Catalonia, Italy & the French Riviera - Cruise & Land Journey: 15 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.

Your final morning in Barcelona invites a deeper look at the city’s extraordinary architectural legacy. Visit Casa Vicens, where Antoni Gaudí first revealed his distinctive vision through bold forms, intricate ceramics and Moorish influences, an early masterpiece that set the tone for his later work. Continue to the Barcelona Cathedral, whose Gothic façade, soaring interiors and peaceful cloister offer a striking contrast in style and atmosphere.

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.

Discover L’Escala, a charming coastal town on Spain’s Costa Brava known for its beaches and rich history. Famous for its connection to the ancient Greek settlement of Empúries, this town offers a unique blend of shimmering shores and fascinating archaeological sites. Stroll along the waterfront, savour fresh seafood and enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean vibe that makes L’Escala a hidden gem. 

This morning, glide into another of the Mediterranean’s stunning deep-water harbours. Collioure is adorned with small beaches, castles by the sea, and pink-domed bell towers. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Vermillion Coast’, Collioure has azure waters lapping pebbled beaches and pastel houses surrounding sun dappled squares. Walk through the town and lose yourself on the streets lined with cafes and gelato shops. With a mix of French and Spanish influences, Collioure is famed for its wine and salted anchovies, both of which are exported all over France.    

The picturesque fishing village of Cassis, nestled along the stunning French Riviera, is famous for its colourful harbour, charming streets and the dramatic cliffs of Calanques National Park. Enjoy local wines, stroll along the waterfront and take in the unforgettable coastal views that define this captivating destination. Later this evening, set sail for Sanary-sur-Mer, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. 

The small town of Sanary-sur-Mer on the French Riviera began life as a fishing village and the marina is still filled with hundreds of brightly coloured wooden boats. You’ll quickly be charmed by this picturesque Provençal village, with its pretty palm-lined harbour, quiet pedestrian streets and pastel-hued buildings. They are all clustered around a 13th century watchtower, which you can climb for sweeping views of the town. Along the harbour, you’ll see fishermen pulling in the day’s catch which is then served up at the open-air restaurants looking out over the bobbing boats.   

Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, became a chic travel destination in the 1950s, thanks to Brigitte Bardot and the film ‘And God Created Woman’. Today, it still retains all the glitz and glamour, alongside glittering blue seas, stunning beaches and a Bohemian art scene. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old fishing quarter of La Ponche, and revel in the abstract architecture and sunlit landscapes that inspired great artists and filmmakers. With a late departure, see Saint-Tropez come alive in the evening. 

Welcome to Nice, the sparkling jewel of the French Riviera. With its elegant seaside promenade, Belle Époque architecture and vibrant markets, this coastal city blends Mediterranean charm with timeless sophistication. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, explore the narrow streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), or relax at a café with a view of the turquoise sea. Later this evening, sail for Monte Carlo, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. 

Monte Carlo is the epitome of style and elegance, nestled within the principality of Monaco. Explore the opulent streets lined with famous designer boutiques and savour the warmth of the Mediterranean sun along the picturesque coastline. With its world-class entertainment, exclusive clubs and prestigious events, Monte Carlo captivates visitors with glamour and sophistication. Whether you're seeking excitement at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo or prefer a quiet moonlit dinner, an unforgettable overnight stay awaits.  

Dubbed the “sixth” Cinque Terre town, Portovenere is a World Heritage-listed beauty that has an extraordinary, picturesque coastline, narrow streets winding through a medieval town and sweeping views of the Mediterranean. It’s a hidden gem that is less frequented, allowing you the space to relax and experience the town for all that it is. Previously used as a Roman naval station, there is a lot of history for you to explore along this rugged coast. Popular poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence are known to have fallen in love with the charm of this town. 

The vibrant city of Livorno has been welcoming sailors and traders from around the globe for over 400 years. As one of Italy's most cosmopolitan cities, Livorno serves as the gateway to the magnificent Tuscany region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, delectable cuisine and rich artistic heritage. Located conveniently close to Florence (birthplace of the Renaissance) and Pisa, Livorno offers easy access to these iconic destinations.   

Your Signature Yacht Cruise concludes this morning in Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the second century and serving as the gateway to Rome. Explore the timeless beauty of the ‘Eternal City’, where historic monuments and ornate churches sit alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques, and every corner tells a story of empires past.   

After savouring a final delightful 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 very small number of 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, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

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

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.