Catalonia & Mediterranean Islands - Cruise & Land Journey: 16 days Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome)

Welcome to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most culturally rich and visually extraordinary cities. As the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, Barcelona occupies a singular position in the European imagination – a place where Roman foundations, medieval grandeur, and the audacious vision of modernist architecture exist side by side. The city was founded as the Roman settlement of Barcino around 133 BC, and its layered history – shaped by Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and the Crown of Aragon – is legible at almost every turn.

This evening, meet your  Tour Director for a welcome dinner at a Scenic-selected restaurant, the first taste of Catalan hospitality that will define the days ahead.

Barcelona rewards those who explore it on foot, and today you do exactly that. Your Tour Director leads you through the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where the streets preserve the footprint of Roman Barcino – including sections of the original 4th-century defensive wall and the 2nd-century Temple of Augustus, still standing within a medieval courtyard. Though the quarter was extensively restored in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in preparation for the 1929 International Exhibition, its winding laneways and medieval palaces retain a tangible connection to the city’s deep past.

From the Gothic Quarter, you stroll the famous La Rambla, Barcelona’s great tree-lined promenade that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront. A visit to the La Boqueria Market – officially the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, which has occupied this site since 1217 – immerses you in the extraordinary abundance of Catalan food culture: vivid seasonal produce, charcuterie, seafood, and local cheeses that speak to the region’s proud culinary identity.

Today you travel north to the Costa Brava, one of the most dramatically beautiful stretches of Mediterranean coastline in Europe. The rugged headlands, hidden coves, and crystalline waters of this Catalan shore have long drawn artists and writers seeking light and solitude. None more famously than Salvador Dalí, who was first brought to Cadaqués as a child and remained entranced by it for the rest of his life. As early as 1916, the stark landscape of the town had begun to appear in his paintings, and from the 1930s onwards he transformed a fisherman’s hut in the nearby cove of Portlligat into a labyrinthine house and studio that became the epicentre of his creative world.  The whitewashed village of Cadaqués itself – with its narrow lanes climbing from a curved bay, its church silhouetted against the hills – remains one of the most photographed places in Spain, beloved by Picasso, Magritte, and Max Ernst, all of whom visited during the years Dalí held court here. 

Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience today at Mas Llunes Cellar is as rich in history as it is in flavour. The Mas Llunes estate in Garriguella sits within the Empordà wine region, and one of its vineyards occupies the site of a Republican airfield used during the Spanish Civil War – the scene of the last aerial battle fought in Catalonia. Shelters and bunkers survive among the vines, offering a deeply moving encounter with 20th-century history before you settle in for a guided tasting of five regional wines and three estate olive oils. 

Tonight, your Scenic Special Stay is the Hotel Peralada Wine and Golf Spa, a property that combines the elegance of a historic estate with the distinctive character of the Empordà. 

The medieval city of Girona is one of Catalonia’s finest discoveries. Your walking tour centres on the Call, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, home to a thriving Sephardic community of scholars and philosophers from the 10th century until the expulsion of Spain’s Jews in 1492. The Bonastruc ça Porta Centre – named for the great Catalan rabbi Nahmanides, born in Girona in 1194 – houses the Museum of Jewish History on the site of the community’s last medieval synagogue, alongside a 13th-century mikveh and a remarkable collection of Hebrew inscriptions. The medieval walls and remains of the Gironella Tower complete a richly layered morning, before lunch immerses you in the depth and originality of Catalan cuisine.

This afternoon, the jagged peaks of Montserrat rise dramatically from the Catalan plains, home to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria founded in 1025 and the beloved La Moreneta – the 12th-century Black Madonna, patron of Catalonia.

Scenic Enrich
This evening you dine in the Saló de Pedra, a historic stone hall within the monastery that has welcomed pilgrims since the 16th century – a setting that transforms the act of sharing a meal into something quietly ceremonial.

Uncover the cultural richness and coastal beauty of Catalonia and the western Mediterranean on a journey that begins in Barcelona. Wander the Gothic Quarter, stroll La Rambla and explore the vibrant Boqueria Market, before venturing along the Costa Brava, where the whitewashed charm of Cadaqués, the medieval streets of Girona and the dramatic setting of Montserrat reveal a region shaped by art, history and landscape.

Enjoy lunch at Port Olímpic, the revitalized waterfront created for the 1992 Olympic Games, where the city opens to the Mediterranean.

This afternoon, transfer to your Scenic Discovery Yacht, where the Captain and crew welcome you on board. Settle into your suite, raise a glass of Champagne, and ease into the next chapter of your journey as you prepare to set sail.

Whilst Ibiza is famed for its thriving party scene, there’s far more to this island than meets the eye. Beyond the buzz, you’ll find pristine beaches, lush nature reserves, ancient archaeological sites, and small villages seemingly untouched by time. Inland, limestone hills and lush pine forests shelter artisan producers crafting one-of-a-kind local delights.    

Famed for its dazzling sunsets, Ibiza invites you to linger. With a late departure, sip a cocktail at the waterfront bar and watch the sky turn a blaze of orange and red. 

Palma, a popular resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, is where history comes alive. Shaped by Romans, Moors and Catholics since 123 BC, the city’s rich heritage unfolds across centuries. Wander the narrow, cobbled lanes of Palma’s Casco Antiguo (Old Town), where elegant archways, grand historic palacios, medieval churches and picturesque plazas transport you to another time. From the soaring Santa Maria Cathedral to La Almudaina — a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted into a royal residence — and the unique circular Bellver Castle, Palma reveals a new layer of history at every corner. 

Known for its British-style Georgian houses and medieval streets lined with palaces, churches and fortresses, Mahón is truly Vella i Bella — ‘Old and Beautiful’. As the capital of laid-back Menorca, life here moves to the rhythm of the gentle waves that lap its shores. Wander through the historic old town, where every corner whispers of the island’s rich past. With its charismatic centre and unhurried pace, Mahón offers a quiet charm that’s all its own. 

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea on board your ultra-luxurious next-generation Discovery Yacht, where you can unwind on the deck, bask in the sun, and take in sweeping ocean views while enjoying the exceptional amenities on board. 

This evening, indulge in a world-class dining experience on board, with every detail thoughtfully considered and every dish a moment to savour. 

Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, boasts a rich and storied history. Founded in the 13th century, its fiery medieval citadel still stands above red tiled roofs. A magnet for visitors since the 1920s, Calvi’s moon-shaped bay features a golden, sandy beach framed by forested mountains on the horizon.   

Today, Calvi has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels, and multi-million-dollar yachts bobbing in the harbour. Stroll the alleys of the historic old town, walk the ramparts of the citadel, and visit the house said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. 

One of Elba Island’s oldest towns, Portoferraio traces its origins to ancient Greeks, though much of the modern town was built by the Medici in the 1500s. Brimming with Tuscan charm, it’s a favourite for both beach-lovers and history buffs. Take a dip at Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, a northern beach scattered with small white pebbles and fronting impossibly clear water. Wander the historic streets to explore Palazzina dei Mulini, one of Napoleon’s official residences during his exile here, the impressive Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of the Roman Villa della Linguella.  

Relax with another late night in port and toast the sunset with a glass of Aleatico, a sweet red dessert wine and local delicacy. 

Perched on the scenic Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano is a charming seaside town with a picturesque harbour and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its historic Spanish Fortress, Porto Santo Stefano invites you to wander winding lanes lined with pastel-coloured houses or simply relax while taking in sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Arriving in Bonifacio is unforgettable — the town appears perched atop soaring limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. Step ashore to explore the atmospheric old town, where winding lanes, historic buildings, and relaxed Corsican charm await.  

With another late departure here, you’ll have ample time to enjoy panoramic vistas from the ancient citadel or stroll along the picturesque marina. Bonifacio promises a delightful blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. 

This morning, you’ll arrive in Porto Cervo, the dazzling heart of the spectacular Costa Smeralda. Built as a millionaire’s playground by Prince Aga Khan in the 1960s, Porto Cervo exudes luxury — from high-end boutiques and stylish restaurants to glamorous nightclubs, world-class golf courses, tennis clubs, and hotels. 

Ponza charms with its captivating historic centre, narrow streets, colourful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Renowned for its exquisite seafood and natural beauty, the island is a paradise for food lovers and beachgoers alike, boasting stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters — a true Mediterranean gem. 

Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the 2nd century and the gateway to Rome — the Eternal City, where timeless ruins and elaborate churches stand alongside bustling cafes and designer boutiques. Every corner whispers stories of empires long past.   

After savouring a final breakfast on board, it will be time to disembark and commence your onward journey or return home, carrying cherished memories with you.   

Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a select few rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost and are subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical clearance and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in France. Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is intended as a guide only and may be subject to change for operational reasons. Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate exactly as outlined. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.