Friday 17 June

Auckland – Singapore

Time this morning for connecting flights to Auckland where the group assembles for the lunchtime departure for Singapore.  On arrival into Singapore this evening, we are met and transferred to our Hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Saturday 18 June

Singapore – Paris (B)

This morning our sightseeing tour takes us on an historical journey through the heartland of Singapore.  We drive eastward to visit the bustling enclaves of Katong and Joo Chiat, the rich architecture with the rows of colourful traditional houses dating back to the 1920’s.  We then visit Changi Prison Museum where we view a replica of the Chapel that was used during World War II.  The afternoon is free, hotel rooms held for a late checkout before we are transferred to Singapore Airport in time to join the overnight flight to Paris.

 

Sunday 19 June

Paris (D)

Welcome to France.  Our flight arrives into Paris early this morning.  We are met and transferred to our hotel for a 2 night stay.  The remainder of the day is free to soak up the atmosphere of this very special city.  This evening, let’s enjoy dinner together.

 

Monday 20 June

Paris (B)

The famous sights of Paris are living history.  Our city sightseeing tour shows us magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid in stark contrast to its classical architecture, the Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madelaine, Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age.  The afternoon is free – maybe take a stroll along the banks of the River Seine, spend some time at the Louvre, retail therapy at Gallerie Lafayette.

 

Tuesday 21 June

Commence Burgundy & Provence River Cruise (B.D)

Paris to Chalon-Sur-Saone

After breakfast we drive South past Fontainebleau, favourite hunting grounds of French Kings and into Burgundy.  Beaune, capital of the Cote d’Or area, owes its wealth to the production, aging and selling of fine wines.  It’s most famous historical site, the Hotel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of ‘The Last Judgement’ and is one of France’s architectural highlights.  We enjoy a tasting of burgundy wines, before continuing south to Chalon-sur-Saone where we board our river cruise vessel.  This evening, we meet our crew at a ‘welcome reception’ before enjoying dinner aboard.

 

Wednesday 22 June

Chalon-Tournus-Macon (B.L.D)

A guided walk after breakfast show us the highlights of this quaint French town situated on the Saone River.  Explore the Nicephore Niepce Photography Museum at your own pace before returning to the ship in time for its departure for Tournus.  After lunch, enjoy free time in this lovely town, the cloister of St. Philbert or the Burgundy Museum’s folklore collection, located in an old family mansion are worth a visit.  Later, we cruise to Macon, a city with a rich history that plays an important role in the wine trade.

 

Thursday 23 June

Beaujolais Region – Lyon (B.L.D)

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the River Rhone.  Lyon is France’s second largest city and its gastronomic capital.  Founded by the Romans in 43BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to industrial, commercial and banking activities. Beaujolais is the wine of the region where the grapes must be handpicked.  Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year.  An optional dinner allows gourmets an insight into the local ‘haute cuisine’.

 

Friday 24 June

Lyon (B.L.D)

A free day to explore this fascinating city at your leisure.  Roman remains, many excellent museums and much Renaissance architecture delight the visitor.  Survey the city from Fourviere Hill or explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place Terraux and the beautiful Place Bellecour.  The early risers might like to visit the local produce market.  Your cruise director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do.

 

Saturday 25 June

Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage – Viviers (B.L.D)

The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhone River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.  Tournon, with its imposing 16th century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities.  Another charming town, Viviers, was developed around its Romanesque cathedral.  The old town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman and medieval influences.

 

Sunday 26 June

Avignon (B.L.D)

The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence, also referred to as the ‘City of Popes’, it was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose Palace of the Popes.  A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must and an optional outing to the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-do-Pape are available in the afternoon.

 

Monday 27 June

Arles (B.L.D)

On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was known as the ‘Little Rome of Gaul’.  See the church of St. Trophine, ‘Les Alyscamps’, the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road and visit the Roman Amphitheatre, Vincent van Gogh was inspired by the special light of Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles.

 

Tuesday 28 June

Arles – Barcelona (Spain) (B.D)

After breakfast we disembark from the ship and join our coach for the 5 hour trip to Barcelona, drive along the Riviera Coast by the Camargue Region, renowned for its horses, flamingos, inspired by Van Gogh, cross into Spain and the foothills of the Pyrenees and the region of Spanish Catalonia, before arriving in Barcelona for a 3 night stay.

 

Wednesday 29 June

Barcelona (B)

Morning sightseeing, amid the squares of the Gothic quarter, see the Cathedral followed by the famous Ramblas, with its open air markets and cafes.  Drive along the broad elegant avenues to admire Gaudi’s unfinished creation the Sagrada Familia Church.  Finish the tour with a drive up Monjuic Hill past the Olympic Games site, enjoying views over the harbour.  Afternoon at leisure.

 

Thursday 30 June

Barcelona – Peniscola – Valencia (B.D)

Follow the Costa Dorada south stopping in Peniscola to view the white walled cottages clustered around the sea lapped castle associated with El Cid.  Continue past the famous orange groves to Valencia (associated with the America’s Cup in yachting).  Afternoon city tour.

 

Friday 01 July

13 DAY/12 NIGHT – MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE (B.D)

We leave Valencia for the leisurely drive back to Barcelona and in the early afternoon we arrive back in Barcelona and the Port where we board our luxury home the cruise “Celebrity Solstice”.  All staterooms have a private verandah.  We set said at 6.00p.m.

 

Saturday 02 July

Nice – Monte Carlo (B.L.D)

Arrive Nice, France at 10.00a.m, depart 8.00p.m.  We visit the French Riviera and the elegant resort of Nice.  Optional tours include Cannes, and the famous principality of Monaco.

 

Sunday 03 July

Livorno – Italy (B.L.D)

Arrive 7.00a.m. depart 7.00p.m.

An opportunity to visit the Renaissance city of Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 

Monday 04 July

Rome – Civitavecchia/Italy (B.L.D)

Arrive 7.00a.m. depart 7.00p.m.

Civitavecchia is the Port of Rome.  Optional shore excursions available, introducing the grandeur of the Eternal City.

 

Tuesday 05 July

Naples/Isle of Capri (B.L.D)

Arrive 7.00a.m. depart 5.00p.m.

Located on the southern coast of Italy, Naples has spectacular scenary that attracts visitors from around the world.  Optional shore excursions is a trip to the Ruins of Pompeii.  The city that was buried under volcanic ash in AD79.  Another option is a cruise to the Isle of Capri or shop at the many boutiques of Sorrento.

 

Wednesday 06 July

Cruising at sea (B.L.D)

 

Thursday 07 July

Dubrovnik – Croatia (B.L.D)

Arrival 7.00a.m. depart 5.00p.m.

One of the prettiest ports of call, also one of the best preserved Medieval cities in Europe.  A world of marble paved squares, fountains and palaces.  Save sometime for a panoramic drive along the Adriatic Riviera.

 

Friday 08 July

Venice – Italy (B.L.D)

Arrive 2.00p.m. – Overnight

You will dock next to St. Marks Square in the centre of this enchanting city.  Take a romantic gondola ride or cruise of the waterways, starting at the Grand Canal.  Don’t forget to cross the Bridge of Sighs.

 

Saturday 09 July

Venice (B.L.D)

Depart 1.30p.m.

 

Sunday 10 July

Kotor (Montenegro) (B.L.D)

Arrive 10.00a.m. depart 6.00p.m.

Visit the old town of Kotor perched beside the only European Fjord outside of Norway, beautifully situated overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea.

 

Monday 11 July

Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)

 

Tuesday 12 July

Cruising at Sea (B.L.D)

 

Wednesday 13 July

Barcelona (B.D)

Early morning sees our return to Barcelona with reflection on memories and highlights of this beautiful cruise.  We are transferred to our Hotel for overnight stay, rest of day free.  There is nothing like Barcelona, local food, display of the Flamenco Dance, there’s always time for a glass of Spain’s celebrated sparkling Cava and some tapas.

 

We join together for a ‘farewell’ dinner celebrating a memorable tour and time together.

 

Thursday 14 July

Barcelona – Singapore (B)

This morning it’s time to say ‘farewell’ to Barcelona as we are transferred to the airport in time to join overnight flight to Singapore.

 

Friday 15 July

Singapore – Auckland

We arrive Singapore early morning, we have the day in Singapore where hotel rooms are provided at the airport to allow time to rest before we continue our homeward journey this evening on the overnight flight to Auckland.

 

Saturday 16 July

Auckland

Arrival time into Auckland is mid morning with plenty of time for connections to domestic flights within New Zealand.

 

The end of a memorable tour.