Set sail on a 10-day adventure through the Tyrrhenian Sea, exploring captivating ports in Italy, Malta, France, and Spain on small cruise ships providing an intimate and luxurious experience like no other from larger staterooms and enhanced amenities to personalized concierge services. Our voyage begins in Monte Carlo, where luxury and glamour meet, before sailing to Portoferraio on Elba Island, steeped in maritime history. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Amalfi Coast, delve into Malta's rich heritage in Victoria and Valletta, and soak up the chic ambiance of St Tropez.
From the rugged coastlines of La Ciotat to the vibrant energy of Barcelona, each destination promises unforgettable experiences, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to world-class cuisine. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mediterranean.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Day 1:
Nestled in the heart of the Riviera, the Principality of Monaco epitomizes chic luxury. This tiny enclave, spanning 370 acres, boasts a picturesque harbor attracting yachts worldwide. Glamorous Monte Carlo, along with La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, and Fontvieille, form the quartet of districts. Governed by Prince Albert II, Monaco, with over 32,000 residents, holds a populace where Monégasques comprise about 16 percent.
Portoferraio (Elba), Italy
Day 2:
Despite its historical significance and natural beauty, Elba remains relatively undiscovered, offering a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its peaceful charm. Geologists and gemstone enthusiasts are drawn to its treasure trove of minerals, while its fertile soil supports a vibrant array of flora. Whether exploring its scenic landscapes, indulging in its culinary delights, or simply basking in the Mediterranean sun, Elba promises an unforgettable experience for travelers, especially those embarking on small ship luxury cruises seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Sample Port activities:
ELBA COUNTRYSIDE & WINE TASTING
THE ELBA EXPERIENCE - COOKING LESSON & WINE TASTING
Amalfi, Italy
Day 3
The Amalfi Coast, praised as the ultimate fusion of land and sea, stretches between Sorrento and Salerno in Campania, Italy. Amalfi and Positano anchor the renowned Amalfi Drive, celebrated as Italy's most picturesque road, winding along dramatic cliffs overlooking the azure sea. Erosion has crafted surreal formations, including enchanting grottoes. Amalfi's medieval legacy as a maritime powerhouse endures, credited with inventing the ship compass in 1302. Nearby, Ravello offers tranquil charm, with romantic gardens, medieval ruins, and panoramic vistas of the Bay of Salerno.
Sample Port activities:
POMPEII BEHIND THE SCENES
POSITANO & AMALFI
Giardini Naxos (Taormina), Italy
Day 4
Located on the eastern shore of Sicily near Messina, this harbor provides convenient access to the renowned Greco-Roman ruins of Taormina and the majestic Mount Etna. Taormina's well-preserved temples, streets, and grand amphitheater rank it among Italy's top ancient sites. Perched above the sea with the iconic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Etna, it stands as a quintessential Mediterranean attraction. Giardini Naxos offers its charms, including the picturesque Lido Europa beach, while adventurous travelers can embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the volcano up close.
Sample Port activities:
TAORMINA & CASTELMOLA
LOCAL EXPERT WINE TASTING AT BARONE DI VILLAGRANDE WINERY
Mgarr (Victoria), Gozo, Malta
Day 5
Frequently bypassed by cruise liners in favor of fishing vessels and private yachts, Malta's lesser-known sister island exudes its unique charm. Charming villages like Mgarr are adorned with intricately carved churches, a testament to the craftsmanship of devoted stonemasons and the island's abundant easily-carved stone. The city of Victoria, aptly named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, stands as a nod to its rich historical ties.
Sample Port activities:
VICTORIA'S CITADEL AND RABAT
GOZO CULINARY EXPERIENCE: COOKING DEMONSTRATION & LUNCH AT A FARMHOUSE
Valletta, Malta
Day 6
Over millennia, Malta has been a pivotal stronghold, witnessing the reigns of Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French, and British. As a British Crown Colony until 1964, Malta's valor during WWII earned it the esteemed George Cross. The island's rich history resonates in the architectural wonders of Valletta, its present capital, and Medina, the capital until 1565. Valletta's grandeur, crafted by the Knights of St. John, includes St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters, complemented by formidable fortifications safeguarding its splendid harbors.
Sample Port activities:
A TASTE OF MALTA (fishing villages of Marsaxlokk & St Julian's)
SOPRANO EVENING CONCERT AT THE CHAPEL
Day At Sea
Day 7
Immerse yourself in onboard entertainment, from lively shows to soothing live music, or simply unwind at the spa. Delight in exquisite dining, where fine wines flow and renowned chefs craft dishes using the finest regional ingredients, bursting with authentic flavors.
St Tropez, France
Day 8
Nestled along the picturesque southern shore of the Riviera, the quaint port of St. Tropez has evolved into a renowned European hotspot, attracting a vibrant mix of journalists, photographers, writers, artists, and celebrities. Initially discovered by Guy de Maupassant, it was the presence of renowned painters like Signac, Matisse, and Bonnard that truly put St. Tropez on the map. Today, its bustling harbor hosts a colorful array of fishing boats, excursion craft, and luxurious yachts, while the waterfront dazzles with charming old houses transformed into cafes, cabarets, galleries, and boutiques. During peak season, a cosmopolitan crowd fills the streets, adding to the town's allure.
Sample Port activities:
WINE TASTING & PROVENCAL HILLTOP VILLAGE
Walking tour through the city of St Tropez
La Ciotat, France
Day 9
Perched on the Cote d’Azur between Marseille and Toulon, the picturesque harbor of La Ciotat embodies the essence of the Riviera. This charming town boasts a rich cinematic history, preceding Cannes and St. Tropez in fame. It was here that the Lumière Brothers, summer residents, filmed the first commercially displayed cinema in history in 1895, immortalizing the arrival of a locomotive at the local station. Their pioneering work continued with the creation of the first color photographs. Additionally, Jules Le Noir introduced the beloved Riviera boules game pétanque here in 1910, celebrated in the local Musée Ciotaden.
Sample Port activities:
MARSEIILE & NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE CATHEDRAL
LE CASTELLET & WINE TASTING
Palamos, Spain
Day 10
Situated at the base of the mountains along Spain's rugged Costa Brava, Palamos offers seven stunning beaches, ancient Iberian archaeological sites dating back to 6 BC, and the picturesque Church of Sant Esteve overlooking the shore. The town center is adorned with a charming 16th-century cathedral, adding to its historical allure.
Sample Port activities:
SALVADOR DALI'S CASTLE
FINCA BELL-LLOC & UNDERGROUND WINE CELLAR
ECO-SNORKELING WITH MARINE SCIENTIST
Barcelona, Spain
Day 11
Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, traces its roots to the Phoenicians, once rivaling Venice and Genoa for Mediterranean trade dominance. Today, Spain's second-largest city thrives industrially and commercially, rivaling Madrid. Its Gothic Quarter and elegant boulevards add to its European allure. Barcelona's vibrant cultural scene birthed legends like Gaudi, Miro, and Picasso. Native Catalan talents span from Pau Casals to Dali. Hosting the 1992 Olympics sparked massive urban development, catapulting Barcelona onto the global stage.
Sample Port activities:
Works of Antoni Gaudí
Montserrat Mountain Ridge
CAVA AND CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
*These itineraries are designed to ignite your imagination. While actual itineraries may differ, we also offer customizable options to suit your preferences.
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