Mediterranean Mosaic: Spain, France, Italy & Greece

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, and was once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade. Today, it is Spain's second largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed Madrid in industry and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the Olympics in 1992. This big event prompted a massive building program and created a focal point of the world's attention.

Founded by Greeks in the pre-Christian era, the Catalan town is set on a lovely curve of beaches on Spain’s Costa Brava. It is crowned by the Castell de la Trinitat, which anchored the wall that encircled the entire town in medieval times. It was the site, until 2011, of Ferran Adria’s Michelin three-star restaurant El Bulli, which will reportedly reopen in 2014 as a culinary creativity center. Shop for a souvenir from the back of a street hawker’s donkey, or wander to nearby Figueres or Cadaques to visit one of Salvador Dali’s museums.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Ovation is an experience to be savoured — a chance to slow down, unwind and enjoy the ship’s elegant surroundings at your own pace. Mornings begin gently, perhaps with breakfast served on your private veranda as the horizon stretches endlessly ahead, or a refreshing yoga class in the Motion Studio to welcome the day. As the ship glides through open waters, there’s time to indulge in simple pleasures — a coffee and fresh pastry in Seabourn Square, a good book by the pool, or a leisurely soak in one of the whirlpools beneath an endless blue sky. Afternoons invite exploration of a different kind. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture from an expert speaker, enjoy a quiet game in the Card Room, or simply relax with a soothing treatment in the Spa & Wellness centre. Those seeking a touch of indulgence can enjoy Champagne and caviar by the pool or a light lunch at The Colonnade, while the more active might fit in a workout in the Fitness Centre or a brisk stroll along the deck in the fresh sea air. As the sun begins to set, Seabourn Ovation takes on a special glow. Guests gather for cocktails in The Club or the Observation Bar, sharing stories of travels past and journeys ahead. Dinner might follow in The Restaurant, where the cuisine is as refined as the service, or perhaps under the stars at Earth & Ocean for an evening of relaxed sophistication. Live music drifts through the lounges as night settles over the sea, and whether you choose lively conversation or quiet contemplation, every moment feels effortlessly luxurious. Days at sea with Seabourn are never hurried, never ordinary — they are a celebration of pure indulgence, where the journey itself becomes as memorable as the destination.

Along the Cote d'Azur, nothing is so rare as a genuine, old-fashioned fishing village. Strolling the inner harbour here, you'll see the men of the working fishing fleet going about their business as if they weren't a part of the world's most glamorous seacoast. Simply put, Sanary and her old streets and charming quay invite discovery.

Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calvi beckons with its blend of idyllic beaches and historical allure.

Olbia, located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, is a picturesque gateway to the island's natural beauty and rich history.

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Porto Santo emerges as a hidden gem within the Madeira archipelago, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Rome, the Eternal City, stands as an unparalleled testament to millennia of history, culture and influence.

Nestled atop rugged cliffs overlooking the azure expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sorrento is a picturesque jewel in Italy's Campania region.

Perched high on the cliffs of eastern Sicily, Taormina is a captivating gem that blends natural beauty with rich history and a touch of glamour.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a stunning jewel of the Mediterranean, renowned for its rich history, architectural elegance and vibrant culture.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Ovation is an experience to be savoured — a chance to slow down, unwind and enjoy the ship’s elegant surroundings at your own pace. Mornings begin gently, perhaps with breakfast served on your private veranda as the horizon stretches endlessly ahead, or a refreshing yoga class in the Motion Studio to welcome the day. As the ship glides through open waters, there’s time to indulge in simple pleasures — a coffee and fresh pastry in Seabourn Square, a good book by the pool, or a leisurely soak in one of the whirlpools beneath an endless blue sky. Afternoons invite exploration of a different kind. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture from an expert speaker, enjoy a quiet game in the Card Room, or simply relax with a soothing treatment in the Spa & Wellness centre. Those seeking a touch of indulgence can enjoy Champagne and caviar by the pool or a light lunch at The Colonnade, while the more active might fit in a workout in the Fitness Centre or a brisk stroll along the deck in the fresh sea air. As the sun begins to set, Seabourn Ovation takes on a special glow. Guests gather for cocktails in The Club or the Observation Bar, sharing stories of travels past and journeys ahead. Dinner might follow in The Restaurant, where the cuisine is as refined as the service, or perhaps under the stars at Earth & Ocean for an evening of relaxed sophistication. Live music drifts through the lounges as night settles over the sea, and whether you choose lively conversation or quiet contemplation, every moment feels effortlessly luxurious. Days at sea with Seabourn are never hurried, never ordinary — they are a celebration of pure indulgence, where the journey itself becomes as memorable as the destination.

Nestled within the dramatic fjords of Montenegro's Adriatic coast, Kotor is a hidden gem that blends natural splendour with a rich history.

Zadar, a coastal gem on Croatia's Adriatic Sea, beckons with a harmonious blend of ancient history and contemporary allure.

Koper, a hidden gem on Slovenia's Adriatic coast, is a captivating blend of historical grandeur and modern charm.

Šibenik, nestled on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, is a hidden gem that combines history, culture and coastal beauty.

Nestled within the dramatic fjords of Montenegro's Adriatic coast, Kotor is a hidden gem that blends natural splendour with a rich history.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Ovation is an experience to be savoured — a chance to slow down, unwind and enjoy the ship’s elegant surroundings at your own pace. Mornings begin gently, perhaps with breakfast served on your private veranda as the horizon stretches endlessly ahead, or a refreshing yoga class in the Motion Studio to welcome the day. As the ship glides through open waters, there’s time to indulge in simple pleasures — a coffee and fresh pastry in Seabourn Square, a good book by the pool, or a leisurely soak in one of the whirlpools beneath an endless blue sky. Afternoons invite exploration of a different kind. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture from an expert speaker, enjoy a quiet game in the Card Room, or simply relax with a soothing treatment in the Spa & Wellness centre. Those seeking a touch of indulgence can enjoy Champagne and caviar by the pool or a light lunch at The Colonnade, while the more active might fit in a workout in the Fitness Centre or a brisk stroll along the deck in the fresh sea air. As the sun begins to set, Seabourn Ovation takes on a special glow. Guests gather for cocktails in The Club or the Observation Bar, sharing stories of travels past and journeys ahead. Dinner might follow in The Restaurant, where the cuisine is as refined as the service, or perhaps under the stars at Earth & Ocean for an evening of relaxed sophistication. Live music drifts through the lounges as night settles over the sea, and whether you choose lively conversation or quiet contemplation, every moment feels effortlessly luxurious. Days at sea with Seabourn are never hurried, never ordinary — they are a celebration of pure indulgence, where the journey itself becomes as memorable as the destination.

Pylos occupies a superb and dominant position on one of the best natural harbors in Greece. Your gaze is inevitably drawn to the bay that is almost landlocked due to the position of the offshore island of Sfaktira. The Battle of Navarino, which took place here one night in 1827, effectively sealed Greek independence. An unusually stylish town with a pair of medieval castles, Pylos is an excellent base for exploring the Peloponnese. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this town, which spreads across the slopes of the hill, its picturesque cobbled lanes lined with two-story houses. Opposite the harbor, in the Square of the Three Admirals, a three-sided column rises between two canons - one Turkish and the other Venetian. The figures of the admirals of the three fleets, English, French and Russian that defeated the Turko-Egyptian navy in the Battle of Navarino are represented. A visit to Niokastro, one of the two castles guarding the harbor, affords wonderful views out over the bay.

Nafplion, a picturesque jewel nestled along the Peloponnese coastline, beckons travellers with its timeless charm and rich history.

Piraeus, often referred to as the "Port of Athens," stands as Greece's maritime gateway to the world.