside resort. For over a quarter century, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of relaxation, but also those seeking inspiration. The crisp clean air and soft light has been of particular interest to some of Western culture's most outstanding painters, such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and entertainers such as Sir Elton John and Tina Turner.

Day 9: Monte Carlo, Monaco | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The Principality of Monaco is an independent sovereign state composed of four quarters: Fontvieille (the newest), Monaco-Ville (the oldest), La Condamine, and Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo is widely known for its casino as well as the Monaco Grand Prix. Monte Carlo is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations as it simply has so much to offer. Some of the sights include the Cathédrale Paroisse, Eglise Sainte Dévôte, Jardin Exotique et Grottes de l'Observatoire, Monaco Top Cars Collection, Musée Océanographique, and of course the Palace.

Disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer to the airport or into the city for your continued independent journeys.

Optional Activities:

Monte Carlo – Monaco by Ferrari Super Car: Experience the great sensation of driving a real supercar. This exceptional adventure is done along the panoramic roads of the Riviera, exactly where James Bond has been a few times! You are picked up by a luxury mini-van and an English-speaking driver, and transferred along the beautiful Middle Cornice Road to reach the perched village of Eze. Here the Ferrari car is ready and waiting for you. Enjoy being a front seat passenger or pilot during 15 minutes of a real fast car ride. As a co-pilot, a professional driver is in command of the car, or you can be a pilot with a professional trainer beside you. After this exciting experience, enjoy a soft drink while being overwhelmed by the landscape. Have some free time for visiting the nearby perfume factory. Your minivan brings you back to Monaco and drives on the very streets which are turned into the Monaco F1 Grand Prix racing track every year in May.
Duration: 4 hours

Monte Carlo – Eze and Monaco:  As you depart Monaco harbor, the coach joins the Moyenne Corniche, a broad road taking large sweeping curves along the coastline and high cliffs and providing the only access to the amazing village of Eze, a prime example of a Mediterranean hill village. Eze clings like an eagle's nest to a rock spike towering 1401 feet over the sea. On foot enter the 14th-century double gateway with crenellations and a sentry walk leading into the steep narrow streets, sometimes running beneath the carefully restored houses which are now smart boutiques or artists' studios. Streets of this town are closed to traffic and the town can only be explored by foot. Do not miss the magnificent views of the coast from the top. Driving back to Monaco, your coach parks at the foot of the rock of Monaco. From here take escalators and elevators which carry you to the Old City: "The Rock". Up the hill, a guided walking tour through the narrow streets takes you past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, and the exterior of the Prince's Palace. After a short time at leisure, your motor coach drives along a small part of the Grand Prix Motor Race circuit before returning to the ship.
Duration: 4 hours

Monte Carlo – Walking the Principality: Leaving from one of the world’s most famous ports, proceed to the old city built high on a rocky promontory that offers a panoramic view over the new city and its skyscrapers. This tiny principality has been under the rule of the Grimaldi family for most of the period since 1297. Proceed to the top of the Old City by escalators and elevators. On the hill, a guided walking tour through the narrow streets takes you past the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral containing the tomb of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, and the exterior of the Prince's Palace (no inside visits). If lucky, you may get to see the changing of the guard in front of the Prince's residence. Also enjoy some time to stroll around on your own before returning to the yacht.
Duration: 3 hours

Monte Carlo – Aerial views of Cote d’Azur and Monte Carlo: This truly exciting outing includes a breathtaking view of the French Riviera from the air and offers you the opportunity to fully explore Monte Carlo. After a short transfer from the yacht to the helicopter pad, experience a spectacular 20-minute flight over the glorious Cote d'Azur. While airborne, gain an appreciation of the sheer majesty of the Maritime Alps, the Rock of Monaco, and the Cathedral where Prince Rainier III married American film star, Grace Kelly. Your helicopter then flies at a lower altitude so you can admire the Principality of Monaco at the foot of the mountains, including the casino and beaches. The flight continues over the village of Roquebrune-Cap Martin, Menton, and La Turbie. As you follow the coastline see Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the hill village of Eze, and the tiny seaport of Villefranche.
Duration: 1 hour

Ship/Hotel

SeaDream II

Main Dining Salon
The Topside Restaurant
The Piano Bar

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$8,400

Notes

Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and may change without notice. All fares are posted in USD and are based off of double occupancy. Single and triple rates are available upon request.

Cruise fares do not include Governmental, Port, Document Issuance, Handling and Service fees. Please see pricing for additional fees.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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