Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.

The coastal town of Port-Vendres stands proudly in the heart of the Roussillon region. In the curve of a sheltered bay, Port-Vendres offers a unique blend of historic heritage and exceptional natural scenery. The 17th-century fortifications, erected by Vauban, bear witness to their strategic importance to the defense of France. The coastal town’s many charming features include its cobblestoned streets, edged with houses with colorful façades, which gracefully wind their way to the fishing port, where traditional boats mingle with luxury yachts. In the distance, the foothills of the Albères tumble down to the coast, offering a green setting for this haven of peace where there is a harmonious blend of the hustle and bustle of the quays and the serenity of walks on the ramparts.

Included Excursion

Carcassonne: Quintessential Medieval City: Explore Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, on a guided tour. Walk along its 2 miles of walls, 52 towers, and defensive gates, including the Porte d'Aude and Porte Narbonnaise. Visit the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, Jean-Deschamps Theatre, and Chateau Comtal, a 12th-century castle. View the Canal du Midi, another UNESCO site connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Highlights of Perpignan: Explore historic Perpignan, visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, stroll the old town, and enjoy tastings at Les Halles Vauban market.

Salses Castle and Wine Tasting: Take a scenic drive to Salses le Château, where a guide reveals the history and defenses of its 15th-century fortress. Continue to the Rivesaltes wine region to tour a renowned vineyard, sampling Roussillon wines, including its famous Muscat, before returning to Port-Vendres.

Collioure and Chateau de l'Ou: Discover Collioure, a picturesque village near France's border with Spain, on a guided tour showcasing highlights like the 17th-century Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church and the historic Château Royal de Collioure. Stroll its vibrant streets, famed for inspiring 20th-century artists like Matisse and Picasso. Afterward, visit Le Château de l'Ou vineyard to sample fine Roussillon wines paired with cheeses and charcuterie.

The oldest harbor in France, Marseille is the city where PONANT has chosen to set up its company headquarters. Heart vibrating in its setting of Mediterranean Calanques, it reveals its raw and authentic beauty, made up of a thousand influences and cultures which, over the centuries, have made up its wealth. A stroll through the Old Port will allow you to discover the places corresponding to the city founded by the Greeks as well as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, with its astonishing neo-Byzantine architecture, which overlooks it. Close to the quays, the Place de Lenche, which covers the ancient agora, will be perfect for a break in one of its lively cafés before melting into the maze of narrow streets with colorful houses in the Panier district, just a stone's throw away.

Included Excursion

Avignon and Chateauneuf: Explore Avignon's UNESCO-listed old town, featuring the Gothic Palais des Papes and medieval landmarks. Enjoy a local lunch, then visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting with regional snacks.

Arles and Les Baux: Explore Provence's heritage with a visit to Arles and Les Baux. In Arles, stroll through the Old Town to see the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, Forum Square, and the UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheater. Admire sights that inspired Van Gogh's works. After lunch, visit Les Baux, a medieval village atop a rocky outcrop. Enjoy a guided walk and free time to browse its picturesque streets.

Highlights of Marseille & Aix-en-Provence: Explore Marseille and Aix-en-Provence with this guided excursion. Enjoy a panoramic motorcoach tour of Marseille, passing landmarks like Cathedrale La Major, Fort Saint-Jean, and Notre-Dame de la Garde. Stroll Aix-en-Provence’s historic center, featuring Cours Mirabeau, Hôtel de Ville, and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheater of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the Baie des Anges. The Chateau hill is also a very pleasant place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.

Included Excursion

Medieval Eze and Villa Rothschild: Visit Eze’s medieval village and its exotic garden with panoramic views. Then, explore the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild, its themed gardens, and stunning coastal vistas.

Nice's Old Town & Wine Tasting: Take a short drive to the heart of Nice, the French Riviera's unofficial capital. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town, exploring its rich history and artistic heritage. Visit Cave Bianchi, the oldest wine cellar in Nice, for a tasting of three local wines paired with cheese canapés. Afterward, spend free time exploring the city at your leisure.

Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognized since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colors of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.

Included Excursion

Portofino: Heart of the Italian Riviera: Explore Portofino, a former fishing village turned glamorous resort. Stroll past colorful waterfront buildings and outdoor cafes, with yachts filling the marina. Walk through lush hills dotted with villas, and enjoy panoramic views of the bay and Ligurian Sea. Visit the Church of San Giorgio, home to relics of St. George, then continue to the Portofino lighthouse for breathtaking vistas before returning to the ship.

Located on the magnificent chiseled coast of Liguria, to the northwest of the Italian peninsula, Portovenere is an unusual little fishing village. Clinging to the southernmost tip of the Cinque Terre National Park, this charming town benefits from an exceptional location, at the mouth of the Gulf of La Spezia. As soon as you set foot on land, you will be mesmerized by the pastel shades of the buildings. Via Capellini is its lively and welcoming main street, brimming with shops and restaurants. At the end of a long promenade, a steep road leads to Doria Castle. Below, on its rocky spur, the Church of Saint Peter offers a splendid view of Palmaria Island.

Included Excursion

Lucca & Pisa: Visit Lucca, a walled city with 16th- and 17th-century ramparts. Walk through the historic center, seeing the Basilica of San Frediano, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and the Cathedral of San Martino. Enjoy free time before lunch. Drive to Pisa to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, including the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery, and Monumental Cemetery. Return to Livorno after your visit.

The Cinque Terre by Sea: Embark on a scenic boat ride from Porto Venere along the Ligurian coastline to Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages. Enjoy free time to explore the seaside promenade, visit the Capuchin convent, or take in views of the surrounding hills and vineyards. Continue by boat to Vernazza, known for its narrow streets, charming squares, and vibrant houses. Explore the medieval fort, castle, and the town’s historic harbor.
 

On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.

Included Excursion

Renaissance Florence: Discover Florence's Renaissance highlights on a full-day excursion. Visit Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Brunelleschi’s Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of St. John. Explore Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio. End at the Basilica of Santa Croce, home to the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Enjoy free time for shopping before returning to Livorno.

Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easygoing town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometers from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.