European Escapade: Sail & Rail

Arrive in Barcelona where you have 2 nights to explore the city.

On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital’s tourist attractions and historic neighborhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona’s attractions: There’s Gaudí’s mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d’Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.

Board your ship today and your cruise begins.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.

Stroll Tunis’ spirited medina where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, carpets and other treasures at fire sale prices. Sharpen your haggling skills here—it’s anticipated! At the edge of the Sahara, the Phoenician city at Carthage now lies in windswept ruins, but once was the glorious rival of Rome.

Thick sandstone walls fortify Valletta, holding within its stone streets and glorious architecture. It fees like a travesty, walking over the detailed inlaid marble floors of the the cathedrals, but they are there to be seen and appreciated. The Silent City is Mdina, on the far side of the island, where no cars are permitted to disrupt the serene streets. Keep an eye out for the legendary, aged yellow buses of Malta which appear to be on their last legs, but are in fact a revered and flawlessly maintained piece of Maltese heritage.

Thick sandstone walls fortify Valletta, holding within its stone streets and glorious architecture. It fees like a travesty, walking over the detailed inlaid marble floors of the the cathedrals, but they are there to be seen and appreciated. The Silent City is Mdina, on the far side of the island, where no cars are permitted to disrupt the serene streets. Keep an eye out for the legendary, aged yellow buses of Malta which appear to be on their last legs, but are in fact a revered and flawlessly maintained piece of Maltese heritage.

Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. It sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. The town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theater still used today. Near the theater, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches.

Rising behind the wide curve of its bay with brooding Mount Vesuvius and the deep blue sea as a backdrop, Naples, Italy enjoys a magnificent natural setting. It is the third-largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan, and arguably the most colorful and seductive of them all: Splendor and squalor live side by side in 21st-century Naples, and the mix is intoxicating.

Cruise to Naples, home to world-class museums and attractions. Naples has something for everyone – superb restaurants, eclectic shopping, a thriving contemporary art scene and an edgy and vibrant street life. But once you’ve had enough of the pounding traffic and jostling crowds while sightseeing in Naples, there are endless opportunities for exploration further afield. The celebrated Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both victims of Vesuvius’ devastating 79 C.E. eruption, lie just south of the city. Explore Naples’ history or take a short ride over to the island of Capri on a Naples shore excursion. The delightful town of Sorrento and the magnificent scenery of the Amalfi Coast are also within easy reach, and the dolce vita glamour of Capri—not to mention the healing thermal waters of Ischia—are a short hydrofoil hop from the mainland. Naples cruises offer a perfect mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Access to the best of Tuscany: Florence, with its magnificent art and architecture and elegant shopping; Pisa’s Leaning Tower; and ancient Lucca. Sample shore excursions: Tuscan Countryside & Wine Tasting; Florence & the Academia.

Most famous as the birthplace of a diminutive, strong-willed local who went on to become known simply as Napoleon, the port of Ajaccio is Corsica’s small, walkable capital. The roots of this city on the island’s western coast are said to go back to another strong man, the Greek hero Ajax.

Only 200 miles from its parent France, you might as well be in another country on Corsica, where everything from the food to the language is unique. Anchored by a magnificent citadel and a fine Baroque cathedral, Ajaccio is filled with pastel buildings whose wooden shutters keep out the Mediterranean sun, while its streets, plazas and statues are all marked by Napoleon’s aura.

Dining and shopping along the palm tree–studded waterfront have been popular since the days of English travelers in the 19th century—activities that have once again marked daily life in the port since De Gaulle liberated the town and island in World War II. Ringed by craggy natural formations both on land and sea, as well as stunning sandy beaches, Ajaccio’s surroundings are easily explored on a drive along the windy Corniche or by heading inland to explore the rugged villages of the interior.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.

You’ll disembark your cruise today and your next adventure begins in Barcelona. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Set out and explore the colourful city, basking in the sun amidst the mosaics of the Parc Guell, catching a boat out on the ocean or riding the cable car to the top of Montjuïc hill, where you’ll be treated to delightful views over the city as well as a plethora of grand museums.

This morning embark on a tour of Gaudi’s masterpieces; Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. Learn the details and secrets of these extraordinary buildings. In the afternoon spend some time wandering down the city’s most famous shopping street, Las Ramblas, and soak up the bustling atmosphere among the shops and street artists of this tree-lined boulevard. Culture vultures might like to visit the Picasso Museum to view a huge collection of the famous artist’s work.

Catch your train from Barcelona to Carcassonne. Like something out of a children’s storybook, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a hilltop in the heart of southern France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region. The old medieval town is a paradise for travelers who love history, beautiful scenery and wine.

Enjoy a morning coffee in Place Carnot, the central square, before setting out to discover the town’s museum and gallery areas. Make use of your included tickets and explore the picturesque castle and ramparts for some wonderful views. You could spend hours wandering through narrow, winding streets of La Cité from one medieval attraction to another, exploring the charming countryside, or strolling along the Canal du Midi.

Take a relaxing train ride through some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery in France to the crescent-shaped city of Bordeaux. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Located in the southwest of France along the Garonne River, Bordeaux is the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site. Not to mention, there is no region in the world more closely associated with its incredible vineyards and wine production than Bordeaux.

Today explore beautiful Bordeaux, and perhaps enjoy a boat ride up to the impressive Cité Du Vin which is located on the banks of the river Garonne. Inside you’ll find out everything and anything about wine from around the word. Participate in a tasting session with a trained Sommelier then maybe another glass or 2 with lunch in the panoramic restaurant. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle to take home with you either, with a selection of over 800 wines from 70 different countries, there’s something for everyone here!

Board one last train to unforgettable Paris. Why not start with visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower in the Champ de Mars park? There’s a reason it’s one of the world’s most photographed landmarks. A couple more places you should visit on your first day is the Champs-Élysées and Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Roman Catholic church perched atop Montmartre. In the evening, why not find an authentic Parisian restaurant to enjoy dinner?

Head over to the Eiffel Tower for your small group skip-the-line trip to the second floor and marvel at the views across Paris, then enjoy a 1hr river cruise at a time of your choosing. There is so much to see and do in the city that your options are seemingly endless. You can visit Musée Picasso, home to the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s works, stroll through Père Lachaise (Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, and Jim Morrison are buried here), and make a stop at the beautiful Parc des Buttes Chaumont, located in the 19th arrondissement (district). Other must-see places include Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Ile Saint-Louis for shopping, and Rue des Martyrs, Paris’ 200-year-old bustling street market.

Your holiday ends today. Interested in extending your stay? Your flights are flexible, ask us about our amazing range of touring and accommodation packages.