10-night Mediterranean Island Hotspots Voyage

The Balearics are comprised of 16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. Lying just 60 miles off the Spanish mainland, the islands’ lush and rugged landscape combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate prove irresistible. The Balearics boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports activities. Palma de Majorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and gothic architecture. Museo de Mallorca housed in the Palacio Ayamans boasts an interesting collection of Moorish, medieval and 18th- to 19th-century art. Those who wish to explore the northern end of the island will enjoy the dramatic land and seascape of Cabo Formentor at the end of a long, narrow peninsula. A winding road with magnificent views leads to the luxury Hotel Formentor, beautifully situated above the bay. The lighthouse of Cabo Formentor is the most northerly point on Majorca.

Destination Guide

Ibiza, often called the White Island for its typical architecture, became a major center of touristical attraction during the 1960s, being then famous for its "Hippie-Culture" and nudist beaches. Today Ibiza has offerings for families and older visitors, but there are the young ones who are attracted by the island's rollicking nightlife, which already starts in the afternoon, at the beaches and in the center of town, to continue until dawn in the numerous discotheques. Behind the beaches and in the island's interior, is a pure and simple Mediterranean culture, and remains of populations which inhabited Ibiza thousands of years ago, as for instance the famous wall-paintings of Ses Fontelles.

Destination Guide

Excursions

From Ibiza to Formentera Sailing Journey — Optional Private Excursions
Overview: Embark on a dream journey to Formentera, Ibiza's enchanting neighbor known for its captivating beaches and turquoise waters. Explore the pristine shores of S'Espalmador island, with highlights including the iconic Illetes Beach, one of the most famous in Formentera, or the picturesque Cala Saona. Dive into the crystalline waters, dig into hidden caves, and indulge in delicious seafood cuisine, all while soaking up the island's serene atmosphere.

Duration: 8 Hours

Ibiza Sailing Gastronomic Journey — Optional Private Excursions
Overview: Marvel into a sailing journey to the sheltered jewels of Ibiza's coastline, dwelling pristine calas accessible only by boat. Dip into the magnetic secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. Pamper your soul and relax under the Mediterranean vibe and warm feeling. Glance the wonders of the Mediterranean coastline while indulging your senses and savoring mouthwatering dishes crafted onboard.

Duration: 8 Hours

Ibiza, often called the White Island for its typical architecture, became a major center of touristical attraction during the 1960s, being then famous for its "Hippie-Culture" and nudist beaches. Today Ibiza has offerings for families and older visitors, but there are the young ones who are attracted by the island's rollicking nightlife, which already starts in the afternoon, at the beaches and in the center of town, to continue until dawn in the numerous discotheques. Behind the beaches and in the island's interior, is a pure and simple Mediterranean culture, and remains of populations which inhabited Ibiza thousands of years ago, as for instance the famous wall-paintings of Ses Fontelles.

Destination Guide

Excursions

From Ibiza to Formentera Sailing Journey — Optional Private Excursions
Overview: Embark on a dream journey to Formentera, Ibiza's enchanting neighbor known for its captivating beaches and turquoise waters. Explore the pristine shores of S'Espalmador island, with highlights including the iconic Illetes Beach, one of the most famous in Formentera, or the picturesque Cala Saona. Dive into the crystalline waters, dig into hidden caves, and indulge in delicious seafood cuisine, all while soaking up the island's serene atmosphere.

Duration: 8 Hours

Ibiza Sailing Gastronomic Journey — Optional Private Excursions
Overview: Marvel into a sailing journey to the sheltered jewels of Ibiza's coastline, dwelling pristine calas accessible only by boat. Dip into the magnetic secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. Pamper your soul and relax under the Mediterranean vibe and warm feeling. Glance the wonders of the Mediterranean coastline while indulging your senses and savoring mouthwatering dishes crafted onboard.

Duration: 8 Hours

Mahon is a town known since antiquity for its natural harbor. Its coastline includes beautiful natural coves, rocky cliffs, and long beaches. Menorca is an open-air museum with archaeological remains giving evidence of Mediterranean cultures of thousands of years ago. Traces of English rule remain, especially in the design of tall houses with sash windows overlooking the harbor. Watersports are most popular of the wide range of leisure activities available. Sail boat rentals are available at numerous beaches and a golf course is located in Son Park. Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 - an acknowledgement of the island's environmental importance and artistic and cultural heritage. Santa Maria Church, located in Plaza de la Constitucion, was founded in 1287 and rebuilt in neo-classical style in the 18th century. Its 19th-century organ is one of the world’s largest, with 3,004 pipes. Sa Mesquida and Cala del Pilar are the two best beaches.

Mahon is a town known since antiquity for its natural harbor. Its coastline includes beautiful natural coves, rocky cliffs, and long beaches. Menorca is an open-air museum with archaeological remains giving evidence of Mediterranean cultures of thousands of years ago. Traces of English rule remain, especially in the design of tall houses with sash windows overlooking the harbor. Watersports are most popular of the wide range of leisure activities available. Sail boat rentals are available at numerous beaches and a golf course is located in Son Park. Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 - an acknowledgement of the island's environmental importance and artistic and cultural heritage. Santa Maria Church, located in Plaza de la Constitucion, was founded in 1287 and rebuilt in neo-classical style in the 18th century. Its 19th-century organ is one of the world’s largest, with 3,004 pipes. Sa Mesquida and Cala del Pilar are the two best beaches.

Alghero is the tourist capital of the so-called Coral Riviera. Its Spanish heritage is reflected in many buildings, including the church of San Francesco and the towers and bastions remaining from Spanish fortifications. With its 22 impressive columns, the Church is an outstanding example of Catalan-Gothic architecture. Grottoes and caves attract the adventurous visitor; fishing boats and pleasure craft crowd the colorful harbor; and the crystalline sea is ideal for coral and lobster fishing. Old Town is the site of seven defensive towers that dominate the walls surrounding Alghero. One of the most prominent is Porta Terra, known also as Jewish Tower. At Via Umberto stands Alghero’s 16th-century cathedral. One of the finest examples of Alghero’s Catalan-Gothic architecture is Palazzo d’Albi on Piazza Civica. Nearby stands the elegantly austere palace Palaua Reial. Two-story massive stone towers of Nuraghe Palmavera are characteristic of the island’s numerous prehistoric settlements.

On the French island of Corsica, Ajaccio is famous as the birthplace of Napoleon. Visit the Bonaparte family home and the 16th century church where he was baptized. Or, take a tour into the wild and rugged outback countryside they call the maquis.

Destination Guide

Surrounded by emerald and crystal-clear blue water, immensely scenic and rocky coast and the rolling hills atypical of the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda is a beautiful resort area of Sardinia. Once an exclusive getaway for the jet-set and high-profile yachts, Porto Cervo is a thriving and eclectic destination, humming with activity for a myriad of interests. Along its main promenade, there are several art galleries and a museum lending to the increasing feeling that Porto Cervo is fast becoming a cultural center. Catch the spectacular sunset at Phi Beach, an outdoor club that is less of a beach and more of a social hot-spot for every kind of traveler, with music, a laid-back atmosphere and boats floating alongside to watch the sun set collectively. For something more exclusive, try the Billionaire club. Visit the pioneer of the young art scene at the Louise Alexander Gallery or the Monte di Mola Museo, Porto Cervo's first art museum.

Surrounded by emerald and crystal-clear blue water, immensely scenic and rocky coast and the rolling hills atypical of the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda is a beautiful resort area of Sardinia. Once an exclusive getaway for the jet-set and high-profile yachts, Porto Cervo is a thriving and eclectic destination, humming with activity for a myriad of interests. Along its main promenade, there are several art galleries and a museum lending to the increasing feeling that Porto Cervo is fast becoming a cultural center. Catch the spectacular sunset at Phi Beach, an outdoor club that is less of a beach and more of a social hot-spot for every kind of traveler, with music, a laid-back atmosphere and boats floating alongside to watch the sun set collectively. For something more exclusive, try the Billionaire club. Visit the pioneer of the young art scene at the Louise Alexander Gallery or the Monte di Mola Museo, Porto Cervo's first art museum.

Corsica's picturesque southernmost town Bonifacio gazes across the blue Mediterranean to Sardinia. In its narrow cobbled alleys lingers a strangely medieval mood and the ancient stone houses of the fortress-like, once much-besieged community cling to one of the island's most striking sites - a towering promontory of sheer limestone rock jutting out improbably into the sea 200ft below. Founded about AD 828 as a defence against pirates, the town was taken from Pisa at the end of the 12th century by the Genoese and remained under the influence of Genoa until modern times.

Lying inside the protected Gulf of Olbia in the northeast of Sardinia, the town with the same name sits by the sea. This quaint seaside villiage was originally started as a Greek colony and was the scene of a Roman victory over the Carthaginians in 259 BC. Phoenician and Roman tombs are still in the area and the Pisan Romanesque Church of San Simplicio in the town is a site to behold.

Excursions

Olbia: Costa Smeralda - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
In March 1962, a small group of international financiers, headed by Prince Karim Aga Khan, founded the Emerald Coast Consortium with the aim of developing tourism in the sites bought in the area. A series of high-quality structures were gradually created, and this, together with the beauty of the area, led Porto Cervo and the Emerald Coast to become one of the top level destinations of international exclusive tourism. The territory of Emerald Coast covers more than 80 kilometres of coastline, with a vast well-watered hinterland of rolling granite hills covered with Mediterranean vegetation and woods of wild olive trees. On the coast a number of resorts with a strong tourist vocation have been created and developed and are now internationally renowned. Porto Cervo was built from scratch and became the heart of the Emerald Coast.

After your visit to Porto Cervo continue to Baia Sardinia, one of the island’s finest beaches and on to the village of San Pantaleo, where you have opportunity to enjoy some free time at leisure, before returning to your ship.

Highlights:

• Discover the luxury resort of Porto Cervo, playground of VIPs
• Relax on the magnificent beach of Baia Sardinia, one of the finest in the Mediterranean

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (4 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Olbia: Archaeology & Wine in Sardinia - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Depart your ship this morning by private vehicle along with your guide and drive to Arzachena to explore two of the most archaeological sites in Sardinia, dating from the second millennium BC. Begin your guided exploration with a visit to the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, a megalithic fortress composed by a central tower and surrounded by a fortified court and village. Continue from here to the Giants’ Tombs of Coddu Vecchiu, another important archaeological monument. This ancient tomb boasts a stunning, oversize monolithic stele (an ancient stone slab or pillar).
After this unique cultural experience, transfer to the Surrau winery. Surrounded by vineyards, this beautiful winery is a modern and elegant building with wide glass windows overlooking the countryside. Enjoy a visit to the winery before enjoying a wine tasting on site. At the end of your excursion you will be transferred back to your ship.

Highlights:

• Discover the unique nuraghi culture and builings that can only be found in Sardinia
• Taste the delicious fine wines of a modern and elegant countryside winery

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (4 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities