Azure, cerulean, ultramarine. For ages poets and storytellers have tried to describe the Mediterranean’s unique blue beauty. You’ll find your own vocabulary as you sail the North coast of Serra Tramuntana and visit Majorca’s spectacular Cap Formentor. But this voyage offers much more than stunning scenery. Enjoy a lively Barcelona evening; actively experience the megalithic masterpieces of Torralba d’en Salord on Menorca; climb into Neptune’s Grotto and drink in the intoxicating nightlife of Sardinia; walk Bonifacio’s medieval streets, hike to the Pertusato Lighthouse; Zodiac to the Scandola Nature Reserve, and experience the lush farm-to-table diversity of Provence.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Barcelona and embark National Geographic Orion. After lunch on board, set out to experience this vibrant city.
Day 2: Ciudadela, Menorca
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cross the Balearic Sea, cruising along the ridge of Mallorca’s Serra Tramuntana before reaching the small island of Menorca. Stroll the charming city of Ciudadela, or head out for a hike along an old military path that hugs the coast of the island. Enjoy a sunset dinner on deck while anchored in the lovely harbor of Ciudadela, overlooking the old quarter.
Menorca is home to some of the most beautiful, secluded Mediterranean beaches. Walk through pine forests and arrive at the base of a quiet bay or cove along the northern coast.
Day 3: Ciudadela and Mahon, Menorca
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Vandals, the Moors, and the British Empire have ruled over this stunning little island, and prehistoric civilizations left intriguing rock mounds and megalithic monuments that date back some 4,000 years. Explore this history today while traveling overland to Mahón at the south end of the island. Walk through the Bronze Age village of Torralba d’en Salord and see the characteristic T-shaped stone monuments left by the Talayotic peoples. Meet the Orion at the port in Mahón and sail east.
Day 4: At Sea / Alghero, Sardinia
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning arrive in Sardinia, where you will soak up the unique character of Italy’s second largest island through a variety of excursions. Explore Neptune’s Grotto by small boat and swim or kayak beneath the cliffs of Capo Caccia. After dinner aboard the ship, a free evening ashore lets you explore Alghero on your own.
Meet the owner of a small, private Sardinian family estate and vineyard with lovely gardens. Sample the wines and the Sardinian specialties.
Day 5: Bonifacio, Corsica
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Witness the spectacular entrance into Bonifacio’s natural harbor at sunrise. On a walking tour of the hilltop town, venture into an impressive 12th-century citadel and walk along medieval streets lined with art galleries, shops, and cafés. This afternoon hike to the Pertusato Lighthouse, look up at the cliff-top city from below by Zodiac, or simply relax on a small beach. This evening a musicologist has planned a special Corsican a cappella polyphonic singing performance ashore in Bonafacio.
Day 6: Gulf of Porto, Corsica
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up in the exquisite Gulf of Porto, part of the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ride Zodiacs amid the pink cliffs, caves, and turquoise waters of this coastal and marine wilderness. Encounter the deep rocky folds along the shores of southern Provence known as calanques, and enjoy lunch on the picturesque beach.
The crystal clear waters of the Scandola marine reserve spells hope for the Mediterranean, an area that National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team set out to assess in 2010 with NG Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala and Pierre-Yves Cousteau aboard Jacques Cousteau’s historic Alcyone. The diversity and richness of life beneath the surface are breathtaking. Dozens of huge groupers and other large fish populate the area, along with colorful anemones, massive spider crabs, giant fan mussels, moray eels—so much life!
Day 7: Toulon, France
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Greek, Roman, Germanic, Catalan—Provence in southeastern France has been a cultural crossroads since antiquity, when grapevines and olive trees were already being cultivated. From Toulon, Zodiacs will take you into the lovely Provencal port of Le Pradet to get immersed in the flavors and charms of this celebrated region. Pay a visit to a family-run organic chicken farm and stop for a tasting at a small winery.
The selected farm is a beautiful stretch of land with olive trees, flower fields, and a 19th-century Provencal farmhouse. The town’s mayor will greet you and give an introduction to the three farm features you'll visit: the vineyard, the olive oil and vegetable farm, and the hen house to learn about organic egg production. Afterwards, the chef will prepare tastings combining all of the fresh farm products.
Day 8: Monaco / Disembark
1 Breakfast
Wake in Monaco, and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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