Treasures of France & Spain

Nice is a beautiful city that extends from a pebbled coast to lush hills. Its heart is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. Take a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea to experience the city's charm. The Old Port, situated in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a busy and colorful place with various markets. Here, you can explore narrow streets, admire colorful architecture, and relax in picturesque piazzas. Don't forget to stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

Along France’s famed Côte d’Azur sits the resort town of Saint-Raphaël, filled with all the beauty of Mediterranean beaches and long-standing history. Its charming harbor, surrounded by the forested hills of Massif des Maures, creates a positively bucolic scene within a larger city. Admire the architecture of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, built from sandstone in the 19th century. The town is surrounded by charming landscapes, from the Calanque de Maubois to the Massif de l’Esterel. Whether you dive into these environments with an invigorating hike or a leisurely boat ride, you will likely experience a deep connection with nature.
 

Best known as a naval base and harbor for warships and submarines, the port city of Toulon’s maritime heritage is on display at the Musée National de la Marine. But the limestone mountains beyond hint at further adventure. Take a ride on the téléphérique du Faron for impeccable views. Once topside, discover the many hiking trails along Mount Faron. Down at Plage du Mourillon, enjoy a quintessential beach day. Nearby bars and restaurants offer food and drink to replenish your energy. Discover the bustle and color of the Cours Lafayette Market. Filled with stalls and vendors selling seasonal produce, local clothing, home goods, and flowers, it’s a treasure trove.

As your ship docks mere steps away from Old Marseille, its crowning jewel, Notre-Dame de la Gard Basilica, enters the sky to greet you. Pedal to Vieux Port, the city’s natural harbor, and take in the arts scene, shops, and a traditional Marseillaise lunch, such as the classic bouillabaisse, a soup made with five different kinds of fish. Le Panier neighborhood, Marseilles’ oldest district, offers the perfect way to get lost in genuine culture. Meanwhile, in the nearby Aix-en-Provence, discover the picturesque Le Cours Mirabeau. Wander until you find the Atelier Cézanne, the art studio where famous post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne created most of his works.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana, you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city’s historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla, you’ll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

The capital of the Spanish island of Menorca, Mahón (or Maó), is well-known for its British-style Georgian houses and its sheltered natural harbor. The best way to appreciate the land’s beauty is by navigating it on a small vessel. When visiting Mahón, considered the birthplace of salsa mahonesa (better known as mayonnaise), you must sample the local fare. From fresh seafood to refreshing gin to delectable cheeses, it’s a foodie’s paradise. Support local artisans by shopping for the island’s famous Menorquinas or Avarcas, a specialty shoe once favored among the peasants for keeping their feet cool. It has now turned into a fashion statement.

You know you have arrived in Palma de Mallorca, a major city in the Balearics of Spain, when you are met with majestic limestone cliffs plunging into the glimmering blue water. Its rich history is evident on shore in its wonderful buildings, castles, and cathedrals. Take the landmark Gothic cathedral, La Seu, with its enormous rose window and wrought-iron canopy over the main altar designed by famed Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí. Go for a run or bike ride along the seaside promenade that connects Palma de Mallorca to the neighboring villages of Portitxol and Es Molinar. Beyond the city, explore the lush Sierra de Tramuntana Valley, the island’s major mountain range, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.