Day 1 — Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to the port. Embark our ship and begin your voyage north toward France. (D) 

Day 2 — Carcassonne, France

Dock in Sète and travel inland to the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne. Spend the day discovering the ramparts, turrets, and towers of this World Heritage site and learn about its restoration at the hands of 19th-century architect Viollet-le-Duc, said to have invented modern restoration techniques. (B,L,D) 

Day 3 — Marseille and Provence

Anchor in Marseille, France’s oldest city, and travel into Provence on your choice of excursions. Tour the boulevards and squares of Aix-en-Provence, an elegant university town known for its baroque architecture and for its native sons Émile Zola and Paul Cézanne. Or visit Arles, once a bustling Roman city founded by Julius Caesar. See its impressive Roman amphitheater, and trace the steps of Vincent Van Gogh, who spent one of the most prolific periods of his career in the city. Or drive along the Rhône to Avignon, seat of the papacy for much of the 14th century. Visit the extraordinary Papal Palace and enjoy time to explore the charming old town. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Nice, St. Paul de Vence / Eze and Monte Carlo, Monaco

Sail along the Côte d’Azur to Nice, named a World Heritage site in 2021. Explore this cosmopolitan seaside city, long considered a winter resort for Europeans. Alternatively, head to Monaco for a tour of chic Monte Carlo, then journey to the picturesque hilltop town of Eze for a stroll along its medieval streets. Or travel to St. Paul de Vence and view the modern art at the Maeght Foundation. (B,L,D) 

Day 5 — Portofino, Italy and the Italian Rivier

Cruise past the elegant resort towns that dot the rugged shores of the Italian Riviera. Anchor in the picturesque fishing village of Portofino, and take a walking tour of its winding lanes, lined with houses painted in warm hues. Then enjoy time at leisure to explore this magical spot on your own. (B,L,D) 

Day 6 — Cinque Terre or Lucca and Pisa

Set off in private boats from Porto Venere to visit two of the villages of the Cinque Terre - Monterosso and Vernazza - on foot. Or travel into Tuscany to discover the historic walled town of Lucca and visit Pisa, once an important Roman port now known best for its famously leaning tower. (B,L,D) 

Day 7 — Florence or Volterra

Immerse yourself in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence, encountering some of its most iconic artistic treasures, from Brunelleschi’s dome to Michelangelo’s David. Tour the city’s piazzas and churches, and learn how the city of the de Medicis shaped art history. Alternatively, ascend to hilltop Volterra and visit Roman ruins and the Etruscan Museum, where an impressive collection of artifacts traces the rich legacy of this ancient civilization. (B,L,D) 

Day 8 — Civitavecchia, Italy

After breakfast, disembark in Civitavecchia, northwest of Rome, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)