Spain & France Cruise: Barcelona, Nice & Provence

Welcome to Barcelona! Renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. If you have time before your cruise departs today, take a stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes, leading to the historic Gothic Quarter. Or for a taste of local life, explore the bustling La Boqueria market, offering a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies.

A place of monasteries tucked into mountains, surreal art, and gorgeous beaches, Palamos is your gateway to the Costa Brava’s scenic beauty, and the cultural wonders of Catalonia. Palamos itself is a small and walkable city with beautiful beaches and a lovely promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Ships will dock at Marina Palamos.

Top Things to Do in Palamos:

• tour Tossa de Mar by trolley train
• stroll through the Santa Clotilde Gardens
• roam the cobbled streets of Peratallada
• visit the Dalí Theatre Museum

The port town of Sete hugs the tiny Mont St. Clair, and is caught between the Mediterranean Sea and Thau Lake. This understated town has been nicknamed 'Little Venice' due to its canals, bridges and buildings with their beautiful colourful facades. Ships will dock at Port de Sete.

Top Things to Do in Sete:

• hike Mont Saint-Clair
• tour the medieval city of Carcassonne
• kayak the canals of Sete
• enjoy a wine tasting in Montpellier
• explore the Roman ruins in Arles

Marseille, France's oldest city, boasts a vibrant blend of cultures, history, and stunning Mediterranean scenery. Start your visit at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and watch fishermen bring in their daily catch. Nearby, the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde offers panoramic views of the city and sea.

Stroll through the historic Le Panier district, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and artisan shops. Dive into the city's maritime history at the MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. Don’t miss tasting bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous seafood stew, in one of the local restaurants.

Sanary-sur-Mer is a picturesque port town on the French Riviera, with ships docking at the Quai d’Honneur. The port is conveniently located just 0.5 kilometres (0.3 miles) from the town centre, a quick 5-minute walk. This proximity makes it easy for travellers to start exploring right away.

Stroll along the charming harbour, visit the historic Saint-Nazaire Church, or relax at one of the town's sandy beaches. The daily Provençal market offers local crafts and fresh produce. For those interested in marine life, the Frédéric Dumas International Diving Museum showcases diving history. Nearby, the hilltop village of Le Castellet provides stunning views and medieval charm.

Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.

Located on the island of Corsica, Calvi is a beach town with a medieval past. Its cobbled streets climb up to an imposing Genoese Citadel which overlooks a sweeping bay of powdered white sand fringed by maritime pine trees. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be proved to Quai Landry.

Top Things to Do in Calvi:

• take in the views from the citadel
• view Christopher Columbus' house
• visit nearby Ile Rousse
  
• stroll the rustic streets of Pigna
• drive the scenic south coast

Tiny, but packed with fun, Monte Carlo offers a wonderful combination of history, beauty, entertainment and leisure. The wealthiest spot in Monaco, Monte Carlo is an enchanting place, known as the international capital of luxury and for its celebrity-sightings, casinos and nightlife. Ships may dock or anchor offshore at this port.

Top Things to Do in Monte Carlo:

• explore the charming lanes of Old Monaco
• visit the palace of the Grimaldi’s
• try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo
• enjoy a scenic drive along the French Riviera
• spend the day in Nice, Eze or Cannes