A hidden gem in the French Riviera

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur — as the locals call it — is the crown jewel of the south of France. Its quaint yet world-renowned towns grant access to umbrella-dotted beaches and the lavender-rich countryside — making the French Riviera an alluring hotspot. But Toulon, found in the heart of the Riviera, often gets overlooked.

Toulon’s deep naval history put it on the map, but its provencal market, new art scene, and sandy beaches make it a true hidden gem of the region. Sitting between Marseille and St. Tropez, Toulon is the ideal port to fulfill all of your French Riviera fantasies.

Toulon’s claim to fame may be its proximity to Riviera towns like Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol, but its own shining attraction is the Rue Des Arts district — a network of streets and alleyways lined with murals, galleries and bars. If you’d prefer to admire the natural beauty, you can ride the bright red cable car to Mont Faron for access to winding hiking trails and sweeping views of the bay.

Experience the magic of the Med and its islands as you sail from Barcelona to the French Riviera. Explore the Tuscan countryside, revel in uncharted Ajaccio time, and get in a revitalizing Vitamin Sea-fueled day on board. With a finale overnight in Ibiza, you'll get why we call the Med irresistible.  

Cruise in port from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm. 

Tuscany, Liguria 

At first glance, you might think the snow-capped-looking marble mountains of Marina di Carrara are the actual snow-capped Alps. And frankly, no one could blame you. The bright white marble mountain tops contrasted against Marina di Carrara’s sandy beaches are almost like something out of a Renaissance painting — it’s that surreal.

The marble, which has been mined in close by Carrara for centuries, has been used to create some of the most important architectural wonders like the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David. Nestled between the rolling hills of Tuscany and the crescent-like coastline of Liguria, Marina di Carrara acts as a scenic springboard to Italy’s culturally rich regions.

Tuscany and Liguria capture Italian culture like no other region. To get a taste of Tuscany, sip your way through the Chianti region and visit vineyard after vineyard or get to know the culture in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Medieval towns like Lucca dot the Tuscan countryside and Pisa lies a stone’s throw away. On the northern coast of Liguria, encounter the Italian Riviera in luxurious cities like Portofino and picturesque villages like Cinque Terre.

Cruise in port from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

There’s plenty of things to do in ports of call when on a cruise but let’s not forget about the fun things to do when you sailing.  Here are some suggestions: 

Hit the pool - without a doubt the most popular thing to do on a sea day is to partake in that classic cruise activity of lounging by — or in — the pool, soaking up the sun, with a drink in your hand.

Spa – treatment - another popular pastime while on a sea day is to get a treatment at the spa. On the cruise you can everything from hydrotherapy treatments, massages to manicures. 

Gambling - Gambling on a cruise is one of the more popular activities.  

Sleep in - wow you can sleep on any day of your cruise… it’s your vacation after all. A day at sea, however, is the perfect time to take advantage.

The magnetism of the Mediterranean

As a French commune only seven miles from the Italian island of Sardinia, Corsica is a blend of French and Italian culture. The locals feel more Italian than French but enjoy francophile staples like boulangeries and charcuterie. The capital port city, Ajaccio, sits on the western side of a natural paradise with astonishing peaks and sprawling beaches.

Ajaccio’s small streets are steeped in Napoleonic history including Maison Bonaparte, the infamous commander’s ancestral home. Tucked away in the mountainous countryside you’ll find vineyards, endless hiking trails and wild boar (see charcuterie). The Ajaccio Market displays fresh honey, organic wine and aromatherapy oils harvested from the hills. Ajaccio is a gateway to the beaches along Corsica’s shores and the forests, canyons and coves hidden in the Mediterranean mountains.

Ibiza – The best of both worlds

Thanks to its iconic nightclubs and star-studded DJ sets, Ibiza earned its reputation as the party capital of the world. So, Ibiza’s true beach-bum personality and quiet seaside streets might surprise you. Once you get to know its free-spirited culture, sandy coves and historic Dalt Vila, you’ll have a clearer picture of the most talked-about Balearic island.

Spend the night in Ibiza 

In Ibiza, you’ll conquer clubs both day and night. Immerse yourself in Ibiza’s dance culture, plus VIP access to sophisticated nightclubs with showstopping DJ lineups. 

Then, wake up (or stay up) to detox in a prime beach club for a day of sun and much-needed relaxation. Wander through the island’s hippie markets where you’ll find colorful woven goods hanging from stalls or head south to Formentera (Ibiza’s smaller sister island) to explore sparsely inhabited salt plains and sand dunes. Ibiza’s laid-back luxury lets you seek shelter from the partying or dance until dawn.

Whether it’s jaw-dropping architecture, mouth-watering tapas or that cool, Mediterranean atmosphere a tour of  Barcelona should not be missed.

 The most spectacular – and controversial – of Antoni Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces, is the Sagrada Família which has been under construction for over 100 years and is not expected to be completed until about 2026.

 Rich in religious symbolism intertwined with themes of nature and unusual geometric forms, this is one of the most visually arresting monuments you’ll find in Europe.

Cruise returns at 6:30 a.m.