From Gibraltar and Ibiza to Saint Tropez, Barcelona and beyond, this ‘all-inclusive’ cruise is luxurious from start to finish.
What comes to mind when you think of Spain and the Mediterranean? Narrow lanes hugged by pastel houses, white-sand beaches dotted with a kaleidoscope of umbrellas, or perhaps the sight of walled fortresses towering high above a rocky landscape?
On Scenic’s ‘Ultimate Treasures of Spain & the Mediterranean’ cruise, it’s all of the above and more. And you won’t just be viewing it from your verandah on board the ‘6-star’ Scenic Eclipse.
Every stop on this 15-day itinerary is a chance to go behind the tourist façade, with included Scenic ‘Freechoice’ excursions – think cycling Ibiza’s rugged coast or stepping into surrealism at The Dalí Theatre-Museum – allowing you to create a bespoke journey tailored to your own interest.
The all-suite ship is, naturally, an essential ingredient in this mix too. As is the exceptionally high level of service you’ll encounter onboard, thanks to an almost 1:1 crew-guest ratio and maximum of just 228 passengers.
Add in up to 10 culinary experiences from casual to fine dining, the finest selection of included premium beverages – all day, every day – including a bar with a selection of over 130 whiskeys, plus access to the indulgent 550m² Senses Spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and you start to see the complete picture.
Sound like your style of cruise? Here’s a teaser of the included excursions on offer.
1. E-biking amid olive groves of the Costa Brava
Paddock to plate; grove to bottle. The opportunity to sample products in the very location they’re from is a special one. That’s what you’ll be doing on this tour, with a twist.
You’ll first don a helmet and e-bike alongside olive groves and vineyards from Roses to the wine cellar Empordàlia, which produces olive oil from centuries-old trees, for a deep-dive into the world of oil making followed by a decadent tasting session.
2. A walking tour of sunny Saint Tropez
Though best known as a playground for the rich and famous, as evidenced by the gleaming superyachts sighted in its harbour, Saint Tropez is also a truly charming village.
This guided tour takes in iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems, all the while revelling in the abstract architecture, cobbled streets and sun-bleached landscapes that have inspired everyone from artists to filmmakers and musicians.
3. An F1 pilgrimage to Monte Carlo
It’s been called the ‘Jewel of the French Riviera’, and the nickname certainly rings true for Villefranche-sur-Mer, where you’ll find a treasure trove of vibrant hillside homes, cosy cafes and authentic restaurants.
Nestled between Monte Carlo and Nice, it also makes a fine base to discover the Monaco F1 Grand Prix circuit – a pilgrimage site for many.
Add in a visit to Prince Rainier III’s classic car collection and you have a Scenic Freechoice excursion you won’t want to miss.
4. Granada sightseeing and a meal worth travelling for
Lively tapas bars, an entrancing Old Quarter and the grandeur of 10th century Moorish citadel Alcazaba are just a few of the many highlights of Almeria in Southeast Spain, and if you take time to the city, you will not regret it.
However, it’s also a prime jump-off for the city of Granada, where the sprawling hilltop fortress of Alhambra, Cathedral and Royal Chapel will have historical buffs in their element.
A meal at the most famous restaurant in town is just the cherry on top.
5. Going ‘beyond the rock’ in Gibraltar
Standing guard at the entrance to the Med, the monolithic Rock of Gibraltar is known the world over.
Yet there’s more to this British outpost than this limestone mountain, from WWII tunnels to scenic hikes and of course the fusion of local culture.
The ‘Panoramic Gibraltar’ tour is the perfect intro, taking in the likes of Chatham Counterguard, where you can take in the vaults and stonework of this 18-century defensive structure, paired with a delicious array of local wines and gourmet bites.
In true Scenic style, you’re in for an experience that will last a lifetime – and the reason is simple: Scenic is in a class of its own, allowing travellers to set their own pace while continually exceeding expectations. It’s ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht cruising, perfected.
Create stories for life with Scenic in 2025 or 2026. For a limited time, save from $4,000pp* on your ‘Ultimate Treasures of Spain & the Mediterranean’ all-inclusive voyage and cruise from $23,430pp*. To book visit www.scenic.com.au, call 138 128 or speak to your local travel advisor.
Credit: Executive Traveller
Source: https://www.executivetraveller.com/five-highlights-of-a-scenic-eclipse-mediterranean-cruise
