A Mediterranean Canvas: Barcelona to Nice Cruise

Socially, culturally and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveler’s lips and Barcelona’s vibrancy is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire’s monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back.

Your locally guided panorama tour celebrates the artists and authors who have long revered Barcelona as a living masterpiece. Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, the city wears its creativity proudly, with works scattered across plazas and woven into its very architecture. Miró, Picasso, Vidal and Montaner all called Barcelona home, but it’s the visionary Antoni Gaudí who continues to draw art lovers from around the world.

Among the highlights is a viewing of La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s breathtaking fusion of imagination and faith, where you’ll hear tales of the cathedral’s rich history, intricate symbolism, and the story behind its ongoing construction. You’ll also take in sweeping views and cultural landmarks at Barcelona’s hilltop lookout of Montjuïc and pass through iconic areas such as Plaza de España and the elegant Gran Via.

Before arriving at the port, there’s time to stroll Barcelona’s charming streets, whether you choose to browse local boutiques, linger at a café, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city. Late afternoon, embark the ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard and meet your guide team and crew.

The intimate village of Port-Vendres provides access to inland treasures, giving the opportunity to stroll the streets of surrealist-style Figueres, wander the lanes of Collioure, or scale the walls, in true Robin Hood style, of Hollywood’s favorite movie set, the fortified town of Carcassonne; well, perhaps stand in the shade of its turrets. For those opting for a morning experience, the ship’s port location offers the perfect opportunity to explore the charming streets of an authentic French coastal town.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Pick the morning The Curious Case of Salvador Dalí to visit the painter’s birthplace with museum exhibits on the surrealist’s life and works. Also in the morning, Collioure – A Fauvist Mecca visits the former pirate town that influenced Matisse, Signac, Derain and Picasso, and its Musée d’Art Moderne and Fauvism trail, with an optional coastal walk. For a full-day experience, The Prince of Walled Cities – Carcassone visits the classic medieval city used in films such as Puss in Boots and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The old port of Marseille grants access to the inspirational fields, streetside cafes and hilltop villages of Provence. The boots of Roman engineers and the shoes of many an artist have trodden its soils, but none as famous as the clogs of Van Gogh and the slip-ons of Picasso. Spend time in their shoes with a palette of experiences to choose from today, before encouraging your own artistic ambitions by joining an onboard art or photography class this afternoon.

You can choose from a selection of morning and half-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the morning Masterpieces of Marseille tour, visit the Palais Longchamp and its Museum of Fine Arts for 17th- and 18th-century paintings, drawings and sculptures. Also in the morning, An artist’s Impression of Aix-en-Provence explores the wealthy birthplace of Paul Cézanne; visit the terraced gardens and open-air museum of Terrain des Peintres, with free time to explore after. For a half-day option, the Impressionist Aries excursion explores the Provençal town of Arles and its ties to Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, on a walking tour with a local guide, plus free time after.

Set between Nice and Monaco, the picturesque enclave of Beaulieu-sur-Mer welcomes you today, with a rich selection of ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Hear tales of royal romance at Monaco’s regal precinct, admire the cutting-edge automobile designs of Prince Albert’s private collection, or indulge your artistic urges at Beatrice Rothschild’s opulent Villa Ephrussi. Return to the ship to tap into your creative side with onboard art and photography workshops or stay ashore and soak up the sun on a French Riviera beach.

You can choose from a selection of morning and half-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For a morning option, explore Prince Albert’s Private Car Collection, to take inspiration from over 100 automobile works of art at Monaco’s Top Cars Collection Museum. Another morning tour is to The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in the ultra-wealthy Cap Ferrat; take in the imitation Renaissance-style palazzo’s exotic Japanese and Florentine gardens and its former Baroness’s flair for all things art. Or choose the half-day The Principality of Monaco experience for a locally guided walking tour of Monaco and its royal history, plus free time to roam.

When Italians give birth they use the phrase “dare alla luce,” which literally means to “give to the light.” It is no coincidence that the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, widely acknowledged as having dragged Europe from the dark days of the Middle Ages into the light, was synonymous with the Renaissance or The Rebirth. Rising from the ruins of the Roman Empire, Tuscany flourished into a wealthy trading and banking center, becoming Europe’s first capitalist state.

The Duchy’s ruling family, the Medicis, sponsored its artistic scene with fervor. Artists transitioned from tradespeople to celebrities overnight, with da Vinci playing lute at their private parties and Michelangelo befriended by men who would become popes. The ruling classes commissioned works of art such as Donatello’s Penitent Magdalene, Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Raphael’s Madonna del Cardellino. Throughout the Duchy, art was showcased in piazzas, scattered throughout the streets and placed at the townhall steps. A form of propaganda and sign of power for all to see.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). The morning Scenic Tuscany tour visits a winery for a talk by a vintner guide followed by a tasting. Another morning option is Pisa-More Than a Leaning Tower, for a train ride straight to the renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, plus free time to wander Pisa. For a full-day experience, The Rebirth of Florence is a locally guided walking tour with a focus on the city’s street art and daily Renaissance life, plus free time.

Disembark at the yacht-filled harbor of Nice, granting a millionaire’s access to the French Riviera.

Its wide Promenade des Anglais, named after the English upper class who placed Nice at the top of their Grand Tour bucket list, follows the Mediterranean coast past an array of Belle Epoque hotels, Art Deco apartments and umbrellaed beaches. At the limit of the ruling House of Savoy, the people of the riviera voted to join France in the 1860s rather than the new Kingdom of Italy, making this region a unique blend of both cultures. The unique light, relaxed lifestyle and extravagant parties attracted as many artists and literary elite of the 20th century as it had attracted aristocrats the century before. From Monet, Chaplin and Valentino in Antibes to Bonnard at Le Cannet, and Picasso–to just about everywhere–it became the place to be seen for the avant-garde. This pocket of sunshine and decadence still attracts artists, authors and actors, who paint its vistas, write its stories and come to Cannes to be adored.

Spend the day exploring the scenic hinterland of the Riviera, where a cluster of medieval villages have long inspired some of the world’s most celebrated artists. Along the way, pause at panoramic viewpoints that have captured the imagination of painters and poets alike.

Your journey culminates in the hilltop village of Saint-Paul de Vence—a jewel of Provençal charm. Here, your local guide brings the village’s rich artistic legacy to life with captivating stories of legendary artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy and Matisse, all of whom were drawn to the village’s light and spirit. Marc Chagall, who lived here for 19 years after returning from exile during World War II, now rests in the village cemetery—a poignant testament to his deep connection with this place. You’ll have time to wander the cobbled streets, enjoy lunch at one of the Provençal bistros (own expense), or browse the village’s inviting craft shops nestled among its winding alleys. Returning to Nice, check-into the group hotel for your two-night stay, with your evening at leisure to relax and enjoy the vibe of the French Riviera.

Lingering in the city of Nice gives a second day to soak in this stunning stretch of coastline, with a variety of ‘Your Choice’ experiences on offer this morning. This afternoon, art lovers are spoilt for choice, with free time to explore one of the city’s many inviting galleries. Don’t miss the Musée Matisse, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Matisse’s paintings, drawings and sculptures, or Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice which houses a vast collection of iconic artworks. For those following a photographic journey on your voyage, the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre offers compelling exhibitions celebrating the power of the lens.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). The A Nice Place to Paint locally guided walking tour show off the places that inspired the region’s artists. Choose Nice’s Russian Treasures for a visit to two of Nice’s beloved Russian treasures: St Nicholas Cathedral and the Chagall Museum. Or choose Picasso to explore his masterpieces at Castle Grimaldi before free time to wander the waterfront streets of Antibes.

To frame your journey, meet your fellow travelers this evening to enjoy drinks and canapes at a farewell reception.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.