Mediterranean Discovery (12 Days starting from $6,990)

Mediterranean Discovery

A 12-Day tour starting from $6,990

Length:	12 Days
Type:	Deluxe Tour
Category:	Europe Cruise
Operator:	Tauck
Tour Code:	TKBN2009

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About This Tour

The wonders of the Mediterranean coast, from the glamorous Cóte d’Azur and Spain’s magnificent Costa Brava to charming but seldom-visited islands, unfold before you during this magical 12-day adventure. Between a 2-night stay at Monaco’s famous Fairmont Monte Carlo and two nights at Le Méridien Barcelona, the sporty sailing yacht Le Ponant takes you to explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path ports where the big cruise ships can’t go. Savor the tranquil lifestyles of La Camargue in France and enjoy a Provençal lunch and cowboy performance at a private farm. Indulge your passion for history in Carcassonne in the lovely Languedoc region of France and in Girona on the Spanish coast. Delve into Salvador Dali on the Costa Brava. Call at both Majorca and Minorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Take in all the scenic beauty for which the “Blue Coast” and the “Wild Coast” are so famous. See and do it all in true Tauck Style.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details

Featured Dining: 11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 9 Dinners

Unique and Distinguished Hotels in the Best Locations:

Night 1-2 Fairmont Monte Carlo: Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Night 3-9 Aboard Le Ponant: Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

Night 10-11 Le Méridien Barcelona: Barcelona, Spain

Insightful Tour Directors: During your travels, you have the pleasurable advantage of being with a Tauck Tour Director who is fully knowledgeable about the destination, its history and its culture. You can relax knowing that you are accompanied by a professional who manages the flow of events... a problem-solver (in the unlikely event a problem should arise)... an insider who saves you precious time... and a friend who will help transform your trip into a truly memorable journey.

Every Travel Expense is Included

When you travel with Tauck, you’ll save up to 40% on the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. What’s more, virtually every major travel expense is included: Along with most meals, your hotel accommodations, cruises, sightseeing, admissions to museums, galleries and theaters – even taxes and port charges – are built into the price of your trip. Guests are often delightfully surprised at how much is included. You can practically leave your wallet at home! A Tauck vacation offers you both superb quality and extraordinary value.

2009 WESTBOUND ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Nice / Bonjour, Monaco!
Tour begins: 6:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo. Welcome to the Côte d’Azur! A transfer is included from the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Settle in at this grand hotel in the heart of the Principality of Monaco and join us to meet your fellow jet setters at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Dinner Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo

Day 2: Mediterranean Magic
Begin your discovery of the Côte d’Azur with a tour of Monaco-Ville (the old city) on a guided tour including the Prince’s Palace, home of the ruling Grimaldi family for centuries, and Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. After lunch on your own, head off to explore the fabled Italian Riviera, Italy’s favorite playground on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Meals: Breakfast Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo

Day 3: Everything is nice in Nice
Today, you’ll see why Nice is such a popular vacation destination on the Côte d’Azur as a coach tour reveals its many charms and landmark sites. A choice of activities this afternoon includes a visit to the Musée Matisse or the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall. Board Le Ponant in the late afternoon and set sail for intriguing ports that big ships simply can’t visit.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 4: Vines, Villages and Vegetation
Tender ashore at lovely Ile de Porquerolles, where no cars are allowed. The island is known for its vineyards, its charming town, its beaches and its focus on conservation. Learn about the island's unusual vegetation and visit historic Fort Ste. Agathe. Later, weather permitting, take a dip in the sea from Le Ponant’s stern platform before attending the Captain’s special welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 5: Pink birds, black bulls and white horses
An on-board lecture today precedes a full day ashore in a special part of Provence and the Côte d’Azur when you visit La Camargue, known for pink flamingoes and beautiful white horses; it is also where the fighting bulls of Spain and France are bred and born. Learn about the natural history and ecology of the Rhone Delta as you drive through this exceptional wildlife sanctuary en route to a local working farm. Experience a personal look at the cultural traditions of this region during a typical Provençal lunch hosted by the farm owners, followed by a Camargue cowboy demonstration – a very private and exclusive included Tauck experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 6: Legends and lore of the Languedoc
Step back in time today as you venture inland to the Citadel of Carcassonne in the heart of the Languedoc. A walk atop the outer walls of La Cité rewards with scenic beauty and a close-up look at the ramparts of one of the most perfectly restored medieval walled cities in Europe. Go inside for a visit to the Basilica St-Nazaire, and have lunch at the lovely Hotel del La Cite. Explore Abbaye de Frontfroide en route back to your ship.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 7: From the Cote d'Azur to the Wild Coast
Le Ponant docks at Palamós on Spain’s spectacular Costa Brava this morning, where a choice awaits you. If you’re a fan of Salvador Dali, seize the opportunity to visit his roots and admire his works at the Dali Museum in Figueres. If you’re a history buff, set off to discover the medieval town of Girona, with its fascinating Roman and Moorish history. No matter which full-day excursion you choose, you’ll be enriched by the experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 8: Mellow Minorca
Go ashore on the Balearic island of Minorca, known for its intriguing history and beautiful beaches – and its designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Enjoy a walking tour of the capital city of Mahón, followed by a swim in an island cove, weather permitting. Your guided exploration continues in the port city of Ciutadella, where sightseeing reveals historic mansions and a 14th-century church. Attend the Captain’s gala farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 9: Marvelous Majorca
Le Ponant docks near the center of famous Palma de Majorca, the capital city of the Balearic Islands. You’ll be inspired during a visit to the grand Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a preexisting Arab mosque. Return to Le Ponant after a walking tour and some free time to explore on your own. As you enjoy lunch on board, the Captain will search for the ultimate cala for your afternoon swim, weather permitting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Aboard Le Ponant

Day 10: Adios, Le Ponant
While you’ll be sorry to bid adieu to Le Ponant, be of good cheer – beautiful Barcelona awaits you! Discover the inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet this morning as you view his stunning, as yet unfinished, Sagrada Família basilica and Parc Güell, which inspires fairy-tale visions and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating his genius. Later, explore famous Las Ramblas before enjoying an afternoon at leisure after reaching your hotel, Le Méridien Barcelona.
Meals: Breakfast Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain

Day 11: The bounty of Barcelona
History surrounds you this morning in Barcelona’s Gothic district. A walking tour reveals traces of the ancient Roman walls and fortifications that surrounded the area from the 4th to the middle of the 19th centuries, as well as many medieval buildings and a labyrinth of narrow streets awaiting exploration. Find a charming spot for lunch on your own and continue your own discovery with a choice of visits to the Museu Picasso, Gaudi’s La Pedrera or the Maritime Museum. Join us for a festive farewell dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain

Day 12: Homeward bound
Tour ends: Barcelona. A transfer from Le Méridien Barcelona to Barcelona International Airport is included. Please allow at least 2 ½ hours for check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/23/2009 - 6/3/2009	$6,990
5/30/2009 - 6/10/2009	$6,990
6/6/2009 - 6/17/2009	$6,990
6/13/2009 - 6/24/2009	$6,990
6/20/2009 - 7/1/2009	$6,990
6/27/2009 - 7/8/2009	$6,990

All tour prices are per person, in US dollars. Land / Cruise Price includes everything outlined in General Information, as well as private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, private entertainment and gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff.

• An exclusive cruise aboard Le Ponant with only 60 Tauck guests
• 2 nights in Monte-Carlo and 2 nights in Barcelona at luxury hotels in the heart of the cities
• Private Tauck Shore Excursions – $655 Value!
• Small yacht benefits such as swimming directly off the back of Le Ponant in Mediterranean coves, and access to islands and small ports that large ships can’t go to
• Wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant
• Dine both on and off the ship with meals ashore
• All gratuities to ship staff, local guides and drivers

All tour prices are per person, in US dollars.

Land / Cruise Price includes everything outlined in General Information, as well as private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, applicable fuel surcharges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, private entertainment and gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff.

Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.