Night 1: Fairmont Monte Carlo Monte-Carlo, Monaco Set beside the sea in the center of the Principality of Monaco, the impressive Fairmont Monte Carlo offers a both beautiful and convenient location. With its 619 guest rooms, three restaurants and three bars / cafés, it is among the largest hotels in Europe. It is truly an island unto itself situated in the most exclusive place on earth. Pleasant diversions await at the rooftop outdoor swimming pool and adjacent fully equipped Fitness Center. Choose the Mediterranean cuisine offered by Le Pistou, dine on the freshest seafood at Le Café de la Mer or indulge your inner gaucho at L’Argentin. The readers of Travel + Leisure rank the Fairmont Monte Carlo among the 500 best hotels in the world.
Night 2 – 8: Aboard Le Ponant Cruising the Mediterranean Sea Le Ponant, a three-masted schooner, cruises to small islands, hidden harbors and exclusive ports of call in the Mediterranean with only 60 guests aboard; she is stylish, friendly and relaxed. You’ll feel as though you are cruising with family – the Captain and the crew create a comfortable environment where guests easily interact with everyone aboard. Le Ponant was specially designed for worldwide cruising to remote destinations that are accessible only by small ships – specifically, destinations in the Mediterranean that big ships can’t reach. Coastal navigation and “island hopping” are easily accomplished, and the image of several dramatic harbor entries will last a lifetime! On board you’ll find four decks featuring a small library with a choice of books, cozy lounge with evening piano music, small boutique, and a full-service bar. Continental breakfast is served in your stateroom or at an American-style buffet in the outdoor panoramic restaurant; lunch is also served in the outdoor restaurant, buffet style; and dinner is served nightly in the window-lined restaurant. Staterooms (approximately 150 sq. ft.) are all outside on Le Ponant and include a private bathroom with shower, mini-bar, multi-channel music system, individual climate control, and a telephone with world-wide satellite access.
Night 9 & 10: Le Méridien Barcelona Barcelona, Spain Located in the very center of Barcelona on the world-famous Las Ramblas, Le Méridien Barcelona is convenient to many of the city’s most intriguing sights. Long a favorite of celebrities, this luxury hotel sports a newly redone and fully equipped fitness center and an Internet center, available for guests’ use. Le Patio restaurant evokes the atmosphere of a peaceful Catalan patio and offers Mediterranean-style cuisine.