Mediterranean, Italy and France
Art & History from Andalucia to the French Riviera - 10 Day Cruise
Join us aboard the MS Island Sky for a seven-night cruise from Malaga to Nice which we have timed for September when just about everything is as perfect as it can be, from the comfortable temperatures to the relatively crowd free sites. Our voyage promises to be an informative and relaxing journey allowing you to immerse yourself in the artistic, historical and cultural gems of the region.
Following an overnight stay in Malaga with time to discover the history and art of the city, we will embark the MS Island Sky and sail to the historic city of Tarragona in Catalonia, a veritable museum-town with remains of all the civilisations that have crossed the Iberian Peninsula and where we will discover the remnants of the Roman period. We continue to the Medieval town of Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali and in the Dali Theatre Museum can view many of his surrealistic works; to balance the day the afternoon will be spent in the Graeco-Roman site of Empries.
The second half of our journey focuses on the south of France starting with the ‘Cote Vermeille’ or rocky coast, one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean which has inspired some of the world’s most famous artists and from where there will be the opportunity to visit the wonderful Musee d’Art Moderne. Sailing along the coast to Marseille we begin our exploration of the Cote d’Azur, a region which in the late 19th century witnessed an extraordinary flowering of art that transformed the area into the greatest concentration of modern art in Europe. You can choose to discover Aix en Provence, renowned as the home of artist Paul Cezanne, to view many of the painter’s most celebrated works or spend the day in Avignon, the great City of the Popes. Our voyage ends in Nice from where a feast for the eyes will be had at the Villa Rothschild with its stunning location and beautiful gardens, a fitting conclusion to our journey.
Following an overnight stay in Malaga with time to discover the history and art of the city, we will embark the MS Island Sky and sail to the historic city of Tarragona in Catalonia, a veritable museum-town with remains of all the civilisations that have crossed the Iberian Peninsula and where we will discover the remnants of the Roman period. We continue to the Medieval town of Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali and in the Dali Theatre Museum can view many of his surrealistic works; to balance the day the afternoon will be spent in the Graeco-Roman site of Empries.
The second half of our journey focuses on the south of France starting with the ‘Cote Vermeille’ or rocky coast, one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean which has inspired some of the world’s most famous artists and from where there will be the opportunity to visit the wonderful Musee d’Art Moderne. Sailing along the coast to Marseille we begin our exploration of the Cote d’Azur, a region which in the late 19th century witnessed an extraordinary flowering of art that transformed the area into the greatest concentration of modern art in Europe. You can choose to discover Aix en Provence, renowned as the home of artist Paul Cezanne, to view many of the painter’s most celebrated works or spend the day in Avignon, the great City of the Popes. Our voyage ends in Nice from where a feast for the eyes will be had at the Villa Rothschild with its stunning location and beautiful gardens, a fitting conclusion to our journey.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (D)
After breakfast in the hotel a morning tour will take us to the 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, built on a hill overlooking the city and once considered the most impregnable fortress in Iberia. Continue to the impressive 16th century cathedral which was built on the remains of a mosque. With its mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles it has been declared a national landmark. Alternatively, our Picasso tour will start in La Merced Plaza to view the house where he was born before we continue to the Museo Picasso which contains over 200 pieces of his works. After lunch we transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in the city and sail this evening. (B, L, D)
Spend a relaxing day at sea, maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.
During the second Punic War in 218 AD the city of Tarraco was established as a garrison which developed into the main military base for the Roman army in Spain. Today we can still see remnants of the Roman period as we explore the city by foot. See the impressive walls that once surrounded the city, the 2nd century amphitheatre and the Roman Circus where chariot races were held. After lunch on board there will be time to explore more of Tarragona at your leisure. Maybe see the 12th century cathedral, visit one of the food stalls in the market or take in the street art whilst strolling in the old town.
Arriving on the Costa Brava at the port of Palamos we travel inland to Medieval Figueres, an impressive town of Modernist and Neoclassical architecture that is most renowned as the birthplace of Salvador Dali. Our tour includes the impressive 18th century castle of St Ferran and the old city walls before continuing to the Dali Theatre Museum. Designed by Dali himself, the museum takes us through the life of the artist. After lunch in the city you can choose to return to the ship and spend the afternoon at leisure or drive along the coast to the archaeological site of Empuries. Founded by Greek merchants in the 6th century BC as Emporion, it was a commercial hub and became a major port. In 218 BC the town was taken by the Romans who built an even greater city above the Greek town.
The ‘Cote Vermeille’, or rocky coast, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean and has inspired some of the world’s most famous artists. We will drive the short distance to Collioure which has always been a source of inspiration for artists. Here we will have time to explore the colourful streets and visit the local artist studios and the 12th century Royal Castle. This afternoon choose to explore the historic town of Port Vendres independently or join a tour to the charming town of Ceret located in the foothills of the Vallespir Mountains. After a walking tour of the town we visit the wonderful Musée d’Art Moderne containing works from Picasso, Chagall and Dali as well as pieces drawn in Collioure by Matisse.
From our berth in Marseilles, we will offer a choice of excursions today. You can choose to head inland to Aix en Provence which was founded by the Romans in the 1st century and is renowned as the home of artist Paul Cezanne. We will visit the Jas de Bouffan estate, Cezanne’s parents’ country house which contains many of the painter’s celebrated works. We will continue to the ‘Terrain des Peintres’ which is located on the heights of Aix en Provence, a few hundred metres from the Atelier Cezanne. It is famous for the wonderful views of the Montagne Sainte Victoire which Cezanne often painted in the latter part of his life. After lunch in a local restaurant we will spend some time in Aix with its leafy boulevards and public squares lined with 17th and 18th century mansions. Alternatively spend the day in Avignon, the great City of the Popes which boasts a number of splendid museums, churches and palaces. Our guided walking tour will include the Palais des Papes, one of the wonders of Provence and the largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, built in the 14th century as a fortified palace for the pontifical court. We also visit the cathedral and the famous Pont Benezet, a bridge that spans the Rhone between Villeneuve les Avignon and Avignon, and the Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of antiquity, built by Agrippa in 19 BC in order to provide the city of Nimes with fresh water from the Uzes area.
Arrive this morning in the port of La Seyne sur Mer and enjoy a leisurely morning to explore the town. This afternoon we drive inland to the hilltop Medieval village of Le Castellet. This remarkable stronghold, formerly owned by the Lords of Les Baux, has well preserved ramparts, a carefully restored 12th century church and a castle dating back to the 11th century. We will have time to explore the village and its winding streets before enjoying a wine tasting at one of Le Castellet’s centuries-old vineyards.
Disembark this morning and join your choice of excursion. You may wish to enjoy a drive along the coast to the charming village of Eze perched on a rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean. Fortified in the 14th century we will have some time to wander the cobblestone streets, admire the beautiful stone buildings and enjoy the magnificent views. Alternatively visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Built in 1900 in Italian palazzo style and surrounded by magnificent gardens, it houses an unbelievable collection of works including tapestries, furniture, candelabras, terracottas, porcelains and Chinese vases. Both tours will include lunch before we check into our hotel this afternoon and spend the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Maybe choose to visit one of the city’s museums dedicated to artists such as Henri Matisse or Marc Chagall, walk amongst the charming architecture of the old city or enjoy a stroll along the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais. (B, L)
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London or Manchester. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited)
Exclusions
• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
10 Days from
£5,595 GBP pp
Highlights
• Malaga's Cultural Heritage: Explore the historical city of Malaga, known for its impressive Castillo de Gibralfaro, Renaissance and Gothic-style cathedral, and its connection to the famous artist Pablo Picasso. You'll have the option to visit the Picasso Museum, providing a glimpse into the life and works of this renowned artist.• Roman Remnants in Tarragona: Explore the ancient city of Tarragona, once a Roman garrison during the Second Punic War. Discover remnants of the Roman era, including city walls, an amphitheatre, and the Roman Circus. After a guided tour, you'll have free time to further explore the city.
• Salvador Dali's Figueres: Visit the birthplace of the famous artist Salvador Dali, Figueres. Explore the town's architecture, including the 18th-century castle of St. Ferran and the Dali Theatre Museum, designed by Dali himself. The museum offers insight into Dali's life and artistic journey.
• French and Spanish Gems: Experience the beauty of the Cote Vermeille, a stunning coastal area along the Mediterranean. Discover the charming town of Collioure, visit local artist studios, and explore the Royal Castle. You'll also have the option to explore Port Vendres, Ceret, or the Musée d'Art Moderne, where you can admire works by Picasso, Chagall, and Dali.
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