Isle of Beauty, French Riveria and Catalan Shores

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 west coast of Corsica, Ajaccio is surrounded by green-hued mountains, with shady palm fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay. The city is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and his legacy dominates the city in its statues and street names. Ships will dock at Gare Maritime d’Ajaccio.

Top Things to Do in Ajaccio:

• walk the Route des Cretes
• take a boat ride to the Isles Sanguinaires
• explore Maison Bonaparte
• tour the Prunelli Gorges

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

A discreet outpost of the glittering French Riviera, the port of Cassis masterfully plays its Provençal music. Between the stunning calanques coves and Cap Canaille, the town stretches out with charming southern houses, their blinds repainted countless times, while the port exudes such a sunny and recognisable feeling, giving everything here a festive spirit. The surroundings are also well worth the visit: hills drooping beneath the vines, parasol pines curling up into the azure of the sky, prickly pears hanging onto white limestone, the Provence of the Fauvist painters unveils itself in this idyllic spot.

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.

Located on the rocky Vermillion Coast at the gates of Spain, Port-Vendres offers a natural deep water harbour set amongst beautiful nature. This small town of charming red roofs and stone buildings will give you a glimpse into how life once was in this important commercial port. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Port Vendres:

• explore the city centre and its monuments
• tour the medieval streets of Carcassonne
• visit the picturesque village of Collioure
• stroll through medieval Perpignan

Rosas, situated on the rugged Costa Brava in northeast Spain, is a town rich in history and natural beauty. Originally a Greek colony, it later became a fortified port under the Romans, traces of which can still be seen in the remnants of the ancient citadel that overlooks the bay. Today, Rosas is celebrated for its stunning beaches, such as Canyelles Petites and Almadrava, which offer crystal-clear waters and scenic views.

The town is also a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting a range of dining options, including several restaurants overseen by renowned chefs. For those interested in outdoor activities, the surrounding Cap de Creus Natural Park provides ample opportunities for hiking and exploring diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs to secluded coves, making Rosas a captivating destination with a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor pursuits.

Tarragona, Spain, is a treasure trove of Roman history nestled along the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. The city's ancient ruins, including the impressive Tarraco Amphitheatre and the UNESCO-listed Roman walls, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Stroll through the charming Old Town to admire the medieval architecture and discover hidden gems around every corner. For a taste of local culture, the Tarragona Cathedral, with its mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, is a must-see.

Tarragona also serves as an alternative port for cruisers heading to Barcelona. Ships dock at Port Tarragona, which is roughly 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Tarragona's city center and about 92 kilometers (57 miles) from Barcelona, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour by car or train.