Duration
17 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Canary Islands
Ports
18 Ports
8 April
Setting sail from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Situated on Tenerife's north eastern shore, the island's capital is a busy port that serves mostly as a gateway to the popular south west coast and the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the island's interior. There are a few attractions in the town itself, including the tree-lined Ramblas and the strikingly modern Auditorium, designed by Santiago Calatrava, but we wouldn't advise spending too much time in Santa Cruz, particularly in summer when it can get rather crowded. Head instead for the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Cristobal de la Laguna, Tenerife's former capital and the prettiest town on the island.
Our tip
Tenerife is a very developed tourist destination, but you can escape into the mountains for extraordinary scenery, and great hikes if that is your thing.
9 April
Canary Islands: Arrecife (Lanzarote)
In recent years Lanzarote has begun to shake off its mass market reputation and reinvent itself as a more upmarket destination. The extraordinary volcanic landscapes and the works of local artist César Manrique give the island a unique appearance, and the understated capital, Arrecife, is well worth exploring.
10 April
At sea
11 April
Morocco: Casablanca
Bustling and modern, fizzing with industry and commerce, Casablanca is often overlooked in favour of Morocco’s better known tourist draws. But then this is part of its appeal: it’s an authentic and unvarnished city, and it’s also home to the spectacular modernist architecture of the Hassan II Mosque.
12 April
Gibraltar: Gibraltar
Sovereignty of ‘The Rock’ has been a thorny issue ever since Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1713, though on the ground it’s clear where most locals’ sympathies lie. Gibraltar is often described as ‘more British than Britain’, a curious enclave of red postboxes, double decker buses and chip shops.
13 April
Spain: Málaga
Málaga boasts plenty of chic restaurants and bars where you can ease into the rhythms of life in southern Spain, before exploring sights including the intriguing, unfinished Gothic cathedral, and a museum devoted to the city's most famous son, Pablo Picasso.
14 April
Spain: Cartagena
Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians around 227 BC, who named it after their home city in North Africa. These days the city is best known for its well-preserved Roman theatre, which was remarkably only discovered in 1987, in spite of its location in the centre of town.
15 April
Spain: Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca is renowned for its beaches, ranging from big, bustling resorts to small, secluded coves. The island interior offers ruggedly beautiful scenery and quaint little towns, while the charming capital, Palma, boasts an attractive old quarter dominated by the imposing Gothic cathedral.
16 April
Spain: Mahón
Smaller than Mallorca and mellower than Ibiza, Menorca is rightly feted for its beautiful, unspoilt beaches. The laid back capital, Mahón, is set on the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbour, and the city’s striking Georgian architecture is a reminder of the 18th century British occupation of the island.
17 April
France: Bonifacio
Bonifacio sits atop brilliant white limestone cliffs on the southern tip of Corsica, with the harbour down below filled with fishing boats and glitzy yachts. The town's history as a Genoese stronghold, along with its proximity to Sardinia, means that the Italian influence is strong here.
18 April
Italy: Rome (Civitavecchia)
One of the world’s great cities, Rome continues to dazzle and delight visitors with a potent mix of architectural marvels, continent-defining history and buzzing nightlife. The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Forum are among the big ticket items, with the crowds to match, though in truth you will find history around almost every corner.
19 April
France: Calvi
The Corsican port of Calvi is a popular summer destination for both sun-seeking tourists and the yachts of the super-rich, with a swanky harbour and five miles of beautiful beach. The town is said by some to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the skyline is dominated by the imposing 15th century Genoese citadel.
20 April
Italy: Florence / Pisa (Livorno)
The faded port town of Livorno serves as a gateway to Tuscany’s star attractions. Wonderful Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is resplendent with beautiful architecture and unrivalled artistic treasures, while nearby Pisa is of course famous for its precarious Leaning Tower.
21 April
Italy: Carrara
22 April
Italy: Portovenere
The colourful facades along Portovenere’s UNESCO-listed harbourfront make this one of the most picturesque villages on the Ligurian coast, and it has often been described as the ‘sixth town’ of the Cinque Terre. Wandering the narrow alleyways is a delight, and it’s worth the climb to the impressive hilltop Castle Doria.
23 April
Italy: Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita is Portofino without the bling, a photogenic yet down-to-earth place where yachts bob in the water and elegant hotels overlook the lovely seafront promenade. Relax and enjoy the view, or use the town as a base for exploring the beaches and picturesque towns of the Ligurian coast.
23 April
Italy: Portofino
This tiny village on the Ligurian coast must be one of the most photographed spots in Italy, and no wonder; brightly coloured houses cling to the hillside overlooking a delightfully picturesque little harbour, where fishing boats gently bob alongside luxury yachts.
24 April
Monaco: Monte Carlo
Renowned for its casino, its Grand Prix and its oligarch-friendly tax policies, Monte Carlo is glamour and hedonism personified, with a price tag to match. This little principality enjoys a lovely setting, the villas and penthouses tumbling down the hillside towards the sweeping blue expanse of the Mediterranean.
25 April
Arriving in Cannes
Few ports conjure up images of glitz and movie star glamour quite so readily as Cannes. Even if you find yourself unmoved by the ostentatious displays of wealth on show along the Croisette, where multi-million dollar yachts bob in the azure waters, you'll still find this stretch of the Côte d'Azur to be rich in natural beauty. May is when the glitterati roll into town for the Film Festival, but there's still plenty to divert you the rest of the year; Le Suquet, the old quarter, merits exploration, and the tranquil Îles de Lérins, just off the coast of Cannes, make for a relaxing day trip.
Don't miss
Le Suquet – this quarter which overlooks the old port is a maze of narrow streets leading up to the 12th century Tour de Mont Chevalier. Enjoy great views from the ancient ramparts.
Your home from home
What we love
Enjoy small ship cruising in style, with comfortable staterooms and suites (most with private balcony), an à la carte restaurant, infinity-style pool, al fresco Sky Bar, wellness area and a marina at the back of the yacht, allowing you to hop straight into the water and have fun with a host of water toys.
Capacity | 100 Guests |
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Crew | 64 Staff |
Style |
Intimate and informal, with an emphasis on relaxed, al fresco living and exploration ashore. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Tenerife
If you are just here for a couple of nights, go for the Laguna Nivaria Hotel and Spa.
What to see in Tenerife
Visit the largest volcanic tube in Europe, the Cueva del Viento, 11 miles in a three-tiered labyrinth of tunnels.
Where to stay in Cannes
Some great options, but we think the ultimate is the Martinez, with its large private beach and double Michelin starred restaurant.
Private tours from Cannes
Visit the perfume centre at Grasse and design your very own fragrance.