Day 1 (APR 20): Nice, France

Nice's sweeping bend of brilliant blue seawater - which once tempted the aristocracy of Europe - continues to entice and entrance visitors to these sun-soaked shores. A refined city of airy ocean boulevards, grandiose buildings and open spaces, fountain-sprinkled parks, and colorful floral displays add to the city's timeless appeal. The vast, open Promenade des Anglais remains Nice's magnificent crowning glory, inviting the city out to jog, wander, and glide along the Mediterranean's most spectacular curve of seafront promenade. Dotted with sun worshippers and swimmers, it's an ode to the rejuvenating character of that unbeatable duo - the rich blue sea and endless sunshine. Drag yourself away from the waterfront to discover the old town, punctuated with Baroque churches rising, and the wafting scents of baking pastries, and lavender bundles. 

Day 2 (APR 21): Saint Tropez, France

A glitzy, glamorous coastal resort that needs no introduction, Saint Tropez is the French Riviera hotspot of choice for A-listers and flotillas of gleaming yachts. The sparkle of its beaches, and the clarity of its light, continue to attract artists - but it was the famous presence of Brigitte Bardot that lent Saint Tropez its enduring glamour and steamy appeal. Nowadays, speedboats skim offshore, while fine vintages from the vineyards nearby are uncorked in top-notch restaurants, in this well-heeled highlight of the Côte d’Azur. Famous bars offer views of the port along Quai Jean Jaurès, with its iconic cherry-red directors' chairs. Here you can admire the monstrous wealth of yachts that sparkle on the waters. On the same corner, big-name brand labels glimmer in the shops of Rue François Sibilli - which cuts inland from the charming waterfront. La Ponche, the authentic fishing quarter, retains its cobbled, historic elegance, and a 17th-century, hexagon-shaped citadel watches over the city and coastline from above. Coastal walks in the sea air snake away from the city's bustle, and a series of headlands shape the stunning Riviera landscape surrounding Saint Tropez. 

Day 3 (APR 22): Bonifacio (Corsica), France

Beloved by the French, yet still relatively undiscovered by the rest of the world, the French island of Corsica is a gem. And right at its southern tip lies Bonifacio, a medieval town known as the “city of sentinels”. Closer to Rome than Paris (and less than an hour’s ferry ride to Sardinia), Bonifacio remains one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. The first thing you should know is that Bonifacio is stunning. The town itself is worthy of a painting – a long, hilltop town that snakes over milky white limestone cliffs that stretch for 70 kilometers. The turquoise blue seas that lap at the foot of these are both warm and clear and a joy for bathers of all ages. Although the cliffs have proved perilous to sailors in the past - Bonifacio counts the wreckage of the French Navy’s 1855 ship Semillante among its most visited diving sites and top tourist attractions. 

Day 4 (APR 23): Alghero, Sardinia, Italy

Encircled by dramatic medieval walls, which rise abruptly from deep-blue waters, Alghero's defenses shelter one of Sardinia's largest and most spectacular old towns. Uneven cobbled streets, rich history, and a fiery Catalan flare provide a real depth of character, and the Coral Riviera's pristine beaches, which stretch out nearby, help to make Alghero a real highlight of Sardinia. Wander the streets at your leisure, enjoying the cooling shade of the tight, cobblestone streets with lemon gelato in hand, or enjoying fresh tuna steak at the bustling La Boqueria market. Alghero Cathedral is hidden amid the labyrinth of narrow streets but it's the distinctive Baroque-dome of Chiesa di San Michele that you'll immediately notice peeking ostentatiously over the terracotta roofs of the old town, flaunting its rainbow-colored patterning. Plush restaurants revel in Alghero's historical collision of cultures and produce delicious fare like plump clams tangled in tagliatelle, and succulent porcetto pork. Wash it down with mirto, a crushed berry liqueur, or sample the fruits of local vineyards, with a platter of Sardinia's renowned pecorino sheep's cheese. The city dominates Sardinia's Coral Riviera - so named because of the red coral found here that's been used for jewelry since Roman times. Lie back and listen to the waves washing ashore at Spiaggia di Maria Pia beach, breathing in the smell of pine needles on the breeze.

Day 5 (APR 24): Day at Sea

Day 6 (APR 25): Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a proud city. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935-36), holding out against Franco's National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain's daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine - but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile floodplain (huerta) that surrounds it. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean.

Day 7 (APR 26): Ibiza, Spain

A mystical island of rustic beauty, featuring long stretches of sandy beaches, hidden coves, and sunsets that ladle flourishes of reds and pinks across the skies. The White Isle is so much more than just its thudding summer party scene - and an island of culture, fine dining, and sophisticated elegance awaits. Ibiza has always called out to those seeking escape and sanctuary, and you'll soon feel the island's magic as you dive with dolphins, dine on calamari and octopus platters, and revel in Ibiza's rejuvenating, artistic ambiance. Ibiza Town's 16th-century old town is a maze of wide cobbled streets, lined with a crowd of outdoor bars and energetic restaurants serving up heavy platters of fresh seafood. The steep walls of the rustic citadel, Dalt Vila fortress, tower over the town and the area is peppered with museums and historical quirks, as well as the crowning Catedral de Eivissa. Wind up along pathways of uneven cobbles for unrivaled views out over the city and waves below. Play golf on peaceful courses, which unspool along the coastline, lounge on a beach, or sail with the yachting crowd on the calm waves, as you rejuvenate in Ibiza's heavenly glow. Beaches are long and sandy - choose between humming options where water sports and casual beach volleyball matches take place, or seek out quieter scenic coves to enjoy the shade of pine trees and swim in shallow waters. You may find that you're mysteriously drawn to the 400-meter-high protrusion of Es Vedra - a rocky, uninhabited island, which rears from the waves opposite Cala d'Hort beach.

Day 8 (APR 27): Palma de Mallorca, Spain

A rugged Mediterranean gem, arising out of the rich blue haze, Mallorca is a Spanish island of cuisine, culture, and sun-gorged beaches. Palma de Mallorca is the island's dominating capital and a sand-colored mirage of glorious buildings and living history. Conquered and liberated countless times over the years, since its Bronze Age founding, the city is your gateway to ceaseless Mediterranean beauty, buzzy markets, and intense flavors. Cafes and bars wait close to the sweeping coastline, where you can enjoy strong espressos to kick start the day, or splashes of red Mallorcan wines to round it off. Bicycles trundle up and down the promenade, which invites you to wander in the morning sunshine beside the waves. The labyrinth of the old town is a cobbled haven, which bustles with dripping ice creams and sun-lashed squares. Something about the sunshine here makes tomatoes extra sharp and delicious, while the seafood is consistently juicy and plump. The splendid Royal Palace of La Almudaina fortress stands nearby, a left-behind Moorish footprint of square towers and Arabic archways that now serves as an official summer residence for the King of Spain.

Day 9 (APR 28): Barcelona, Spain

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tiles and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art, and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!) - one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Família and his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-biggest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

Day 10 (APR 29): Palamos, Spain

A place of monasteries tucked into mountains, surreal art, and gorgeous beaches, Palamos is your gateway to the Costa Brava's scenic beauty, and the cultural wonders of Catalonia. Inspect Palamos' rugged coastline, and you can almost see the Catalan flag's blood and gold colors reflected in the craggy red cliffs and golden sands. Soak in the unfiltered glory of Spain's Wild Coast, which is fringed with attractive beaches and rock-dappled outcrops plunging into the blue Mediterranean waves. Known for its rich, meaty shrimp, Palamos is a flavorful stop of culture, coastline, and historic charm. Just 20 miles inland from Palamos' tempting beaches, you'll find Girona's Medieval city looming. Four rivers converge here, in this delightfully walkable city. Soak up the atmosphere of the cobbled old town, which is protected by historic ramparts. A steep ramp of 90 steps leads up to the Baroque façade of the Cathedral of Girona, which towers over the city and impresses with the world's widest Gothic nave - a full 22 meters across. Figueres is also close by, where you can enter the “theatrical dream” conceived by the master of surrealism, Salvador Dalí. Born in Figueres, his hometown honors his memory and global influence at the irresistible Dalí Theatre-Museum - a gloriously bizarre and immersive experience and a fitting summation of his creative outlook. Opened in 1974, Dalí¬ himself had an input into the design of the giant egg-topped building, having worked on its creation during the final decade of his life.

Day 11 (APR 30): Marseille, France

France's sunniest and oldest city may not have the glamour of some of its Cote D'Azur neighbors, but what it lacks in glitz, it certainly makes up for in authenticity and cultural depth. France's second-biggest city, Marseille serves as a European Capital of Culture and is a fantastic hub of museums, creativity, and color. The Le Panier district is a vivid illustration of this - with its faded streets revitalized by overflowing flowerpots and pretty naturally distressed doorways. Look down to the yacht-crammed port - where fishermen still unload fresh catches - from the viewpoint at the spectacular Notre-Dame de la Garde - a true crowning glory. Standing over walled fortifications - and capped by an elegant dome - the soaring golden statue of Madonna and Child rises high into the air and is visible all over the city. The huge Marseille Cathedral is equally impressive, with its stunning zebra-striped exterior. Palais Longchamp, built in 1862, twinkles with flowing water, and its saturated gardens and splashing fountains were built to celebrate the engineering feat of successfully redirecting water to the city. You can't leave Marseille without tucking into its famous fish stew - bouillabaisse. Flavored with thyme, garlic, and hunks of Mediterranean fish and plump prawns, it's a bold and delicious taste of Provence. Wash your hands clean after, with some of Marseille's traditional soap, created using a fragrant recipe of rich olive oil.

Day 12 (MAY 1): Day at Sea

Day 13 (MAY 2): Nice, France