Grand Voyage: Balearic Islands & Ligurian Sea

Malaga's fortress palace of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro are splendid examples of Moorish architecture. But it is in Granada that you can see the most romantic and magnificent expression of the Arabesque style in the glorious Alhambra Palace.

Ibiza is a place where people hang out because, except for the medieval walls, you could almost think it was the Mediterranean's version of Key West. But away from the hustle of town, some lovely beaches await.

Towering over the harbor, Palma's enormous Gothic cathedral is a powerful symbol of the religious fervor which gripped all of Spain shortly after the defeat of the Moors. Built by Jaumé I, its vast open nave and soaring Gothic columns have been added to over the centuries. Behind the Cathedral, a maze of twisting streets leads to designer boutiques and open-air markets.

Gracious Georgian buildings climb the steep hills backing the Moll Ponent. Mahon's heritage also includes the invention of mayonnaise and the first distillation of gin from juniper berries.

Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbor is one of the most dramatic, totally protected harbors. It is a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable cliff.

Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.

Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their drafty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes’ high-flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals.

Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riveria coastline. Its pastel-colored houses, luxury boutiques, and seafood restaurants surround its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbor, which is lined with super-yachts. A short walk takes you up to the Church of St. George, a church with a cool, plain interior, dramatically situated on the narrow neck of the Portofino headland. As a lookout point, and probably as a site of religious significance, the spot goes back thousands of years.

Crowded with yachts flying burgees hailing from the world's most prestigious yacht clubs, the harbor of St. Florent is a regatta of colors. Take an excursion to the peninsula of Cap Corse, where medieval watchtowers dot the cliff tops every few miles.

Napoleon once said that he could recognize his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching by sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby are secluded beaches and the eerie Grottes des Veaux Marins, offering fantastic diving opportunities.

Porquerolles is a small crescent-shaped island that is popular with cyclists. On the southern side the coast is made up of steep cliffs and secluded creeks only accessible to hikers and on the northern side you can find fine sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. A large area enjoys National Park status so the island is beautiful, calm, and unspoiled.

Where the rugged hills of the Massif des Maures subside into the sea, the small island of Porquerolles lies basking in the eternally blue Mediterranean. The island’s little town was created as a retirement community for Napoleon’s troops - making it the world’s first “Sun City.” Today Porquerolles is a destination for nature lovers, who hike the hills covered in sage, myrtle, and oddly exotic plants to a magnificent white sand beach where a picturesque lighthouse stands guard over the wild shore.

It is said that the most spectacular way to approach the exquisite harbor of St. Tropez is by sea. St. Tropez is a people-watcher's paradise, so you may also want to explore her famous beaches, bistros, and bars. The appropriately named Tahiti Plage is where topless sun tanning started, and whether you prefer to take it off or take it all in, there's always plenty to see in St. Tropez.

Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, pre-war era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt-edged allure.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.