A Cruise to France and Spain: Treasures of Provence, Languedoc, Roussillon and CataloniaFeaturing performances by renowned musicians

Itinerary

June 1-2 - U.S., Nice, France, Embark
Depart from the U.S. for Nice, France. Upon arrival in Nice, transfer to Corinthian and spend the night aboard ship in the lovely port area of Nice.

June 3 - Nice, French Riviera
From Nice, visit delightful St.-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval village that became a favorite artists’ retreat in the 1920s. Largely built in 1537 by Francois I, the old fortified town reveals the ramparts that once defended it, while the heights still afford a spectacular view of the mountains and Mediterranean Sea. Tour the Maeght Foundation, whose modern building displays an acclaimed collection of 20th-century works by artists, including Braque, Chagall, Miró, and Picasso. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating medieval hill village of Eze and the expansive, modern Chagall Museum located in Nice.

June 4 - Marseille, Aix-en-Provence
From the port of Marseille travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul. Tour the Old City, down the leafy Cours Mirabeau, noting the perfect classical proportions of the Hotel de Ville en route to the Cathedral of St. Sauveur, with its medieval art treasures. Also visit the studio of Paul Cézanne or the Musée Granet, containing works by Cézanne and others.

June 5 - Sète, Nîmes, Languedoc
From the port of Sète, an important port on the coast of Languedoc for over 300 years, drive to the ancient city of Nîmes. An important Roman town and favored by Augustus, who embellished it with splendid buildings, Nîmes has beautifully preserved its Roman monuments. Among them are the amphitheater and the Maison Carrée, a temple dating from about 12 B.C. that is known for its harmonious proportions. The Fine Arts Museum houses a large Roman mosaic, among other objects. Explore the city’s medieval quarter, clustered around the cathedral, built in 1096.

June 6 - Carcassonne or Narbonne, The Languedoc Region
From Port-la-Nouvelle an excursion leads to Carcassonne, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Visit the Musée des Beaux Arts; the Port Narbonnaise, with sections from the reigns of both St. Louis and Phillip the Bold; the Castle; and the pure Gothic gem of St. Nazaire, rebuilt from the original Romanesque to the Gothic style after the victory of the Crusaders. Alternatively, explore Narbonne, an ancient city built on the banks of the Robine River that boasts landmark buildings and museums filled with treasures. Notable are the Cathedral of St. Just, begun in 1272, and the Archaeological Museum, with its outstanding collection of Roman paintings.

June 7 - Collioure, Céret, The Roussillon Region
From Port-Vendres, drive to Collioure, perhaps the most attractive coastal town, famed for the beauty of its setting and architecture. After exploring Collioure, drive inland to Céret, whose charms attracted some of the most important artists of the 20th century, including Matisse, Picasso, Braque, Juan Gris, and others. Visit the excellent Musée d’Art Moderne, whose galleries exhibit works by the masters who took residence here, as well as other artists. Outside Céret, stop at Arles-sur-Tech to visit the beautiful 9th-century Romanesque abbey, including the outstanding cloister.

June 8 - Palamos, Girona or Empuries & Pals, Catalonia, Spain
From Palamos, on Catalonia’s Costa Brava, explore some of the most important places of this region, including Girona, an ancient city at the confluence of four rivers. Girona has prospered since the Roman period due to its location as a crossroads of commerce. Alternatively, drive along the coast to Empuries, founded by the Greeks around 600 B.C. (known then as Emporion). Explore the remains of the Greco-Roman cities and, en route back to the ship, stop at the quaint medieval village of Pals.

June 9 - Tarragona, Poblet, Catalonia
Built in an amphitheater formation facing the sea, Tarragona is a veritable museum-town, containing remains of practically all of the civilizations that crossed the Iberian Peninsula. Explore Tarragona’s Roman remains, among the best preserved in the Mediterranean, and visit the Archaeological Museum. Also enjoy time at leisure to explore the city’s treasures on your own. Continue with a drive to the Catalonian countryside to visit the Monastery of Poblet, one of the largest Cistercian monasteries. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery overlooks the Prades Mountains.

June 10 - Barcelona, Catalonia
The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is rich in extraordinary works of art and architecture. Tour the narrow alleyways of the Barrio Gotico, the original site of the Carthaginian city, and the Templo de la Sagrada Familia, begun in the 19th century by architect Antoni Gaudí and still unfinished. You'll also visit the 14th-century cathedral, La Seu.

June 11 - Barcelona, Disembark, U.S.
Disembark in Barcelona and transfer to the airport for return flights home.