Setting out from the port by coach, you will find it easy to relax and enjoy this driving tour of Spain’s most fascinating city, Barcelona, a lovely Mediterranean stronghold of architectural interest. Your guide will point out all the highlights as the coach drives up Via Laietana en route to the Cathedral de la Santa Creu I Santa Eulalia. A guided tour within the 13th century cathedral, will give you the opportunity to admire the hall church interior, suitably impressive with a raised altar and the beautiful Chapel of Santa Lucía. You will drive along one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia, lined with different Modernist buildings, many of which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Watch for Casa Batlló, an iconic Barcelona landmark and Casa Mila. Your next stop will be at one of Gaudí’s masterpieces – the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church. This is a site not to be missed. Though construction was started in 1882 it is still unfinished. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most-visited building in Barcelona, and immediately identifies the city around the world. From here you’ll head up to the El Mirador Alcalde garden with the most exceptional views of Barcelona and its impressive harbor.

One of the finest ways to absorb the colorful flavor and vibrant atmosphere of Cannes is to explore its myriad attractions on foot, accompanied by an informative guide. Head first to Cannes Old Town (Le Suquet), overlooking the original harbor and surrounded by the Tour Sarrasine’s mighty ramparts. After visiting La Castre Museum you will continue to the Forville Market and Rue Meynadier. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is vibrant with local color and home to gourmet cheese makers, delicatessens and a variety of local crafts. While strolling Rue d’Antibes, you will glimpse a tempting array of retail showcases including perfumeries, jewelers, florists, ready-to-wear clothing outlets, confectioners and tea shops. The Croisette unfurls like a fresco in a symphony of colors from the Palais des Festivals, (home of the famous annual Cannes Film Festival) in the west, to the Port Pierre Canto in the east. The boulevard loudly proclaims its elegance, with luxury hotels and designer-name shops. After walking around the Film Festival Palace, you will pause for refreshments at a local café. You may then choose to continue exploring on your own, or walk back to the ship with your guide.

Antibes was founded by Greek merchants in the 5th century and is one of France’s oldest cities. From Cannes you will take a 45-minute drive along the coast en route to this historic destination. On arrival, your walking exploration begins in the city’s old quarter, with its maze of small, flower-bedecked streets featuring both Roman and Medieval sections. Imposing 16th century ramparts overlook the Mediterranean, nurturing the heart of the Old Town. After time for independent exploration, you will enter a shop set inside a 9th century vaulted cellar incorporating a Roman well. Here you will be invited to taste regional delicacies including tapenade, accompanied by a glass of the famous “absinthe,” a wormwood-based alcoholic beverage that was the favorite of many 19th century French artists. There will be time to browse among the olive oil and other local delicacies available for sale before rejoining your coach for the return to Cannes.

Enjoy stunning views of Cannes and the surrounding Côte d’Azur as your helicopter pilot will show you the highlights of this beautiful region of France.A private transfer will take you to and from the Cannes Mandelieu Airport (approximately 35 minutes each way). Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Cannes from the air!

Upon reaching Avignon, set out on a scenic motor coach tour along the Rhone River, where you will learn about the area’s fascinating history, delivered in detail by your tour guide. While a marvelous city of art and culture, Avignon is most famous for being home to seven popes in the 14th century, who chose to reside here rather than in Rome. The incredible Palace of the Popes was constructed primarily during the papacies of Benedict XII and Clement VI and was one of the largest buildings of its time. You’ll visit this fascinating fortress-cum-residence, which consists of sumptuously decorated chambers, chapels and passages. Afterward, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the enchanting old town, and then your drive takes you into the Alpilles Range to the amazing hilltop village of Les Baux. It sits atop a rocky mountain spur like an eagle’s nest, perched 800 feet above the valley floor.

A lovely drive into the Provencal countryside brings you to the charming old town of Aix-en-Provence. Here, your walking tour will begin on the Grand Cours Mirabeau, a wide avenue built on the site of the city’s medieval ramparts and shaded by leafy 200-year-old trees. The avenue is lined with wrought-iron balconies and finely carved doorways. Explore the old Mazarin District, founded by Archbishop Michel Mazarin in 1646 and later home to many writers and artists such as Paul Cézanne. The district is also noted for its meticulously kept walled gardens. You will discover beautiful St. Sauveur Cathedral with its many contrasting architectural styles, a legacy of countless additions and renovations performed between the 5th and 18th centuries. Most notable are the remnants of a Roman-era wall that were used in a later wall, and the 15th century Gothic Portal.

Begin your excursion with a scenic drive to Figueras, located in the northern part of the Empordà region, a sweeping fertile plain that lies inland from the Gulf of Roses. Enjoy the sights of small towns on the way to the highlight of your day, the Dali Theatre-Museum. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience while visiting the museum, which houses the works of one of the art world's geniuses of the 20th century, Salvador Dali. Built by Dali himself around the former Municipal Theater, the museum is where most of the artist's works can be seen, and where his first exhibition was held. Dali was also buried at this site alongside the church that was also the scene of his christening and funeral, the first and last acts of a perfectly planned scenario. Upon entering the museum, take in the huge collection that encompasses his most outstanding works. Highlights include Rainy Taxi, Sala Mae West, which is a scenography of a living room, which turns into the face of the legendary actress through optical illusion, and the enormous portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Also see the crypt where Dali is buried. Upon departing the museum, enjoy some free time in town, time permitting, to browse the shops in Figueras before reboarding your coach for the return drive to Palamos.

During this tour you will explore the medieval sites of the province with this overview of Palamos' surrounding historical towns. Being with a drive by motorcoach north to the medieval hilltop town of Pals, which affords wonderful views of the countryside below. The Gothic Quarter of the town has been substantially restored and there are cobbled streets interrupted by semicircular arches, façades with pointed arched windows and stone balconies. The town wall contains four square towers which date from the 4th century. The Josep Pla viewpoint (from which can be seen the fields of Empordà and the Medes Islands), the Plaça Major, the tombs in the Carrer Major and the church of Sant Pere are other features of the town Following your visit of Pals, continue on to Peratallada, which is surrounded by natural moats, hence the origination of it's name, which means "carved rock”. In the 1960s, the castle of Peratallada was restored to its medieval splendor by its present owners, who welcome you to experience the medieval enclosure. Declared a historic-artistic monument, most of the buildings are built from stone carved from the fosse or moat which still encircles parts of this small fortified medieval town. The privately-owned Castle of Peratallada is the dominant structure in the center of the town, with a 13th century Romanesque church dedicated to Sant Esteve outside the town walls. The castle has been documented as early as 1065 AD and it was restored as a luxury hotel in the 1960s. Following your visit a brief drive brings you to Mas de Torrent, a Relais & Chateaux property to enjoy a sampling of local Catalan wine and refreshments. Prior to the return to Palamos you will be able to enjoy the views soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere.

The bus will take you from the port to Torrent where you will be provided with your bike, helmet and lock. After a brief safety talk you will join the cycle touring network and head inland through the beautiful countryside exploring some amazing examples of the perfectly preserved medieval villages. First stop is the hilltop village of Pals regarded as the jewel in the crown. Head up to the church and stop off to admire the spectacular views over the plain of Emporda before returning to the bikes.Next stop is Can Solivera an award winning artisan olive oil producer which produces first class organic olive oils. Hans and Daida have painstakingly restored this ancient 12th century Masia and over the last twenty five years have replanted the olive groves. They will give you a little history to their production methods and then offer you a tasting explaining the different varieties. After the tour there will be an opportunity to make some purchases at the shop.There will also be a cheese tasting and a glass of Cava. Your coach will be ready to take you back to the ship afterwards.

Depart from the port and drive to COLLIOURE to discover the fauvism road. Follow your guide in the footsteps of two French fauvist painters: Matisse and Derain who used to live in this small fishermen town. You will discover paintings in the exact place the artists got inspired to make it. You will be charmed by the bloom of colors, the light and the scenic landscapes and town. The fauvism is an art movement from the early 20th century. The particularity of this movement is the explosion of colors of the paintings and also a break with the traditional academic painting. At that time it was a real innovation very chocking for the public. Let the guide tell you everything about this passionate period. Then, time at leisure to stroll in the shops and numerous art galleries. Drive back to the Port Vendres.

Depart from Port Vendres for a pleasant drive of almost 1 hour by motor coach to SALSES LE CHATEAU. Originally a Spanish castle, now in France in the Plateau de Roussillon area, this is a part of France since 1659, in the Eastern Pyrenean Mountains region. The Salses Castle was built from 1497 to 1502 on a narrow flat streak of land along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The guide will tell you everything about its importance because of its strategic place located at the ancient border between France and Spain. Then the coach will drive you to RIVESALTES at the Rombeau domain where you will discover with M. De la Fabrègue the history of the wine as well as the Rousillon wines, tasting 4 wines in the former cave of the vineyard. Rivesaltes is famous for its soft wines and for its enthralling vineyard’s landscapes. Drive back to Port Vendres.

Drive to CASSIS via the coastal road where you will find a landscape of limestone cliffs. On arrival in Cassis, board a tourist train or a shuttle bus for the ride to the village. The old fishing port of Cassis has become a popular seaside resort. View the town’s old 17th and 18th century houses on a narrated tram ride. The quaint village lies in an attractive setting at the end of a bay where the valley comes down to the sea. A popular summer resort and a hub for summer boat trips along the river "Calanques" - the Mediterranean equivalent of fjords and lochs. The cool streets of the old town are lined with 17th and 18th century homes and the village is known for the quality of its fish and other seafood; the sea-urchins with Cassis white wine are a local delicacy. You will enjoy some free time during your visit in Cassis to do some shopping - arts and crafts merchants, boutiques and cafés fill the quays around the port of the village. Return to the ship along via the motorway.

Begin this excursion with a scenic drive to Le Castellet-a typical Provençal hilltop village above the vineyards. This remarkable stronghold, formerly owned by the Lords of Les Baux, boasts well preserved ramparts, a carefully restored 12th-century church, and a castle dating back to the 11th century. Entering by the two fortified gates, called le portail and le portalet, you will start the visit with a guided walking tour around the narrow streets up to the castle which is now home to the town hall. Time at leisure allows you to explore the arts and craft workshops-painting, pottery, hollow-ware-before rejoining the motorcoach for a drive to “Domaine de Souviou” which is a concentrated representation of the Provençal culture and nature. Upon arrival, the owner will invite you to a short walk, to get a glimpse of this 70-hectares property, planted with hundred-years-old olive trees and rows of vines, cypress trees and lavender and will offer you to taste 3 home wines and 2 home olive oil. Then, drive back to your ship.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Leaving Sete you will travel by air-conditioned coach to Carcassone, a fortified town that is famous all over the world and is unique in Europe. People still live in this medieval city with its 52 towers and two concentric walls. See the Narbonne Gate, which is the most important architectural feature of this period, and The List, an area between the two city walls. A stroll along the List is like reliving 20 centuries of history. Then, proceed to the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire – The Jewel of the Old City. All that remains today of the Romanesque Cathedral, begun in 1096, is the barrel-vaulted nave. See the Count’s Castle built in the 12th century by the Viscounts of Carcassonne. Within the walled city, it is a pleasant walk through the narrow streets. Re-join your coach and guide for your return drive to Sete.

Begin with a drive to Montpellier, a city where a thousand years of trade and culture account for an energetic spirit. Montpellier’s University was founded in the 13th century and is known for its excellent medical school. Leave your coach and begin a one-hour walking tour through the old part of the city which dates back to the 12th century. Buildings form the 17th and 18th century’s line narrow streets and quaint squares. Time permitting; you will have free time at the Place De La Comedie, Montpellier’s Central hub. Continue with a short drive to Chateau Flaugergues, which belongs to Monsieur and Madam De Colbert, and enjoy an exclusive visit to the oldest of the Montpellier “Folies”. Flaugergues exudes the charm of a house that has been home to the same family for many years. During the visit, you can admire the monumental staircase, 17th century Brussels tapestries, and beautiful French-style gardens with rare varieties of trees. At the end of this exceptional visit, you will taste the wines produced by the estate.

From Sète you will take the coastal road through Béziers to the locks of Fonserannes. At Fonserannes, you will board a boat to travel along the famous Canal du Midi, heading back to Béziers and passing through the most famous locks on the Canal. During this approximately 90-minute canal cruise, you will discover the beauty of this waterway that is flanked by more than 10,000 trees. Your trip will end with the "descent" into the small village of Colombiers. Pierre Paul Riquet, a native of Béziers who was the Baron of Bonrepos and a Languedoc tax-farmer, built the locks here in the 17th century. In 1996, the Canal du Midi was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary beauty and its continuous use as a functioning waterway.