Ultimate Treasures of Spain & the Mediterranean

Welcome to Spain’s famous Costa del Sol and the 3,000-year-old city of Malaga. Millions of visitors flock to the region each year for its namesake sunshine, rich history and artistic soul. The city is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and proudly pays homage to the virtuoso with a dedicated museum. Uncover gastronomic delights such as ‘tinto de verano’, a refreshing iced summer wine, and wander the streets filled with architectural delights from colourful baroque designs to historic Roman theatre.

This afternoon, you’ll board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. With a maximum of just 228 guests on board and a staff-to-guest ratio close to 1:1, this is personalised travel unlike any other. You will be shown to your stylish suite, where you can enjoy a drink on your private verandah and toast the start of this luxurious voyage.

Please book your flight to arrive into Malaga prior to 02:00 PM. (D)

This morning, you’ll arrive in Gibraltar. Dominating the mouth of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is a natural fortress and a little slice of Britain tucked within the borders of Spain. The skyline is dominated by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, a 426-metre-high limestone promontory. Beneath it winds a network of more than 150 caves and curious troops of Barbary macaques have taken up residence on The Rock’s upper reaches.

On the streets below, you can explore dozens of British stores and traditional pubs, and marvel that you’re a stone’s throw away from Spain. Listen out for the local accent, a sing-song mix of English and Spanish, with people often swapping between the two languages mid-sentence.

You’ll depart Gibraltar just after lunch, so order a cocktail on the Yacht Club terrace or relax in the Vitality Pool on Deck 10 while you watch the sparkling waters of the Western Mediterranean slip by. (B/L/D)

Almería is one of Spain’s hidden gems and you’ll quickly be charmed by the handsome town centre, sunny plazas lined with palm trees, exquisite beaches and lively tapas bars. There are a number of interesting museums dotted throughout the town; the Museum of Almería is the archaeological museum and tracks the city’s history through the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors. Look out for the impressive, fortified cathedral in the old town – it was originally built to provide a safe haven during attacks by pirates. (B/L/D)

Dock right in the heart of one of the world’s greatest natural harbours at Cartagena. A prized location for thousands of years thanks to its water access and the rich mineral deposits that surround it, modern Cartagena surprises and delights. Once inhabited by the Romans, Cartagena is recognised for the wealth of ancient sites in and around the city. Roman murals and mosaics adorn historical villas while late 19th century architecture complements the picturesque Mediterranean coast.

Scenic Eclipse departs Cartagena late this evening, giving you time to explore the city after dark. Wander the brightly lit waterfront and the pedestrian streets that lead off it to join the locals for a drink or a meal at the many welcoming bars and restaurants. (B/L/D)

Wake this morning as you arrive in the city of Alicante, one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations and the unofficial capital of the Costa Blanca (White Coast). Set on the golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Spain’s east coast, this area is packed with stylish resorts and golf courses.

As with much of southern Spain, Alicante was ruled by the Moors for more than 500 years and their influence is still visible throughout the city. It is built around the base of the imposing Moorish fortress of Castillo de Santa Barbara, dating back to the 9th century; climb the hill or take the elevator to explore. El Barrio, the Old Town, also dates to the days of the Moors, and is made up of narrow lanes, colourful houses and cosy plazas, which are now bursting with cafes, bars and restaurants. Soak up the sun with a walk along the beautiful, palm-tree lined Explanada de España. (B/L/D)

Along with Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera, Ibiza is one of the four main Balearic Islands, a sun-kissed archipelago that sits off the east coast of Spain. It’s known as one of the world’s great party capitals, famed for its beach clubs, busy bars and pumping nightclubs. As you pull into port this morning, you’ll see that there is more to this island than meets the eye. Its beaches are undeniably superb, but you will also discover archaeological sites and tiny, whitewashed villages almost untouched by modern life. Inland, the island is all limestone hills and lush pine forest, home to artisan producers who are creating one-of-a-kind local delights.

Ibiza is known for its dazzling sunsets, so grab a seat and a drink at the Sky Bar or Yacht Club Terrace to watch the sky turn orange, red and pink as the ship leaves port. (B/L/D)

Sailing back towards the mainland overnight, you’ll arrive in Valencia this morning. Ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can watch the ship pull into port from your private verandah.

Spain’s third-largest city is an inspiring blend of old and new. It has one of the largest historic centres in Europe, with buildings dating back to the 13th century, sitting close to modern architectural gems like the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Running for more than nine kilometres through the centre of the town is the magnificent Turia Garden, a green space that was created by diverting a river in the 1980s. Join the locals riding bikes, playing sport, listening to live music or just relaxing in the sun. (B/L/D)

Welcome to Spain and the spectacular coastal city of Barcelona. One of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Barcelona is famous for its beautiful beaches, incredible food, cutting-edge art scene and buzzing nightlife. (B/L/D)

Step out onto your verandah this morning for a panoramic view of one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The city of Roses is on Spain’s Costa Brava, close to the border with France, in a stunning region where the mountains meet the sea. Its glorious natural harbour led the Greeks to establish a trading colony here in 776BC. Walk through the city’s fascinating past at the Ciutadella historic site. Roses is flanked by long, sandy beaches and secluded coves. The surrounding waters are famous for their marine life and there are many spots to snorkel close to shore.

You will enjoy a late departure tonight, meaning you can make the most of Roses’ famous sunsets. It is one of the few places on the Costa Brava with a western facing beach, so you will have a spectacular view of the setting sun from the sand or from one of the many restaurants and bars that dot the waterfront. Be sure to sample the local specialty, a delicious Catalan fish stew. (B/L/D)

This morning, Scenic Eclipse will sail into another of the Mediterranean’s dazzling, natural deep-water harbours. Collioure has an intricate history, occupied by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, Arabs, Spaniards and, ultimately, French over more than 2,500 years.

Bedecked with small beaches, castles by the sea, and pink-domed bell towers, it is little wonder that this town is favourite of artists. Known as the pearl of the Vermillion Coast, Collioure has azure waters lapping pebbled beaches and pastel houses surrounding sun dappled squares. Walk through the town and lose yourself on the streets lined with cafes and gelato shops. With a mix of French and Spanish influences, Collioure is famed for its wine and salted anchovies, both of which are exported all over France. (B/L/D)

The town of Sanary-sur-Mer on the French Riviera began life as a fishing village and the marina is still crammed with hundreds of brightly coloured wooden boats. As it is only a small port, Scenic Eclipse will stop outside the harbour and use tenders to take guests ashore right in the centre of town. The Captain will employ the high-tech GPS Dynamic Positioning System to maintain the ship’s location without dropping anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds.

You’ll quickly be charmed by the pretty palm-lined harbour, the quiet pedestrian streets and pastel-hued buildings, all clustered around a 13th century watchtower, which you can climb for sweeping views of the town. There are a number of interesting churches dotted throughout the town; visit the 16th century Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié and the 19th century Gothic Revival style Église Saint Nazaire. Along the harbour, you’ll see fishermen pulling in the days catch which is then served up at the open-air restaurants looking out over the bobbing boats. (B/L/D)

Saint-Tropez was once a sleepy fishing village. But in the mid-1950s, French screen siren Brigitte Bardot and the film And God Created Woman transformed it into the chicest travel hotspot for the international jet set. Today, it still retains all the glitz and glamour, alongside impossibly blue seas, stunning beaches and a bohemian art scene. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old fishing quarter of La Ponche and revel in the abstract architecture and sunlit landscapes that inspired great artists and filmmakers.

Enjoy a late departure tonight and see Saint-Tropez come alive after dark. It’s the perfect opportunity to join the beautiful people at open-air bars along the waterfront or chic rooftop cocktail bars with spectacular views. Listen for the sounds of live music and keep an eye out for any visiting celebrities. (B/L/D)

Tucked in a deep bay between Nice and the Cap Ferrat peninsula, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the hidden gems of the Côte d’Azur. The old town dates to the 14th century, creamy apartment buildings tumble down to the shoreline and hidden stairways weave between it all. This is a tender port, so Scenic Eclipse will wait just offshore as you are ferried right into the centre of town.

Enjoy a full day to spend in Villefranche-sur-Mer, where you can explore the town or make the short trip into Nice to discover its many museums, historical sites and galleries. A late-night departure allows you ample time to wander along the waterfront to discover its cosy wine bars and glamorous rooftop cocktail spots. (B/L/D)

Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, has a long and illustrious history. It was founded in the 13th century and its fiery medieval citadel still stands, overlooking the red tiled roofs. It has been a tourist hotspot since the 1920s, thanks to its a moon shaped bay lined with a golden, sandy beach and forested mountains on the horizon. Today, it has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels and multi-million-dollar yachts at anchor.

Explore the alleys of this historic old town, walk around the ramparts of the citadel, and try to find the house that is said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. (B/L/D)

Your cruise finishes in Monte Carlo. The most famous district in the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco, it attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth with luxurious high-rise hotels, designer boutiques and beautiful people at every turn. Sleek and stylish Scenic Eclipse fits in perfectly among the private superyachts anchored at the marina.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)