Discover the French and Spanish Rivieras: 16 days Nice to Malaga

Welcome to France and the city of Nice, on the chic French Riviera. Your glamorous cruise begins here. You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your voyage through the beautiful Western Mediterranean.

Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 03:00 PM.

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming resort town with panoramic views that’s revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘la dolce vita,’ you’re sure to find it in abundance here. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Marvel at an impressive  Baroque-era church along the cobbled streets and savour succulent red shrimps, the local fishermen’s catch of the day.  

Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to delightful Portofino. Embedded along the Italian Riviera, eternally popular Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming, pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and restaurants specialising in freshly caught seafood.

Situated along the Ligurian coast on Italy’s northwest shores, Porto Venere is an ancient city dating back to the first century BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s imbued with a romantic history – thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. Porto Venere’s  wonderful swimming spots were beloved by, amongst others, the legendary  English poet Lord Byron, who regularly bathed and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere's most striking features is its Gothic-style Church of St. Peter, dating back to the 12th century and resting atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea.

Today, you’ll arrive in Calvi, on the northwest shore of the French Island of Corsica. According to local legend, Calvi is where the 15th century Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was born. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's gorgeous beach presents a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines. The town has evolved to become Corsica’s ‘culture capital,’ hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months.

A shining jewel of the Côte d’Azur, the legendary resort town of Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. It has been drawing celebrities and royalty since the 1950s .  look out over the superyachts jostling for space in the marina, a sure sign that the international jet set is in town. From the soft white sand lapped by clear blue water to the on-trend beach clubs, decadent dining and luxury boutiques, Saint-Tropez is the ultimate French Riviera experience. For history buffs, learn the story of Saint-Tropez at the Musée d'Histoire Maritime, or peruse the incredible modern art inside a former chapel at the Annonciade.

Continuing along the Côte d'Azur, arrive today in Sanary-sur-Mer. This classic Provençal port town still has colourful wooden fishing boats bobbing in the harbour and, pastel houses lining the shore. It’s famous for its bustling daily market in the town centre, which has been named the most beautiful in France. Walk through the stalls to see fresh produce, just-caught seafood and roasting chickens, then sample a ‘cade’, a traditional wood-fired pancake that has been a popular snack here for more than 200 years.

The Costa Brava (meaning the Rugged Coast) is arguably the most beautiful of Spain’s three holiday coasts. The seaside village of Roses sits on its northern edge, close to the border with France, making for a captivating blend of cultures set within a stunning setting where the mountains meet the sea., Roses began as a fishing village and is still the place to sample exceptional fresh seafood. Be sure to try the local seafood speciality of ‘Suquet de Peix’, a hearty fish soup prepared with the catch of the day along with garlic, tomatoes and saffron.

After breakfast, set off to explore Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spanish mainland’s Catalonia region and one of Europe’s most popular cities. Here, discover the city’s world-famous art and architecture, including Gaudi’s iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and lively pedestrian street, La Rambla and be sure to sample a plate of delicious Tapas –a culinary speciality of Barcelona.

In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey, ready to explore more of the wondrous Western Mediterranean.

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is famous for its stunning coastline, historic towns and delicious cuisine. Its capital city, Palma de Mallorca, dates to the 13th century and is a vision in honey-coloured stone. Marvel at its grand Gothic cathedral, walk the medieval streets lined with aristocratic townhouses and sip coffee in bustling public squares. Elsewhere on the island, discover the authentic village of Valldemossa, the unspoilt beaches and natural beauty of the landscape.

Ibiza's party scene is legendary, attracting thousands of revellers each year from around the world. This gorgeous Balearic Island, just off the coast of Spain, has become synonymous with electronic dance music, jetsetters lifestyle, and late-night revelry. Despite its hedonistic reputation however, Ibiza also promotes responsible tourism, with initiatives to ensure that the island's natural beauty, including beautiful sandy coves backed by pine-clad hills, is preserved for future generations. 

Part of Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca coast, Alicante enjoys a lovely Mediterranean climate of hot summers, mild winters and almost endless sunshine, making it a popular holiday destination year-round. This picturesque port city is known for its beautiful beaches such as Playa de San Juan and Postiguet Beach, which entice travellers from around the world. Set atop a hill in the heart of Alicante, you can discover the Castle of Santa Barbara, dating back to the ninth century.  It’s also considered one of the best cities for eating out in Spain, so expect street snacks, delicious restaurants and late-night haunts.

Part of the Mediterranean's Costa Cálida, Cartagena was one of the most important naval ports in Spain until the 18th century. This portside town has been inhabited by several cultures over the centuries, all of whom have left their mark on its streets. Walk its beautiful streets and see layers of history unfold before you, from the Roman Amphitheatre to the Torre Ciega and the Castillo de la Concepción.

Tucked away on the southeast corner of Spain's Mediterranean coast, Almeria is one of the quieter ports of Andalusia. The city has a handsome historic centre, with palm tree-lined plazas, stone churches, the incredible Moorish Alcazaba and many excellent tapas bars. On the northern edge of the town is the remarkable Tabernas Desert, the only desert in Europe. This dramatic, bone-dry landscape has been used as a filming location for classic Westerns since the 1950s. 

A little slice of England on the edge of Spain, Gibraltar has been under British rule since 1704.  It's incredible position on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula has made it the guardian of the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. You’ll be amazed by the highlight of this British Overseas Territory: the towering limestone monolith known as the Rock of Gibraltar, which dominates the landscape. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views across the Strait. Designated as a nature reserve, the rock is also home to a colony of Barbary apes—the only wild monkeys found in Europe.

Enjoy a morning sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier. Europe's gateway to Africa for centuries, Tangier welcomes you with a blend of exotic cultures and influences unique to Morocco. The diversity of the bustling local crowds, the fragrances of spices in the colourful markets and the murmurs of the sea and – it’s a feast of sensations that stuns the senses.

Your luxurious yacht cruise returns to the beautiful Andalusia region, concluding in Málaga, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Malaga after 01:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons, including changes to port timings and berth status. Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee that the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.