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12 Days Mediterranean Discovery - Westbound Tour Package
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Priced From: $6990 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jun
The wonders of the Mediterranean coast, from the glamorous Cóte d’Azur and Spain’s magnificent Costa Brava to charming but seldom-visited islands, unfold before you during this magical 12-day adventure. Between a 2-night stay at Monaco’s famous Fairmont Monte Carlo and two nights at Le Méridien Barcelona, the sporty sailing yacht Le Ponant takes you to explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path ports where the big cruise ships can’t go. Savor the tranquil lifestyles of La Camargue in France and enjoy a Provençal lunch and cowboy performance at a private farm. Indulge your passion for history in Carcassonne in the lovely Languedoc region of France and in Girona on the Spanish coast. Delve into Salvador Dali on the Costa Brava. Call at both Majorca and Minorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Take in all the scenic beauty for which the “Blue Coast” and the “Wild Coast” are so famous. See and do it all in true Style.
Tour Itinerary
• Indicates day of cruising
Day 1: Arrive Nice / Bonjour, Monaco!
Tour begins: 6:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo. Welcome to the Côte d’Azur! A transfer is included from the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Settle in at this grand hotel in the heart of the Principality of Monaco and join us to meet your fellow jet setters at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Day 2: Mediterranean magic
Begin your discovery of the Côte d’Azur with a tour of Monaco-Ville (the old city) on a guided tour including the Prince’s Palace, home of the ruling Grimaldi family for centuries, and Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. After lunch on your own, head off to explore the fabled Italian Riviera, Italy’s favorite playground on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo
• Day 3: Everything is nice in Nice
Today, you’ll see why Nice is such a popular vacation destination on the Côte d’Azur as a coach tour reveals its many charms and landmark sites. A choice of activities this afternoon includes a visit to the Musée Matisse or the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall. Board Le Ponant in the late afternoon and set sail for intriguing ports that big ships simply can’t visit.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 4: Vines, villages and vegetation
Tender ashore at lovely Ile de Porquerolles, where no cars are allowed. The island is known for its vineyards, its charming town, its beaches and its focus on conservation. Learn about the island's unusual vegetation and visit historic Fort Ste. Agathe. Later, weather permitting, take a dip in the sea from Le Ponant’s stern platform before attending the Captain’s special welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 5: Pink birds, black bulls and white horses
An on-board lecture today precedes a full day ashore in a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur when you visit La Camargue, known for pink flamingoes and beautiful white horses; it is also where the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. Learn about the natural history and ecology of the Rhone Delta as you drive through this exceptional wildlife sanctuary en route to a local working farm. Experience a personal look at the cultural traditions of this region during a typical Provençal lunch hosted by the farm owners, followed by a Camargue cowboy demonstration – a very private and exclusive included experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 6: Legends and lore of the Languedoc
Step back in time today as you venture inland to the Citadel of Carcassonne in the heart of the Languedoc. A walk atop the outer walls of La Cité rewards with scenic beauty and a close-up look at the ramparts of one of the most perfectly restored medieval walled cities in Europe. Go inside for a visit to the Basilica St-Nazaire, and have lunch at the lovely Hotel del La Cite. Explore Abbaye de Frontfroide en route back to your ship.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 7: From the Cote d'Azur to the Wild Coast
Le Ponant docks at Palamós on Spain’s spectacular Costa Brava this morning, where a choice awaits you. If you’re a fan of Salvador Dali, seize the opportunity to visit his roots and admire his works at the Dali Museum in Figueres. If you’re a history buff, set off to discover the medieval town of Girona, with its fascinating Roman and Moorish history. No matter which full-day excursion you choose, you’ll be enriched by the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 8: Mellow Minorca
Go ashore on the Balearic island of Minorca, known for its intriguing history and beautiful beaches – and its designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Enjoy a walking tour of the capital city of Mahón, followed by a swim in an island cove, weather permitting. Your guided exploration continues in the port city of Ciutadella, where sightseeing reveals historic mansions and a 14th-century church. Attend the Captain’s gala farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 9: Marvelous Majorca
Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands. You’ll be inspired during a visit to the grand Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a preexisting Arab mosque. Return to Le Ponant after a walking tour and some free time to explore on your own. As you enjoy lunch on board, the Captain will search for the ultimate cala for your afternoon swim, weather permitting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
Day 10: Adios, Le Ponant
While you’ll be sorry to bid adieu to Le Ponant, be of good cheer – beautiful Barcelona awaits you! Discover the inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet this morning as you view his stunning, as yet unfinished, Sagrada Família basilica and Parc Güell, which inspires fairy-tale visions and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating his genius. Later, explore famous Las Ramblas before enjoying an afternoon at leisure after reaching your hotel, Le Méridien Barcelona.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 11: The bounty of Barcelona
History surrounds you this morning in Barcelona’s Gothic district. A walking tour reveals traces of the ancient Roman walls and fortifications that surrounded the area from the 4th to the middle of the 19th centuries, as well as many medieval buildings and a labyrinth of narrow streets awaiting exploration. Find a charming spot for lunch on your own and continue your own discovery with a choice of visits to the Museu Picasso, Gaudi’s La Pedrera or the Maritime Museum. Join us for a festive farewell dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 12: Homeward bound
Tour ends: Barcelona. A transfer from Le Méridien Barcelona to Barcelona International Airport is included. Please allow at least 2 ½ hours for check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
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