February 14, 2018

Cruising the Mediterranean: The Vacation of a Lifetime

Picture of Nick Cabugos
Nick Cabugos

Creative Director, Montecito Village Travel

This sample itinerary is for 8 nights in the Mediterranean with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and includes Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Sète, Provence, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence and Rome.

Book with Montecito Village Travel and receive a FREE 3-Category Suite Upgrade, from the Deluxe Veranda Suite to the Concierge Suite and exclusive Concierge-Level amenities such as a FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Package.

Day 1: Barcelona, Spain

Begin your cruise in one of Europe’s most visually stunning cities. Known for its art and architecture, Barcelona was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show. Explore at your leisure before returning to the ship.

Valencia, Spain

Day 2: Valencia, Spain

Depart from the pier and enjoy views of the City of Arts and Sciences, a cluster of futuristic-looking buildings. Get ready to settle in for a relaxing, scenic drive past Valencia’s icons, starting with the Marina Real Juan Carlos. The bustling Columbus Market, adorned with colorful window panels and mosaics, reveals an authentic snapshot of daily life. Valencia offers visitors remarkable samples of modern architecture, alongside such notable classics as the 13th century Cathedral and Chapel of the Holy Chalice. A medieval cathedral, the still-active bullring and the twin 15th-century Quart Towers are also closeby. History is inescapable when touring Valencia. Following your panoramic drive, you’ll have nearly an hour of free time in the city center before returning to the pier.

 

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Day 3: Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a wind-swept island with steep jagged cliffs and olive groves more than a thousand years old. Mallorca is an island of contrasts. To the south is a busy tourist area with hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping and dazzling night life. To the north are rocky valleys, sleepy villages shrouded in bougainvillea, and breathtaking views. Geared toward wine lovers, tours are offered to give you the opportunity to sample some of Palma’s finest wines along with an introduction to Palma City.


Sète, France

Day 4: Sète, France

Spend a glorious day in the Provençal countryside; see magnificent Carcassonne with its towers, turrets, half-timbered houses and superb nave of the 11th century Basilica de Saint-Nazaire, beautiful hilltop Les Baux or Arles, where Van Gogh found so much inspiration. Approximately 1 hour from the pier is the medieval town of Aiges Mortes. Once a departure harbor for the Crusades of St. Louis, today it’s a charming enclave for tourists, boasting a variety of shops and restaurants.


 Provence (Marseille) France

Day 5: Provence (Marseille) France

Located in southeastern France, today’s Marseille is a far cry from the sleepy villages it once inspired in Cézanne’s paintings. With more than a million people, the city remains the cosmopolitan and exuberant capital of southern Europe, with its picturesque Old Quarter, lively sidewalk cafes and shops, and Romanesque-Byzantine Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, overlooking the steep cliffs and offering a bird’s eye view of the city’s colorful “quartiers” stretching down toward the sea. Savor a selection of Provence wines paired with locally produced cheeses in Aix-en-Provence, which you can explore with a guide or on your own.


Day 6: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Tiny, but packed with fun, Monte Carlo offers a wonderful combination of history, beauty, entertainment and leisure. The wealthiest spot in Monaco, Monte Carlo is an enchanting place, known as the international capital of luxury and for its celebrity-sightings, casinos and nightlife. See just how incredibly scenic the Principality of Monaco is with a panoramic drive with a short photo stop at the Exotic Gardens before ascending to the Old City “The Rock”. Be sure to catch the once-daily changing of the guard, then tour the public areas at the Palais du Prince, home to the royal family.


Portofino, Italy

Day 7: Portofino, Italy

Picturesquely situated in a narrow cove, this tiny port owes its popularity to its beautiful setting, agreeable climate and lush and luxuriant vegetation. The town crowded around its small harbor is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. It has long been known as an exclusive gathering place for the wealthy, artists and actors with an ever-growing number of waterfront restaurants, cafes, and tourist hot-spots. Historic sites not to miss include to the Chiesa di San Giorgio, built on the site of a sanctuary Roman soldiers dedicated to the Persian god Mithra; and Castello Brown, with its lush garden and panoramic views of the town and harbor below.


Lush green scenery Italy flora

Day 8: Florence/Pisa, Italy

Elegant Florence offers the Galleria dell’Accademia, with its iconic masterpiece, Michelangelo’s David. The Uffizi is home to the most renowned art gallery in Italy, with representative works by the titan’s of Renaissance art. Siena captures the spirit of Medieval Italy and Lucca offers the memorable chance to bicycle through the fragrant Tuscan countryside. Although most people have heard of the nearby Leaning Tower of Pisa, few know that it combines with the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto in the city’s amazing religious core, the Campo dei Miracoli, to complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. Discover all Pisa has to offer on half-day tour.


Florence Italy Sunset Landscape

Day 9: Rome, Italy

Spend the last day of your journey in glorious Rome, where visitors are spoiled for choice in this truly eternal city. Enjoy the street performers at the Spanish Steps and people-watching over a fine glass of wine in colorful Trastevere. St. Peter’s Basilica is a full-day outing, featuring the Sistine Chapel and panoramic city vistas for those willing to climb to the top of the dome. Other landmarks not to miss include the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill, which provides you with a grand view of the imposing remains of the Imperial Palaces and the Circus Maximus, of Ben Hur fame.

Rome Italy Architecture

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