10 Nights Mediterranean

Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures. Less travelled by tourists than its other Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur counterparts, including Cannes and Nice, this seaside city is a vibrant, artistic, and historically significant stop worth exploring!

Believed to have been established in the seventh century by the Phoenicians or Greeks, Marseille is now the second largest French city after Paris and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Marseille is a city of and for immigrants, with a blend of cultures and religions from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more, reflected in the gastronomic and architectural diversity of Marseille itself. Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, constructed in an Arabic architectural style, for an immersive experience with exhibits showcasing the artifacts of Marseille’s extensive history. The city’s most frequented attraction, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, is a stunning display of Roman and Byzantine design and provides spectacular views of the city below.

A trip to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, popular neighborhoods for tourism and lined with markets boasting fresh and authentic cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a delicious stew filled with local and fresh-caught seafood, is well-known as a Marseillaise specialty, but don’t pass up the chance to eat other scrumptious eats, including squid, sardines, and mussels, piping-hot pizzas, and a sip of anise-flavored Pastis. There’s a reason why the city was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite gastronomic destinations!

Be sure to take advantage of Marseille’s natural beauty. The variety of sandy and rocky beaches are perfect spots to revel in striking ocean scenes. Just south of Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques offers great hiking, biking, and boating excursions for any nature-lover.

With so much to see and do, Marseille, France, will delight and astonish you.

With its captivating blend of ancient history, sun-drenched beaches, and vibrant Andalusian culture, Cádiz, Spain, stands as one of Europe’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Founded over 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, this coastal gem in southern Spain offers a rich tapestry of historical sites and modern charms. The old city of Cádiz is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden plazas that evoke the city’s Moorish past. At the heart of it all is the Cádiz Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque and neoclassical structure that dominates the skyline with its golden dome and offers panoramic views from its bell tower.

For those eager to explore the past, the Roman Theatre of Cádiz, rediscovered in 1980, is a must-see. It’s one of the largest and oldest Roman theatres in Spain, providing a glimpse into the city's ancient Roman life. Nearby, the Museum of Cádiz showcases an impressive collection of Phoenician artifacts, including two sarcophagi that speak to the city’s significance as a hub of trade and culture throughout the ages. A stroll through El Pópulo, Cádiz's oldest neighborhood, will enchant visitors with its medieval gates and historic buildings, reflecting a city that has been shaped by various civilizations over millennia.

Cádiz is not just about history; it’s also a vibrant, sun-soaked destination perfect for relaxation and enjoyment. The city's coastline stretches with beautiful beaches such as La Caleta, which is famed for its picturesque sunsets and served as a filming location for the James Bond movie "Die Another Day." The nearby Playa de la Victoria, consistently awarded Blue Flag status, is perfect for sunbathing and water sports, and is lined with chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh seafood and chilled sherry, a local specialty.

A fun fact about Cádiz: It is often referred to as "La Tacita de Plata" or "The Silver Cup," due to the sparkling Atlantic waters that surround the city, giving it a unique luminosity. This vibrant port city also knows how to celebrate life with gusto, most notably during its annual Carnival. This two-week celebration is one of Spain's most famous, featuring elaborate costumes, parades, and lively street performances that draw visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or someone seeking the colorful pulse of Andalusian culture, Cádiz offers a compelling and unforgettable experience.

Alicante, a captivating coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, enchants visitors with its blend of rich history, Mediterranean charm, and vibrant nightlife. Dominated by the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle perched on Mount Benacantil, the city offers sweeping views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and the bustling streets below. This 9th-century fortress, one of Spain's largest medieval castles, provides a fascinating glimpse into Alicante’s past, from its Moorish origins to its role in various sieges and battles. Today, the castle is a must-visit site, complete with guided tours, museums, and breathtaking vistas of Alicante’s shimmering coastline and urban sprawl.

The city’s historic quarter, El Barrio, is a maze of narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and charming squares. Here, you can explore Alicante’s cultural treasures, like the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas, a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture. The area comes alive at night with its vibrant tapas bars, traditional taverns, and lively plazas, offering an authentic taste of Alicante’s nightlife. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as "arroz a banda" (a seafood rice dish) and "turrón" (a nougat confection) while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

Alicante’s beautiful Explanada de España promenade is another highlight, famous for its distinctive wavy mosaic tiles and lined with palm trees. Stretching along the harbor, this vibrant walkway is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, dotted with cafes, artisan stalls, and street performers. Just a stone's throw away is Playa del Postiguet, a sandy beach right in the heart of the city, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. With its warm climate and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is a year-round destination that caters to sunseekers and beach lovers alike.

Fun fact: Alicante is renowned for its annual festival, Las Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John), which takes place in June and marks the arrival of summer. The festival is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and the burning of large satirical effigies made of wood and papier-mâché, creating a spectacular and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Olbia, located on the northeast coast of Sardinia, offers a blend of history and modernity. The city is known for its well-preserved ruins and historical sites, such as the Basilica di San Simplicio, an 11th-century Romanesque church built from local granite.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Olbia is a great starting point. The surrounding region offers activities like dolphin watching, island-hopping, and hiking. The city's proximity to popular beaches like Porto Taverna makes it a haven for beach lovers.

Marseilles is an enticing port city known for its delectable seafood, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and diverse melting pot of cultures. Less travelled by tourists than its other Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur counterparts, including Cannes and Nice, this seaside city is a vibrant, artistic, and historically significant stop worth exploring!

Believed to have been established in the seventh century by the Phoenicians or Greeks, Marseille is now the second largest French city after Paris and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Marseille is a city of and for immigrants, with a blend of cultures and religions from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and more, reflected in the gastronomic and architectural diversity of Marseille itself. Visit the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, constructed in an Arabic architectural style, for an immersive experience with exhibits showcasing the artifacts of Marseille’s extensive history. The city’s most frequented attraction, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, is a stunning display of Roman and Byzantine design and provides spectacular views of the city below.

A trip to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Le Vieux Port and Le Panier, popular neighborhoods for tourism and lined with markets boasting fresh and authentic cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a delicious stew filled with local and fresh-caught seafood, is well-known as a Marseillaise specialty, but don’t pass up the chance to eat other scrumptious eats, including squid, sardines, and mussels, piping-hot pizzas, and a sip of anise-flavored Pastis. There’s a reason why the city was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite gastronomic destinations!

Be sure to take advantage of Marseille’s natural beauty. The variety of sandy and rocky beaches are perfect spots to revel in striking ocean scenes. Just south of Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques offers great hiking, biking, and boating excursions for any nature-lover.

With so much to see and do, Marseille, France, will delight and astonish you.