Oceania Cruise: Renaissance Treasures
About Monaco - From $1,365.00 USD per guest
Date: August 9 - August 17, 2016
Cruise Destination: Barcelona to Monte Carlo
On this jaunt through the Mediterranean, you’ll see masterpieces of art and architecture from many periods of history, including a call on Florence, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Near Barcelona you will find the Palau Dalmases, a stately 17th century manor. It is a wonder of Catalan Baroque architecture, boasting a lovely inner courtyard with graceful arches and remarkable sculptures of mythical subjects. While in Palamos, take a leisurely trip to Besalu, a fortified medieval village with a beautifully preserved Jewish district and many centuries-old churches. Understand the important role Saint-Tropez played in the post-impressionist movement as you admire paintings by Signac, Matisse and others at the Musée de l’Annonciade. Tour the 18th century Galimard Perfumery near Cannes to create a signature fragrance of your own.
Special Offer
- Featuring FREE Unlimited Internet, plus choose one of the below FREE:
- 3 FREE Shore Excursions
- FREE House Beverage Package
- $300 Shipboard Credit
Itinerary
Day 1: Barcelona, Spain
Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí's other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona's famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.
Day 2: Palamos, Spain
Located on the eastern shores of Spain’s Costa Brava, Palamos is a small and walkable city with beautiful beaches and a lovely promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Learn about the history and the art of fishing at the popular Fishing Museum. Travel outside the city to visit the renowned Dali Museum, where the museum itself is as much of an attraction as the works of Salvador Dali that adorn its walls.
Day 3: Provence (Marseille), France
See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provençal countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux.
Day 4: Saint-Tropez, France (Anchor Port)
Beyond the port, enjoy the exquisite hilly Provençal countryside and its charming villages with their narrow stepped streets, lovely churches and stunning scenic views. Visit a local winery or take a drive along the rugged coast and revel in the wonderful views of the beaches, the landscape, the islands and the magnificent forested ridges of the Massif des Maures.
Day 5: Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy
Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo's magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa's superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savor the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis
Day 6: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.
Day 7: Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Italy
Head out of town and discover the five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Hike along the trail connecting them or take a boat tour and see them from the water as ancient seafarers did. Go ashore and explore a picturesque town and its castle. Or visit intriguing Portovenere, another colorful town rising above one end of La Spezia's harbor with breathtaking views and the lovely Church of San Pietro.
Day 8: Cannes, France (Anchor Port)
The quintessential Côte d'Azur resort town, Cannes has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Its epicenter is La Croisette, a boutique-lined boulevard with a legendary seven-mile beach. While it's easy to spend a day here people-watching, be sure to venture up Susquet Hill and wander the winding streets of the old town. The 12th century Chapel of St. Anne and the eclectic collection of art in the Museum of the Castre will be of interest. The hilltop also affords phenomenal views of Cannes and the Lérins Islands lying just offshore.
Day 9-10: Monte Carlo, Monaco
