MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Joy - Coasts of Mediterranean Lifestyle - Barcelona to Nice 
MS Europa - September 23 - 30, 2012

Close to one another and yet entirely different - the Balearic Islands are seductive, each in its own way. Formentera with pristine tranquillity, Ibiza with its relaxed attitude towards life and Mallorca with great natural beauty. The Principality of Monaco on the Côte d’Azur is perhaps most appropriately described as sophisticated. On Corsica, delectable treats await you. Clicking castanets and husky voices exude their flair on board with fiery flamenco and poetic chansons. Late summer in the Mediterranean.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: the Silk Exchange in
  Valencia* and the historic district of Ibiza*
• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: the Bay of Girolata
• Helicopter flight over Mallorca*
• Monaco and the Villa Rothschild*
• From flamenco to chansons - Spanish and French flair
  on board
• Golf & Cruise voyage with comprehensive golf package*

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Barcelona/Spain
Travel to Spain a little earlier and join our pre-cruise programme* Barcelona - On the Trails of Gaudí, Picasso and Dalí.

Valencia/Spain
In the distant past, the Moors turned Valencia's* hinterland into a flourishing garden with a sophisticated irrigation system. Citrus fruit and rice are cultivated here to the present day and enhance the offer in the market hall of the Mercat Central, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau market halls in Europe. Right across from it lies the Gothic Silk Exchange, another gem of the historic part of the city. In 2006, an impressive chapter of young architectural history was completed - the futuristic City of Arts & Sciences. By contrast, a visit to Sagunto* takes you back to the year Jahr 219 B.C. - this is where the Second Punic War broke out. Not at all far from here, we will be venturing underground - embark on a boat tour on the subterranean river* in the caves of La Vall d'Uixó.

La Savina/Formentera/Balearic Islands/Spain
The smallest of the Balearic Islands has retained much of its original charm. Its picture-perfect beaches, fields with old olive trees and the tranquil life in places such as the main town San Francisco already attracted the "flower children" to Formentera*. Enjoy magnificent views across the sea and the north of the island "at the end of the world" - at the Cap de la Mola with its white lighthouse, the cliffs almost drop into the sea at a right angle.

Ibiza/Balearic Islands/Spain
The EUROPA approaches the popular island and stays until late that night. Go ashore and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the alleys of the island's capital Eivissa. To get to the fortified upper town Dalt Vila, you need to pass through the Portal de ses Taules. Enchanting little streets, small squares and wonderful vantage points augur a pleasant time.

Palma de Mallorca/Mallorca/Balearic Islands/Spain
The imposing cathedral La Seu is the landmark of Palma, the island's lively capital city with its picturesque old alleys, historic palaces of the aristocracy, pavement cafés and little shops. The mountain village Fornalutx*, the narrow alleys of which convey a sense of the tranquillity of bygone days, has been awarded the title of the "most beautiful village in Spain" several times. Just like centuries ago, premium-quality olive oil is produced at an old oil millin Soller* - you can look forward to sampling it. The "Red Lightning" subsequently takes you back to Palma. On a helicopter flight over the island*, you will be able to admire Mallorca's secluded bays, little villages and fertile valleys from a bird's eye view.

Marseille/France
You will enjoy the best view of the European Capital of Culture 2013 at the Notre Dame de la Garde. The basilica towers on a hill above the old port and is the landmark of Marseille*. The pompous Palais Longchamp was built in the 19th century to celebrate the city's supply with valuable drinking water. Travelling through the Provencal landscape, you will subsequently be headed for Aix-en-Provence*. Its gorgeous tree-lined roads, bubbling fountains and elegant city palaces make it one of the most beautiful cities in France, which can be explored in a leisurely manner.

Monte Carlo/Monaco
On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea towers the Principality of Monaco*, one of the smallest states in the world, with the palace of the Grimaldi dynasty and a historic district which may exclusively be inhabited by Monegasques. Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, on the other hand, settled on Cap Ferrat. Her villa* including the art collection and the adjoining gardens is a gem of the Belle Époque era. The enchanting little French town of Saint-Paul de Vence* already enticed artists like Picasso and Miró behind its well-preserved walls. Stroll through the alleys in which many galleries keep the memory of the town's artistic heritage alive and visit the grave of Marc Chagall, who lived in Saint-Paul.

Ajaccio/Corsica/France
Even the Greeks called the island "Kalliste", "the most beautiful one", in the distant past. Its largest city is also the birthplace of its most famous son - Napoleon was born in Ajaccio. He was baptised in the local cathedral, and a stroll through the inviting town will reveal plenty of additional mementos of Bonaparte. Corsica's mountains* are home to magnificent forests. A setting that is virtually made for enjoying "spuntino", little local delicacies, in Bocognano. Late that afternoon, the EUROPA will be cruising through the Gulf of Girolata with you.

Nice/France
On the sophisticated Côte d'Azur, seven eventful days come to an end.

5% early booking discount if booked before February 26, 2012! ²