Barcelona to Monte Carlo Cruise

Day 1 - Barcelona

Arrive: Sat 05 September 2026 / Depart: Sat 05 September 2026

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.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Gibraltar

Arrive: Mon 07 September 2026 / Depart: Mon 07 September 2026

Gibraltar is the famous promontory located at the western entrance of the Mediterranean, with Spain to the north and, across the Straits, Morocco to the south. The Straits, a channel 36 miles long that connects the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, are 27 miles wide at the west end, 8 miles at their narrowest and 15 miles between Gibraltar and Almina Point near Ceuta. Africa is clearly visible on a fine day. Gibraltar's airport is known for its unusual runway that bisects the two-mile-long narrow isthmus linking the colony geographically to mainland Spain.

Day 4 - Malaga

Arrive: Tue 08 September 2026

Situated on Spain's Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region's capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and for the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. Other points of interest include impressive Gothic architecture, the remains of a Moorish castle and several interesting museums. A pleasant town to explore, Malaga also serves as a popular starting point for trips to Granada and resorts along the Costa del Sol. Granada and the famed Alhambra are the region's most outstanding attractions. Here, magnificent Moorish palaces and fortifications contrast sharply with Christian churches from Spain's significant era of the 1492 Reconquest, in which King Ferdinand put an end to eight centuries of Moorish rule. Other worthwhile destinations from Malaga include such well-known resorts as Marbella and the white village of Mijas, located on the hillside above the coastal towns of Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

Day 5 - Malaga

Depart: Wed 09 September 2026

Situated on Spain's Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region's capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and for the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. Other points of interest include impressive Gothic architecture, the remains of a Moorish castle and several interesting museums. A pleasant town to explore, Malaga also serves as a popular starting point for trips to Granada and resorts along the Costa del Sol. Granada and the famed Alhambra are the region's most outstanding attractions. Here, magnificent Moorish palaces and fortifications contrast sharply with Christian churches from Spain's significant era of the 1492 Reconquest, in which King Ferdinand put an end to eight centuries of Moorish rule. Other worthwhile destinations from Malaga include such well-known resorts as Marbella and the white village of Mijas, located on the hillside above the coastal towns of Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

Day 6 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Thu 10 September 2026 / Depart: Thu 10 September 2026

On the crossroads of mighty cultures, this Murcian port has endless ancient stories to share. A valuable natural harbour attracted many civilisations to this sun-bathed, southeasterly setting - following its foundation by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. Blending the imprints left by countless cultures on this global junction, the presence of everyone from the Vandals to the Phoenicians and Moors can be felt as you explore, walking between ruins and celebrated modernist architecture along Calle Mayor. Cartagena is crowned by the soaring Castillo de la Concepcion - rise to the stout castle aboard a panoramic lift. Inside, look through reams of archaeological treasures, or admire the rolling views down over the port and across the waters. Watch out for the electric blue peacocks who strut flamboyantly. Cartagena's emergence as a visitor destination coincided with a stunning discovery in 1988 - the bowl of a gloriously preserved Roman Theatre. Enter to sit among the grandiose ancient venue, so evocative, you can't help but imagine the historic performances that have graced its stage. Wander the breezy waterfront, looking across the narrow strait towards Africa's distant haze, and spotting gleaming warships. Cartagena's perfect harbour means it has been one of Spain's oldest strategic navy positions since the 16th century. Settle to enjoy the joys of tapas in lively bars - sampling crisped paella, squid and honeyed-aubergine. Easter's Semana Santa festivities are typically lively here, as hooded processions, lavish floats and sombre fiery displays roll through the streets.

Day 7 - Valencia

Arrive: Fri 11 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 11 September 2026 at 18:00

Valencia is Spain's third largest city and capital of the region. It was originally founded by the Romans on the banks of the river Turia in 138 BC. In 711 AD the Moors arrived and converted the area into a rich agricultural and industrial center, establishing ceramics, paper, silk and leather industries. Muslim rule was briefly interrupted in 1094 by the legendary Castillian knight, El Cid. Valencia boomed in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming one of the strongest Mediterranean trading centers. Valencia is a vibrant, friendly and chaotic city that boasts an outstanding fine arts museum and one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Spain. The city center is about 3 miles inland from the coast. Plaza del Ayuntamiento marks the center of Valencia. Surrounded by flower stalls, it is also home to the town hall and the main post office. The cathedral was begun in the 13th century and finished in 1482. It has many architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. The octagonal bell-tower, called Miguelete, is one of the city's landmarks. The small cathedral museum boasts a tabernacle made from 550 pounds of gold, silver, platinum, emeralds and sapphires. It also purports to be the home of the Holy Grail, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper. West of the cathedral is the oldest part of the city, known as El Carme. Situated across the river in the Jardines del Real is the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Fine Arts Museum. Works include those by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.

Day 8 - Alicante

Arrive: Sat 12 September 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 12 September 2026 at 19:00

The bustling resort of Alicante serves not only as the port for Madrid, but is also one of the loveliest vacation spots along Spain's sunny Costa Blanca. The latter is primarily due to the pleasant climate.

Day 9 - Ibiza

Arrive: Sun 13 September 2026 at 11:30 / Depart: Sun 13 September 2026 at 23:00

A mystical island of rustic beauty, featuring long stretches of sandy beaches, hidden coves and sunsets that ladle flourishes of reds and pinks across the skies. The White Isle is so much more than just its thudding summer party scene - and an island of culture, fine dining and sophisticated elegance awaits. Ibiza has always called out to those seeking escape and sanctuary, and you'll soon feel the island's magic as you dive with dolphins, dine on calamari and octopus platters, and revel in Ibiza's rejuvenating, artistic ambience. View less Ibiza Town's 16th-century old town is a maze of wide cobbled streets, lined with a crowd of outdoor bars and energetic restaurants serving up heavy platters of fresh seafood. The steep walls of the rustic citadel, Dalt Vila fortress, tower over the town and the area is peppered with museums and historical quirks, as well as the crowning Catedral de Eivissa. Wind up along pathways of uneven cobbles for unrivalled views out over the city and waves below. Play golf on peaceful courses, which unspool along the coastline, lounge on a beach or sail with the yachting crowd on the calm waves, as you rejuvenate in Ibiza's heavenly glow. Beaches are long and sandy - choose between humming options where water sports and casual beach volleyball matches take place, or seek out quieter scenic coves to enjoy the shade of pine trees and swim in shallow waters. You may find that you're mysteriously drawn to the 400-metre-high protrusion of Es Vedra - a rocky, uninhabited island, which rears from the waves opposite Cala d'Hort beach. Island whispers proclaim it to be the earth's third magnetic point, and home to the sirens of Ancient Greece.

Day 10 - Alcudia, Mallorca, Spanien

Arrive: Mon 14 September 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 14 September 2026 at 21:00

Nothing if not strategic, Alcúdia is the ideal base for exploring Mallorca's north coast, with the 13-km-long (8-mile-long) beach from Port d'Alcúdia to C'an Picafort and the adjacent Playa de Muro, the bird-watchers' paradise in the S'Albufera wetlands, and the spectacular drive along the corniche to Cap de Formentor. The charming little walled town itself is a capsule version of Mallorcan history: the first city here was a Roman settlement, in 123 BC.

Day 11 - Palamos

Arrive: Tue 15 September 2026 / Depart: Tue 15 September 2026

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Monte Carlo

Arrive: Thu 17 September 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 17 September 2026

The independent principality of Monaco is famous as the playground of the Côte d'Azur. With sandy beaches, elegant hotels and a vibrant nightlife, this tiny domain is a favourite haunt of the jet set. In the possession of the Grimaldi family for more then 700 years, treaties with France guarantee Monaco's independence. The population of the fashionable enclave is 32,000 citizens, for an area smaller than New York's Central Park, but it boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world. In addition to its luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, Monaco is noted for its mild climate and magnificent scenery. Once an exclusive wintering stop for Europe's aristocracy and royalty, today there are more than 5 million visitors annually. Of the principality's four sections - La Condamine, Fontvieille, Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo, the latter two rank highest on every visitor's must-see list. In Monte Carlo, the Grand Casino and Opera is perhaps Monaco's most outstanding attraction. For more than a century, the principality's livelihood was centred beneath the copper roof of this splendid establishment. The resemblance to the Paris Opera House is less than accidental since they share the same architect, Charles Garnier. Also facing the square are the famed Hotel de Paris and the more modest Café de Paris. Monte Carlo spells sophistication; it is the epitome of elegance and glamour. Year after year, the rich and famous of business and entertainment gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world's most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d'Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo. Situated on a rocky peninsula, Monaco-Ville comprises the old town and the seat of Monaco's government. Narrow streets lead to the Prince's Palace high above the sea. The 19th-century Romanesque cathedral contains impressive works of art and the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainer III, while the Parliament building and the Oceanographic Museum offer additional points of interest. As if Monaco's splendid attributes weren't enough, the surrounding areas with their incredibly beautiful scenery are additional attractions.