GEMS OF FRANCE AND SPAIN

ITINERARY

May 06 Barcelona, Spain Depart: 6:00 pm

The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city’s historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla you’ll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

May 07 Roses, Spain

Near the Spanish-French border of Spain’s rugged Costa Brava, you’ll find a fair and lovely landscape. Delight in exploring the historic center of Roses, dotted with chic shops and highlighted by modernist architecture. Roses is less than a half-hour drive to Cadaqués. This town attracted world-famous artists. Most notably, the Catalan town was where Surrealist artist Salvador Dalì spent his childhood here and later established his home in Port Lligat. The Dalí House Museum here is also worth a visit. For the ultimate view of Roses, its picturesque bay and its neighboring villages, take to the sky. From nearby Empuriabrava, you can skydive for an unforgettable thrill of a lifetime.

May 08 Sete (Montpellier), France

Sete lies at the foot of Mount St. Clair between the Gulf of Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. Hike to the summit to explore the Quartier Haute, once inhabited by Italian fishermen and now home mostly to artists who have opened their ateliers. There you can also peruse the Paul Valery Museum, displaying contemporary artists, including Maurice Sarthou, Albert Marquet, and Henry Matisse, as well as the church Notre-Dame-De-La-Salette, built on the site of an ancient fortress built by Louis XIII. A visit to Sete should include a jaunt to the beach-a heavenly strip of sandy coast that stretches for more than seven miles.

May 09 Collioure, France

Along the Vermillion Coast sits the charming village of Collioure, a mix of castles, colorful houses and surrounded by blue sea. While it has everything the wanderlust spirit seeks, it’s still relatively undiscovered. Collioure is mostly visited by local French people taking a summer holiday along its rocky beach. The standout structures to visit are the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church and Château Royal de Collioure fortress. In the 20th century, Collioure played a major role in the art of famous painters like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. It’s easy to see why as you walk down the narrow streets of the old fishermen’s neighborhood, Moré..

May 10 Mahon (Menorca), Spain

The capital of the Spanish island of Menorca, Mahón (or Maó), is well-known for its British-style Georgian houses and its sheltered natural harbor. The best way to appreciate the land’s beauty is by navigating it on a small vessel. When visiting Mahón, considered the birthplace of salsa mahonesa (better known as mayonnaise), you must sample the local fare. From fresh seafood to refreshing gin to delectable cheeses, it’s a foodie’s paradise. Support local artisans by shopping for the island’s famous Menorquinas or Avarcas, a specialty shoe once favored among the peasants for keeping their feet cool now turned into a fashion statement.

May 11 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

You know you have arrived in Palma de Mallorca, a major city of the Balearics of Spain, when you are met with majestic limestone cliffs plunging into glimmering blue water. On shore, its rich history is evident in its wonderful buildings, castles, and cathedrals. Take in the landmark Gothic cathedral, La Seu, with its enormous rose window and its wrought-iron canopy over the main altar designed by famed Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí. Go for a run or bike ride along the seaside promenade that connects Palma de Mallorca to the neighboring villages of Portitxol and Es Molinar. Beyond the city, explore the lush Sierra de Tramuntana Valley, the island’s major mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

May 12 Peniscola, Spain

Known as the City on the Sea, Peñíscola creates a distinctive scene with its Templar castle - renowned as the most filmed castle in Spain with a film history spanning as far back as 1914 - and medieval walls sitting along the shoreline of the Castellón province. Beneath the iconic castle’s silhouette lies Playa Norte, a three-mile stretch of palm trees and golden sand. Sample a local favorite, cañadillas, Mediterranean Sea snails famous for their spiky shells and served in aioli, thyme and parsley oil or a vinaigrette. Top off your culinary adventure with carabassa, a sweet empanada filled with pumpkin jam and coated in sugar, for dessert.

May 13 Barcelona, Spain Arrive: 8:00 am

The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city’s historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla you’ll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ALWAYS INCLUDED

FREE cultural immersion on every voyage
FREE dining venues with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

EXCLUSIVELY ON
POLAR EXPEDITIONS

FREE private charter jet service*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
FREE 1-Night Post-Cruise Hotel Stay

*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions

Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost