| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 29th29 | MarMar | 202525 | Málaga, Spain, embark on the MV La Belle des Océans | 18:00 | |
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities. Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please. |
| 30th30 | MarMar | 202525 | Málaga, Spain | | |
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities. Join us for an optional excursion to Granada (including lunch). We'll visit a true wonder of Moorish art: the Alhambra, whose stunning palaces and captivating gardens are framed by the surrounding mountains. |
| 31st31 | MarMar | 202525 | Málaga, Spain | | 13:00 |
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities. This morning, join us for an optional guided tour of Malaga. We'll visit the Picasso Museum, which houses many of his original works. We'll spend the afternoon cruising. Join us for a cocktail and some tapas at the bar. |
| 1st01 | AprApr | 202525 | Cartagena, Spain | 09:00 | 18:00 |
A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port. This morning, joins us for an optional guided tour of Cartagena and its magnificent fortress. We'll spend the afternoon cruising along the Spanish coast. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment. |
| 2nd02 | AprApr | 202525 | Tarragona, Spain | 13:00 | 18:00 |
The morning will be spent cruising to Tarragona. Later, there will be a lecture in the lounge. This afternoon, we'll set out on an optional guided tour of Tarragona. Tarragona is a lively port city with a rich, Roman-infused past. Enjoy a Spanish-themed evening on board. |
| 3rd03 | AprApr | 202525 | Palamós, Spain | 09:00 | 18:00 |
One of the best ways to arrive in Catalonia is by sea, especially via the Costa Brava. This coastline, also known as the Rugged or Wild Coast, stretches from Blanes to the French border. Its name aptly refers to the steep cliff of ancient twisted rocks, which runs its entire length and is bounded inland by the Catalan mountain ranges. The intensity of the coast’s colour, the ruggedness of the rocks and the scent of the plants all combine to add to its attraction. The history of this region is long and varied. Traces can be found of the advanced culture of the Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. With Wilfred I and the independence of Catalan countries, the Catalan dynasty was born. Later, in 1479, Catalonia became a part of unified Spain following the marriage of Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Fernando, King of Aragon. The port of Palamos, some 36 miles northeast of Barcelona, has been in existence for nearly 700 years thanks to its location on one of the deepest natural bays in the western Mediterranean. The town itself is the southernmost of a series of resorts popular with sun worshippers. For the most part, Palamos has managed to retain some of the charm of a fishing village. The port also serves as a gateway to such inland locations as Girona, the capital of the province. Art lovers may want to visit Figueras, famous for its bizarre Teatre-Museu Dali, the foremost of a series of sites associated with the eccentric surrealist artist, Salvador Dali. If you choose to stay in Palamos, you can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town or spend some time at a nearby beach. The town has a long seagoing tradition and busy harbour. The fish auction, prompted by the arrival of the fishing boats, is a spectacle worth seeing. The Fishing Museum illustrates the history and the life of the families who live off the sea. This morning, join us for an optional tour of the one-of-a-kind Palamos Fishing Museum. Afterwards, we'll head to the magnificent Bodega Brugarol wine cellar. We'll enjoy a tasting of the organic wines with cheese and Spanish cold cuts.We'll begin to cruise to Roses.Join us for an optional excursion to Roses and the Dali Theater-Museum this afternoon. Dali was an eccentric, meticulous artist who changed the way we look at the world.ORJoin us for an optional visit to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. The Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes sits high on a peak in the Sierra de Rodes, overlooking the valley and sea below.Our ship will begin to cruise to Barcelona. Later, there will be a lecture in the lounge. |
| 3rd03 | AprApr | 202525 | Roses, Spain | 15:00 | 18:00 |
| 4th04 | AprApr | 202525 | Barcelona, Spain | 08:00 | |
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars. This morning, we'll set out on an optional guided tour of Barcelona. We'll visit the trendy Gothic Quarter and the tree-lined pedestrian street La Rambla. This afternoon, we'll enjoy an optional tour of La Sagrada Familia and the Park Gell, two of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces. Tonight is our festive gala evening. |
| 5th05 | AprApr | 202525 | Barcelona, Spain, disembark the MV La Belle des Océans | | |
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars. Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services. |