This itinerary offers a culturally rich journey through Italy, France, and Spain, highlighting the elegance of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a morning near Nice at the Villa de Rothschild with its stunning gardens and exquisite collections. In La Ciotat, spend a creative day in the heart of Aix-en-Provence. Experience the thrill of a boat tour through the steep fjords of the Calanques, and be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of Collioure, which inspired the Fauvist painters.
- Nice Morning near Nice: Villa de Rothschild welcomes guests to its stunning gardens and exquisite collections.
- The Art of Aix-en-Provence: La Ciotat offers a day with creatives in their hub and college town.
- Narrow, dark and exciting: Boat tour through the steep fjords of the Calanques.
- Be Charmed by Collioure: Its breathtaking landscapes captivated the hearts of Fauvist painters.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Departure 7:00 pm
Strange, really, that Columbus left his hometown of Genoa to explore the world. After all, the proud seafaring metropolis with its charming maze of alleys, hidden backyards, and magnificent palazzi is an excellent place in itself to go exploring. You can stroll along the arcade-lined Via XX Settembre past exclusive boutiques, sample the delicacies of the Mercato Orientale, admire the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, take a selfie in front of the fountain in the Piazza de Ferrari, and finally end up back at the old harbor, which has been beautifully redesigned by star architect Renzo Piano.
Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 1:30 pm
Nice lies in one of the world's most lavishly endowed natural landscapes. The sea glows azure and the mountains in the background rise picturesquely up into the sky. Castle Hill gives you a fantastic view over the rambling old town – a labyrinth of alleyways with Baroque churches, pastel-colored houses and red-tiled roofs. The Promenade des Anglais, a sophisticated, five-kilometer-(3 miles)long walkway along the magnificent Baie des Anges and its long beach, lies at the heart of the elegant new town, with its splendid palaces and aristocratic hotels in the Belle-Époque and Art Deco styles.
Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 11:00 pm
With exciting cities like Marseille, Cassis, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence in the vicinity, it really isn't easy for La Ciotat to stand out. On the other hand, being overlooked also offers great opportunities: La Ciotat has managed to retain the authentic, unexcited charm of a small town and is a real insider tip on the Côte d'Azur. The coastal town is a great place to live in: Old mansions, chapels and churches line the town's airy squares; and the newly designed harbor promenade invites visitors to stroll and shop with a view of fishing boats, sailing yachts and the old shipyard cranes.
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 1:30 pm
On one side of the harbor a defiant church, on the other the old royal castle, in between a promenade on which gnarled plane trees provide shade – can so much picturesque idyll be real? In Collioure it can. The fishing village has been attracting artists since the beginning of the 20th century: Here, fauvists like Henri Matisse and André Derain revived in the golden light. Today, a theme trail along the harbor leads to the places where their works were created. Artists have again settled in the old town quarter and offer their works for sale in the flower-decorated labyrinth of alleys and stairways.
Arrival 8:00 am
Barcelona revels in contrasts. Many enthuse over the beautiful elegant squares and boulevards, while others look for medieval romance in the Gothic quarter. Some love the artistic treasures in the Picasso Museum or the Joan Miró Foundation, but for most people Barcelona is the capital of Catalan Art Nouveau and its glory is epitomised in the spectacular Palau de la Música. At every turn you encounter the playfully opulent creations of architect Antonio Gaudi. His exuberant fantasies are evident in the numerous houses, idiosyncratic parks and the famous uncompleted Sagrada Familia cathedral which he created.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Sea Cloud II
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing)
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 96
Built: 2001
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. Just like her legendary sister ship Sea Cloud, the 29,600 square feet of sails is set by hand which is a truly magical sight. Built to accommodate 96 passengers in five star luxury, she offers a range of beautifully appointed suites and cabins which are furnished with great style. All accommodations have outside views and the bathrooms, in light marble, are unusually spacious and extremely comfortable. The finest, carefully chosen fabrics, combined with leather, rattan and other materials, brass and gold, precious woods and marble together create an impressive ensemble.
No expense has been spared to create a sympathetic ambience in both the accommodations and public areas and this is reflected throughout the vessel. Public areas include an elegant lounge, library, fitness centre, boutique, lido bar and hospital. The single sitting dining room is airy and modern and the quality of the cuisine and service will be to the highest of standards, as one would expect on a Sea Cloud cruise. Relax on the Lido deck and experience the natural grandeur of travelling under sail, rekindling memories of a bygone age.
