Explore bustling Toulon, with its fleets of naval ships, yachts and colorful fishing boats. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Faron and enjoy the amazing birds eye view of Toulon and the turquoise harbor. Learn about the town’s maritime history at the Museé de la Marine and about the Allied landing in Toulon at the Museé Memorial du Debarquement. Discover the maze of open-air markets and fountains in Old Town with its ancient cathedral, fragrant scents of herbs and olive oil, its restaurants, cafés and intimate boutiques. Take home designer fashions, fine jewelry, French perfumes and other Provencal mementos. Herbs de Provence, lavender, fine olive oil, and ceramics are popular.
Explore France through the ages by visiting Roman ruins in Nîmes, the fortified city of Carcassonne and medieval Perpignan, all while staying in a luxurious boutique hotel that is also exudes history.
DAY 1
After disembarking the ship in Toulon, you will transfer inland to Nîmes, a city renowned for its well- preserved Roman architecture and timeless charm. Thanks to its strategic location on the Via Domitia Road, Nîmes flourished during antiquity and many of the monuments from that time still survive.
They include UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Maison Carrée temple, the Arena of Nîmes amphitheater and the Jardin de La Fontaine, an urban oasis that contains Roman ruins. Visiting these landmarks will present an enlightening look at the ancient world.
A full lunch prepared by Michelin-star chefs follows at La Table Du 2, a contemporary brasserie within the Museum of Romanity. The restaurant offers a splendid view of the Roman amphitheater.
Continuing on, you will journey towards the vineyards of the Occitania region and check into your boutique hotel, the Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa. Located in the outskirts of Narbonne, this magnificent property surrounded by nature couldn’t be more luxurious, especially the restaurant where you will dine this evening.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, whose architecture is so extraordinary that UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage site.
While exploring the narrow streets and iconic ramparts, you will learn about Carcassonne’s fascinating past, from its Roman origins to its medieval prominence. Following lunch at an atmospheric restaurant, you will enjoy free time to meander about Carcassonne at your own pace.
Whether you choose to stroll along the cobbled streets, browse the artisan shops or simply admire the panoramic views from the ramparts, the city offers plenty of opportunities for discovery and relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, you will depart for the tranquil setting of Fontfroide Abbey, a beautifully preserved Cistercian monastery nestled amidst rolling vineyards. There, you will embark on a guided tour of the sanctuary. A delightful tasting of wines produced from the abbey’s vineyards will enhance the experience.
Upon returning to the Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa, you can relax and savor another extraordinary dinner in the restaurant before retiring for the evening.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel and check-out, your day will begin with an exciting journey as you depart for the charming city of Perpignan, near the border with Spain. Upon arriving, you will enjoy a guided tour of the historic quarter, where you will uncover the rich tapestry of Catalan culture, from its medieval heritage to its modern-day vibrancy.
Stroll through the lively markets and immerse yourself in the unique blend of French and Catalan influences that defines this captivating city.
After your exploration of Perpignan, you will make your way to the picturesque coastal town of Collioure, where you will stop for lunch.
In time, you will drive to the vibrant city of Barcelona to re-board your ship and continue cruising.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
9:30am Meet your guide and depart from Toulon
12:00pm Arrive in Nîmes and lunch at La Table du 2 or similar venue
1:30pm Visit a Roman amphitheater, Roman temple and a garden with Roman ruins
4:00pm Drive to your hotel
5:45pm Check in at the hotel
TBA Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Buffet breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart for Carcassonne
10:00am Visit Carcassonne, including the ramparts
12:30pm Lunch at Chez Christine or similar venue
2:00pm Free time in Carcassone
3:00pm Depart for Fontfroide Abbey
4:00pm Visit Fontfroide Abbey and wine tasting:
6:00pm Return to your hotel
6:30pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at the Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa or similar hotel
DAY
AM Buffet breakfast at the hotel and check out
8:00am Depart for Perpignan
9:00am Visit Perpignan
11:00am Free time in Perpignan
11:30am Depart for Collioure
12:00pm Lunch at Jardin de Collioure or similar venue
1:30pm Drive to Barcelona
3:30pm Arrive at the port to re-embark the ship
Expected Weather
November — 59° Fahrenheit (15° Celsius)
What to Bring
Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring good walking shoes, a hat, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Local Currency
The Euro, although U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks may also be accepted.
Electricity
220 volts. We suggest bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Hotel
Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa 5*
Route de Narbonne Plage - 11100 Narbonne, France
Program Includes for guests:
2 nights at Château l'Hospitalet Wine Resort Beach & Spa or similar hotel - Comfort room
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
Lunch daily, including a glass of wine, water and coffee
Dinner on Days 1 and 2 including 3 glasses of wine per person, water, tea or coffee.
Touring and entrances as per the itinerary
English-speaking guide throughout the program
Program Excludes for guests:
Meals or services not mentioned above
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
