Hotels

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Monte Carlo. A transfer is included from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Fairmont Monte Carlo, a luxury hotel set next to the stunning Belle Époque casino in the heart of Monte-Carlo.

Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. Meals D

Sightseeing

The Principality of Monaco, smaller than New York City’s Central Park, is one of the most alluring destinations on the Mediterranean. A guided sightseeing tour of Monaco includes the many sights of Monte-Carlo, the best known of Monaco’s four quarters. Visit Monaco-Ville (the seat of government) to see 13th-century Palais du Prince, and the Cathedral with the tombs of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Just beyond the horizon lies Italy – and the afternoon is spent exploring along the Italian Riviera. Panoramic views of the seascape, with its cliffs, coves and beautiful beaches, include a chance to glimpse the lifestyle of the aristocracy who live in luxurious villas. Return to Monte-Carlo, where the rest of the day is free. Meals B

Sightseeing

Nice is not only one of the largest Mediterranean resorts, with its temperate climate, gorgeous flowers and lively atmosphere, but it is also steeped in a colorful history going back to the Greeks and Romans. An orientation sightseeing tour shows you landmark sights, followed by time at leisure to explore as you please. A visit to Musée Matisse in the hilly Cimiez district overlooking the town provides a wonderful opportunity to view some of the finest works by Henri Matisse, who spent years in Nice inspired by the Mediterranean light.

Yacht Cruises

Late afternoon, board Le Ponant for the start of your 7-day cruise. Meals BD

Yacht Cruises

The best benefit of cruising the Mediterranean by small ship is the opportunity to explore ports, harbors and islands that are not easily accessible. Glamorous Iles d’Hyères (also known as Iles d’Or due to the islands’ gold cliffs) are comprised of three islands off the southern French coast. Make a wet landing on the largest island, Porquerolles. A walking tour introduces you to the unusual vegetation, much of which was imported from exotic climates, as well as historic sites such as Fort Ste. Agathe and the lighthouse. The rest of the day is spent as you please, enjoying the island’s marvelous beaches, visiting the colonial town, or weather permitting, swimming off Le Ponant’s stern platform.

Join us for the Captain’s welcome dinner. Meals BLD

Yacht Cruises

A full day ashore brings you to one of the world’s great ecological preserves, La Camargue. This vast plain is an island surrounded by water, and is one of Europe’s largest river deltas; you’ll learn about the natural history of the Rhone Delta, and about the famous fleur de sel (flower of salt) that is harvested by hand. La Camargue is a wildlife sanctuary, home to black bulls that eventually engage in bullfighting; wild white horses, free to roam without stables; a kaleidoscope of flamingoes; and birds of prey. Meals BLD

Yacht Cruises

A full-day journey first takes you to the beautiful wine region of Narbonne for a visit to Abbaye de Fontfroide. Set in a peaceful valley, surrounded by cypress trees, the cloisters of this 12th-century Benedictine Abbey will long be remembered. A visit to the Citadel of Carcassonne, in one of Europe’s best examples of a medieval town, includes a walk along the ramparts and Basilique St-Nazaire. Meals BLD

Sightseeing

Dock at Palamós for a choice of sightseeing today. For those who are inspired by the works of Salvador Dali, we’ve arranged visits to Figueres, his home town, and the lovely seaside resort of Cadaqués, where he spent time. Alternatively, visit the medieval town of Girona, where Roman and Moorish history blends together. Meals BLD

Sightseeing

You’ll discover that the Balearic island of Minorca is rich with beautiful beaches, archaeological treasures and a really colorful history when you go ashore in Ciutadella for a walking tour. Afternoon brings a swim in a cove and a visit to Mahón, the island’s capital. Dine tonight on the ship at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Meals BLD

Yacht Cruises

Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca, where a sightseeing tour includes a visit to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral – views of the cathedral from the sea are more than memorable. Free time in Palma de Majorca is followed by an afternoon of swimming in small coves (weather permitting) directly from Le Ponant. Meals BLD

Yacht Cruises

Your Mediterranean voyage concludes in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Disembark Le Ponant.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing tour with local guides includes some of the magnificent works of architect Gaudí – Sagrada Família, his unfinished basilica, and Parc Güell. Explore Las Ramblas before spending the rest of the day as you please. Meals B

Sightseeing

Delve into Barcelona’s history this morning on a visit to the Gothic district, Barri Gòtic, where a walking tour reveals traces of civilizations dating back thousands of years.

Museums

You have a choice of a visit to the Maritime Museum, or Gaudí’s La Pedrera, or the Museu Picasso.

Join us this evening for a farewell dinner. Meals BD

Airport Transfers

Tour ends: Barcelona. Transfers are included from Le Méridien Barcelona to Barcelona International Airport. Allow 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B