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Embark on a luxurious small ship cruise, exploring beautiful islands and alluring cities as you journey across the southeastern coast of France, making your way to Spain’s Balearic Islands. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the fascinating history, captivating cultures, and spectacular sites found throughout this region of the Mediterranean.
Experience the sophistication of Barcelona on a highlights tour of this Catalonian capital, join the jet-set during a visit to sun-soaked Saint-Tropez, explore the natural wonders of magical Marseille, and stroll the historic streets of Ajaccio's Old Town district. In all, you'll enjoy 8 included features for a breadth of unique experiences throughout your small ship Mediterranean cruise. Plus, you can extend your discoveries with an optional pre-trip extension in Madrid.
On board, indulge in the Ocean Odyssey’s first-class amenities and personalized service. Designed with just 77 cabins onboard – including a landmark 15 solo cabins – this elegant small ship seamlessly blends opulent luxury with intimate discoveries. After a day of portside exploration, relax onboard with a pampering spa treatment or a delicious meal cooked over a hot-rock grill. Take in the panoramic views from the top-level sundeck or relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs. Your onboard Destination Manager can assist with reservations for the ship’s spa or salon, and you’ll be picture-ready in no time for these glamorous ports of call.
In addition to its famous museums, bustling streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants featuring world-class cuisine and traditional specialties; and unbeatable nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its tranquil historic spots that charm everyone walking by. Immerse yourself in the culture of this lively, Iberian city during your optional pre-trip extension.
Fly overnight to Barcelona
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Barcelona. Or, depart earlier for your optional pre-trip extension to Madrid, Spain.
Arrive in Barcelona and check into your hotel
Welcome to Spain! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have time to relax at your hotel, or head out and acquaint yourself with your surroundings. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Included meals:
Barcelona at your leisure
Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have a full day to explore Barcelona at your leisure.
Embark the Ocean Odyssey in Barcelona today
Today, you’ll embark the Ocean Odyssey and begin your exciting Mediterranean voyage. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of a few of Barcelona’s highlights, including Montjuïc Hill, the Plaza de España, and Gran Via. You’ll also have an opportunity to discover Paseo de Gracia and have free time for shopping at Las Ramblas.
Once on board get settled in your sumptuous stateroom, then explore the Ocean Odyssey’s many amenities, including the sundeck and fitness center. Later, gather for the first of your daily port talks to hear about tomorrow’s exciting destination. Tonight, savor a special Welcome Dinner.
Included Feature:
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Opt for a special Barcelona sightseeing tour that includes access to the interior of La Sagrada Familia. Learn more
Begin your discoveries with a guided visit of the Museo Nacional de Prado (Prado Museum). Housed inside a building originally constructed in 1785 to house the Natural History Cabinet, today the Prado Museum is Spain’s main national art museum. Visitors are able to get up-close to the works of master artists such as Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, and Diego Velázquez.
Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century, the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, is one of Barcelona’s must-see landmarks. This Catholic church — the largest one in the world to remain unfinished — was inscribes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, along with six other Barcelona properties built by Gaudí. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church, proclaiming it a minor basilica, in 2010. On this optional excursion, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the interior of the church and take in the beauty and artistry of this structure for yourself. Your tour concludes with lunch at a local restaurant.
Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!
A walking tour of Port-Vendres
Following breakfast on board, you’ll set out to explore Port-Vendres. Situated at the foot of the Albères mountain, you’ll find this tiny resort town, named for the goddess Venus. This small Mediterranean town, situated near the Spanish border of southeastern France’s Côte Vermeille, is famous for its fishing port and deep-water harbor, the only natural port on the Vermillion Coast. This charming city has a long history dating back to Europe’s Iron Age, and you’ll discover its highlights during an included walking tour today.
Witness the magic of multi-faceted in Marseille
The beguiling city of Marseille has long been considered a cultural capital of Europe, thanks in large part to its diversity, sophistication, and history. Today, you’ll enjoy the sights of this charming region during a full-day tour of romantic Provence.
Beginning in Gordes, you’ll pay a visit to its namesake castle, located in the heart of this picture-perfect village. Continuing on to Roussillon, you’ll bask in the beauty of its rust-hued cliffs and ochre quarries. The contrasting emerald pine trees and vivid blue Provençal sky create a stunning canvas. You’ll be provided with lunch money to dine at the restaurant of your choosing, then it’s on to a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town, strolling past elegant mansions and under the lovely plane trees of Cours Mirabeau. If you wish, you may stay behind to visit the art studio of 19th-century Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne’s, or return to the ship for an afternoon at leisure on board.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Spend a full day in Camargue National Park, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve dedicated to the protection of local flora and fauna. Learn more
Head into Camargue National Park to explore the vast Rhône River Delta, a pristine region of swamps, river tendrils and ponds teeming with numerous bird species, including the pink flamingo. Throughout your safari, you will pause as opportunities arise to view the region’s wild Camargue horses and bulls grazing as manades, or free-roaming herds. You will visit a working farm to learn more about the horses and bulls and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Join the jet-set in legendary Saint-Tropez
The mere mention of Saint-Tropez evokes visions of jet-setting celebrities, sun-soaked beaches, and elegant luxury. What was once a sleepy fishing village in the French Riviera has become an iconic playground for the rich and famous, and you’ll discover it for yourself on an included walking tour this morning. Stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets of this vibrant township, taking in the bright scenery as you breathe in the fresh ocean air of the Gulf of St. Tropez and the scent of lavender from nearby fields. There is more to Saint-Tropez than just the endless beaches lining the French coast, and your tour will introduce you to its ancient stone buildings, heritage sites, and lively boutiques and cafés.
Following your tour, you’ll return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure on board as we make our way to Nice. After dinner on board, you’ll have the evening free to head ashore on your own.
Dig into the fascinating history and culture of Sardinia with a half-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Barumini, from where you’ll be able to view the prehistoric Su Nuraxi Fortress and learn about the prehistoric cultures that built the Nuraghe structures found here. Then, visit the Giara Plateau and see the wild horses of Giara di Gesturi, a unique breed of small horses dating back to Phoenician times and one of the few remaining wild horse breeds in Europe.
Spend the day in dazzling Nice
Today, you’ll head out to explore Monaco on an included day trip. Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco may be the world’s second-smallest country, but it’s been a favorite destination of high-rollers and celebrities since the early 20th century. Dominated by high-rise hotels, super yachts, and elegant casinos, Monaco is sure to dazzle you with its high-end luxury and stately Prince’s Palace.
Step back in time in ancient Ajaccio
Ajaccio, the capital of the French island of Corsica, sits just over 200 miles southeast of Marseilles. As the birthplace of French emperor Napoléon Bonaparte, this rugged 2nd-century port city comes with a starring role in world history. Its pastel-hued cafés and trendy waterfront promenade nestle alongside the tangled laned of its Old Town neighborhood, where Napoléon’s childhood home — now a museum displaying treasured family heirlooms — and the 15th-century Genoese-built citadel reside. You will explore this historic area on an included walking tour today, with leisure time on your own afterwards.
Enjoy a day of scenic sailing on board
You’ll have a full day of scenic sailing to indulge in your ship’s 5-star amenities. Relax on the sundeck, visit the spa for a soothing treatment, and shop for souvenirs at the onboard gift shop. At mealtimes, savor culinary creations prepared by your skilled onboard chefs. In the evening, head up to the Observation Deck for magnificent stargazing.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn more
Discover the lovely Menorcan city of Mahón
Menorca, the easternmost of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is a delightfully laidback destination. Surrounded by sun-dappled cities, golden-sanded beaches, and whitewashed rural villages. Following breakfast on board this morning, you’ll head ashore to explore the highlights of Mahón, the island’s capital city, on an included tour. Officially known as Maó, Mahón is home to one of the world’s longest natural harbors. Measuring three miles in length and 3,000-feet-wide, its deep waters remain crystal clear due to the port's enclosed nature. One fun fact about Mahón is that mayonnaise is believed to have originated here!
Visit Palma de Mallorca, the jewel of Spain’s Balearic Islands
Your ship will arrive in Palma de Mallorca this morning. Ringed by pristine crescent beaches and cloaked in lush green forest, Mallorca is an island paradise for both residents and visitors alike. On a panoramic city tour, you'll explore the stunning circular Bellver Castle, built in the 14th century for the Kings of Mallorca. Later, step inside the massive La Seu Cathedral. This honey-colored, Gothic masterpiece boasts a cavernous interior designed by Antoni Gaudí and a 144-foot-high nave. Return to the ship for lunch before an afternoon at leisure in Palma de Mallorca.
Disembark the Ocean Odyssey in Barcelona
After breakfast, you’ll disembark the Ocean Odyssey and transfer your Barcelona hotel. Following check-in, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your leisure to enjoy Barcelona at your own pace. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Another day to explore Barcelona at your leisure
Enjoy another leisurely day in Barcelona today. Set your own schedule as you take in the city’s renowned sites.
Return home today
Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll check out and head to airport to board your return flight home.
Please Note: Ocean cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew. Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.
