Barcelona to Nice: A Mediterranean Canvas

Depart/Arrive Barcelona, Spain

Bienvenido a España. On arrival at Barcelona airport make your way to the arrivals hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Barcelona. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship.

Join us this evening for drinks and canapes as we celebrate the start of our journey.

Accommodation: Barcelona Hotel

Meals: Welcome Reception (including drinks and canapes)

Note: to attend our Welcome Reception, please ensure your flight arrives in Barcelona no later than 2:00pm.

Barcelona - Embark Tarragona

Socially, culturally and industrially, Barcelona shines as a beacon of difference in Spain. Proudly Catalonian first and Spanish second, its people are free-spirited, liberal thinkers with a passion for their freedom. In the last 30 years, Barcelonans have sculpted their city into one of Europe’s most venerated travel destinations. Its boulevard-style main street, Las Ramblas, is the name on every traveller’s lips and Barcelona’s vibrancy is as sought after as it was during the Spanish Empire’s monarchal peak. A palatial stronghold of the 15th century power couple, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Barcelona greeted a jubilant Christopher Columbus upon his return to Spain and the rest as they say, is history. The city has never looked back.

Our locally guided panorama tour celebrates the artists and authors who have long revered Barcelona as a living masterpiece. Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, the city wears its creativity proudly, with works scattered across plazas and woven into its very architecture. Miró, Picasso, Vidal, and Montaner all called Barcelona home, but it’s the visionary Antoni Gaudí who continues to draw art lovers from around the world.

Among the highlights is a viewing of La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s breathtaking fusion of imagination and faith, where we’ll hear tales of the cathedral’s rich history, intricate symbolism, and the story behind its ongoing construction. We’ll also take in sweeping views and cultural landmarks at Barcelona’s hilltop lookout of Montjuïc and pass through iconic areas such as Plaza de España and the elegant Gran Via.

Before arriving at the port, there’s time to stroll Barcelona’s charming streets, whether you choose to browse local boutiques, linger at a café, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city. Late afternoon, we transfer to the southern port of Tarragona to embark the Douglas Mawson. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner onboard where we meet our Aurora Expeditions Team and crew.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner onboard

Port Vendres, France (Port: Port-Vendres)

The intimate village of Port-Vendres provides access to inland treasures, giving us the opportunity to stroll the streets of surrealist-style Figueres, wander the lanes of Collioure, or scale the walls, in true Robin Hood style, of Hollywood’s favourite movie set, the fortified town of Carcassonne; well, perhaps stand in the shade of its turrets. For those opting for a morning experience, our port location offers the perfect opportunity to explore the charming streets of an authentic French coastal town.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: The Curious Case of Salvador Dalí

Our day starts with a drive, crossing the border into Spain, where we visit the birthplace of one of the world’s great surrealist artists, Salvador Dalí. Few artists struck an exotic pose as well as Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech. Famed for his dripping clocks, dream-induced flying tigers, and emotive spherical portraits, Dalí flaunted the art world’s most artistic moustache, a persistently surprised expression and the mind of a genius. True to his unique style, Dali roamed his hometown of Figueres, wearing a bread hat, leopard prints and stripey suits. It is no wonder that the museum dedicated to him is topped by a series of sculpted boiled eggs! This theatre-like gallery is a ‘stand and wonder’, raise an eyebrow, laugh- out-loud style of museum. We leave with more questions than answers, but we also leave wanting to go back.

Option 2 – Morning experience: Collioure – A Fauvist mecca

Our morning is filled with art as we visit the Fauvist haven of Collioure. This former pirate town is a treasure trove of maritime and medieval wealth. It’s clear blue sky, colourful buildings, historic heritage and picturesque markets, have long attracted great artists like Matisse, Signac, Derain, and Picasso. The Musée d’Art Moderne preserves the town’s rich artistic history, highlighting the Fauvism movement that began here in the 20th century. Wander the Fauvism trail through cobblestoned alleys to see 20 reproductions of works by Matisse and Derain. Collioure is a must for art lovers and history buffs alike. For those wishing to linger longer, a popular coastal walk connects Collioure and Port-Vendres, offering a scenic two-mile walk, leading you back to where your ship awaits.

Option 3 – Full-day experience: The Prince of Walled Cities – Carcassonne

Surrounded by turreted walls and a deep moat, Carcassonne has attracted moviemakers since 1908, after French inventors the Lumiere brothers first produced short films using their newly developed motion-picture camera and projector. The setting for Charles Perrault’s classic tale of Puss in Boots, Carcassonne’s fortified walls offered a fairy-tale ambience, yet in reality, life in Carcassonne echoed the adventurous spirit of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which was fittingly filmed in the citadel. The reality of flaming arrows, grapnels, catapulted stones and towers full of French soldiers shattering the peace as the town braced itself for invasion, provides modern-day visitors with a truer tale of life in the Middle Ages.

 

Marseille & Provence (Port: Marseille)

The old port of Marseille grants us access to the inspirational fields, streetside cafes and hilltop villages of Provence. The boots of Roman engineers and the shoes of many an artist have trodden its soils, but none as famous as the clogs of Van Gogh and the slip-ons of Picasso. We spend time in their shoes with a palette of experiences to choose from today, before encouraging our own artistic ambitions by joining an onboard art or photography class this afternoon.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Masterpieces of Marseille

Embark on a captivating journey through Marseille, culminating in a visit to the magnificent Palais Longchamp, a local landmark that blends history, art and architecture in a much-colonnaded splendour. The Palais Longchamp was originally constructed to address a severe water shortage caused by a cholera epidemic in the 19th century — symbolising the city’s resilience and innovation. Within the Palais, the Museum of Fine Arts

showcases an impressive collection of 17th and 18thcentury paintings, drawings and sculptures, reflecting Marseille’s rich artistic heritage. Set amid a beautifully landscaped park, the Palais Longchamp remains one of Marseille’s most cherished and must-see attractions.

Option 2 – Morning experience: An Artist’s Impression of Aix-en-Provence 

‘Aix’, as it is simply known to its inhabitants, abounds with leafy boulevards, publics squares and grand avenues – a sign of its wealth and status. Paul Cézanne, who died in 1906, is one of the most influential artists of the 19th century and remains the favourite son of Aix. This morning, we are introduced to the private world of the artist at the Terrain des Peintres. Cézanne often painted here in the later part of his life. As a centennial celebration of his work, these terraced gardens were converted into an open-air museum featuring reproductions of the artwork painted by the man himself at this very spot. Returning to the centre of Aix, we view the popular pedestrian-only avenue of Cours Mirabeau. A verdant tunnel of foliage, this classic boulevard showcases the aristocratic facades of the city’s opulent hotels and Belle Époque villas with their wrought iron balconies and intricately carved doorways inviting visitors to stop and admire. There’s time to explore Aix further before we return to Marseille and reboard our vessel for lunch.

Option 3 – Half day experience: Impressionist Arles  

The Provençal town of Arles is forever linked with the artists of the impressionist movement, but none more than Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gaugin. Treading the quaint cobbled streets of Arles, one can only ponder what made caused Vincent Van Gogh such melancholy. Inspired by the Provençal light, Van Gogh produced over 300 paintings during his 15 months here. Many of his paintings depict classic sights dotted around town, easily recognised as we follow in his footsteps while the city bares its soul through his paintings. Our local guide tells tales of this ancient city, before we have time to stroll its streets and perhaps considers its influence on the artists who briefly called it home.

 

Beaulieu-sur-Mer (Tender port : Beaulieu- sur-Mer)

Set between Nice and Monaco, the picturesque enclave of Beaulieu-sur-Mer welcomes us today, with a rich selection of ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Hear tales of royal romance at Monaco’s regal precinct, admire the cutting-edge automobile designs of Prince Albert’s private collection, or indulge your artistic urges at Beatrice Rothschild’s opulent Villa Ephrussi. Return to the ship to tap into your creative side with our art and photography workshops or stay ashore and soak up the sun on a French Riviera beach.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences

Option 1 – Morning experience: Prince Albert’s private car collection

If you consider automobiles to be a work of art, you won’t want to miss this one-off experience. Following the famous Corniche and Monaco’s Formula One track, we arrive at one of the principality’s top sites – Monaco’s Top Cars Collection Museum. From a wartime Ford Jeep to Prince Albert’s favourite Bugatti Type 35, the prince’s private collection is a treasure trove of automotive history. This impressive exhibit features over 100 rare and iconic vehicles, including Formula 1 champions, vintage models, and an enviable lineup of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and the occasional Rolls-Royce. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply curious to glimpse the collection, this carefully curated display, highlighting the prince’s personal passion for classic cars, is sure to captivate.

Option 2 – Morning experience: The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

This experience showcases the French Riviera’s decadent past, with a focus on the region’s most exclusive enclave. A short drive from where we disembark from our tender vessels brings us to the private knoll of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Synonymous with the word ‘exclusive’, Cap Ferrat is the home to generations of wealth. With a phone book full of famous names, a few stand out – one being Rothschild. The imitation Renaissance-style palazzo of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild must be seen to be believed. Surrounded by exotic, Provençal, Japanese and Florentine gardens, it was built in 1905 by Baroness Beatrice Rothschild to showcase her passion for all things art. Without an heir, the Baroness bequeathed the seven hectares of land and some 5,000 works of art to the Academy of Fine Arts, giving ‘commonfolk’ the chance to immerse themselves in her lifestyle, if only for a morning.

Option 3 – Half-day experience: The principality of Monaco

The superyacht harbour of Monaco welcomes us in true style, offering a gateway to this one-of-a-kind principality. The opulent attitude of the world’s second smallest country is its greatest attraction. Smaller than New York’s Central Park, Monaco’s 500-acre size, boasts the second highest GDP per capita in the world. Although the 9,500 native Monégasque are banned by law from gambling, it is the nation’s foreign-born citizens, with their oversized bank accounts, multi-million Euro apartments and high-roller habits who frequent the casinos, with over 30 per cent of the principality’s residents listed as millionaires.

Our locally guided walking tour visit offers an insight into Monaco’s ruling family. In town to film To Catch a Thief, Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier III during a visit to Monaco. Within a year they wed and Grace became a princess, holding 140 official titles. The country continues to mourn her tragic passing, with her image, name and favourite items found scattered throughout the principality as a reminder of her enduring legacy. Our guided walk visits the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a palatial precinct known locally as ‘the rock’, where the couple were married and are now laid to rest. We linger to watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, before offering you free time to explore the principality at your own pace, returning to the ship mid-afternoon.

Tuscany (Port: Livorno)

When Italians give birth they use the phrase, dare alla luce, which literally means to ‘give to the light.’ It is no coincidence that the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, widely acknowledged as having dragged Europe from the dark days of the Middle Ages into the light, was synonymous with the Rennaissance or The Rebirth. Rising from the ruins of the Roman Empire, Tuscany flourished into a wealthy trading and banking centre becoming Europe’s first capitalist state. The Duchy’s ruling family, the Medicis, sponsored its artistic scene with fervour. Artists transitioned from tradespeople to celebrities overnight, with da Vinci playing lute at their private parties and Michelangelo befriended by men who would become popes. The ruling classes commissioned works of art such as Donatello’s Penitent Magdalene, Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Raphael’s Madonna del Cardellino. Throughout the Duchy, art was showcased in piazzas, scattered throughout the streets and placed at the townhall steps. A form of propaganda and sign of power for all to see.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Scenic Tuscany

Italy’s quintessential la dolce vita comes to life as we follow the scenic roads of Tuscany, where the scent of fresh basil mingles with rich espresso, and distant church bells echo gently over long, unhurried lunches. Framed by rolling hills, sun-drenched paddocks, and endless rows of grapevines, we pause at a local winery for a talk by our vintner guide before joining a tasting of regional wines, soaking in views that feel like a window into the soul of Tuscany. Recharged and inspired, we return to the ship ready to take part in an onboard art workshop, relax poolside or further your photography skills with our resident photographer.

Option 2 – Morning experience: Pisa – more than a leaning tower

Renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa offers far more than a quirky architectural icon. Once a powerful maritime republic, it flourished on Mediterranean trade and naval strength. Pisa’s golden age in the 11th and 12th centuries brought immense wealth, although that was not to last as the Arno River silted up, cutting the city off from the sea and dimming its influence. This prosperity funded the creation of the precinct known as Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Romanesque Cathedral, baptistery, and the famous bell tower. Its early designers, the Pisano family, helped shape the precinct’s artistic legacy, blending architectural styles that influenced generations of Tuscan artists, even though the Leaning Tower began tilting soon after construction started, its shallow foundation and soft subsoil unable to support the weight. Adding extra floors only worsened the lean, but the flaw became Pisa’s most enduring symbol. We travel to Pisa by coach, then hop aboard a tourist train that takes us straight to the Piazza. You’ll have time to explore at your leisure, soaking in the history and artistry of Pisa before returning to the ship for lunch.

Option 3 – Full-day experience: The Rebirth of Florence

Accessible to all who visit, Florence’s works of art are scattered throughout its streets as statues, fountains, chapels and bell towers, and all looked down upon by Brunelleschi’s magnificent domed cathedral. Even the gelato is sculpted in Florence!

Carved from a single slab of marble, Michelangelo’s David is the ultimate Renaissance man, commissioned as the centrepiece for the city’s main square. Today it sits in its own gallery, but a replica at its original location tells its story almost as well. Our locally guided tour walks us through a day in the life of a Renaissance man as we tread the streets where the early artists plied their trade, sought wealthy patrons and huddled in backstreet studios to learn from the masters. This is followed by time to explore the centre of Florence independently, before we return to Livorno late afternoon.

 

Disembark in Nice (Port: Nice)

We disembark at the yacht-filled harbour of Nice, granting us a millionaire’s access to the French Riviera.

Its wide Promenade des Anglais, named after the English upper class who placed Nice at the top of their Grand Tour bucket list, follows the Mediterranean coast past an array of Belle Epoque hotels, Art Deco apartments and umbrellaed beaches. At the limit of the ruling House of Savoy, the people of the riviera voted to join France in the 1860s rather than the new Kingdom of Italy, making this region a unique blend of both cultures. The unique light, relaxed lifestyle and extravagant parties attracted as many artists and literary elite of the 20th century as it had attracted aristocrats the century before. From Monet, Chaplin and Valentino in Antibes to Bonnard at Le Cannet, and Picasso – to just about everywhere – it became the place to be seen for the avant-garde. This pocket of sunshine and decadence still attracts artists, authors and actors, who paint its vistas, write its stories and come to Cannes to be adored.

We spend the day exploring the scenic hinterland of the Riviera, where a cluster of medieval villages have long inspired some of the world’s most celebrated artists. Along the way, we pause at panoramic viewpoints that have captured the imagination of painters and poets alike.

Our journey culminates in the hilltop village of Saint-Paul de Vence — a jewel of Provençal charm. Here, our local guide brings the village’s rich artistic legacy to life with captivating stories of legendary artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, and Matisse, all of whom were drawn to its light and spirit. Marc Chagall, who lived here for 19 years after returning from exile during World War II, now rests in the village cemetery — a poignant testament to his deep connection with this place. You’ll have time to wander the cobbled streets, enjoy lunch at one of the Provençal bistros (own expense), or browse the village’s inviting craft shops nestled among its winding alleys. Returning to Nice, we check-into our hotel for our two-night stay, with your evening at leisure to relax and enjoy the vibe of the French Riviera.

Accommodation: Nice Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

 

Nice

Lingering in the city of Nice gives us a second day to soak in this stunning stretch of coastline, with a variety of ‘Your Choice’ experiences on offer this morning. This afternoon, art lovers are spoilt for choice, with free time to explore one of the city’s many inviting galleries. Don’t miss the Musée Matisse, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Matisse’s paintings, drawings, and sculptures, or Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice which houses a vast collection of iconic artworks. For those following a photographic journey on our voyage, the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre offers compelling exhibitions celebrating the power of the lens.

To frame our journey, we meet our fellow travellers this evening to enjoy drinks and canapes at a farewell reception.

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: A Nice Place to Paint

The Grande Dame of the French Riviera hosts our locally guided walking tour this morning. Throughout Nice’s history, A-listers have flocked to it in abundance – Queen Victoria, the Russian Tsarinas, old money, new money, and entire Hollywood studios. Waiting in the wings to paint them, write about them and dress them were Europe’s artists, authors and designers. Even Nice’s colourful street markets and flower markets offer an artistic vibe. We search for Queen Victoria’s favourite chocolate shop, stroll the streets of Nice’s old town, and

soak up the ambience of the Riviera’s most celebrated city.

Option 2 – Morning experience: Nice’s Russian treasures

We fill our morning with a visit to two of Nice’s beloved Russian treasures. Known as the most important orthodox churches outside of Russia, St Nicholas Cathedral has become a shrine for the sacrificed family of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia. Appealing to the Russian royal family as a winter retreat, Nice became a second home to much of Russian high society, who’s Tsar built an ornate Cathedral as a place for them to worship in the early 20th century. This magnificent church is laden with opulent orthodox artworks, icons and ornate carved woodwork. It offers an insight into the last Russian royal family and remains a place of pilgrimage for those who consider them to remain the rightful rulers of Russia.

Next, we indulge our artistic minds with a visit to one of Nice’s top cultural highlights — the Chagall Museum.

Born in Belarus, Marc Chagall spent much of his creative life in France. During World War II, he fled Nazi-occupied France with the help of the group that would become the International Rescue Committee, eventually reaching New York. After the war, Chagall returned to France with a remarkable body of work, now housed in this museum. Renowned as one of the greatest Jewish artists of the 20th century, Chagall is celebrated for his dreamlike, emotionally rich paintings, often inspired by religious themes. A visit to the museum offers a moving artistic experience.

Option 3 – Morning experience: Picasso

Pablo Picasso, as vibrant, colourful and surreal as his works, is one of the most captivating figures in art history. Spanish by birth, his heart found a home on the French Riviera and its enchanting hinterland. The two months Picasso spent at Antibes’ Castle Grimaldi marked one of his most prolific periods, where painting and socialising became a daily rhythm. Amid the post-war exuberance, Picasso thrived in the Riviera’s lively atmosphere, surrounded by friends, admirers, and a devoted 23-year-old girlfriend, all of whom adored him.

Explore Picasso’s masterpieces at Castle Grimaldi, where his creativity flourished, before enjoying free time to wander the waterfront streets of Antibes. Browse its colourful markets, and admire the ancient city walls, or stroll the marina at Port Vauban, where luxury yachts gleam in true riviera style.

Accommodation: Nice Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell reception (includes drinks and canapes)

Depart Nice

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast