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The wonders of the Mediterranean coast, from the glamorous Cóte d’Azur and Spain’s magnificent Costa Brava to charming but seldom-visited islands, unfold before you during this magical 12-day adventure. Between a 2-night stay at Monaco’s famous Fairmont Monte Carlo and two nights at Le Méridien Barcelona, the sporty sailing yacht Le Ponant takes you to explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path ports where the big cruise ships can’t go. Savor the tranquil beauty of Le Carmargue in France. Indulge your passion for history in Narbonne and Carcassonne in the lovely Languedoc region of France and in Girona on the Spanish coast. Delve into Salvador Dali on the Costa Brava. Call at both Majorca and Minorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Take in all the scenic beauty for which the “Blue Coast” and the “Wild Coast” are so famous. See and do it all in true Tauck Style.
2008 Westbound Itinerary
Click here for Eastbound itinerary.
• Indicates day of cruising
Day 1: Bonjour, Monaco!
Tour begins: 6:00 PM at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo. Welcome to the Côte d’Azur! A transfer is included from the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Settle in at this grand hotel in the heart of the Principality of Monaco and join us to meet your fellow jet setters at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Day 2: Mediterranean magic
Begin your discovery of the Côte d’Azur with a tour of Monaco-Ville (the old city) on a guided tour including the Prince’s Palace, home of the ruling Grimaldi family for centuries, and Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. After lunch on your own, head off to explore the fabled Italian Riviera, Italy’s favorite playground on the shores of the Mediterranean. Upon your return to Monaco, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you choose.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo
• Day 3: Everything is nice in Nice
Today, you’ll see why Nice is such a popular vacation destination on the Côte d’Azur as a coach tour reveals its many charms and landmark sites. Later, admire the work of renowned artist Henri Matisse at the Musée Matisse. Board Le Ponant in the late afternoon and set sail for intriguing ports that big ships simply can’t visit.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 4: Vines, Village and Vegetation
Tender ashore at lovely Ile de Porquerolles, where no cars are allowed. The island is known for its vineyards, its charming town, its beaches and its focus on conservation. Get a feel for this little gem of a place on a walking tour to view the Central Place d’Armes, La Maison du Parc and Garden du Palmier, followed by free time for your own personal discovery. Le Phare, a lighthouse from which the views are nothing short of spectacular, and Fort Ste. Agathe are among the highlights here. Later, weather permitting, take a dip in the sea from Le Ponant’s stern platform before attending the Captain’s special welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 5: Pink birds, black bulls and white horses
Explore a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur where flamingos frolic and men love their white horses almost as much as their wives. It is in Le Carmargue that the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. You’ll learn about the natural history and ecology of the Rhone Delta as you explore this exceptional wildlife sanctuary.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 6: Legends and lore of the Languedoc
Step back in time today as you encounter the rich history, art and architecture of this exquisite area. Stunningly set amid the hills and vineyards near Narbonne, the 12th-century Abbaye de Fontroide enriches all who visit. You’ll be enchanted by the Citadel of Carcassonne, thought by many to be the most perfectly restored medieval walled city in Europe; walk atop its ramparts for a different view and visit the Basilica St-Nazaire, which houses what is believed to be the oldest organ in France.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 7: From the Blue Coast to the Wild Coast
Le Ponant docks at Palamós on Spain’s spectacular Costa Brava this morning, where a choice awaits you. If you’re a fan of Salvador Dali, seize the opportunity to visit his roots and admire his works at the Dali Museum in Figueres. If you’re a history buff, set off to discover the medieval town of Girona, with its fascinating Roman and Moorish history. No matter which full-day excursion you choose, you’ll be enriched by the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 8: Mellow Minorca
Go ashore on the Balearic island of Minorca, known for its intriguing history and beautiful beaches – and its designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. A walking tour in the port city of Ciutadella reveals historic buildings, a 14th-century church and an obelisk commemorating those who died at the hands of pirates centuries ago. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a swim in a cala (cove) before going on to explore Mahón, on the eastern point of the island, during a walking visit. Attend the Captain’s gala farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
• Day 9: Marvelous Majorca
Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands. You’ll be inspired during a visit to the grand Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a preexisting Arab mosque. Return to Le Ponant after a walking tour and some free time to explore on your own. As you enjoy lunch on board, the Captain will search for the ultimate cala for your afternoon swim, weather permitting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant
Day 10: Adios, Le Ponant
While you’ll be sorry to bid adieu to Le Ponant, be of good cheer – beautiful Barcelona awaits you! Discover the inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet this morning as you view his stunning, as yet unfinished, Sagrada Família basilica and Parc Güell, which inspires fairy-tale visions and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating his genius. Later, explore famous Las Ramblas before enjoying an afternoon at leisure after reaching your hotel, Le Méridien Barcelona.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 11: The bounty of Barcelona
History surrounds you this morning in Barcelona’s Gothic district, the Barri Gotic. A walking tour reveals traces of the ancient Roman walls and fortifications that surrounded the area from the 4th to the middle of the 19th centuries, as well as many medieval buildings and a labyrinth of narrow streets awaiting exploration. Find a charming spot for lunch on your own and continue your own discovery with a choice of visits to the Museu Picasso, Gaudi’s La Pedrera or the Maritime Museum. Join us for a festive farewell dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 12: Homeward bound
Tour ends: Barcelona. A transfer from Le Méridien Barcelona to Barcelona International Airport is included. Please allow at least 2 ½ hours for check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Discover the delights of the
Côte d’Azur and the Costa Brava on a voyage of
Mediterranean Discovery with Tauck in 2008!
Dates & Prices
2008
Jun 7, 21
12 Days from $6,790
| Double | Single | Triple | |
| 2008 Price per Person | $6790 | $11,190 | $6020 |
Special departure dates of June 7 and June 14 where the single price is $8420. Ask at booking for details.
26 meals included
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, and gratuities to ship staff.
Travel East or West – Cruise operates East from Nice and West from Barcelona. Sightseeing is identical.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.
All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.
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- Ocean
- 01 Jan 00
- Europe
- 07 Jun 16
- Tauck Cruising
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Important Terms
- * Rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
- Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
- Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
Cruise Line
Tauck Cruising
Go beyond the ordinary and experience cruise travel at its best with Tauck. What makes Tauck’s Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is the focus on the destination. Each scenic ports of call connect you with people and places, which will give you a moving, compelling and heart-warming experience both onboard and ashore.
Time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Tauck’s cruise travel adventures include guided sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You’ll dine on regional cuisine on land at aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. After a day of extraordinary sightseeing, Tauck welcome you back onboard the hand-picked vessels for warm camaraderie and lively conversation that’s inherent on every Tauck cruise travel experience. The stories are endless, the memories are timeless and the connections priceless.
You can expect to see the sights a bit differently than you would with anyone else. Tauck explores Europe’s great waterways from the Rhine and the Danube to the Rhône and the Seine in France. Their luxurious riverboats are spacious and comfortable, welcoming you to an onboard experience characterized by the Tauck. Discover river cruises that go beyond the ordinary!
Tauck Voted World’s Best River Cruise Line
For the second time in three years, Tauck has been named the “World’s Best River Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most authoritative and respected publications for travellers. The World’s Best Awards from Travel + Leisure are selected by the magazine’s readers. Every year, T+L holds a survey for readers to fill out on their main website. The survey remains open until April.
Winners are announced in the August/September issues of Travel + Leisure. These awards are given in categories such as hotels, resorts, spas, cruises, airlines, travel companies, tour operators, cities, islands, family travel, and more.
River Cruising
The heart of history meets the art of sophisticated river cruise travel aboard Tauck’s river cruises. Experience the Tauck difference on cruise travel days along great European waterways from the Rhine to the Danube, from the canals of the Netherlands to the Rhône, from the Main to the Danube and the Moselle…
You’ll cruise aboard spacious riverboats that have been custom designed to meet American standards with well appointed outside facing cabins and suites, a choice of on-board dining venues, complimentary wine with dinner, fitness centers and attentive personal service from Tauck’s staff and the ship’s crew.
Ancient civilizations beckon on cruise travel days along the River Nile in Egypt and China’s Yangtze River on Tauck’s Exotic journeys, where 3- and 4-night river cruise travel enhances land journeys.
Small Ship Cruising
The difference in Tauck’s small ship cruise travel lies in the choreography of the total cruise travel experience – the combination of personalized cruising with cultural land exploration. How you spend your days ashore – where you go, what you do, who you meet – that’s the Tauck difference. From the moment you step ashore, with 85 years of expertise on land ensures that on every cruise travel day, every moment of your shore excursions (all included in the price) count! Smaller ships hold fewer passengers, which means more personal attention from the captain and the crew – you’ll find the on-board atmosphere to be both club-like and comfortable. The pace is more relaxed, the conversations are richer, and the day-to-day experiences are shared with like-minded travelers.
