Mediterranean Discovery

•   1 night in Monte-Carlo and 2 nights in Barcelona at luxury hotels in the heart of the cities

Day 1: Arrive Nice / Bonjour, Monaco!
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.
Overnight: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: • Monte-Carlo, Nice & your cruise begins
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 Nice on the French Riviera for an orientation tour followed by time on your own. Board Le Ponant late afternoon in Nice, and set sail for intriguing ports that big ships simply can’t visit.
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3: • Vines and villages on Ile de Porquerolles
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. Learn about the island's unusual vegetation and visit historic Fort Ste. Agathe. Later, weather permitting, take a dip in the sea from Le Ponant’s stern platform before attending the Captain’s special welcome dinner.
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: • An exclusive experience in La Camargue
Get set for a full day ashore in a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur – the nature sanctuary of La Camargue in the Rhone Delta, known for pink flamingoes and beautiful white horses; it is also where the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. Learn about the natural history and ecology of the Rhone Delta as you drive through this exceptional wildlife sanctuary en route to a local working farm. Experience a personal look at the cultural traditions of this region during a typical Provençal lunch hosted by the farm owners, followed by a Camargue cowboy demonstration – a very private and exclusive included Tauck experience.
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: • History comes alive at Carcassonne in the Languedoc
Step back in time today as you venture inland to the Citadel of Carcassonne in the heart of the Languedoc. A walk atop the outer walls of La Cité rewards with scenic beauty and a close-up look at the ramparts of one of the most perfectly restored medieval walled cities in Europe. Go inside for a visit to the Basilica St-Nazaire – with beautiful stained glass windows, a 16th-century organ and a 13th-century bishop's tomb – and have lunch at the lovely Hotel del La Cite. Explore Abbaye de Frontfroide en route back to Le Ponant.
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: • From the Cote d'Azur to the Wild Coast
Le Ponant docks at Palamós on Spain’s spectacular Costa Brava – the "Wild Coast" – 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, his hometown in the heart of Catalonia, then check out the seaside resort of Cadaqués. Or, 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!
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: • Among the hidden coves of 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. Explore the capital city of Mahón, followed by a swim in an island cove, weather permitting. Continue to the port city of Ciutadella, where a walking tour reveals historic mansions and a 14th-century church. Join your shipmates for the Captain’s gala farewell dinner this evening.
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: • Ashore in marvelous Majorca
Arrive in famous Palma de Majorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands, where Le Ponant docks near the center of town. You’ll be inspired during a visit to the grand Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a preexisting Arab mosque. Return to the ship after more sightseeing and some free time to explore on your own. As you enjoy lunch on board, the Captain will search for the ultimate spot for your afternoon swim, weather permitting.
Overnight: Aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Adios, Le Ponant... hola, Barcelona!
While you’ll be sorry to bid adieu to the crew of Le Ponant as you disembark today, be of good cheer – beautiful Barcelona awaits you! On a sightseeing tour with your local guide, discover the inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, 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 and settle into your hotel, Le Méridien Barcelona, for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: The bounty of Barcelona
History surrounds you this morning in Barcelona’s Gothic district. 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 cocktail party and dinner tonight.
Overnight: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11: Homeward bound from Barcelona
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.
Overnight: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
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Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

7-Night Cruise on Le Ponant ~ Monaco ~ Minorca ~ Majorca ~ Barcelona

Tauck Tour Deals

Tauck Single Specials

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