Idyllic Islands of the Mediterranean

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Ponza is home to a captivating historic centre, with narrow streets, vibrant buildings and a lively atmosphere. Renowned for its seafood dishes and natural beauty, the island is a paradise for food lovers and beachgoers alike, boasting stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters that make it a true Mediterranean gem.  

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This morning, you’ll arrive in Porto Cervo, the dazzling gem at the 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. 

Located in the South of Corsica, Bonifacio is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. From its breathtaking views and sandy white islands to its historic citadel, the city is a must visit for anyone travelling to the island.

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Arriving in Bonifacio is an unforgettable experience — the town appears perched atop soaring limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. Step ashore to explore the atmospheric old town, where its winding lanes, historic buildings, and relaxed Corsican charm await.  With another late departure here, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the panoramic vistas from the ancient citadel or stroll along the picturesque marina. Bonifacio promises a delightful blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty.  

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Nestled 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 through winding lanes lined with pastel-coloured houses or simply relax while taking in sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Elba is the Tuscan archipelago’s largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It’s this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island’s uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables.

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One of Elba Island’s oldest towns, Portoferraio traces its origins to the 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.  

Calvi, Corsica’s slice of the Riviera, has been described by author Dorothy Carrington as “an oasis of pleasure on an otherwise austere island.” Calvi prospered by supplying products to Genoa; its citizens remained loyal supporters of Genoa long after the rest of the island declared independence. Calvi also claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. During the 18th century the town endured assaults from Corsican nationalists, including celebrated patriot Pasquale Paoli. Today Calvi sees a summertime invasion of tourists, drawn to the 6-km (4-mile) stretch of sandy white beach, impressive citadel overlooking the Old Town, lively restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.

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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 golden, sandy beaches 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.  

The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahon has a impressive natural deep water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. This, coupled with its strategic location, has made it a stronghold for many nations throughout history. Mahon has an abundance of historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch of Saint Roc which is all that remains of the wall that once encircled the whole town. The island was occupied by the British during the 18th century and Lord Nelson is thought to have stayed there. Indeed, San Antoni Mansion, located on the north side of the harbour, houses a collection of Nelson memorabilia. The legacy of colonial rule can be seen in the muted Georgian style of some of the buildings, but Mahon still boasts attractive examples of neo-Classical, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shaded squares and welcoming pavement cafés, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that most shops in town close for a siesta between 1330 and 1730.

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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 the 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.  

Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila —the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbor is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets that offer some of the city’s best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey has a useful map of walks through the old city.

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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.  Known for its breathtaking evenings, Ibiza invites you to linger. With a late departure, sip on a cocktail at a waterfront bar and watch the sky turn a blaze of orange and red.  

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma’s main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d’es Born, now follow the stream’s natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there’s a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d’es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don’t miss a chance to visit—it’s the Mediterranean’s finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d’Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d’es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

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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. 

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí’s majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain’s second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona’s vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.

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Your Signature Yacht Cruise finishes this morning in the vibrant city of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Renowned for its eclectic architecture, culinary delights, thriving art scene and lively nightlife, Barcelona offers a feast for the senses. After enjoying breakfast on board, disembark and bid farewell your fellow guests and crew, carrying with you memories of a truly unforgettable voyage.    Please book your flight to depart out of Barcelona after 12:00 PM.#Spa treatments and services are available at an 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 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.