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 beauty of Le Carmargue in France. Indulge your passion for history in Narbonne and 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 Tauck Style.
Day 1: Bonjour, Monaco! Tour begins: 6:00 PM 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. Upon your return to Monaco, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you choose. 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. Later, admire the work of renowned artist Henri Matisse at the Musée Matisse. 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, Village 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. Get a feel for this little gem of a place on a walking tour to view the Central Place d’Armes, La Maison du Parc and Garden du Palmier, followed by free time for your own personal discovery. Le Phare, a lighthouse from which the views are nothing short of spectacular, and Fort Ste. Agathe are among the highlights here. 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 Explore a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur where flamingos frolic and men love their white horses almost as much as their wives. It is in Le Carmargue that the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. You’ll learn about the natural history and ecology of the Rhone Delta as you explore this exceptional wildlife sanctuary. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 6: Legends and lore of the Languedoc Step back in time today as you encounter the rich history, art and architecture of this exquisite area. Stunningly set amid the hills and vineyards near Narbonne, the 12th-century Abbaye de Fontroide enriches all who visit. You’ll be enchanted by the Citadel of Carcassonne, thought by many to be the most perfectly restored medieval walled city in Europe; walk atop its ramparts for a different view and visit the Basilica St-Nazaire, which houses what is believed to be the oldest organ in France. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 7: From the Blue Coast 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. A walking tour in the port city of Ciutadella reveals historic buildings, a 14th-century church and an obelisk commemorating those who died at the hands of pirates centuries ago. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a swim in a cala (cove) before going on to explore Mahón, on the eastern point of the island, during a walking visit. 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, the Barri Gotic. 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
Discover the delights of the Côte d’Azur and the Costa Brava on a voyage of Mediterranean Discovery with Tauck in 2008!
Dates & Prices
2008 Jun 7, 21
12 Days from $6,790
Double
Single
Triple
2008 Price per Person
$6790
$11,190
$6020
Special departure dates of June 7 and June 14 where the single price is $8420. Ask at booking for details.
26 meals included
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, and gratuities to ship staff.
Travel East or West – Cruise operates East from Nice and West from Barcelona. Sightseeing is identical.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.
All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.
Cruise Line:
Tauck At Sea
Price:
from $6,790 AUD
All itineraries and fares are subject to change without notice. Please make sure you meet visa requirements for all ports
Call us today on 1300 308081 or send Overseas callers, please call +61 2 9299 0088
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 beauty of Le Carmargue in France. Indulge your passion for history in Narbonne and 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 Tauck Style.